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It takes more than a global pandemic to keep musical veterans like Blackie and the Rodeo Kings down, as the trio’s 11th studio album O Glory ably demonstrates. While much of the planet struggled to find new ways of working, singer/songwriter and guitarists Stephen Fearing, Colin Linden, and Tom Wilson coolly leveraged the flexibility that’s sustained them for 25 years, sheltering in their respective home bases of Victoria, BC, Nashville, TN, and Hamilton, ON, while using technology to bridge the chasm separating them from each other and from their rhythm section of Gary Craig and John Dymond.

With Linden producing from his Nashville digs, Black and the Rodeo Kings wrote and recorded 13 alternately roots-rock, folk, country, and Americana-style songs, ultimately crafting what Linden confirms is the band’s most “spiritual and political” musical statement to date. Also, its most multihued. Witness lead single “O Glory Lost Those Blues Again,” a wistful corker powered by the testimonial hum of organ behind Wilson and Linden’s shared vocals, one of six such co-leads on the album. As they have since forming as a one-off to honour late folk hero Willie P. Bennett — continuing as smitten audiences demanded it — the JUNO Award–winning Blackie and the Rodeo Kings chase musical excellence while having a ball playing with their friends.

Talk about a great gig.

Tim Baker is best known as the writer and front man of Hey Rosetta!, a Juno-nominated, Polaris-shortlisted, and multi award-winning band based in St. John’s, Newfoundland. With over 15 years of performing their high-energy spectacle in stadiums, clubs, theatres and major festivals all over the world, Hey Rosetta! called it quits in 2017. Baker has since transitioned from being the leader and songwriter of a major indie rock band, and ascended to a profound songwriter and producer. His solo LP, Forever Overhead (Arts and Crafts), garnered him a Juno nomination for Songwriter of the Year, three East Coast Music Awards (and several nominations), and a Polaris longlist. In 2019, he released The Eighteenth Hole Variations EP, the Side Door Sessions LP in 2020, and that same year, he released the Survivors EP. The Festival was released October 21, 2022 and saw Tim play his biggest headlining shows to date, including a sold-out performance at Massey Hall in Toronto. In fall 2023, he embarked on his first coast-to-coast solo tour in support of his Along The Mountain Road EP, selling out nearly all of the dates. In 2024, he released Full Rainbow of Light, a holiday album centered around themes of home, nostalgia, love and family.

Through this extensive musical output, Baker showcases his skills as a songwriter and storyteller, and cements his status as one of Canada’s leading troubadours.

PRESS:
“Nostalgic and nuanced with a chorus that nods to Jackson Browne and a bubbling verse worthy of Feist.” – Rolling Stone

“Tim Baker captures complex feeling in a big hearted way…I think he’s such a special songwriter and performer.” – NPR (World Café)

“Along the Mountain Road takes its time travelling Baker’s winding roads of hope and grief, kicking off with the heartswell and orchestration of ‘Twenty Twenty’ and ending on a title track that is wrenching in its clarity (and possible regrets).” – EXCLAIM!

HIGHLIGHTS:
– 40M streams across DSPs
– 9M streams alone for Tim’s song “Dance”
– Recent USA support tours with Haley Heynderickx (2024), and UK/EU tours with Half Moon Run
– Recent festival headline performances at Ottawa Blues Fest (2025), Iceberg Alley (2025), Hillside Music Festival (2025), Red Wing Roots (2025)
– Playlist highlights include: Folk Pop, Folk & Friends, Cinematic Indie Folk, New Music Friday

AWARDS & ACCOLADES:
– Juno Award nomination ‘Songwriter of the Year’
– Polaris Long List
– 3x East Coast Music Awards award winner
– 13x East Coast Music Awards nominations
– 2x Polaris Shortlist (Hey Rosetta!)
– 1x Juno nomination (Hey Rosetta!)
– 1x SiriusXM Album of the Year Award
– 8x ECMA award winner (Hey Rosetta!)
– 12x Music NL award winner (Hey Rosetta!)

The Bros. Landreth are two-time JUNO Award winners from Winnipeg, known for their blend of guitar-driven, soulful, blood harmony roots music. The band, the core of which consists of brothers Dave and Joey Landreth, has earned critical acclaim and a dedicated audience for their heartfelt songs, inventive musicianship, and powerful performances. From their early days attending their father’s gigs as babies (“Mom would tuck us into a bassinet and slide us under the bar tables,” says Dave), the brothers have spent a lifetime touring rock clubs, theatres, and music festivals across North America, the UK, Europe, and Australia, including stand-out performances at Byron Bay Blues Festival in Australia and Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival in Los Angeles. In 2023, a banner year for the band, Joey and Dave became Grammy-winning songwriters when Bonnie Raitt’s cover of their song, Made Up Mind (from their first album, Let it Lie), earned the Grammy for Americana Performance of the Year. The recognition was a fitting nod from one of their musical heroes, as their own music draws inspiration from the well-worn records of their childhood — Bonnie Raitt’s blues, Little Feat’s funky country-rock, Ry Cooder’s eclectic instrumentals, Lyle Lovett’s twangy traditionalism — culminating in a sound that salutes the past while planting its flag firmly in the present.

