Events

 

 

Jun
17
Sat
2017
Ben Kunder & Sarah MacDougall @ Desboro Music Hall
Jun 17 @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Opening Act: Rob Elder

Desboro Music Hall 2017 Concert Series
All Ages
Doors Open: 7pm, Music Starts: 7:30pm

Tickets: Advance: $20 ($17.70 +HST), Regular: $25 ($22.12 +HST)

*Advance tickets are only available up to the Box Office hours the weekend before the show or we run out (Note: there is a limit of 25 advance price tickets)


Ben Kunder

Part carpenter; Part actor; Canadian singer-songwriter Ben Kunder has spent years honing his craft to become a full time musician. On May 26, 2015, Ben ventured closer to making this a reality with the release of his DEBUT solo LP, Golden.With a voice that truly fills your heart and keeps you warm, Ben writes songs that everyone can relate to. His powerful voice is a driving force in his music, guiding his songs by creating impressive and tactful melodies and dynamics.

Exclaim! declared, “Kunder’s extra special voice, along with gorgeous production, lends the record an almost velvety quality.” While NewCanadianMusic said the album: “features strong and warm vocals, nicely-crafted folk-rock songs, and top-notch production and playing,” and the Toronto Star had this to say about Ben – “he’s got the kind of mellow sincerity in his voice to take it beyond generic country-pop.”

No stranger to the Canadian music community, Ben has been writing and producing his music independently for over 7 years. Through a chance meeting with John Dinsmore (NQ Arbuckle), the pair hunkered down at John’s, Lincoln County Social Club studio to co-produce Golden. The album features 9 stunning original songs by Ben, including the first single and title track, Golden. Ben (guitar, vox, and piano) is joined by a group of Canada’s finest musicians for the studio recording, featuring Brian Murphy (Alvvays) on guitar/piano/Wurlitzer, Rich Knox (Dustin Bentall, Danko Jones) on drums/vox, Anna Ruddick (Ladies of the Canyon, Randy Bachman) on bass/vox, and Aaron Goldstein (Cowboy Junkies, Daniel Romano) on pedal steel.  Also John Connolly lends his voice, along with Kirty, Maia Davies (Ladies of the Canyon) and Jasmine Bleile (Ladies of the Canyon) for select tracks.

Ben has lived all across the beautiful country of Canada, from his solar powered cabin on Salt Spring Island, BC, where he spent his days chopping wood and chasing deer from the garden, to Charlottetown, PEI, working at the Confederation Centre for the Arts. Now, Ben is back to where he started his journey in his hometown of Toronto. Golden is an album that pushed Ben to new levels, and will surely see him reach new heights in his career.

Sarah MacDougall

Described by the magazine Rootstime in Belgium as ‘One of the greatest talents of our era”, and listed as the “2nd best gig” by the major UK newspaper The Independent, becoming the #1 most played artist on Canadian Galaxie Folk/Roots radio, Western Canadian Music Award winning artist Sarah MacDougall is getting known for her honest and poetic songs, passionate performances, and unique voice. Born in Sweden, Swedish magazine Nöjesguiden declared her “One of Sweden’s best singer/songwriters”.

Since the release of award-winning The Greatest Ones Alive in 2011, Sarah has been touring Canada and Europe endlessly, taking time to work on songs and record between tours. Last winter, she hunkered down under the Northern Lights in Whitehorse and put the final touches on the sonically rich album which was to become Grand Canyon. The album, co-produced by Sarah and Caleb Stull (Field Study, Dominique Fricot, Language Arts), which was recorded in Toronto and Vancouver, features 8 songs and guest appearances from Erika Angell (Thus:Owls), Rose CousinsJesse Zubot (Tanya Tagaq, Dan Mangan), Peggy Lee, and Leah Abramson (Abramson Singers). Stepping outside of traditional folk and flirting with sounds that could have come from The Postal Service or Kate Bush, Grand Canyon keeps the acoustic guitar but infuses the sound with heavier drums and richly textured strings and synths.

The songs are about identity, love, fear, hope, growing up, rootlessness, forgiveness. They are written from the point of view of the hopeful outsider, trying to figure out their place and make sense of the world. Grand Canyon sees Sarah challenging herself and pushing new boundaries musically and sonically, and it is an album that will surely see Sarah reach new levels in her career.

