Today, we are releasing the fourth episode in our series titled ‘The Art of Booking’ where we speak with Artistic Directors of music festivals from across Canada. In this week's episode, we chat to Louis Robitaille, the Artistic Director of Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival in the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.

Louis discusses the format of the festival, which includes performance sets on the main stage, fiddle and dance workshops, and song circles. He also touches on his process of building the lineups each year and how he seeks to book artists based on the theme of the festival for that year. Louis also shares insights and tips on developing a market in Nova Scotia and building a tour there.

Find Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival online:

Youtube

Facebook

Website

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Louis Robitaille is the President and Program Chair of the Lunenburg Folk Harbour Society, a volunteer-run, charitable organization with the mandate to present folk music and folklore on the South Shore of Nova Scotia. Louis has volunteered for the organization for over 20 years. Louis is an educator with over 25 years teaching college and currently works as a staff officer for the Nova Scotia Teachers Union.

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Presented by Folk Music Ontario

Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett

Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett

Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac

Artwork by Jaymie Karn

Today on ReFolkUs, we chat to Aysanabee. We discuss the incredible trajectory of his career — from his roots as a journalist to a fulltime music artist. He also delves into how he became the first artist signed to Ishkōdé Records, reflects on his experience performing at the 2023 Juno Awards and discusses why he feels every musician should be attending music conferences.

Buy/Listen to Aysanabee’s latest EP Here and Now, released October 2023

Catch Aysanabee’s upcoming tour with Allison Russell 

Follow Aysanabee:

Instagram

Facebook

Website

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Juno-nominated artist Aysanabee is a multi-instrumentalist, producer and singer songwriter currently based in Toronto. He is Oji-Cree, Sucker Clan of the Sandy Lake First Nation, a remote fly-in community in the far reaches of Northwestern Ontario. In 2023, Aysanabee was Short-listed for the 2023 Polaris Music Prize and won multiple awards including the 2023 Canadian Live Music Awards: New Touring Artist of the Year, 2023 INDIES Awards: Indigenous Artist of the Year, 2023 Summer Solstice Indigenous Music Awards: Artistic Video of the Year, Pop/Alternative/Rock, Rising Star and the 2023 Ontario Folk Music Award for Recording Artist of the Year.

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Presented by Folk Music Ontario

Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett

Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett

Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac

Artwork by Jaymie Karn

Today, we are releasing the third episode in our series titled ‘The Art of Booking’ where we speak with Artistic Directors of music festivals from across Canada. In this week's episode, we chat to James Keelaghan, the Artistic Director of Summerfolk Music and Crafts Festival in Owen Sound, Ontario.

James chats to us about what he looks for when programming the lineup and booking artists for the festival. He also shares how his career as a touring musician has taken him to festivals around the world, allowing him to gather inspiration to incorporate into the fabric of Summerfolk - elevating the overall experience for all attending.

Follow @sumerfolk on social media

Summerfolk Website

Summerfolk Artist Submission Form (deadline is February 28th 2024)

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James Keelaghan, a Juno award-winning singer-songwriter, seamlessly channels thirty-five years of touring experience into his role as Artistic Director of the Summerfolk Music and Crafts Festival in Owen Sound, Ontario. His musical journey enhances the festival's programming, especially his curation of daytime workshop stages, a signature feature of Summerfolk.

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Presented by Folk Music Ontario

Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett

Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett

Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac

Artwork by Jaymie Karn

Today on ReFolkUs, we chat to Janice Jo Lee about the interplay between identity and creativity. Janice discusses how her Korean identity informs the narrative of her creative expression, and how music and art that is rooted in personal identity evoke both empathy and connection.

Janice also fills us in on her latest album, Ancestor Song and discusses the themes that are present within.

Buy/Listen to Janice Jo Lee’s latest album Ancestor Song, released November 2023.

Follow Janice Jo Lee

Instagram

Facebook

Website

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Janice Jo Lee (she/they) aka E Sing Hey, is an award-winning Korean-Canadian folk artist based in Toronto, Ontario. She is a singer, songwriter, composer, sound designer, spoken word poet, actor, clown, and educator. She has released three albums of music, two poetry chapbooks, and has composed music and sound for two musicals and five stage plays.

Lee’s artwork is immersed in issues of gender empowerment, community, climate change, the environment and antiracism. On stage she performs with a guitar, trumpet, and korean drum. She conjures warm energy, asks questions about our times, and leaves audiences rejuvenated and aglow.