Drawing on the energy of their recent live shows and a newfound sense of creative purpose, The Bros. Landreth returned to the studio for their fourth full-length album, Dog Ear. This record captures the spontaneous and collaborative spirit of their touring band, which includes drummer Roman Clarke and producer Murray Pulver, and marks a new, more effortless approach to songwriting. The band describes the album as a deeply personal and emotionally resonant work, exploring themes of family and the quest for stability amidst the itinerant life of a touring musician, and says it’s “really about trying to figure out what it means to be a consistent force in the lives of the people you care about.” With songs like the title track written for their children, the album captures a raw and focused energy in the studio, featuring a handful of magical first takes and special collaborations with pop vocalist Begonia, keyboardist Glenn Patscha, and a powerful guest vocal performance from their longtime hero, Bonnie Raitt, who appears on two tracks (Knuckles, Half Moon Eyes). The band ultimately hopes, “Maybe something on this record will get stuck in your head, or take root in your heart… Maybe, just maybe it’ll work its way into some little useful corner of your life, in the way that songs sometimes can do.”

It was an unexpected turn of events on a Calgary Stampede mainstage in 2019 that brought together Calgary’s own renowned indie-folk outfit, Reuben and the Dark and traditional powwow champions, Bullhorn Singers for a live performance that stopped both the audience and these artists in their tracks. This impromptu and unlikely union of culture, life experience and sound in front of a crowd of thousands was electric and, little did they realize then, was the start of a deep friendship and artistic collaboration between the two groups who have collectively gone on to write, record, headline more festival stages, tour across North America and find success at Film and TV placements – most notably the 2023 trailer for Martin Scorsese’s Oscar winning film, Killers of the Flower Moon.

Bullhorn Singers is led by Iskotoah’ka William (Billy) Wadsworth and brings powerful songs to the powwow music scene. Stemming from the Blood Tribe, Kainai Nation of the Blackfoot Confederacy, Billy is a member of the Motois’pitaiks “All Tall Peoples” Clan and a member of the Kaanaa’tsimiitaiks “Brave Dog” society of the Blood Tribe. Bullhorn Singers were created by Billy and his late brother Blaine Wadsworth who began singing as kids. Along with their younger cousin Bueford, they then began to build the group including their family members and extended family. Since 1998, the group has traveled throughout the U.S and Canada competing at contests and have won several championships.

Reuben and the Dark is the spirited folk-rock outfit led by Reuben Bullock, whose music blends introspective lyrics with the irrepressible pulse and harmonies of his band. The band have graced stages across the globe, captivating audiences with their raw energy and emotive storytelling. From hundreds of intimate club venues to prestigious music festivals, Reuben Bullock’s dynamic stage presence and charisma have left an indelible impression on all who witness their performances. Notable appearances include supporting Vance Joy, Mumford and Sons, Boy & Bear and The Paper Kites, festival performances as Osheaga and Austin City Limits and performing original music with Ulysses’s the Odyssey Greek Theatre of Siracusa Sicily to name a few. His music has been heard in high profile placements such as Breaking Bad’s El Camino, The Voyage of Dr. Doolittle, Grey’s Anatomy, The Highwaymen, Game of Thrones and many more. With over 45 million streams on Spotify alone, Reuben’s distinct voice is easily recognizable around the globe.

This dynamic artist collective – now formally known as Reuben And The Dark and Bullhorn Singers – are unintentionally creating history in Canada; breaking down cultural boundaries through art to represent the healing power of music.

Tom Wilson tehohåhake (two roads) is a Canadian musician, songwriter, famed storyteller and visual artist. Wilson’s memoir, Beautiful Scars, published by Penguin/Random House has become a national bestseller.

In his memoir, Wilson reveals the impact of discovering his indigenous heritage. Musically, Wilson is best known for his work with Blackie & The Rodeo Kings and Lee Harvey Osmond, the latter receiving a 2020 Juno Award for the album Mohawk.

In 1989, Wilson became the founder of the popular rock band Junkhouse. The band quickly grew in popularity and in 1993 signed a recording contract with Sony Music Canada. Lead by Wilson, Junkhouse skyrocketed in the 90’s, producing three albums, Strays, Birthday Boy and Fuzz, before disbanding. The style and success of Junkhouse has been an inspiration to many young Hamilton artists. Wilson recorded his first solo album Planet Love (2001) for Sony Music.

