Performers
Interested in playing at Summerfolk? Follow this link to fill out and application. Applications close Feb 28/2025
Performers
Interested in playing at Summerfolk? Follow this link to fill out and application. Applications close Feb 28/2025
Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to get Summerfolk50 updates, lineup news, and exclusive offers!
Nurtured by equal parts raucous underground bass parties and all ages folk festivals, Delhi 2 Dublin’s always distinctive sound has evolved over the past decade into its own decisive genre, freshly styled, “Subcontinental Pop” — a name that conveys both its deep South Asian roots and its expansive, crazy-fun appeal. The beautifully supercharged complexity of their sound flows from high-level folk, alternative-pop, with contemporary training, blended and delivered across an array of acoustic instruments — dhol, tabla, violin, guitar — and electronic beats, immersed in smart, heavy, sometimes gritty, and almost invariably joyful beats.
Check out their website here
Coming soon!
With decades long careers, extensive world tours, platinum recordings, multiple awards including JUNOs and the Order of Canada, Canadian fiddle royalty Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy share a special night on the stage with their 7 children. And it’s not just fiddling around!
Piano, guitar, drums, accordion, dancing, and singing have been additional dedications of the MacMaster Leahy children, who aren’t so little anymore.
Their oldest, Mary Frances, 19, released her debut solo CD in 2024 and has embarked on her own career, taking on new stages as far away as Australia. She has recently been nominated in 2 categories by the Canadian Folk Music Awards and has recorded with famed cellist Yo-Yo Ma.
To see and hear this family together onstage is an experience that leaves a lasting memory. The energy of the dance steps in unison, the lilting drive of the button accordion, the intricacies of the piano accompaniment, the solo performances of each child, the guitar rhythms, folk/jazz vocals, the pounding drum grooves – this show is as broad as it is dynamic. And let’s not forget the virtuoso world class fiddling of Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy as they play their familiar tunes, this time accompanied by their children.
It’s the kind of show that leaves you in awe because you’ve witnessed something extra special. As the years go on, the children rapidly grow and evolve, and every year brings on a fresh look and sound!
Check out their website here
Coming soon!
Trout Fishing in America is bassist/vocalist Keith Grimwood (who occasionally plays fiddle) and guitar/banjo/bouzouki player/vocalist Ezra Idlet. The two have been writing songs and performing together as Trout for the past 46 years. They have toured extensively through the United States, several Canadian provinces, and even parts of Europe, clocking well over a million miles of travel. Trout Fishing in America is an eclectic folk/rock band who write songs for all ages. As individuals, they are about as different as one can imagine. Together, they blend seamlessly in a way that has captured the imagination (and hearts) of audiences of all ages for over four decades.
Check out their website here
Coming soon!
From the stages of Glastonbury Festival to the set of Saturday Night Live, my life has been a kaleidoscope of music, creativity, and unapologetic passion. As an artist, I’ve shared my voice on world-class stages and collaborated with legends like David Bowie and Def Leppard, while pioneering my own path in a music industry rife with change.
Check out their website here
Coming soon!
Danny Michel is a Canadian singer-songwriter and producer celebrated for his eclectic musical style and adventurous spirit. His work blends rock, pop, folk, and world music with introspective, socially conscious, and environmentally focused lyrics. With a loyal fan base, Danny has earned multiple accolades, including Juno and Polaris Prize nominations, as well as the CFMA’s “Producer of the Year” award.
Check out their website here
Coming Soon!
Get ready for an electrifying performance from Shakura S’Aida, a powerhouse vocalist whose music bridges communities with nouveau American roots soul. A three-time Juno Award nominee and recipient of the SOCAN Foundation’s “Her Music” Award, Shakura has captivated audiences in over 30 countries with her engaging, vivacious, and soul-stirring performances. With her latest album, Hold On To Love, she brings a deeply connective experience to the stage—one that will leave you moved, inspired, and dancing in the aisles!
Check out their website here
Coming Soon!
Catherine MacLellan has been captivating audiences around the world with her music for over two decades. Born and raised in the idyllic province of Prince Edward Island, Catherine’s songs reflect her deep connection to the land and the people that call it home. Her passion for songwriting runs in the family; her father, Gene MacLellan, wrote beloved hits like “Snowbird” and “Put Your Hand in the Hand.”
Check out their website here
Coming soon!
