Winterfolk XVIII is Set for February 21st, 22nd & 23rd in Toronto’s ANNEX
More than 100+ Artists on 5 Stages for 3 Days of Music
With Winterfolk XVIII around the corner, time is running short for local live music fans to nab ‘early bird’ wristbands at $15 each — a 40% savings; the special pre-2020 offer is available until December 31st.
Set to celebrate its 18th year, Toronto’s long-running annual Winterfolk Blues and Roots Festival sends a clear signal that folk, roots and blues are among the city’s most beloved and sought-after genres.
After all, what else but one of Canadian music’s most continuously growing genre sets could inspire fans of all ages to flock to the heart of the city in the midst of a true-blue Canadian winter? 18 years and running?
Scheduled for February 21st, 22nd and 23rd, the three-day Winterfolk Blues and Roots Festival will feature more than 100 blues, rock, jazz, country, folk, and roots artists across five stages in a stellar lineup of multi-JUNO, Maple Blues, and Canadian Folk Music award winners.
JUNO and multi-Canadian Folk Music award winner Lynn Miles, JUNO Award-winning blues artist Jack de Keyzer, authentic Cajun/Zydeco band Swamperella, multi-award winning guitarist Wendell Ferguson — and many more — are among the headliners set to take one of five stages between the Festival’s two new venues: The Tranzac Club (292 Brunswick Ave) and The Annex Hotel (296 Brunswick Ave).
As for the additional performers, their combined stacks of accolades are too tall to tally.
The rest of the weekend will feature Alfie Smith & Nicole Christian, Barbara Lynch, Ben Sures, Bill Heffernan, Brian Blain, Clela Errington, D’Arcy Wickham & Son, Dan McVeigh, Danny Marks, David McLachlan, David Storey, Diana Braithwaite & Chris Whiteley, Donné Roberts, Faith Nolan, Gathering Sparks, Glen Hornblast, Heather Luckhart, Howard Gladstone, Isaak Bonk, James Gordon, Jerome Tucker Band, Jon Brooks & The Outskirts of Approval, Kevin Breit, Kyp Harness, Laura Fernandez, Lynn Harrison, Lynn Miles, Meg Tennant, Melanie Peterson, Mike McKenna, Mr. Rick, Noah Zacharin, Ori Dagan, Q&A – Zoey Adams & Tony Quarrington, Saije, Sam Broverman, Sebastian Agnello, Soozi Schlanger, Sue & Dwight, Suzanne Jarvie, Taylor Abrahamse, Terry Jones, The Layrite Boys, Vivienne Wilder, Wayne Neon, and more.
Jack de Keyzer
The Winterfolk Blues and Roots Festival was founded by Festival Director Brian Gladstone, and is a division of The Association of Artists for a Better World, a registered non-profit organization.
“This year, we’re celebrating Winterfolk’s 18th birthday and its move west to two new venues in Toronto’s historic Annex neighbourhood,” says Gladstone. “We’re thrilled that Winterfolk XVIII will feature stages in such culturally significant, warmly intimate, and welcoming, inviting venues.
“This year’s combined celebration has affirmed what we in Toronto have long-recognized: this city has an unwavering commitment to musical excellence.”
Those planning to attend can currently save 40% on early bird passes; Winterfolk XVIII wristbands are on sale for $15 until December 31st, 2019, and will ship January 2nd, 2020. Wristbands allows entry to more than 90 performances and the ability to avoid lineups at the door; there are four additional and separate ticketed events.
Winterfolk gratefully acknowledges the generous support of the Department of Canadian Heritage, its media partner TBS, and it’s envoy of dedicated volunteers; those available for volunteer opportunities can visit here.
Of note, The Tranzac Club is an accessible location, and The Annex Hotel is offering festival goers 15% savings on their room reservation with the code WINTERFOLKANNEX — details are available on their website here.
