Tickets on-sale Oct 17th at 10 am local time at ticketmaster.ca with proceeds supporting CAMH’s Gifts of Light

Hosted at Ottawa’s National Arts Centre, the 2025 Ontario Folk Music Awards took place on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. The sold-out event was hosted by local, JUNO-Award winning artist, Angelique Francis, who gave a showstopping performance with The Angelique Francis Band, in addition to performances by Evan Rotella, Julian Taylor, Larry Folk, Sam Drysdale, and Savannah Shea. The 2025 Ontario Folk Music Awards debuted a new category, Music Video of the Year, which will remain an award category going forward.

The evening paid tribute to four outstanding contributors to Ontario’s folk music community. The Estelle Klein Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Al Rankin, and the Estelle Klein Community Builder Award recognized John and Michele Law. The inaugural Culture in Climate Award honoured Steven Dagenais, and the Colleen Peterson Songwriting Award, presented by the Ontario Arts Council, was awarded to Evan Rotella for his song “Maryanne.”

The 2025 Ontario Folk Music Award winners are:

Song of the Year
“Best Remembered” by Savannah Shea (Savannah Shea)

Lukas Lennon Heslip is a producer redefining the future of storytelling. His work lives at the convergence of music, cinema, and commercial content, where artistry meets strategy and cultural resonance.

Heslip’s rise began in Toronto’s music scene, where he managed and produced for Canadian artist Ezra Jordan. His creative scope quickly expanded, leading campaigns for lifestyle brands like Terroni and Porta while building a strong portfolio of music videos and branded content.

Now recognized internationally, Heslip serves as a management consultant with Los Angeles–based Agency Arts, contributing to global campaigns across various mediums. His deep understanding of visual storytelling, combined with technical production expertise, has made him a trusted name across industries.

Tracey Savein brings an incredible eye (of the lens) capturing special moments in time. Because as the saying goes – A picture is worth a thousand words.

Any kind of photography, as I see it, is all about capturing motion and emotion. Whether the subject is raucous and rockin’ or the location is silent and still, if you can transport the viewer into a moment in time with an image and relay the energy of that moment, well, there’s your photograph – Tracey Savein

Steve Hackett - October 7th @ Massey Hall, Toronto

Prog-rock guitar guru of Genesis fame, Steve Hackett mesmerizes fans with startling solo works and classic album tracks at his much anticipated return to Massey Hall in Toronto

A rocker at heart and a pioneer of the Canadian music industry, Michel Pagliaro—affectionately known as Pag by his fans—helped shape the history of both Francophone and Anglophone rock in Canada, driven by his unmatched authenticity and boundless passion.

Born in Montréal on November 9, 1948, he emerged as an iconic figure in the 1970s and has carried that same intensity through the decades, guided by a constant search for the perfect sound and the most resonant words. 

In 1969, he recorded the song J’ai marché pour une nation, considered one of the first true Québécois rock anthems. 

In 1971, he recorded his first English-language album. In 1971, he recorded his first English-language album, marking the beginning of his national recognition with standout tracks like Lovin’ You Ain’t Easy, Rainshowers, and Some Sing, Some Dance, all of which achieved widespread success. 

A man of many talents, François Cousineau has made his mark on “la chanson québécoise” and in the realm of theatre, film, and television. Out of humility, he often resists being called an artist—but he is, without a doubt, the very embodiment of one.

Born in Montréal on May 10, 1942, François Cousineau is a pianist, composer, conductor, and arranger who has profoundly shaped Québec’s music scene since the 1960s.

The second of five children, he began studying piano at the age of five, later attending the Vincent-d’Indy School of Music, where he earned his diploma in 1961. He was also admitted to the Barreau du Québec in 1966, although music ultimately became his chosen career path.

Engines make the loudest noise right as you flip the ignition. Animals roar their mightiest when their peace is broken. Sometimes starting over, leaving comfort, stumbling forward is the biggest noise we can make. Toronto’s AloneKitty writes like someone who rebuilt life brick by brick. Because that’s exactly what happened. After a period of intense personal upheaval - losing a job, a long-term relationship, and nearly everything that felt like home - AloneKitty was, yeah, alone. Untethered, with one lone familiar thing to hold onto. That thread became a lifeline. Then it became a record. Writing songs became a way to navigate from a before into an after. It wasn’t neat, it wasn’t clean, it never is. But it was honest. Like it or not.“I kind of think I lost my mind by playing these in front of other people as I feel re-traumatized or upset by what’s at the core of some of these.” Despite the name, AloneKitty is no longer going it alone. Stefan’s on drums, Mike’s on bass. “I never worry about them...which is great because I do everything else.”

