Irish Millie, the 18-year-old Canadian fiddler, singer, multi-instrumentalist, and composer who is taking the roots scene by storm, has released "You Were There," the standout single from her acclaimed EP Between Then and Now. The track has earned the young artist her seventh Canadian Folk Music Award nomination, this time for Single of the Year. Simultaneously, she earned her fifth consecutive nomination for Young Performer of the Year, having been recognized in that category every year since the release of her debut album Thirteen in 2021.

youtube.com/@IrishMillieFiddleTunes

Canada’s largest a cappella competition to award more than $10,000 in prizes

A cappella groups from across Canada are invited to showcase their voices on the championship stage at the 2026 SING! Canadian A Cappella Championships, taking place May 23, 2026 at Toronto’s renowned Koerner Hall.

Part of SING! The Toronto Vocal Arts Festival (May 20 to June 1, 2026), the competition will offer more than $10,000 in cash and prizes, from future performance opportunities at SING! Toronto (including the opening slot for the Soundcrowd concert on May 30, 2026), to cash prizes and professional recording sessions.

The competition is open to any style of unaccompanied vocal group, with four categories: high school, university/collegiate, barbershop, and open (post-collegiate, semi-pro, pro, or other). A minimum of 12 groups, chosen from video submissions, will be invited to perform live at Koerner Hall on May 23, 2026.

Cashbox Radio has once again curated 12 great Top Pick Hits for December 2025.

Because we would like to think they are all #1’s on a chart, this list is in Alphabetical Order:

8Banger - Daddy's Girl
 

Ain't That a Trip - The James Hunter Six ft Van Morrison
 

Bella Cole - Got Your Number
 

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

Earth, Wind & Fire - November 18th @ TD Coliseum, Hamilton

Multi-award-winning American super-soul funksters, Earth, Wind & Fire break out all their beloved R & B hits for a special event, blowing the brand new roof off a newly christened TD Coliseum in Hamilton, Ontario

It’s where the magic happens as an artist opens to the physical world they grew up with and the spiritual realm where all the magic happens.

Like Jimi Hendrix, Brandon Boyd of Incubus, looks at his career in the same way, as if he is antenna or lightening rod for whatever he creates that comes from that special we can never quite explain … once called the ether.

Miles Davis and Joni Mitchell are painters. So many artists express their creativity in other mediums. Brandon Boyd exhibited his art publicly for the first time in Toronto at Tagialatella Gallery in Yorkville.

 Brandon and I wanted to talk not about the new record he is working on, nope I wanted to talk to Brandon the artist and decode that person.

MW: Brandon, was this the first time your art has appeared in Toronto?
BB: Yes. It was a great time….at times overwhelming—the number of people dropping in, the energy of it all. I’ve been a little wrecked ever since, but for all the best reasons. It was amazing to see how many people come out to look at and talk about art. Those are the things I love.

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

Neil Young’s 80th Birthday Celebration - November 12th @ Massey Hall, Toronto

A veritable showcase of Canadian talent gathered together for our nation’s beloved “Grandfather of Grunge” and “Harbinger of Heartstrings”, Neil Young to celebrate his 80th birthday in sensational style for the devoted droves at Massey Hall in Toronto

Born in Prague, Czech Republic, and now based in Vancouver, Canada, pianist and composer Martin Mayer has long been celebrated for his cinematic approach to neoclassical and new age piano music. With his latest release, 'The Solo Piano Collection,' Mayer transforms personal adversity into musical poetry — a testament to resilience, artistry, and the healing power of creation.

The album gathers Mayer’s most intimate and evocative piano compositions, written over three decades of his life and career. Each of the sixteen original works captures a defining moment: tributes to loved ones, reflections on his homeland, and celebrations of recovery and new beginnings.

Brantford-based Americana artist KC Armstrong is celebrating the return of his festive anthem “I Hate That Sweater,” a song that has found new life and a growing audience thanks to his rising profile and a fresh new video release. Originally crafted in 2024 under the rush of holiday deadlines, the track has now become one of the most requested seasonal songs and is set to light up this year’s celebrations with renewed energy.