This Internationally touring band of celebrated songwriters greet every stage with a genuine, quirky presence and unbottled chemistry. Their sibling harmonies and familial banter quickly connects them to their audience. Whether The Pairs are playing an intimate house concert or a sold out show at a Performing Arts Centre, these classically trained vocalists make it their mission to employ three-part harmony and honest storytelling as the mighty tools that soften and connect us. The Pairs will release their fourth studio album in spring 2025. This record aims to encapsulate the authentic, minimalistic, and acoustic style performances the trio has become known for.
Check out their website here
Coming soon!
Sechile Sedare are on a musical journey that bridges the past and the present, the personal and the universal. This duo transcends genres and resonates deeply with the spirit of the land they come from. Sechile Sedare—meaning ‘my younger brother, my older sister’ in the Dene language—represents the powerful connection of family, culture, and storytelling.
Born and raised in the Northwest Territories, Leela and Jay Gilday draw from their Dene heritage and a lifetime of shared experiences. Leela, a JUNO Award-winning artist, brings her soaring vocals and heartfelt lyrics, and Jay brings his passionate voice, textured guitar chops, and captivating storytelling. Together, they harmonize in a way only siblings can—capturing nostalgia, humour, and reflection in every note.
Their songs tell stories of family, land, and fate—With deep roots in the Northern wilderness, and voices that echo across generations, Sechile Sedare invites us all to listen closely and connect with the rhythms of life and the land.
Sechile Sedare bring depth and serenity to their performances: each note they play is crafted to evoke not just sound, but a story—an experience that resonates on a deeply emotional level.
Check out their website here
Coming soon!
Big Little Lions are an award-winning folk-pop duo with a sound that defies distance. Born from a JUNO-winning collaboration in 2014, Helen Austin (Canada) and Paul Otten (USA) have crafted a signature blend of tight harmonies, raw emotion, and infectious melodies—all while living in different countries.
Live, they’re a two-person powerhouse, layering vocals, drums, bass, guitar, keys, and foot percussion to create a full-band experience. Mariposa Folk Festival calls them “a blissful marriage of new folk and sophisticated pop”, and audiences can expect a high-energy, deeply moving performance.
Check out their website here
Coming soon!
John Wort Hannam has been on his folk and roots-fueled troubadour journey for two decades, spinning song writing gold from the chaff of the lives he has encountered and those within his fertile imagination. Twenty-two years in, he shows no sign of slowing down. In fact, he’s gaining both momentum and a wider audience, winning two 2023 Canadian Folk Music Awards for Solo Artist of the Year and Contemporary Album of the Year. Add to this a Juno Award nomination, a Kerrville New Folk Win, a previous Canadian Folk Music Award, and it’s easy to see why audiences and critics alike hear something special in his narrative and lyrically driven songs. Effortlessly mixing rich and clear timbered vocals with lyrics that tug at the heart, his sound is both unique and familiar.
Check out their website here
Coming soon!
Amber May is a folk-Americana singer-songwriter with roots deep in the wilderness of Northwestern Ontario. Her journey in music began early, singing from the age of three and penning her first songs by twelve. Amber started performing at local festivals and small gatherings, captivating audiences with her raw, soulful voice and authentic lyrics that echo the rugged beauty of her homeland.
Check out their website here
Coming soon!
It is rare to meet a man of few words these days, especially one with surreal talents. Maybe it’s that JD Crosstown’s songwriting speaks for itself. This local musician is both humble and skilful, but before he broke into the music scene and has since gone “full steam ahead” as he puts it, he was first just a kid playing guitar by the fire.
Crosstown grew up in Neyaashiinigmiing, the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, and has family up north, giving him both Cree and Ojibwe heritage. His dad and uncle played guitar in his younger years, inspiring him to start as early as nine years old. Their old folk tunes stuck with a young JD, often playing classics like The Band and Bob Dylan, both of whom are still big influences.
Crosstown has always gravitated towards folk music, for its ability to connect with the audience, and describes his own music as traditional folk, country, and blues. There are several people to thank for helping to shape his sound and advance his musical career. One of which is local guitar legend, Pete Devlin. Many advised JD to connect with Devlin, and when they finally crossed paths, Devlin helped to connect Crosstown with other musicians in the area, like Morgan Barrie, a Summerfolk Youth Discoveries judge, who urged Crosstown to apply, anticipating the young man would be the perfect fit for a coveted festival spot. Crosstown played on the grand ol’ Summerfolk stage the following year, and the crowd loved him.