 

Ben Kunder Website
Ben Kunder Facebook
Ben Kunder Twitter
Sarah MacDougall Website
Sarah MacDougall Facebook

Ben and Sarah’s Photos by Scarlet O’Neill


Rob Elder

Rob’s music is real-life-inspired. His energy and stage presence draw people in and keep them like dinner guests at a Muskoka cottage, while his song writing has simmered and aged to a vintage that takes an audience on a vivid trip along his unique perspective of life and love. From smooth acoustic ballads about girls and things, to his ‘jump out of your seats and dance’ multi-layered, live-looping … the music keeps coming and you can’t turn away.

Rob Elder Website
Rob’s Photos by Amber Vee Photography

Jun
1
Fri
2018
Over the Moon with Doris Folkens @ Desboro Music Hall
Jun 1 @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Opening Act: Doris Folkens

Desboro Music Hall 2018 Concert Series

**Please note this is a Friday concert (Friday June 1)**

All Ages Doors Open: 7pm, Music Starts: 7:30pm

Tickets: Limited Advance: $20Regular: $25

*Advance tickets are only available up to the Box Office hours the weekend before the show or we run out (Note: there is a limit of 25 advance price tickets)

 


OVER THE MOON

Canadian roots/swing duo Over The Moon‘s Suzanne Levesque and Craig Bignell are awarding multi-instrumentalists/vocalists that met, fell in love, got married and discovered their voices blend so well together that people often tear up upon hearing them sing.

Living on a ranch in the foothills of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains, it’s inevitable there will be a strong sense of place- and the rhythms of the land when you start to make music. When the couple released their debut album, the resonances were there for all to hear. reflecting the pulse of life, lived in a territory that is both dirt-hard rugged and beautiful.

Their music is a wild ride from 40’s sounding western swing and Appalachian old-time, to cowboy blues. Simple and sweet, all of their material has a common thread that speaks of the Canadian west and on their UK release, reviews were glowing. American Roots UK saying it was “Exceptional” and Country Music People adding “There’s so much to enjoy here.” The editor of Maverick Magazine told readers “You will love this” Elmore Magazine, New York “We knew we were on to something special”


Over the Moon Website
Over the Moon Facebook
Over the Moon Twitter
Over the Moon YouTube


DORIS FOLKENS

Born in Burlington, Ontario, Doris Folkens grew up playing a piano which survived the bombing of her grandmother’s house in Hamburg during WW2. She began playing guitar- a more portable instrument- during university. After graduating and settling into a health care career, she went on to study songwriting with Berklee College of Music, where she strengthened her skills at writing songs about family and community.

Her debut, old-time inspired album is produced by Toronto’s 7x Canadian Folk Music Award winning mandolinist, Andrew Collins, and arrives Spring 2018. Her music is already receiving recognition from the Ontario music scene- she’s the 2017 recipient of Folk Music Ontario’s “Songs from the Heart- Humorous” Award. A rare singer/songwriter, the vibrant narratives of her folk songs will evoke nostalgia for who you are and where you came from.

 

 


Doris Folkens Website
Doris Folkens Facebook
Doris Folkens Instagram
Doris Folkens YouTube

Jul
21
Sat
2018
Piper Hayes, Pat Maloney and Jessica Pearson & The East Wind @ Desboro Music Hall
Jul 21 @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm

Desboro Music Hall 2018 Concert Series

All Ages Doors Open: 7pm, Music Starts: 7:30pm

Tickets: Limited Advance: $20Regular: $25

*Advance tickets are only available up to the Box Office hours the weekend before the show or we run out (Note: there is a limit of 25 advance price tickets)

 


PIPER HAYES

Piper Hayes is a Canadian folk pop singer-songwriter and social activist based in Hamilton, Ontario. She has toured her original music extensively across North America, Europe, the U.K., and Nepal. She teaches workshops on mental health, vocal empowerment, and songwriting all over the world. She often teams up with the Canadian Mental Health Association, using contact education to reduce stigma around mental illness. She has released two EPs, a live album and most recently a full-length album to much critical acclaim. She is a two time nominee of the Ontario Arts Council’s Colleen Peterson Songwriting Award in 2016 and 2017. Nowadays she performs, tours and writes with her partner Carson Ritcey-Thorpe. On December 8, 2017 Piper released her debut full-length album ‘Piper & Carson’, which is designed to be listened to start to finish. It is a compilation of intentioned tracks; a reflection of the couple’s last few years; and a moment in time. Recorded live off the floor at Thorpe’s Organics and produced by Chris Bartos.