“I Hate That Sweater” was first written in the spirit of fun, as Armstrong recalls picturing the descending riff of an earlier song played on Christmas bells. “I heard my inner voice shouting ‘I Hate That Sweater,’ and the lyrics came together within an hour,” he explains. The playful tale of a last-minute shopping disaster unfolds with horns, bells, and Armstrong’s unmistakable wit. The chorus delivers a refrain that has become a fan favourite: “green rhinestones, red pleather – I hate that sweater.”

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

Joe Bonamassa - November 5th @ Great Canadian Casino, Toronto

Grammy nominated American blues titan, Joe Bonamassa puts on a guitar masterclass for his devoted fans who came in droves to witness searing cross-genre rock licks at the Great Canadian Casino in Toronto

Winterfolk XXIV, Toronto’s beloved mid-winter music festival, returns bigger than ever for its 24th year with four full days of live roots and blues music at the Tranzac Club from February 12–15, 2026. Featuring more than 100 artists across multiple stages, Winterfolk celebrates the city’s vibrant folk, blues, and singer-songwriter community — keeping live music alive when the city needs it most.

For the first time in its history, Winterfolk expands to four days. The festival kicks off on Thursday, February 12, with the debut of ‘Emerging Talent Night at Winterfolk,’ a special evening dedicated to showcasing up-and-coming performers of all ages. Emerging artists can apply through the festival website to gain stage time, visibility, and new audiences. Applications and full festival details are available at www.winterfolk.com.

Black Umfolosi International (BUI), the Canadian-based Imbube and A cappella ensemble rooted in the rich musical traditions of Southern Africa, is set to embark on a cross-country Canadian tour this fall, sharing their mesmerizing harmonies and vibrant dances with audiences from coast to coast.

youtube.com/@BlackUmfolosiMusic

Originally founded in Zimbabwe in 1982 and reformed in 2023, BUI has performed in over 30 countries worldwide, earning international acclaim for their captivating performances sung in Ndebele and Zulu. Their distinctive sound features rhythmic tongue clicks, rolling harmonies, and intricate choreography that celebrates the beauty, strength, and spirit of Southern African culture.

Each performance blends song, storytelling, and traditional dance to create an uplifting experience that embodies gratitude, endurance, and joy. Guided by artistic director and founder Thomeki Dube (Nduna), BUI’s mission is to promote, preserve, and showcase Southern African traditional music and dance while fostering global cultural understanding.

No matter what is going on in the world the truth is music has no borders. This month we feature Canadian and American artists on our Top Pick Hits as music unites us all. Music and artists will always be stronger together.

You can support these artists by going to to give them even more rotation.
Just go to cashboxradio.ca/request-a-song-on-cashbox-radio/!

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

The Grapes of Wrath - October 19th @ Hugh’s Room Live, Toronto
Kevin Kane and Tom Hooper, singer-songwriters of west coast 80’s pop-rockers, The Grapes of Wrath venture across Canada as an acoustic duo, harmonizing hits during their second, sold out stop at Hugh’s Room Live in Toronto

Toronto’s arts and advocacy communities are joining forces in a bold new initiative to confront one of the city’s most urgent challenges: homelessness. At the heart of this effort is “The Forgotten Homeless,” a powerful musical and social campaign created by Toronto singer-songwriter Richard Todd, whose message of empathy, action, and hope is resonating across Canada.

The initiative’s impact extends beyond the recording studio. Todd’s guitar, lyric sheet, and the accompanying music video for “The Forgotten Homeless” are now part of the City of Toronto’s Market Gallery exhibition, ‘At Home in Toronto’, which runs through November 30.

“A Place in the Choir” is the second single from 3x Parent’s Choice Award Winner Chris McKhool’s upcoming family album entitled “Little Leaf”.

“’A Place in the Choir’ sings of belonging, where every creature - large or small, ordinary or strange - has a note to add to life’s great chorus” says Chris. “The variety of animal voices is a metaphor for the many shapes of human difference, and reminds us that what seems odd or uncommon is beautiful when joined with others.”

Check out the great family friendly video on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/1ShVD2uSt90

This song is a celebration of community: the magic that emerges when each distinct voice, instead of being hidden, is woven into a shared harmony. Chris continues: “In today’s fractured world, where everyone is living in their silos, diversity can seem like a challenge, but is actually the very source of strength and joy in society”.

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.