Check out their website here
Coming soon!
Mia Kelly is a singer-songwriter from Gatineau, Quebec who writes and performs in both French and English. Mia enthralls listeners with a distinctive blend of Folk, Rock, and Blues and is making her mark in the Canadian folk music scene. Backed by her performance on guitar or piano and accompanied by foot percussion, Kelly’s foot-stomping sing-a-longs are anchored by her powerful voice that emanates raw emotion. Her infectious energy captivates you as she shares her heartfelt stories & banter.
Swiftly gaining recognition as a poetic lyricist with a powerful and versatile voice, Mia is a born performer who radiates confidence on stage. With her knack for adapting the stories of the people she has connected with in her life, Mia is an imaginative storyteller who channels her raw and vulnerable emotions through her expertly crafted songs.
In August of 2022, Kelly released her first album “Garden Through the War”. Produced and mixed at Fixed Hinge Studio by Ottawa’s Jim Bryson (Kathleen Edwards, The Tragically Hip) and mastered by Grammy-nominated Phillip Shaw Bova, the record demonstrates maturity in Kelly’s songwriting. Exploring themes of resilience and growth that follow hardship, the album has already received recognition from the SOCAN foundation. This year, Kelly was awarded Emerging Artist by Culture Outaouais and was named by the Ottawa Citizen as one of the city’s top artists to watch in 2020.
Check out their website here
coming soon!
Boreal is the magical musical collaboration of Canadian singer-songwriters Tannis Slimmon, Angie Nussey, and Katherine Wheatley. Renowned for their exquisite harmonies, heartwarming stories, and the unique ability to make everyone in the room feel like part of the show, Boreal creates an unforgettable experience.
David Francey captures their essence perfectly: “Magical’s the word. I was
transported. They are a rare and wonderful band, and they’re not to be
missed.”
Check out their website here
Coming Soon!
Experience the soul-stirring magic of Scotland’s traditional fiddle like never before, with Ryan Young. Breathing new life into the rich tapestry of Scottish music, Ryan’s playing takes you on an evocative journey that lifts the spirit and stirs the soul.
Having toured extensively across the globe—from Australia to Austria in 2024—Ryan continues to captivate audiences. Don’t miss your chance to see him live in 2025!
Join Ryan Young on a musical adventure where tradition meets innovation and melodies tell a timeless tale of Scotland’s heritage. Be part of an unforgettable experience!
Check out their website here
Coming Soon!
A JUNO-nominated songwriter, powerhouse performer, and dynamic arts educator, Treasa Levasseur is a true force in the folk music world. With four self-released albums and a career as both a frontwoman and sought-after side player, she brings a rich, soulful sound and an undeniable stage presence. Beyond performing, Treasa is a passionate community music facilitator, emcee, and pop-up choir leader, dedicated to empowering artists and audiences alike. A proud Franco-Ontarienne and Hamiltonian, she believes in the power of music to inspire and create change. Get ready for a performance filled with heart, soul, and pure musical magic!
Check out their website here
Coming Soon!
From the moment Josh Ritchie steps on stage, it’s clear—he was born to perform. With the confidence of a seasoned frontman, Ritchie delivers larger-than-life rock energy while weaving thought-provoking storytelling into his meticulously crafted songs. An arranger, composer, and poet, he blends powerful lyricism with a deep commitment to using his art as activism. His critically acclaimed album Love at the End of the World explored his experiences growing up BIPOC in rural Ontario, gaining attention from CBC, Cashbox Radio, and Canadian Beats. Now, as he gears up for his third studio album So Much More Than a Dream (coming 2025), audiences can expect a high-energy, heartfelt, and unforgettable performance at Summerfolk50!
Check out their website here
Coming Soon!
A modern-day Pete Seeger, Luke Wallace uses his politically charged folk music to inspire action and spark change. Hailing from Vancouver’s Coast Salish Territory, Luke has spent over a decade touring, recording, and advocating for social and environmental causes. In 2023, he took his message to the global stage as a feature performer at the United Nations Water Conference, the first of its kind in a generation. With hundreds of concerts across North America under his belt, Luke’s music serves as a rallying cry for climate justice and community empowerment. His latest album, The Dandelion Resistance, continues to push the boundaries of folk music, proving that art is a powerful tool for change. Don’t miss his uplifting and thought-provoking set at Summerfolk50!
Check out their website here
Coming Soon!