It was also during this time that Wilson starting dedicating more of his time and energy to his second passion, painting.

“I needed an outlet besides writing music and there is a great meditative bond I found between me and the canvas.” – Tom Wilson
His art show “Beautiful Scars: Mohawk Warriors, Hunters and Chiefs” premiered at the Art Gallery of Burlington and his work “The Mystic Highway” was commissioned by the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences for a 30’ x 30’ reproduction legacy piece adorning John Street in Hamilton. The painting pays homage to the rich history of Hamilton musicians and performers from past.

In 1999, as a result of their shared love and admiration for one of Canada’s great musical treasures, the late Willie P. Bennett, Wilson along with Stephen Fearing and Colin Linden formed what would become the acclaimed roots supergroup Blackie and the Rodeo Kings.

Begonia is your best friend. She’s the whimsical fairy on your shoulder making you feel all at once comfortable to be yourself while simultaneously making you think wtf is this fairy doing here and what is she wearing. With a voice that compels you to feel everything deeper, she sings like she’s calling you into her world. Sure, on the surface it may simply look like a world overtaken by flowers, colour and lightness but go deeper and it’s also a world that doesn’t shy away from the dark. It’s a world that invites you to be exactly who you are without shame. Her voice is like a delicate sandpaper with iridescent grit. Her lyrics will make you laugh and cry all within the span of a single phrase. A charm and presence that evokes some of the greatest entertainers of the past but no matter the size of the stage you always feel like you are hearing a secret that is especially for you. Begonia has many stories to tell, many iterations of life to walk you through, and she takes her fans on the journey with a stumbling grace and an uncanny wit. A true sight to behold, sometimes clunky but always beautifully and refreshingly entertaining. Begonia crafts some of the most honest pop music out there. With ‘Fantasy Life’, she’s simply at the top of her game. There’s more risk, more complex vocals, more pop diva mania, more feeling, more truth, and more fantasy.

Begonia, the stage name of Winnipeg entertainer Alexa Dirks, who launched her solo career in 2017 with the EP “Lady in Mind,” featuring the #1 CBC Radio single “Juniper.” Her critically acclaimed full-length albums “Fear” (2019) and “Powder Blue” (2023) have earned her two JUNO Award nominations and two Polaris Music Prize nominations. Begonia followed up with a three song EP, “Open Swim” (2024) which received remarkable response across streaming platforms and radio. Recognized by NPR as an “Artist You Need to Know,” Begonia is celebrated by her core fans for her powerful live performances, which Noisey describes as “obliterating the misery from this world one live performance at a time.” Her captivating stage presence has opened doors for her to perform at clubs, theatres, and festivals globally, connecting with audiences worldwide. Her newest full-length release “Fantasy Life” makes its debut October 2025, via Birthday Cake Records.

Known for her ethereal voice and sincere lyricism, Georgia Harmer has emerged as one of the most compelling voices in Canada’s indie music scene. Rooted in the collaborative spirit of Toronto’s tight-knit musical community, her songs move fluidly across a wide emotional range—shifting from soaring, cathartic anthems to hushed, intimate reflections with ease.

Harmer’s forthcoming sophomore album, Eye of the Storm, arrives summer 2025 and marks a striking evolution in her songwriting. Where her debut captured the fleeting magic of moments passed, this new offering delves deeper into the shifting terrain of relationships weathering time, transformation, and turbulence. Eye of the Storm is both a meditation on memory and a reckoning with what to hold onto, and what must be let go.

Harmer first captivated audiences with her 2022 debut Stay in Touch, earning praise from Stereogum, who called her “a noteworthy talent,” and SPIN, who named her an Artist to Watch and wrote, “for Georgia Harmer, it’s a matter of when, not if.”

Since then, she has toured extensively across North America and the UK, performing at major festivals such as SXSW, The Great Escape, and Focus Wales, and supporting artists including City & Colour, Lake Street Dive, Bahamas, and Broken Social Scene.

With Eye of the Storm, Georgia Harmer steps further into her artistic identity—resonant, precise, and fiercely vulnerable. It’s an album that doesn’t just capture where she’s been—it defines where she’s going.

At the start of every show, whether on stage in Chile, Nashville or Brisbane, Australia, Rheaume introduces herself as a Citizen of the Métis Nation of Ontario whose Red River roots run deep, interwoven with Anishinaabe relatives from Lac Seul and mixed settler relations. Unfamiliar as some of these places may be to her audience, her introduction is both a greeting and a foundation, situating Rheaume and her songs in multifold lineages of family and community.

In Rheaume’s music, songs of resistance and resilience travel centuries. With a gentle yet unflinching touch, Rheaume has grown to be a chronicler of stories and people whose acts – out of necessity and opportunity alike – cascade through time and space, from the 18th century Red River Settlement to her own doorstep. With curiosity and empathy, Rheaume has become a bearer of history, unearthing and preserving Métis stories in song. In her gutsy guitar-driven style, punctuated with lively Métis fiddle, Rheaume’s heartland rock is built to last, resolute in rhythm and unswerving in purpose.