When I first stood behind Gino Vannelli, singing background vocals at Montreal’s Altitech all those years ago, I couldn’t have imagined the moment we are now sharing. Decades later, it feels like a circle has quietly, powerfully closed: Gino is being inducted into LEGENDS, Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Toronto, Ontario on Oct 17, 2025.

For an artist whose music has shaped generations, this recognition carries a quiet resonance. As Gino put it, “It’s kind of like old friends finally coming around and saying, you know what? - you really are good at what you do. If I never told you, I’m telling you now.”

That understated gratitude is so very Gino. His career has always been about much more than the spotlight: From singles like “I Just Wanna Stop” “People Gotta Move”, “Living Inside Myself”, “Black Cars”, over 20 albums and much recorded media, it has been about relentless invention, about stretching the boundaries of genre, about following the muse wherever it led—R&B, jazz, classical, or even new literary ground with his forthcoming graphic novels and soundscapes.

The Purpose Behind Creation

Twelve years after their meeting, Rosemary Standley (vocals, Moriarty) and Dom La Nena (cello, vocals) continue their singular musical adventure with the release of Nuées Ardentes, their third album to be released on October 3.

Exploring the theme of adolescence and its upheavals, the duo revisits with grace and audacity songs inscribed in the collective memory, but also baroque and traditional repertoires, to trace a true sensitive cartography of this incandescent age where we vacillate between shadow and light.

Carried by the magnetic voice of Rosemary Standley and the vibrant cello of Dom La Nena, this singular repertoire weaves links between eras and styles: songs by Bronski Beat, The Cure and The Doors dialogue with a tune by Stefano Landi, a song by Barbara and traditional English songs.

Once again proving that music has no borders we have a mix of great artists from Scotland, the UK, Canada, USA, France and Denmark for the month of October on Cashbox Radio – Radio the Way it Used to Be!

Check out Cashbox Radio – Radio The Way It Use To Be! And go to Request a Song to hear more of these great artists!

Alice Moore – Pressure (Canada)
 

Belles ft. Blake Wood – Crazy Like Me (USA)
 

Cammy Barnes - Whiskey Roll (Scotland)

Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM EST (Doors at 6:30 PM)
Location: The Royal, 608 College Street, Toronto, ON M6G 1B4

Tracey Savein brings an incredible eye (of the lens) capturing special moments in time. Because as the saying goes – A picture is worth a thousand words.

Any kind of photography, as I see it, is all about capturing motion and emotion. Whether the subject is raucous and rockin’ or the location is silent and still, if you can transport the viewer into a moment in time with an image and relay the energy of that moment, well, there’s your photograph – Tracey Savein

Mike Scott, The Waterboys - September 11th @ The Danforth Music Hall, Toronto

Mike Scott, lead singer-songwriter of The Waterboys winds and weaves wondrously through the band’s forty years of folk-punk, rock, r n’ b and Celtic soul for a stuffed house at The Danforth Music Hall in Toronto

Legendary VJ Much Music, Radio and Event Host Michael Williams caught up with Rik Emmett of Triumph for an up close and personal insight on the induction into to CSHF on October 17, 2025.

The last time I saw Rik was live, during my days at Much Music in 1992, around the album Ipso Facto. His song “Out of the Blue” from that album, is one of my favourites. He just happened to have his guitar that day, he played the song for me beautifully, and I was honored. Today, I am honored once again to talk to Rik Emmett about Triumph’s induction to the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame.

MW: So let's talk about this “songwriter award” , this must be, what is this to you, cause as a fan and always keeping an eye on things, this to me, is what you got into it for, you know it’s the song writing, it’s the three of you together, the magic power is what you got into this whole rock ‘n roll thing for.

Tara Slone hosts an unforgettable night celebrating the 2025 inductees with tributes by Kevin Drew, Murray McLauchlan, JJ Wilde, RÊVE and Canada’s next generation of songwriters

Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame (CSHF) today announced the lineup of performers and special guests confirmed for its 2025 Legends Induction event in Toronto, presented by RBC, on October 17 at the Meridian Arts Centre. It promises to be a highly anticipated evening filled with emotional tributes and iconic songs, celebrating the artistry and enduring legacy of this year’s inductees.

Hosted by broadcaster and musician Tara Slone, the evening will showcase some of Canada’s most celebrated songwriters and performers — k.d. lang, Tom Cochrane, Chantal Kreviazuk, Murray McLauchlan, Ed Robertson, and Kevin Drew — alongside a cross-section of emerging and established voices including Charlie Edward, Clerel, Housewife, JJ Wilde, Kairo McLean, Kirk Diamond, Noah Derksen, RÊVE, Sam Drysdale. The program will also feature a special performance by Phil X with inductee Rik Emmett. 

