The Winterfolk XIII Blues & Roots Festival brings us a stellar lineup of artists for its 13th annual edition; taking place February 13 – 15. A variety of music styles will fill five stages in various venues at Broadview and Danforth in Toronto. Venues include The Black Swan Tavern, The Globe Bistro, Dora Keogh’s and Terri O’s.
The festival launches Friday night at The Black Swan, with gritty blues performer Alfie Smith, best known for his resophonic guitar playing and brazen slide licks, followed by New Orleans jazz-style paraders The Heavyweights Brass Band. Then renowned blues-rocker Jack de Keyzer headlines the Winterfolk All-Star Blues Band with award-winning bassist Gary Kendall of Downchild, Al Lerman of Fathead, and more.
Other performances to catch at this year’s festival include:
Songs and Stories‘ host Danny Marks is joined by Tony Quarrington, Jory Nash and Ben Sures to play their tunes and spin their tales at this concert stage.
Saturday, February 14
The inaugural all-female Lilith Comes to Winterfolk presentation features Canadian songwriters Lynn Miles, Lynn Harrison, Soozi Schlanger of Swamperella, Rae Billing and Shawna Caspi.
Also on Saturday in time for Valentine’s Day, Love at Winterfolk highlights sultry singer-songwriter Laura Fernandez, hillbilly swing duo HOTCHA!, the return of the Trio of Fun (with Ken Whiteley, Wendell Ferguson, and Tony Quarrington), and closing Cajun party band Swamperella.
Sunday, February 15
Duelling Banjos: Long time feuding clans presents Frank Evans, John Millard, members from Andrew Collins Trio, and Kitgut Stringband to converge for a Bluegrass Hootenanny to settle things.
Nik Beat: A Celebration of Life: Celebrating the life and art of Poet and Musician, the late Nik Beat, join Host Michael Oesch and artists Jennifer Hosein, Nancy Bullis, Laura L’Rock, Pat Kelly, Michael Marion, Michael Marion, Pat Connors, Laura Fernandez and more.
These are but a few highlights of what Winterfolk is serving up this upcoming weekend. Last year’s festival had me forgetting all about the winter blahs with some excellent music, and new favourite artists too! For performance listings, venues, and ticket information, visit winterfolk.com.