For her newest album, The Truth We Hold, Rheaume traveled across the homelands, visiting communities and individuals whose collective experiences make up a living history of Métis joy, strength and struggle. From Northwest Ontario to rural Saskatchewan, Rheaume’s new collection explores moments that have shaped Métis history, from landmark court battles to silenced injustices, transmitting a message of interconnectedness that dissolves geographical and historical distances.

The recipient of the 2024 Spirit of Folk Award, 2023 Canadian Fold Music Award for Indigenous Songwriter of the Year and the 2023 Capital Music Awards’ Album of the Year, Rheaume has released six full-length albums to date. Beyond recording and touring, Rheaume continues her ever-expanding role as an essential advocate of Indigenous music infrastructure and community. As a co-founder of Ishkode Records and International Indigenous Music Summit and founding board member of the Indigenous Music Office, a commitment to raising Indigenous sovereignty through the medicine of music motivates all of Rheaume’s work.

The Greatest Short Story Never Told

In case you didn’t know, Ontario is big. Bigger than Texas, actually. A lot of that vast, wild space is ingrained in the music made by Ontario artists, and one of the most revered, Fred Eaglesmith, has often said that he would rank Ontario songwriters equally with those from Texas. It’s all just sometimes hard to notice, with Toronto being the centre of the universe and all.

The members of the band Ontarians don’t live in Toronto, which is precisely why their name suits them to a tee. Their turf is mostly the northern half of the province, from Collingwood to Sault Ste. Marie. But with the release of their debut album, The Greatest Short Story Never Told, they’re more than happy to represent the southern half as well. Indeed, the approach that Ontarians take isn’t dissimilar from the sound that ruled Toronto’s Queen Street West during the glory days of the Horseshoe Tavern, the Cameron House and the Rivoli, when a distinctive brand of country rock was created by former punks seeking to express themselves in a more personal and substantive way.

Of course, much has changed since then, but The Greatest Short Story Never Told is a clear reminder that well-crafted songs played by musicians with genuine chemistry will never fall out of fashion.

Further proof is that it’s taken Ontarians two years to get to this point, 2020 restrictions notwithstanding. The seeds were planted in 2018 when roots rock scene veterans Frank Deresti and Craig Smith decided to try writing some songs together, a process that soon led Frank to make regular trips from Sault Ste. Marie to Craig’s studio near Collingwood where the pair laid down tracks and sent them off to their keyboardist Jay Stiles in Austin, Texas to add his parts. Chris Johns later overdubbed some drums, before Craig’s painstaking mixes made everything gel into one seamless package.

“This was a true collaborative effort for Craig, Jay and myself,” Frank says. “Between glasses of Pernod, car troubles and lots of laughter we wrote songs about various stages of life we found ourselves in—past, present, and a hypothetical future. When Craig and I sat down to write with a clear goal in mind, it was like a reservoir of creativity was released that had been building up for a long time.”

That flood resulted in standout songs such as “Forest For The Trees,” the only one written and recorded with all three principles together in the same room, “Photographs and Epitaphs,” the first one written for the project, stemming from its prophetic opening line, “Some songs will write themselves…,” and the album’s first single, “Time,” a slice of classic alt-country in the spirit of Neil Young, The Band, and early Wilco.

“The general guiding rule has been ‘anything goes,’” Craig says. “Frank and I pursued any idea either of us came up with, as long as it felt good. And even though the album took two years to finish, when we were together in the studio there was a real sense of urgency to be productive. We didn’t have the luxury of living in the same city, so I think all of that concentrated effort really comes across on the album.”

Prior to the formation of Ontarians, Frank Deresti criss-crossed the country as a sideman for over a decade and released four albums under his own name beginning in 2012, all while holding down several high profile teaching positions at Sault Ste. Marie’s Algoma University and the Algoma Conservatory of Music.

Craig Smith cut his musical teeth in the underrated ‘90s singer/songwriter scene in Kitchener-Waterloo where he made two solo albums before moving to Collingwood and building a scene there through production work and booking artists at CROW Bar.

Jay Stiles has been hired to work on many projects over the years, and since his move to Austin, that network has grown exponentially. Along with being a part of Ontarians, Jay is also working with Big Sugar’s Gordie Johnson on a new reggae project.

With the release of The Greatest Short Story Never Told, Ontarians are fully prepared to invigorate the roots rock world with their timeless sound. As Frank says, when something just feels right, it can’t be denied. “We started with a little idea of what direction we thought we could take, but it became apparent pretty quickly that we complemented each other’s approach to writing in every way. We haven’t stopped writing actually, even with this first album finished. We want to have enough material to put on a great show when the time is right, and we’re all hoping that time comes soon.”