Piper Hayes Website
Piper Hayes Facebook
Piper Hayes Instagram
Piper Hayes Twitter


PAT MALONEY

A true red and white travelling songwriter, Pat Maloney has performed a thousand times in the last few years all over Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States. He’s a casual strummer who sings in a rich baritone, stomping away and whistling like no other. Three full length albums deep, Pat’s catalogue is diverse in character & feel. A committed genre hopper, his music is inclusive and free of pretension. The one thing his songs have in common is that they all tell stories. Real stories, with real heart and a healthy sense of humour. His favourite bartender once said his voice makes her want to sip a nice bourbon and fall in love. He told her he would add that to his next bio.


Pat Maloney Website
Pat Maloney Facebook
Pat Maloney Instagram
Pat Maloney Twitter


JESSICA PEARSON & THE EAST WIND

After their first international tour of Ireland, release of their Debut EP ‘Grave and Garden Songs’ in July 2017 and summer tour across Ontario, Jessica Pearson and the East Wind show no sign of slowing down. This Folk Canadiana Trio from Ottawa have since taken the stage at JunoFest, RBC’s Bluesfest and Manitoulin Country Festival as well as played with Hillsburn, the East Pointers, Murder Murder and Ten Strings and a Goat Skin! Jessica Pearson and the East wind’s music infuses Americana and Celtic sounds into their folk roots story telling.

Recently signed with Willow Sound Records, Jessica Pearson and the East Wind’s dynamic live shows take you on a journey with heartwarming melodies, spirited story telling and haunting three part harmonies! The band is known for its strong audience engagement during shows and magnetic personality.


Jessica Pearson & the East Wind Website
Jessica Pearson & the East Wind Facebook
Jessica Pearson & the East Wind Instagram
Jessica Pearson & the East Wind Twitter

Jun
15
Sat
2019
Dylan Menzie with John Muirhead @ Desboro Music Hall
Jun 15 @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Opening Act: John Muirhead

Desboro Music Hall 2018 Concert Series

All Ages Doors Open: 7pm, Music Starts: 7:30pm

Tickets:Regular: $25


 

DYLAN MENZIE

The fact that PEI’s Dylan Menzie his own harshest critic is simultaneously a struggle and the very trait that’s propelled him up the ranks of the Canadian music scene, and considering all he’s accomplished in a relatively short amount of time, it’s clear that stagnation just isn’t his strong suit.

With a sprawling vocal range and compelling approach to composition, Menzie made an indelible mark in the talent-rich Atlantic Canadian music market with his debut EP, Heather Avenue, in 2013. Its success spurred high-profile performances throughout the Maritimes, including opening slots for City & Colour and Ron Sexsmith.

In 2016, Menzie was a finalist in CBC’s annual Searchlight competition on the back of his breakout single, “Kenya,” which then spent two weeks at number one on CBC Radio 2’s Top 20 leading up to the release of his 2016 album Adolescent Nature.

Drawing clear influence from the likes of My Morning Jacket, Fleet Foxes, Radiohead, and Joel Plaskett without being derivative of any one, the quality of these songs heavily belies the young artist’s age.

Since Adolescent Nature’s release, Menzie has been in even higher demand, earning one of two spots in the inaugural East Meets West collaboration between the ECMAs and BreakOutWest as well as slots at prestigious events like the Edmonton Folk Festival, Canadian Music Week, Folk Alliance International, and others.

But even as excitement behind his breakthrough continues to mount, Menzie already has his sights set on what’s next, and if he continues on his current trajectory of each new song, each new release eclipsing its predecessor, he’ll soon be impossible to ignore.

Everybody has an opinion – especially when it comes to music – but few are as critical as Dylan Menzie, and that’s worked out for him pretty well so far.

 

Dylan Menzie Website
Dylan Menzie Facebook
Dylan Menzie Twitter
Dylan Menzie Instagram


JOHN MUIRHEAD

With stories and songs that kindle late-night Canadian campfires, John Muirhead’s heartfelt indie-folk sound will move you in more ways than one. From fingerpicked folk confessionals to upbeat roots-rock jams, John’s eclectic song collection reflects the highs and lows of love, ambition, and being a young travelling musician. While he is based in London, ON, John is a a troubadour by nature and has played in living rooms, theatres, moving trains, and folk festival stages across Canada.

With influences including Joel Plaskett, Frank Turner, The Weakerthans, and Julien Baker, John’s primary goal is to change the lives of listeners the way music has changed his. In the two years since the release of his debut EP Yesterday’s Smile, John has been nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award, given an honourable mention in the Canadian Songwriting Competition, graced the stages of legendary festivals including The Winnipeg Folk Festival and Home County Music and Arts Festival, and released a follow-up EP, Foundational.

