Music

Featuring Ottawa storytellers Gail Anglin and Dawn-Xavier Franklin with the music of The Barrow Gang Buskers. Celebrate the end of the season with an entertaining and upbeat evening of stories and songs!

They released their second CD Bonecat III in 2023 which can be found on Apple and Amazon music. They are currently working on material for an upcoming album and video, and booking dates for their summer tour. Over the last several years, Bonecat has performed at Kingston’s Limestone Bluesfest, Kemptville Live, Ottawa’s Capital Fair, Ottawa Bluesfest, and in January 2025, represented OBS at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis Tennessee. Bonecat (Bill St Amand) – Guitar and Vocals The Kraken (Linda Laframboise) – Bass and vocals LDogg (Larry Drescz) – Drums and Vocals

Rootsy arrangements, thoughtful lyrics, stunning harmonies, and hot guitar/violin duels have led people to compare Cornflower Blue to other female/male musical partnerships like Linda and Richard Thompson, and Emmylou Harris and Gram Parsons. They are good people, too. “Cornflower Blue break out of the standard roots pack with good songs, great guitars and that sublime fiddle. A little bit Bottle Rockets, a bit of Sugar, mixed with a healthy dose of twang make Invincible a can’t miss. That’s an order!” – James Mann, Ink 19 Trevor May – Guitar, vocals Theresa McInerney – Guitar, vocals Deanna – Violin Dosh – Bass Ralph – Drums

Having completed a world tour with Cirque Eloize in the cowboy-musical ‘Saloon’, Aiken is back in Ottawa reestablishing roots. Nearly always performing as one half of a duo, Aiken has released music with The Noisy Locomotive, Aiken & Beggs, The Aiken Brothers, and most recently, he released his seminal solo album, Lost, Lonesome Cowboy in 2020. After more than a decade of touring and performing across Canada, Aiken’s latest venture is as one half of C.A. and Sonny. Hailing from New Brunswick, C.A. Jackson has now firmly planted his feet in the Ottawa area. Although he has spent time performing in bands and other ensembles, Jackson has spent countless hours honing his craft. After a fateful year-long pilgrimage to Charlottetown where he spent his secluded days, nourished by his guitar alone, he has ventured back to society to accompany Aiken with his resolute harmonies and relentless fingerpicking.

As a virtuoso harmonica player, talented guitar stylist with a golden throated voice spanning a career over 40 years, Al Wood’s artistry and musicianship are starkly revealed. Wood’s versatility delivers a personal flare by capturing the Chicago style blues traditions and merging a journey of hard core real country, melodic jazz with a diverse array of other influences. Al Wood and the Woodsmen are a harmonica-driven blues band. The Sound meshes an obvious respect and love for the blues with fresh thematic spins that unify audiences without losing the edge. The Woodsmen, featuring the legendary Sobb brothers and highly sought after bassist Dave Schroeder provide the perfect high energy backdrop for a memorable show. Al Wood – Vocals and Harmonica Dave Schroeder – Bass Marty Sobb – Guitar Matt Sobb – Drums

This 6-piece band plays original instrumental music that will rouse a stinkface of admiration from even your most uptight friends. Smelloship released their debut EP in Feb 2024, which has since seen radio play around the world. From being played on CBC’s All in a Day and Saturday Night Jazz shows, to opening for Parliament Funkadelic, Smelloship has been off to a great start. Garett Barr – Bass Chris Elms – Guitar Kim Jackson – Keyboards Andre Ferraton – Drums Brady Leafloor – Tenor sax Chris Burling – Percussion

Despite his recent arrival in the Canadian music scene, his musical journey spans nearly a decade, reaching from his native Bangladesh to iconic venues on Hollywood’s Sunset Strip and Melbourne’s streets. A true musical nomad, Ash Ravens graduated from the Los Angeles College of Music before honing his craft in Australia, where he earned two music degrees from Melbourne Polytechnic and graced some of the nation’s largest music festivals. Throughout his journey, Ash has collaborated with various bands and solo artists in Los Angeles and Melbourne, including touring with country artist Adrian Thomas at the Tamworth Country Music Festival 2016 and performing alongside Tamworth Battle of the Bands 2016 winner Megan Sidwell. Trained by world-renowned music educators at the Los Angeles College of Music, Ash’s guitar style seamlessly blends into any musical setting while retaining his unique musical identity. Now, in Canada, he aims to merge pop, country, rock, and alternative sounds into something fresh and captivating for audiences worldwide.