Union Duke is two fifths country, two fifths city, and one fifth whisky. Described as a raucous collision of alt-rock and twang with soaring harmonies, driving rhythm, and infectious enthusiasm, Union Duke have been bringing crowds across Canada and the wider world to their feet for a decade and a half. The band has toured four albums and a mittful of singles to countless festival stages, theatres, bars, houses, and barns along the endless highway. 2026 will have them touring across Canada in the Winter and Spring, hitting festivals all Summer, and heading out to Europe in the Fall.

In January 2026, Union Duke released UD IV, their fourth full-length studio album and their first major release in a decade. It marks a personal transition for the guys, with the departure of original bassman Will “The Milk” Staunton partway through the recording process. The album was completed by the four remaining members, Matt Warry-Smith, Ethan Smith, Jim McDonald, and Rob McLaren, with the addition of Ian McKeown on bass, Aaron Goldstein (who also produced the album at his studio Gold Standard Recorders) on steel, and Joel Visentin on keys and accordion. They’re different people, but rumour has it they can still act like they used to.

Musically speaking, the boys drew from many wells to distil this collection of sounds and words. UD IV finds the lads musing on love, romantic love, brotherly love, love lost, love that could never be, love viewed through the bottom of a bottle, love grown cold, and love for coffee (yet again). The core UD principles—play it together and sing like you mean it, ideally in harmony—are prevalent as ever, sometimes buttressed by driving rock grooves, or interwoven with trading organ and guitar licks, or simply served to you live off the floor as if to drop you in the middle of a fiddle and banjo-fueled kitchen party. Throughout, the band implores you to hold on to the things and the people that make you come alive, because you might not get a chance later.

Union Duke loves you, baby.

The enigmatic and reclusive Hannah Brothers stumbled upon a mysterious mountain in the heart of the Canadian wilderness, and what they found at the summit changed their lives forever. A shaman performed a ceremony that unlocked new depths of creativity and inspiration in the brothers, leading them to channel the spirits of Johnny Cash, Flavor Flav, and Billy Gibbons. Dressed in black denim and adorned with solid gold grills and long beards, Mountain Head emerged with a sound that blended psych-rock, alt-rock, and elements of electro-pop and jangle pop into a unique and potent sonic concoction.

Since that fateful day, Mountain Head has made a thunderous impact on the music scene as one of Canada’s most exciting and innovative independent acts. With millions of streams and multiple Top 40 billboard hits in Canada, the band has caught the attention of the Wu Tang Clan, who featured their cover of ‘Shimmy Shimmy Ya’ across all their social media platforms. Mountain Head has also been finishing music with legendary producer GGGarth Richardson and played a monstrous showcase in Hollywood for School Night.

Perhaps most impressive of all, Mountain Head continues to put on their annual charity boat-in show, drawing in excess of 1000 attendees and raising thousands of dollars and truckloads of food for the local community. Their impact has been felt far beyond their hometown, as evidenced by their recent opening slot for Nickelback at Toronto’s History for the Get Rollin album release party. With their infectious sound, look, and hooks, Mountain Head is poised to span the continent and globe, leaving a trail of mesmerized fans in their wake.

Benjamin Dakota Rogers returns with This Ol’ Way, his third full-length album; a raw, soul-twisting dive into the grit and grace of Americana-bluegrass. Rooted in folk tradition and evocative storytelling, these songs explore love, longing, and the bittersweet lessons found in every choice we make. Written and self-produced entirely by Rogers, the album blends fresh cuts penned over the last year with long-held tracks finally brought to life. Mixing by Mike Darolfi and mastering by Kristian Montano give the album its refined edge, enhancing its raw energy without sacrificing its adventurous spirit. Pressed on a first-edition opaque sunset-red vinyl, This Ol’ Way is a must-spin for fans of Tyler Childers, Colter Wall, and the outlaw spirit of country past. Gritty, haunting, and undeniably authentic, this album is Benjamin Dakota Rogers at his finest.

Sammy Tweedy makes music with his family and friends, and recently completed a debut album of mostly electronic pop music. He will be performing tracks from this unreleased album, and more, live at Four Winds Music Festival.

Two bright stars of Newfoundland’s music scene, Peter Youngtree and Carole Bestvater have been playing music together since 2015, developing a close musical and creative partnership through their original touring band Youngtree & The Blooms. As a duo, they have one rule: “Only play music we love.” This means an eclectic mix of traditional and modern folk music, well-crafted original songs and instrumentals, and a joyous, intimate energy shared with audiences.