On November 9th 2018, John released a brand new single titled I Can Sleep Anywhere, an appreciate, eyes-wide-open ode to roughing it on the road as an indie musician. The song was met by positive reviews by critics and featured on a variety of CBC programs, as well as SiriusXM and community radio across Canada. In February 2019 John will embark on the “Song Circle” Tour with fellow London based act Ben Heffernan with the goal of collaborating with local artists from across the country in songwriter’s circles as well as showcasing at Folk Alliance International in Montreal. This will be followed by tours of the West coast and East coast of Canada

 

John Muirhead Website
John Muirhead Facebook
John Muirhead Twitter
John Muirhead Instagram

Jun
30
Sun
2019
Harmony B’s and Friends: A Tribute to the Batterman Orchestra @ Desboro Music Hall
Jun 30 @ 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Harmony B's and Friends: A Tribute to the Batterman Orchestra @ Desboro Music Hall

Harmony B’s and Friends

A Tribute to the Batterman Orchestra

Come join us for an afternoon of storytelling and music and learn the history of the Batterman Orchestra and Harmony B’s.

RSVP ONLY. There will be no tickets at the door.

Limit 100 people.

Pay What You Can at the door

Doors Open 2pm, Music at 2:30pm

Jul
13
Sat
2019
Safe as Houses with Nick Nace @ Desboro Music Hall
Jul 13 @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Opening Act: Nick Nace

Desboro Music Hall 2018 Concert Series

All Ages Doors Open: 7pm, Music Starts: 7:30pm

Tickets:Regular: $25


 

SAFE AS HOUSES

Fresh off the release of their critically acclaimed 3rd studio album, Lucky Lucky, Safe As Houses continues to push boundaries in the folk world with their genre-splicing alternative-folk sound, infused with flecks of pop and rock. Armed with a collection of youth-driven anthems, this kinetic quintet has amassed a cult following, spiraling out from their hometown of Kitchener, ON, where bandmates Elliot Anton (guitar, vocals) and Bensen Carter (cello, bass, vocals), along with brothers Andrew Laughton (guitar, vocals) and Thomas Laughton (drums, vocals), laid the band’s monumental foundation.  Chasing a more expansive sound, Safe As Houses enlisted Lauren Taylor (violin, vocals) to round out their signature string-centric arrangements and soften the edges of their soul-stirring harmonies.

Since their debut on the music scene in 2014 with their freshman album, The Fall of a Sparrow, and further fuelled by their follow-up releases, Hurricane (2016), and Lucky Lucky (2018), audiences and critics alike have celebrated their undeniable musical aptitude, praising their tight performances and likening them to legendary artists: “Their music follows in the footsteps of Mumford & Sons with orchestral arrangements and big builds…will leave you with goosebumps”-BAM Productions.

On the heels of their most recent release, Safe As Houses inspires a new generation of listeners with their fresh, energetic take on the genre, while dabbling in whimsy and nostalgia to satisfy even the most seasoned of folk enthusiasts – “If ever there was a record that could reach several generations of roots fans all at once, this might be it”-Roots Music Canada.

With the world at their feet, 2019 promises to be a definitive year for the young band with the release of their upcoming album, Lucky Lucky Deluxe.

 

Safe as Houses Website
Safe as Houses Facebook
Safe as Houses Twitter
Safe as Houses Instagram


NICK NACE

 

The Canadian born Nick Nace is a “highly-respected wordsmith among East Nashville’s Americana scene” (-American Songwriter). He was one half of the NYC based folk duo A Brief View of the Hudson (Best Folk Duo – NY Press) for over a decade, recording two albums and composing the soundtrack for Tell Your Friends! The Concert Film! which premiered at SXSW.

In 2015 he moved to Nashville and has since toured Ireland (Whelans, The Ruby Sessions), the U.S. and Canada, was selected to perform at the Mississippi Songwriter Festival, The Druid City Songwriter Festival, The Dripping Springs Songwriter Festival, Panama City Songwriter Festival and is a winner of the gulf coast’s biggest songwriting competition The Gulf Coast Songwriter Shootout (judged by Travis Meadows).

Last summer he toured the Southeast with Nashville songwriters Jon Latham & Darrin Bradbury and opened for Texas troubadour Hayes Carll. He will be releasing his debut solo album in 2019.