With a heavy groove behind energetic acoustic guitar riffs and eerie melodic vocals, Evil Creek’s unique high-energy sound leaves audiences in awe. Formed in 2017, the band unites a group of accomplished musicians who capture the power and authenticity of unplugged musical performances honed through years of road work and playing live.

Having completed a world tour with Cirque Eloize in the cowboy-musical ‘Saloon’, Aiken is back in Ottawa reestablishing roots. Nearly always performing as one half of a duo, Aiken has released music with The Noisy Locomotive, Aiken & Beggs, The Aiken Brothers, and most recently, he released his seminal solo album, Lost, Lonesome Cowboy in 2020. After more than a decade of touring and performing across Canada, Aiken’s latest venture is as one half of C.A. and Sonny. Hailing from New Brunswick, C.A. Jackson has now firmly planted his feet in the Ottawa area. Although he has spent time performing in bands and other ensembles, Jackson has spent countless hours honing his craft. After a fateful year-long pilgrimage to Charlottetown where he spent his secluded days, nourished by his guitar alone, he has ventured back to society to accompany Aiken with his resolute harmonies and relentless finger-picking.

When the trio of Daphnee Vandal, Jono Townsend, and Tim Loten first met in September of 2017 they rehearsed as an acoustic folk and bluegrass band. After months of honing their sound, and the addition of hard rock drummer Sam Neumann as well as bassist Sam Robinson, their sound has been transformed into the epic high energy indie experience that it is. An ensemble lead by Daphnée Vandal’s dynamic voice backed by bass, drums, guitar, fiddle, and banjo, RedFox retains their acoustic roots origins, while exploring more electric sounds. The group can trace their influences back to bands such as Punch Brothers, Mumford & Sons and Paramore.

Their expanding catalog of music showcases a fellowship of songwriters building new stories onto tried and tested foundations, all while keeping lyrical focus on friendship and brotherhood. They’ve sold out local venues and opened for legendary Canadian acts such as: I Mother Earth, Sue Foley, David Wilcox and most recently April Wine in October 2023. ‘What I’ve heard so far really showcases the band’s dynamic sound and wide appeal! If you’re a fan of Nathaniel Rateliff, Tom Petty, or having a bevvy by the campfire, you’ll love these guys!’ – Noah Sabourin , Music Director, Live 88.5 Ottawa’s Alternative Rock

the Roots-Music love child of four folks from Ottawa Ontario. “Roots music” is code for “no drummer”. So this band works even harder to inspire foot stomping and hand clapping along to every folk, traditional country, blues, and quirky modern acoustic cover played. Favourites you know from Johnny Cash, Elvis, John Prine and the Stones; plus originals in lock step with that feeling. The Big Train Wreck plays the best vibing music venues in Ottawa and surrounding area– leaving happy crowds wherever they hit the stage.

Tom’s second album “Musta been a Pretty Good Night” was released in October 2012 and his third album “I’m Sick” was released October 2013. The band’s their third album “Down in a Government Town” was release in October 2016. This new record features live favourites such as “One Way Street”, “Family in the Mansion on Parliament Hill”, “It’s a Condo Now!” and the title track “Down in a Government Town”. Together, Slo’ Tom and the Handsome Devils are creating music that combines traditional country arrangements with a dash of Canadiana (think Stompin’ Tom and Gordon Lightfoot) and a endearing sense of humour.

Even after the removal of part of his lung at 17, Ken never lost his desire to sing. Having only one lung has never slowed him down to this day.

Known for their harmonies and humour, the boys and girls treat their audiences to an outstanding range of music from Bob Wills and Cindy Walker to Louis Jordan, Cab Calloway and Dean Martin along with some toe tapping originals from Charlie Sohmer.

Formed in 2017, the band unites a group of accomplished musicians who capture the power and authenticity of unplugged musical performances honed through years of road work and playing live.