The duo has performed to crowds of five and five thousand while touring in Atlantic Canada and Ontario, including performances at Mariposa Folk Festival and Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival, and they showcased at Folk Alliance International 2025. Youngtree & Carole Bee have become a regionally sought-after act for their exuberant energy, musical skill, and onstage chemistry. Their first EP, An Introduction (2025), was recorded primarily using a single antique RCA microphone and a Studer tape machine.

GRAVEN (Matty McKechnie) is an independent folk-rock singer-songwriter from Ottawa, Canada. An innovative Nepean-born songmaker with a key focus on cultivating joy and wonder in Canadian geography, Matty (Graven) is a wiley wordsmith whose passion is to create a highly accepting and inclusive community of music lovers.

Although exposed to classical tunes with piano lessons during childhood and playing the alto sax in Grade 9 – none of that moved the needle. Hearing his dad spin endless vinyl through the floorboards to the tune of Lionel Richie, Kenny Rogers, Whitney Houston, Neil Diamond and many others in his childhood, however, was the spark in Matty’s musical fire. In his preteens, he was enthralled by the rhymes and rhythms and wordplay of Hip Hop and rap music, with Run DMC, Beastie Boys, LL Cool J and the Fat Boys kicking open a door in his subconscious mind. Lyrics have always been Matty’s true north and they provide the canvas for the rainbow-coloured paint spatter of his heart-sleeve songs. Whether he’s firing up the machine with his ferocious five piece band, playing in a trio or duo with his talented side-players (AKA Tom Thompson on pedal steel and baritone electric guitar and Gideon Yellin on atmospheric electric lead), or completely exposed in a solo setting, Matty is a versatile performer who brings an earnest and passionate thunder and lightning along with somber ponderous post-storm thought-drizzle to every live setting.

Graven’s first release was a basement project in 1999 (recorded on a TASCAM digital 8 track), and since then, he’s been on a creative rampage. In September 2021, Matty started a popular podcast entitled Graventown, and he has interviewed many unique creators including Juno Award winners Jill Barber, Matt Mays, Jenn Grant, comedian Seth Morris (from Curb Your Enthusiasm) and NY Times acclaimed Anishinaabe writer and journalist Waubgeshig Rice. He also uses the title “Graventown” as an umbrella term for his community (it was also the name of his popular campfire-esque IG livestream during lockdowns and it’s now the name of his Ko-Fi subscription service).

With 24 albums, EPs and singles under his belt, Nepean, Ontario-born Matty (Graven) is an innovative, imaginative and passionate wordsmith of song who wears his heart on the sleeve of his melodies. Graven’s newest self produced album “Always Everything” came out in July 2024 and has been his most streamed and downloaded to date. It debuted at #15 on the NACC streaming charts. Recorded mostly in his own basement studio and partially at Raven Street studios in Ottawa, the 8 songs soar softly and sweetly with some heavy layered cinematic soundscapes and overtures, focusing on the societal pressures of relationships. Graven’s last album Simple Complex (2022) was recorded at Fang Studios in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia and mixed by Joel Plaskett. Bouncy, jangly and thick with chunky acoustic strumming and fuzz layers, SC charted across many college radio stations in Canada and the USA and was #3 on CKCU FM’s top 50 albums of 2022 (and he was also nominated for a FACES Ottawa award for “Country Artist”. )

Graven’s 2020 record Years was produced by Jim Bryson (singer songwriter, collaborator with the Tragically Hip and producer of Kathleen Edwards award winning album “Total Freedom”) and helped put his music into new realms. Having toured across Canada thrice, he always has uplifting words and self-love promoting songs of support for anyone at his shows and his dedicated fan-base (who have dubbed themselves as “Graventown”). Whether solo, duo, trio or with his magical 5 man band (dubbed The New Band), Matty’s performances are raw, entertaining and warm. He has shared stages and opened for acts such as Jim Bryson, Sloan, The Killjoys, Steve Poltz, Danny Michel, Sarah Harmer, Elliott Brood, Wintersleep, Kathryn Calder (New Pornographers), Great Lake Swimmers, Melissa Payne, Stephen Stanley and Ron Hawkins (Lowest of the Low) and many more. Graven always tries to create a highly accepting and inclusive community and his music has become a safe-haven for anyone and everyone who wants to be their real-self without judgement.

Graven is currently preparing to record and release a new album while touring throughout Southern and Eastern Ontario, Southwestern Quebec, the Maritimes, the Golden Horseshoe, and growing his dedicated fanbase, who follow him primarily on Instagram, as well as Facebook and Twitter.

Less Toches is the musical collision of five explosive musicians, an unexpected and refreshing big bang of cumbia on the island of Montreal. The eternal magic of the peasant troubadours of the South acquires here a poetic, passionate and amusing air: Less Toches takes its name from a Latin American bird, and a Colombian expression meaning “clumsy”.