Lee was born in Toronto and spoke Korean as a first language. She grew up riding bikes, singing in choir, and preferred soccer to her piano lessons. Lee graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with a major in English Literature and minor in Political Science. Lee began her practice as a folk musician in The Radical Choir - leading sing-alongs and composing songs inspired by local issues.

Lee is a leader on conversations around equity and access. Off stage she conducts workshops on equity, performance, and poetry. She tours solo, with a trio, or with a six piece band of women and nonbinary musicians.

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Presented by Folk Music Ontario

Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett

Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett

Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac

Artwork by Jaymie Karn

Today, we are releasing the second episode in our series titled ‘The Art of Booking’ where we speak with Artistic Directors of music festivals from across Canada. In this week's episode, we chat to Carly McFadden, the Artistic Director of Folk On The Rocks Music Festival in the Northwest Territories.

Carly chats to us about what the experience is like both attending and performing at the festivals’ unique location under the midnight sun. She also dives into her booking process, what she is looking for when curating the lineup, other year-round opportunities for artists in NWT, and general advice for artists who are looking to perform on festival stages.

Follow Folk On The Rocks Music Festival
Instagram
Website

Folk On The Rocks Artist Submission Form (deadline is January 31st 2024)

Carly also recommends checking out the Snowkings’ Winter Festival held on Yelllowknife Bay, NWT

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Since 2016, Carly McFadden has been the Artistic and Executive Director of the Folk On The Rocks Music Festival which is taking place July 19-21st 2024 in Yellowknife, NWT under the midnight sun. Carly also works as an artist manager at Victory Pool which is a label and artist management company, working with a fantastic roster of artists including FMO Artist alumni Ellen Froese and Status NonStatus.

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Presented by Folk Music Ontario

Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett

Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett

Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac

Artwork by Jaymie Karn

We're excited to kick off the first episode in a series titled ‘The Art of Booking’ where we speak with Artistic Directors of music festivals from across Canada. In this week's episode, we chat to Kerry Clarke, the Artistic Director behind the renowned Calgary Folk Festival and its winter counterpart, Block Heater.

Kerry walks us through her process of curating the festival lineup and shares insights into how she crafts captivating rosters each year — shedding light on what it takes for artists to secure a spot. Additionally, Kerry provides valuable advice on catching the attention of Artistic Directors at both conferences and through pitch emails.

Follow Calgary Folk Festival:
Instagram
Website

Follow Kerry Clarke
Instagram

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Community radio was Kerry’s entry into the independent music world 36 years ago. She’s artistic and marketing director of the 44 year ‘post-folk’ Calgary Folk Music Festival, the winter Block Heater festival and an off-season concert series. She spent some time on the skins in an all-female lo-fi band decades ago, is on several non-profit arts boards, has served on many arts juries, is a proud part of WRAD (western roots artistic directors) and NApresenters, co-founded Rwanda’s KigaliUp festival, and produces/hosts weekly CKUA and CJSW radio programs when she’s not traveling to conferences and festivals to see music from a vast range of genres.

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Presented by Folk Music Ontario

Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett

Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett

Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac

Artwork by Jaymie Karn

This week on ReFolkUs, we chat with Just Prince about his musical influences from both Eastern classical and Western music. Through his superb musicianship and artistry, he weaves these influences together to create a distinctive sound that is uniquely his own.

Just Prince also discusses his ambitions for the future as a music artist, his strategies for overcoming self-doubt and discusses his recent achievement of winning the 2023 Colleen Peterson Songwriting Award for his song 'Kamli'.

Listen to 'Kamli'
Listen to the Hariharan Ghazal in a blues scale

Find Just Prince on social media:
Instagram
Youtube
Website

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Toronto-based singer-songwriter, Just Prince, is known for seamlessly blending Western and Eastern sounds into a harmonious tapestry. With a captivating style that defies genre constraints, his music weaves elements of folk, rock, blues, and Hindustani classical music into a mesmerizing experience. 

Just Prince's evocative compositions take listeners on a sonic journey, transcending cultural boundaries and resonating with the soul. Through his innovative approach, he crafts a musical landscape that bridges worlds with the intention of humility and togetherness.

At this year's 2023 Ontario Folk Music Awards, Just Prince took home the Colleen Peterson award presented by the Ontario Arts Council which honors an emerging professional singer-songwriter.