We can keep you dancing till closing time and when you’re done we’ll wrap you up in Vintage Country Comfort and then set you up with a soundtrack for while you’re countin’ sheep.

Tom’s second album “Musta been a Pretty Good Night” was released in October 2012 and his third album “I’m Sick” was released October 2013. The band’s their third album “Down in a Government Town” was release in October 2016. This new record features live favourites such as “One Way Street”, “Family in the Mansion on Parliament Hill”, “It’s a Condo Now!” and the title track “Down in a Government Town”.

Currently the band is working with Steve on their upcoming studio album to be released this fall.

Lynda Brown works at Students on Ice, Heidi Langille works at Nvision, both are Royal Canadian Geographic Society Fellows.

With one foot in the narrative folk tradition and another foot in the digital world, Paul frequently combines self-made videos into both his live and online performances, making for an engaging and sometimes educational show. Paul just released, “Ode to Gerry Barber”, a heartfelt collection of songs in a wide range of musical styles. In 2020 he was awarded a Bernard Grand Maître award for his musical contribution to Francophone culture.

With his fusion of strong, profound lyricism accompanied by corresponding influential sounds such as his song “Debwe”, this multi-award nominated, and award winning Hip-Hop/Electronic/Pop artist commands his listeners’ attention by delivering mesmerizing performances.

Her debut album Spare Skirt (2018) had singles “The Moon” and “That is that.” that were both finalists in the Canadian Independent Music Video Awards . Katie’s holiday season release from 2020 “Be Still” was included in the CBC Holiday Playlist and continues to receive airtime on multiple formats including radio stations across Canada at Christmastime. Over the last couple of years, she has been focusing on writing and recording new music. The release of One Voice will be followed up later in 2022 with the release of an adult contemporary pop EP titled In Your Arms .

The original collection of songs were written by Conor, arranged by the band, and was Conor’s final project for his Bachelor of Music degree from Carleton University.

of a garage band, embellished with superior vocal and musical hooks that pull the listener in to each one of the band’s compositions.

This album constitutes a musical map of Matty’s mind for the past few years and all of the major traumas and changes he’s been through on a roughshod soul-rebuilding journey towards self-love. This record also represents the idea that so many things are seemingly simple but very complex in nature, and the power-packed 8 songs speak to those themes: Relationships, Self-Love, Music, The Past, Letting Go, Accepting Pain, Stepping Into Who You Are, and Death and Memory. It’s sonically wilder than anything Graven has done, and that was largely due to Charles Austin (Superfriendz, Neuseiland) running wild on every track and playing several instruments (bass, lead guitars, slide, omnichord and more). Kevin Corbett also added multiple sonic layers (pedal steel, electric guitar, bass) as did Jeff Gay (piano, synth) and the beat and foundation builder Jordan Murphy (Walrus). The songs are also geared towards Graven’s musical heroes in their composition and style as the album documents a lot of his life. It was mixed by JUNO winner Joel Plaskett (who even added a guitar solo on the song “Exploded”) and recorded in Joel’s very own Fang Studios in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia over 6 days.

Tom’s second album “Musta been a Pretty Good Night” was released in October 2012 and his third album “I’m Sick” was released October 2013. The band’s their third album “Down in a Government Town” was release in October 2016. This new record features live favourites such as “One Way Street”, “Family in the Mansion on Parliament Hill”, “It’s a Condo Now!” and the title track “Down in a Government Town”.

He wears his influences on his sleeve – incorporating strong elements of honkytonk country, rockabilly, folk and roots rock into a distinctly identifiable sound – his strong family ties to the Ottawa Valley are referenced in songs like Shawville Girl, Pontiac County Blues, and crowd favourite Big Old American Cars. Ray has released 3 fine albums over the last several years, album #4 and other projects are currently in the works.

You’ll love how they use their instruments to support the music, and highlight just the right aspect of each song. Each member of the band sings lead, so the audience is treated to a great variety of beautiful sounds and song choices. The Monroe Sisters have quickly become an audience favourite.

They write catchy songs with an old-timey feel and play them with heart, wit, and a deep sense of history.

