Winterfolk, Toronto’s beloved annual celebration of folk, blues, and roots music, returns for its 23rd year from Feb. 14-16 at the Tranzac Club. This year’s festival promises an extraordinary mix of established artists, including Michael Jerome Browne, Dala, Donné Roberts, Russell deCarle, Amanda Rheaume and Tannis Slimmon, alongside emerging talent and community-driven performances, all set to reignite the spirit of live music and inspire audiences of all ages.
This year’s festival features a lineup that combines iconic performers with fresh, youthful energy to ensure the continued evolution of roots music. According to festival founder Brian Gladstone, “Amid declining resources and shrinking audiences, Winterfolk is focused on rebuilding for a sustainable and vibrant future by presenting young emerging talent — a voice from the future that ensures the evolution and vitality of roots music.” The highlights:
Feb. 14 | Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Valentine Voices: A Night of Female Power, featuring performances by Lynn Miles, Melanie Peterson and more artists TBA. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show ends at 11 p.m.
Feb. 15 | A full day of music, including fan-favorite artists Dala, Robert Priest, Tannis Slimmon, Noah Zacharin, Lynn Harrison, Brian Gladstone and Laura Fernandez, as well as The Blues of Winterfolk showcase starring Toronto Blues Society rising star Jesse Greene and friends. Additional workshops and guitar sessions will round out the day. Doors open at noon and the music goes until 11 p.m.
Feb. 16 | The festival shines a spotlight on community music organizations and talent like Ken Whiteley, Michael Jerome Browne and Amanda Rheaume, providing a glimpse into the past and future of folk, blues, and roots music. Doors open at noon and the show wraps at 9 p.m.
Since its inception, Winterfolk has championed the rich traditions of folk, blues, and roots music while offering a platform for emerging voices in the industry. Over the years, the festival has grown from a grassroots effort to an event that draws over 150 performers and a diverse audience. Beyond showcasing exceptional talent, Winterfolk creates opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and connection within the music community. Beyond performances, Winterfolk offers workshops, seminars, and discussions designed to engage audiences on a deeper level. These activities provide opportunities to learn about the rich history of roots music and connect with the vibrant Toronto music scene.
Like many festivals, Winterfolk faces challenges as it continues to recover from the pandemic. Despite a low-budget year, all signs point to success as audiences, sponsors, and grants steadily return. Gladstone remains optimistic: “It takes a community to build a festival, and Winterfolk’s success has been a true partnership with our fans, audiences, artists, and supporters. Together, we’ve grown the festival, enriched the roots music scene, and strengthened the Toronto music community.”
For tickets and more information, visit Winterfolk’s website.