 

Nick Nace Website
Nick Nace Facebook
Nick Nace Instagram

May
23
Sat
2020
The Unseen Strangers with David Lum @ Desboro Music Hall
May 23 @ 7:30 pm – 10:15 pm
Main Act: The Unseen Strangers
Opening Act: David Lum

Desboro Music Hall 2020 Concert Series
All Ages
Doors Open: 6:30pm, Music Starts: 7:30pm
Tickets:Regular: $25


 

THE UNSEEN STRANGERS

The Unseen Strangers have ambitiously cultivated a musical identity shaped by good old-fashioned bluegrass, the limitless barrage of contemporary musical influences, and a curious sense of humor.

Newgrass ambassadors, The Unseen Strangers favor innovation over convention.  For their newest album, Stranger Places (April 1st, 2016), the band challenged the limits of what they are capable of, exploring the gamut of what can be done with strings. The result is a collection of fun, stunning songs featuring inimitable instrumental performances.

The seven-part instrumental kick off “Ice Jam” launches the listener on an expansive journey through nine original songs, including the three-piece horn section funkiness of “Old City Jail” and the psychedelic newgrass epic “Square Trance”. The Strangers also pay homage to their bluegrass roots on “Wicked Lover” and the freight train inspired barnburner “New Railroad Blues”.

For Stranger Places, the band simplified their approach to the studio with quick, concise live off the floor sessions. The band teamed up with Toronto, ON based engineer and producer Andrew Collins (Creaking Tree String Quartet; Foggy Hogtown Boys), recording the album over several months in 2015.

The band was started in 2008 by Adam Shier, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and driving force behind The Unseen Strangers. Adam fell in love with the sound of Bluegrass while attending college in Halifax and was soon recruiting his best friends to be in a Bluegrass band. The band quickly recorded an album and were excited to win a Music Nova Scotia Award in 2009 for Bluegrass/Country Album of the Year. The group has grown immensely from these small beginnings but a similar goal remains, to play new energetic bluegrass music with respect to the incredible lineage of its tradition.

The Strangers approach to bluegrass is open-ended yet inclusive; they’ve been on the roster for several forward thinking festivals, including Delfest (hosted by bluegrass legend Del Mccoury), where they won the band competition in 2013. The Unseen Strangers continue to add to their diverse festival resume while consistently developing their sound both onstage and in the studio.

“They have music that engages all the senses and leaves listeners longing for more.”

~ Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine 

“Stellar mandolin, guitar and banjo shredding that sounds straight out of Tennessee”

Exclaim! – ON, CANADA

“These guys are good

CBC Radio – 

“The Unseen Strangers aren’t pretending to be cowboys. They’ll interrupt themselves for an instrumental breakdown of I Like To Move It…”

The Globe and Mail  – ON, CANADA

Unseen Strangers pushes the limits of stringed jam-band wildness to new heights. ”

The Aquarian – NJ, USA

“The expressiveness heard in their lovely ensemble brings a natural quality to their sound, forming a honest and genuine relationship with the listener.”

KAOS Radio – WA, USA

“At their most creative, the music is nearly irresistible, leaving you wondering what’s next and always coming through with a new turn to relish.”

Grayowl Point 

“Interesting Music”

~ Pete Wernick – “Dr. Banjo”, Hot Rize

“Bluegrass Band Competition Winners 2013”

~ Delfest – MD, USA

“Country/Bluegrass Song of the Year 2012”

~ International Acoustic Music Awards

 


DAVID LUM

Born and raised in Vancouver, David made his way across Canada, spent a decade in Winnipeg before settling in Hamilton.  Infusing a blend of contemporary folk and roots, his influences include renowned Canadian singer/songwriters such as Bruce Cockburn and James Keelaghan, as well as American blues artist Keb ‘Mo and folk-rock duo The Indigo Girls.

His songs are as varied as the landscapes he has travelled through, and his versatile guitar style traverses folk, blues, pop and everything else in between. His intimate voice will draw you into his world, filled with tales of quiet desperation, longing and triumph of the human spirit.

 

David Lum Website
David Lum Facebook
David Lum Twitter
David Lum Instagram
David Lum YouTube

Jul
9
Sat
2022
Songwriters in the Round @ Desboro Music Hall
Jul 9 @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Songwriters in the Round
Featuring Karen Morand, Ken Dunn and Gillian Nicola

This will be a slightly different format than our other concerts.  All three musicians will be on the stage together.  Each performer will tell a story and play their song before rotating to the next performer.  We’ll have an hour of songs with a half hour break before another set of music. Come enjoy a fantastic evening of stories and songs.