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Presented by Folk Music Ontario

Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett

Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett

Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac

Artwork by Jaymie Karn

In this week’s episode of ReFolkUs, we chat with Barbra Lica about the urgent need for a more sustainable music industry. Focusing on the value artists bring and the importance of prioritizing joy in music-making, Barbra offers a unique perspective on the hurdles confronting artists within the industry and ideas for overcoming them on both a personal and collective level.

Buy/Stream Barbra Lica’s new Christmas single ‘On Christmas Eve’ here.

Follow Barbra Lica on social media:

Twitter
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube
Website

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JUNO-nominated singer-songwriter-producer Barbra Lica is a seasoned act on the North American club and festival circuits. She has performed everywhere, from New York City’s legendary Birdland to Toronto’s prestigious Koerner Hall. She has also headlined at festivals around the world including Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, Tokyo International Jazz Festival, Port-au-Prince International Jazz Festival, and Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival, and opened for the likes of Christian McBride, Pat Metheny, Bob Dorough, and Terence Blanchard. Her 2018 album, You’re Fine, marked the first introduction of Folk and Americana elements to her repertoire and amassed over 6 million streams to date on Spotify. More recently, her first self-produced EP, Imposter Syndrome (2022), garnered her two 2024 Canadian Folk Music Awards nominations in the categories of Single of the Year (In 40 Years) and Solo Artist of the Year. The album single, The Ghost of Me, took home the 2023 Ontario Folk Music Awards CMRRA Song of the Year prize. In addition to writing for herself, Barbra has written cuts for such artists as jazz crooner Matt Dusk(Entertainment One/Universal), rising J-Pop singer Harumi (Sony Music Japan), and Taiwanese pop recording artist, Morrison Ma (Universal Music Group/X Entertainment). She is also the co-founder and arranger (with Anders Azzopardi), as well as lead vocalist for the Toronto Chamber-Pop Orchestra.

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Presented by Folk Music Ontario

Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett

Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett

Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac

Artwork by Jaymie Karn

In this week’s episode of ReFolkUs, we chat to entertainment lawyer Byron Pascoe, a partner at Edwards Creative Law, about the world of entertainment law and the important role a lawyer plays in a musician or creative worker's career. 

We delve into negotiating contracts, knowing your rights, and how the right lawyer will serve as both an advocate and advisor to help navigate the complex landscape of the music and entertainment business.

For more about Byron and Edwards Creative Law, visit:  www.edwardslaw.ca

Follow Edwards Creative Law:
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Facebook
Linkedin

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As an Entertainment Lawyer, Byron has an understanding of creative businesses, and how to provide value to creative clients. He has produced television and is active in various film, television and digital production communities, which helps to ensure he adds value to producer clients.

One of his main areas of focus is music law, working with recording artists, producers, composers, managers, music service businesses, and festivals. He is involved in the music scene and focuses on professional development, to help creators understand the business of their craft. He was also awarded the Impact Award at the inaugural Ottawa Music Awards.

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Presented by Folk Music Ontario

Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett

Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett

Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac

Artwork by Jaymie Karn

Welcome back to season 2 of ReFolkUs. We have a very exciting season ahead where we chat to artists and music industry professionals about building sustainable careers as creative workers, with a focus on folk.

This week’s episode is a recording of a live listening party and conversation with folk legend Sylvia Tyson that took place at this year’s Folk Music Ontario Conference. We chat to Sylvia all about her new album, ‘At The End Of The Day’, her writing process, the inspiration behind the lyrics and get a preview of some of her new songs.

Sylvia Tyson’s new album At The End Of The Day was released on November 3, 2023, three weeks after this was recorded, on Stony Plain Records.

Buy or stream the album here

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Sylvia Tyson, known as Canada's ‘folk-country music matriarch’, emerged as an internationally respected songwriter during the 1960s Greenwich Village folk scene. Originally from Chatham, Ontario, she moved to Toronto at 18, gaining acclaim for her polished alto voice and forming the influential folk duo Ian & Sylvia with Ian Tyson .The duo led the singer-songwriter movement from 1961 to 1975, releasing 13 albums and achieving commercial success. Sylvia's breakthrough songwriting included the hit "You Were on My Mind," covered by numerous artists. The album Great Speckled Bird has long been recognized as pioneering the genre of country-rock. After the duo's era, she embarked on a solo career, releasing albums like "Woman's World" and contributing to Quartette. Tyson's impact extends to her roles in various music organizations, and she is honored in the Canadian Music and Country Music Halls of Fame, the Order of Canada, and the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame.

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Presented by Folk Music Ontario

Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett

Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett

Edited by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac

Artwork by Jaymie Karn