Humor and trance translate into a fresh and deep interpretation of the peasant and riverside spirit of Colombian cumbia and accordion music.Their Colombian, Mexican, Cuban and Argentinian origins combine to revive the rhythms that marked their childhood through the folk tradition: Continental cumbia from Montreal!

Jolie Anastasia is a folk and Americana singer-songwriter whose music feels like a conversation around a fire—intimate, timeless, and rooted in the human spirit. With a voice that carries both tenderness and grit, she weaves stories of love, resilience, and belonging. From Ontario to open skies far beyond, Jolie’s melodies echo the traditions of the folk greats while carving her own path, balancing vulnerability with quiet strength. Her music invites you to slow down, listen deeply, and find yourself reflected in the poetry of her songs—like letters written from the soul to anyone willing to hear.

JD Crosstown is a singer-songwriter and guitarist whose music weaves together the roots of folk, country, and blues. Hailing from Neyaashiinigmiing (Chippewas of Nawash Territory) in Ontario, Crosstown picked up the guitar at an early age, nurtured by the sounds and stories of his family and community. What began as a local passion has grown into a lifelong artistic journey, leading to performances across Canada and Europe with a growing reputation on both sides of the Atlantic.

Crosstown’s live performances are marked by their emotional intimacy and technical skill. Whether performing solo or collaborating with fellow musicians, JD Crosstown continues to build a reputation as a compelling storyteller and skilled musician. His work is grounded in tradition, yet unafraid to explore new sonic territory—making him an artist to watch in the evolving landscape of contemporary music.

In May 2025, Crosstown released his debut full-length album, Takin’ My Time, which features 11 original tracks, including “Wildflower” and “Grey Goose.” Available now on any and all streaming platforms, it should be noted that you can find it all on Bandcamp, in its highest fidelity for a just small price. Not only will it sound better, but it also helps support the artist directly.

Shjaane Glover is a Southern Ontario singer-songwriter based in Collingwood, whose music sits at the intersection of introspection, atmosphere, and raw emotional clarity. Known for his powerful, expressive vocals paired with soft, reverb-washed guitar work, Glover crafts songs that feel expansive yet deeply personal, drawing listeners into the quiet spaces between doubt, hope, and self-discovery.

Glover’s connection to nature plays a central role in both his writing and live performances. His songs carry a cinematic quality, blending indie-folk and alternative influences with subtle experimental textures that leave room for breath and space.
Built on a foundation of storytelling and self-expression, Shjaane Glover is an emerging voice in the Canadian indie and folk landscape. Whether performing solo or with a full band, his music invites audiences to slow down, lean in, and sit honestly with what they are feeling.

THE BAND
Dan Dwoskin (Lead Vocals, Keys)
Guillermo Subauste (Bass, Back Vocals)
Kevin Howley (Drums, Back Vocals)
Gabe Kong (Electric Guitar, Back Vocals)
Kirsten Rea (Back Vocals)
Angela Monkhouse (Back Vocals)

BIO
The Honeyrunners are a Northern take on Southern Soul – hot-blooded and rife with the poetry of human folly. The energy of this Toronto band is undeniable on stage and on record. They are back in studio recording a raw batch of songs guaranteed to break a few hearts on the road in 2026.

The band’s prior body of work aimed at disrobing a global culture of apathy – a sentiment that everything is always on fire with nothing to do but watch. “Let it burn. It’s the ashes that I admire.” A taunt from the title track of The Honeyrunners’ debut album, Everything Is On Fire, released on Canadian roots label Gypsy Soul Records and distributed by Warner Music, with a fire that sparked airplay on 150+ radio stations across Canada, US, UK, Germany, Netherlands, and beyond.

They are fronted by Ottawa-born songwriter Dan Dwoskin (keys, lead vocals) and Canadian-Peruvian engineer / producer, Guillermo Subauste (bass, vocals). The Honeyrunners have been lucky to share a decade’s worth of stages with friends and mentors including The Sadies, Bahamas, Joel Plaskett, Jim Cuddy, Terra Lightfoot, The Trews, The Beaches, My Son The Hurricane, Skye Wallace, Samantha Martin, Philip Sayce, and many more over the years.

Originating from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Golden Scoundrels are a four-piece band that burst onto the scene in 2024 with a sound that feels both classic and immediate. Fusing elements of country, folk, and rock ’n’ roll, they’ve crafted a style that’s gritty, heartfelt, and impossible to overlook.

Drawing inspiration from rock legends and contemporary trailblazers alike, their music bridges eras while keeping a sharp, modern edge. Every song tells a story — from thunderous, foot-stomping anthems to intimate, soul-stirring ballads — pulling listeners into the moment.

More than just bandmates, Golden Scoundrels are a tight-knit family united by their love of storytelling and sound. Their live performances are renowned for their electricity, sincerity, and the undeniable chemistry that flows between the four multi-instrumentalists on stage.

