January 30, 2016
Harry Manx
Harry Manx has been dubbed an “essential link” between the music of East and West, creating musical short stories that wed the tradition of the Blues with the depth of classical Indian ragas. The resulting sound is uniquely bewitching and deliciously addictive to listen to.
Manx is a prolific artist, releasing nine albums in an eight-year span with no signs of stopping. He has received seven Maple Blues Awards, five Juno nominations, the Canadian Folk Music Award in 2005 for Best Solo Artist and won CBC Radio’s “Great Canadian Blues Award” in 2007.
His latest CD, “Bread and Buddha”, is another melange of blues, roots, world and folk sounds. Harry spent almost two years carefully preparing the songs and uses full instrumentation including piano, organ, drums, base, and scored strings. The CD is a poignant exploration of the ephemeral nature of the human experience.
Blend Indian folk melodies with slide guitar blues; add a sprinkle of gospel and some compelling grooves and you’ll get Manx’s unique “mysticssippi” flavour. It’s a sound that goes down easy and leaves you hungry for more.
February 27, 2016
Craig Cardiff
With a voice described as “warm, scratched, sad and sleepy,” Cardiff sings songs that expose the human condition, putting a magnifying glass to the clumsier and less proud moments. He can turn any setting into an intimate affair, infusing his music and lyrics with an uncompromising humanism.
Armed with an extensive catalogue of songs, his Book of Truths, sharp wit and soft voice, Cardiff is considered a pioneer in alternate venue touring, often appearing in churches, camps, prisons, basements, festivals, kitchens and even taking to the streets, bringing his fans with him. Over the years, he has played with and opened for artists such as Glen Phillips, Lucy Kaplansky, Dan Bern, Natalia Zukerman, Andy Stochansky, Sarah Harmer, Kathleen Edwards, Blue Rodeo, Gordon Downie (Tragically Hip), Hawksley Workman, Sarah Slean, Skydiggers, 54-40 and more.
Opening for Craig will be Jennifer Noxon and Brendan Gawn. Noxon has two recordings to her name as a solo artist, was a founding member of folk trio Frida’s Brow, and played music across Canada. However, she is best known locally for her fine art paintings (see the January Humm) and her wonderful choir work. Noxon and Gawn are delightful together; listening to them play is like being invited to the best of kitchen parties. This will be a wonderful night for fans of sweet voices and clever lyrics. See you there!
March 26, 2016
Allison Lupton
Her interest in music began in the rural Ontario community of West Zorra Township where she learned to sing harmony in the church choir.In 2008, Allison was honoured with a nomination in the “Traditional Singer of the Year” category by the Canadian Folk Music Awards. Most recently, Allison’s song “One More Day” was the English overall winning song in the 2015 Folk Music Ontario’s Songs From the Heart competition.
Allison’s band is composed of a stellar group of musicians, including renowned veteran of the Canadian folk scene Ian Bell , acclaimed bass player Denis Rondeau, Grand North American Fiddle Champion Shane Cook, and CCBA’s Mandolin Player of the Year Andrew Collins.
They delight listeners with beautiful renditions of traditional and contemporary songs and tunes that take you away to another time and then dance you home again.
KEWT
KEWT is a duo combining the music of pianist Kathryn Elizabeth Briggs and finger-style guitarist William Terence Tufts.
While many locals have heard Terry Tufts and Kathryn Briggs as individuals locally, their duo show is a rare experience, with a balance of mind-bending instrumentals and passionate vocals.
We are so fortunate to have such gifted musicians in our community, and it is a privilege to give them a night out together…on stage. I promise KEWT will take your breath away. Join us March 26 for a warm sound on a cold night.
April 23, 2016
Slow Leaves
A solo project for singer-songwriter Grant Davidson, he brings a vibrant folk-pop sound to our stage with strong vocals and great hooks. A fluid guitarist and thoughtful lyricist,Davidson evokes a rainy night/back porch vibe; he could easily fit on a playlist between Great Lake Swimmers and JJ Cale.
Slow Leaves have gotten a lot of airplay on CBC Radio Two and campus radio since the release of 2014’s Beauty is So Common, especially the single “Life of a Better Man”.
Opening for us will be Jill Zmud, a transplanted prairie lily with the warmest voice and a really interesting repertoire. This will be a wonderful night for fans of clever lyrics and beautiful voices. See you there!
Folkus Concert Series 