Andy Kim is about to take his rightful place in the hallowed hall, the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame that is. We caught up with Andy to talk about his reaction about his induction into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame.

“When I got the news, I was humbled and honoured to be included with this year’s group of amazing songwriters. All I ever wanted to do was write songs and I have been blessed to be given the opportunity to fulfill that vision.”

The Montreal native and composer of such classics as Baby I Love You, Baby How’d We Ever Get This Way, Rock Me Gently and Sugar Sugar, left school at 16, headed by bus to New York City and the iconic Brill Building at 49^th and Broadway, the home of America’s top songwriters. “I’d heard about Tin Pan Alley where all the great songs that I heard on the radio were being written and I tried to picture what it would look like. And there I was, in the building where Carole King and Gerry Goffin, Paul Anka, Leiber and Stoller and so many others wrote their hits. It was magical.”

Celebrated Canadian musician, author, and visual artist Tom Wilson (Tehoháhake) announces the release of his new single “We Live In Dreams,” co-written with award-winning journalist, storyteller, and filmmaker Tanya Talaga. 

The song is featured in the powerful new documentary ‘Ni-Naadamaadiz: Red Power Rising’ (trailer here), directed by Shane Belcourt and produced by Talaga’s company Makwa Creative. The film features an original score composed and performed by Tom Wilson and his son Thompson Wilson, marking a continued father–son collaboration that blends emotional ambient depth with musical craft. Audiences experienced the documentary and heard the full score for the first time when the film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival last week.

Join the Celtic Tenors for an unforgettable performance of vocal brilliance and festive cheer. Their enchanting blend of Celtic charm, timeless favourites, and modern hits is paired with a heartwarming selection of Christmas classics. This special holiday concert promises a mesmerizing celebration of Celtic culture and the joyous spirit of Christmas, leaving audiences uplifted and inspired.

The Celtic Tenors will give you a night to remember. Whether performing in neighbourhood cathedrals or world-renowned concert halls from New York to Amsterdam to Shanghai, every performance sparkles with professionalism, warmth, and good humour.

youtube.com/channel/UCm1iufw3KWNpLe1haDX_y1w

Launched Free Fall Sessions
Local kids learn singing skills from top professionals

SING! The Toronto International Vocal Arts Festival is once again welcoming kids from 8 to 16 to learn singing while having fun with some of Canada’s top vocal teachers. I Love to SING! takes place September 13 to November 29 at Community Centre 55, 97 Main Street, Toronto on select Saturdays from 11 am to 12:45 pm. The program runs in Brampton at David Suzuki Secondary School, 45 Daviselm Drive, and in Mississauga at Malton Youth Hub, 3545 Morning Star Drive. Now in its 3rd year, I Love to SING! has welcomed kids to regular free sessions, including providing two performance opportunities in the main SING! festival event at Kew Gardens in May and at Mississauga City Hall. The full schedule and registration are at singtoronto.com/i-love-to-sing

On September 20, 2025, the Kensington Market Jazz Festival (KMJF) marks a milestone moment: its 10th anniversary. Since its inception in 2016, the festival has become one of Toronto’s most beloved cultural events, bringing together world-class musicians, passionate audiences, and the vibrant spirit of Kensington Market. For a decade, KMJF has embodied the principle “Better, Not Bigger,” delivering intimate performances that celebrate jazz in its purest, most community-driven form.

Founded by acclaimed singer-songwriter and philanthropist Molly Johnson O.O.C., (with Genevieve Marentette, Ori Dagan, and community volunteers), KMJF was built on the vision of showcasing Toronto’s rich jazz culture while nurturing community connection. “I started KMJF to showcase the cultural tapestry of our market,” says Johnson. “Your support makes this celebration possible.” As a registered charity since 2021, the festival remains artist-driven, volunteer-powered, and deeply committed to Kensington Market’s legacy as a cultural hub.

Jane Siberry has always lived in the liminal space between the practical and the mystical. To hear her describe songwriting is to glimpse a process that is both everyday work and divine unfolding.

“Sometimes it takes years,” she reflects, noting a recent recording that stretched across four years of stop-and-start sessions. The long pauses, far from interruptions, became fertile ground. “Every now and then I get one word that was missing. It’s like tick — and slowly it fills in. Maybe I should just finish it the day before I die.”

 Working on her new 3 disc offering titled “In the Thicket of Own Unconsciousness” with dialogue included as well, marks the next chapter in her artistic journey. “I feel like I’m inching myself toward my prime”, she says.

Her approach is marked by patience, an openness to inspiration, and a refusal to force. She admits there’s “the drudgery of it sometimes,” but she is guided mostly by inspired words and the faith that songs will arrive in their own time. For Siberry, songwriting is less about control than about trust — in herself, in the process, and in the mysterious timing of art.