With a strong belief in creativity as a powerful unifying thread that connects us all, visual artist, poet and author, Chantal sees her creative practice as medicine.

Mostly self-taught, art has been her lifelong passion and pursuit alongside a career in education supporting students with special needs. Then in 2016, she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Determined to continue on an artistic path, her work shifted from representational to a more abstract and intuitive form of expression.. This unexpected life detour reignited her devotion to the creative process, fuelled a daily painting practice and continues to spark the curiosity, wonder and joy of making something that didn’t exist before.

Rediscovering a love of poetry during the pandemic led Chantal to pursue her own writing which culminated in her first book, Painted Words, Poetry, Art and Parkinson’s. a collection of her art and poems, published in 2022. It is an exploration of self-expression that seeks to celebrate, reflect and honour the mysteries and complexities of being human.

Living with Parkinson’s has proved to be, in her words, “a gift in my life” — a gift of creative and personal growth and expansion, of connection, community and courage.

Her work has been exhibited in shows both in Canada and the United States. And her art has been recognized with several awards including the Murray J. Clerkson award in 2021. Chantal was a presenter at the World Parkinson’s Congress in Barcelona, Spain in 2023 with her book, Painted Words where she spoke about her experiences. More recently, despite being quite new to public speaking, Chantal has felt compelled to share not only her art and poetry, but how she has found connection, courage and a sense of purpose and aliveness through creativity, and invites us all to do the same.
Chantal’s second book, Just Glow With It, Poems, Art and Possibilities is set to be released in the spring of 2026.

Dani Bailarina
Dani is a dancer and movement facilitator who creates spaces for people to connect with themselves and others through movement. Since 2016, she has been exploring rhythm in many forms, developing a practice where dance becomes a pathway for expression, release, and connection. She is a member of Sonido Torontónico – Cumbia Lab, where she continues to deepen her work through community and shared movement. Inspired by her studies in Transpersonal Psychology, she brings an embodied approach that invites people to reconnect with their bodies and experience music with greater presence, authenticity, and joy.

Fermin Mulett
Fermín Mulett is a Toronto-based Colombian drummer and percussionist who has been active since 2023. Drawing from South American and African rhythmic traditions, he performs on drums, hand percussion, and shakers, bringing a dynamic, groove-driven approach to his music. He is currently a member of Sonido Torontónico – Cumbia Lab and the psychedelic rock band Down for Down, where he explores improvisation and cross-cultural sounds.

A whimsical wandering wizard wielding wondrous wisdom and wit, Brank Oh! has roamed universal musical circles for ages, marrying magic and merriment in spontaneous splendour. Fatefully finding the bass guitar at a young age, he enthusiastically explored, and harnessed, this tool in his formative years, which later led to the formation of two, modestly successful, musical acts (The Makeshift Heroes, Dinosaur Bones), many shows and multiple tours, extensively spanning the expanse of the continent, over the duration of a decade. During this time he also discovered the age-old art of freestyling, and has been honing and utilizing this craft to captivate eager onlookers, both locally and globally, ever since.
A ubiquitous presence in the Toronto music scene, a formerly signed, seasoned touring musician and a globally travelled entertainer, Brank Oh! is a self-proclaimed, “Good Vibe Guru”, and pillar of the local musical community. He has been performing live for over two decades, and has been emceeing and hosting events for over half of that time.
This summer, he is excited to meet you all, and guide you through the epic journey that is the Fours Winds Music Fest!

Get festival-ready on Saturday and Sunday mornings,  Yoga with Jessica Darmarin in the Yoga Dome. Sessions run 8:30–9:30 AM and 10:30–11:30 AM.

Human heart connection is what lights Jessica’s heart up THE MOST. She will be hosting 4 one-hour Yoga Practices at this year’s Four Winds Music Fest. Each practice will harness human power through various modalities, including hatha, yin, and restorative yoga, live music, sound, dance, and energy balancing (chakra meditation). Her passion for making the yoga practice accessible will also be highlighted, and she is beyond elated to share her experience, philosophies, practices, and the spectrum of lessons, from the most challenging to the most pleasant.
Facts: Yes, she “does this full time,” her involvement in Retirement Communities brings her immense joy, and she cannot wait to greet you with her joyful heart.

From Jessica: I believe in the power of love. Love in the forms of kindness and compassion, service and joy, abundance and freedom. I have the utmost pleasure and honour to work with teachers and teachings that inspire my remembering. A remembrance of who I am and why I am here. The greatest sensation is when this love, joy, and remembrance are known and felt in my families, communities, as reality. Thank you for being here. Let’s practise together.

Modalities: Yoga, movement, ecstatic dance, music, meditation, ceremony, community gatherings, festivals, circles, classes, workshops, retreats.