Desboro Music Hall 2020 Concert Series

All Ages
Doors Open: 6:30pm, Music Starts: 7:30pm
Tickets:Regular: $25


 

KAREN MORAND

Karen Morand has roots that run deep. Born in Toronto and based in Southern Ontario, the award-winning singer-songwriter does life off the beaten path, sleeves rolled up with an eye on the eternal. Armed with feisty, powerhouse vocals, she delivers a soul-stirring show: lively, alt- folk with well-worn blues and gritty gospel on the side. 

Karen radiates with energy in live performances both solo and accompanied by her acoustic trio, BOSCO (Aaron Verhulst and Benny Santoro). A graduate from the University of Windsor’s music therapy program, Karen enjoys making meaningful connections with her audience and inspiring hope. She is also a music educator, workshop instructor and music director.   

Since her first studio release, ‘Carry On’ in 2012, followed by ‘I Think I’ll Lose My Mind Today’ in 2014, and Junkyard Heart in 2016, Karen has maintained an intense performance schedule throughout Ontario and most recently, touring Eastern Canada. Her first solo and most recent release, “Every Flash of Light” (2018) is an EP produced by Danny Gauthier including co-writes with Nashville songwriters Steve Hindalong (the Choir), Kelly Kessler and Linda McRae (Spirit of the West). Other collaborations include her recent pairing with internationally renowned bluesman, Manitoba Hal Brolund as bluesy gospel Americana duo, “Even the Bird Was Free.” 

What some folks are saying:

“I met Karen Morand at the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals in 2010 where I was a mentor. She was just beginning her career as a singer/songwriter and I was immediately impressed by her warmth and straightforward attitude. She has made great strides since then and has just released her second recording of her own material. Her songwriting belies the amount of time she’s actually been writing and I believe she is on her way to becoming an artist who will be a force on the Canadian music scene” Linda McRae, platinum award winning musician

“Karen Morand is something of a standout in the crowded field of solo singer-songwriters. Her performances and recordings both display a careful attention to craft as well as a broad range of influences. Karen’s material demonstrates her comfort with a variety of styles and genres and her ability to create appealing melodies and lyrics.” Danny Sullivan, Artistic Director, Blue Skies Music Festival

“Songwriter Karen Morand casts power to stir the storm in your soul and part the dark clouds hovering over your heart.  Karen drives the engine through songs that clang, grind and chug with bold defiance, shaken faith and cryptic warnings; breathing steam around embraces of the wounded and outcast.”  Songstress and CJAM radio host Allison Brown

 


KEN DUNN

Over the past 30 years, singer-songwriter Ken Dunn has performed at hundreds of venues across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Central America, as well as recording 10 albums of original music.

He has shared stages with a number of well-known artists, including Jerry Jeff Walker, David Amram, and Canadian folk icons Valdy, Willie P. Bennett, and Garnet Rogers.

Notable performances include those at Canada’s Festival of Friends, a sold out concert at the historic Santa Ana Theatre in San Miguel, Mexico, the Central California Neil Young tribute show in Paso Robles, California, and Jerry Jeff Walker’s Festival in San Pedro, Belize.

With the intention of promoting peace, social, and environmental justice through music, Ken has also performed a number of benefit concerts, including those for Amnesty International, Biblioteca San Miguel, Playing For Change, L.A. Family Housing, and the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida.

 


 

GILLIAN NICOLA

Hamilton’s Gillian Nicola took an unusual route to becoming a folk/Americana singer-songwriter: trained in classical voice, Nicola spent her teens gigging in a classic rock cover band, singing Janis Joplin and Led Zeppelin before launching herself into alt-country when she began writing songs. Nicola’s music centres around her chameleonic vocals – at one moment with a hint of tobacco in her voice, the next outright rocking – strummed and finger picked guitar, and versatile, melodic songwriting. Nicola’s songs are often built around open and alternate guitar tunings that allow her to throw her music theory upbringing out the window. Nicola released her debut full-length album, Dried Flowers, on May 3, 2019. Produced by John Dinsmore, the album reached number 3 on the earshot! Folk/Roots/Blues Charts and has received CBC airplay nationwide.

 

Dried Flowers is “an alt-country-folk-rock masterclass in the affairs of the heart” – Hamilton Magazine.

 

Gillian Nicola Website
Gillian Nicola Facebook
Gillian Nicola Twitter
Gillian Nicola YouTube