Their music and art are reflective of the highways, back roads and working towns across the country. Formed in 2018, Main Street Revival is the culmination of three veteran songwriters: Alan Charlton, Doug Wallace & Erik Hertzberg. Longtime friends, they grew up with similar influences (The Band, Bruce Springsteen) and continue to share and experience new music (Dr. Dog, Arkells). “Night Rider” came out in February 2019 which kicked off a set of five singles that were released throughout the year culminating in their debut album release in November.

Combining acoustic guitar, pedal steel, violin, mandolin, clarinet and harmonica, this four-piece band creates atmospheric, richly layered songs from the heart and hearth that deliver you gently to a calm and peaceful place. Lingering contemplation of nature and human nature is in abundance here.

of a garage band, embellished with superior vocal and musical hooks that pull the listener in to each one of the band’s compositions.

When the trio of Daphnee Vandal, Jono Townsend, and Tim Loten first met in September of 2017 they rehearsed as an acoustic folk and bluegrass band. After months of honing their sound, and the addition of hard rock drummer Sam Neumann as well as bassist Sam Robinson, their sound has been transformed into the epic high energy indie experience that it is. An ensemble lead by Daphnee Vandal’s dynamic voice backed by bass, drums, guitar, fiddle, and banjo, RedFox retains their acoustic roots origins, while exploring more electric sounds. The group can trace their influences back to bands such as Punch Brothers, Mumford & Sons and Paramore.

Tom’s second album “Musta been a Pretty Good Night” was released in October 2012 and his third album “I’m Sick” was released October 2013. The band’s their third album “Down in a Government Town” was release in October 2016. This new record features live favourites such as “One Way Street”, “Family in the Mansion on Parliament Hill”, “It’s a Condo Now!” and the title track “Down in a Government Town”.

Having played in suburban garage bands since his mid-teens, he began to adapt and progress with the shifting musical terrain around him while still staying true to his idyllic influences. Graven ’s songs are truly atmospheric, raw, passionate, personal and rare – and with a wild, rotating and circus-like band of hyper-talented individuals supporting and accenting him, his music generates interest and intensity. His 2017 album ‘Jaybird’ released three singles (All Roads, Big Lake Sky Summer, In The Woods Of Me) that all received repeated radioplay on CBC, CKCU, CHUO, CKDJ and Live 88.5 FM. His latest single ‘Hymnal’ was produced and engineered by Jim Bryson and has received play on CBC Radio One and made four different ‘Best Of 2018’ lists on CKCU FM.

Inspired by Loretta Lynn, Miranda Lambert, and Kathleen Edwards, Cee is a playful storyteller who writes funny songs about her life.

They write catchy songs with an old-timey feel and play them with heart, wit, and a deep sense of history.

Covers and originals give you all the comforts, with new experience.

April-June edition of Boston-based Skope Magazine’s “Artists to Watch” and had “Do You Mean What You Say” from their “Uncovered” album featured in the 2016 Chicago-based independent film “Darkness Has Covered My Light”.

Having played in suburban garage bands since his mid-teens, he began to adapt and progress with the shifting musical terrain around him while still staying true to his idyllic influences. Graven ’s songs are truly atmospheric, raw, passionate, personal and rare – and with a wild, rotating and circus-like band of hyper-talented individuals supporting and accenting him, his music generates interest and intensity. His 2017 album ‘Jaybird’ released three singles (All Roads, Big Lake Sky Summer, In The Woods Of Me) that all received repeated radioplay on CBC, CKCU, CHUO, CKDJ and Live 88.5 FM. His latest single ‘Hymnal’ was produced and engineered by Jim Bryson and has received play on CBC Radio One and made four different ‘Best Of 2018’ lists on CKCU FM.

outside of a brief brainstorming session with bandmate Scott. He emerged with demos for the songs on that would become the band’s inaugural release; “What’s Left of the Rest of Us” . The record was mixed by Amos the Transparent frontman Jonathan Chandler, mastered by Brian Ruckstuhl of Shoebox Recording Studio, released in June 2018, and is gaining traction on college and university radio stations across Canada.

When the trio of Daphnee Vandal, Jono Townsend, and Tim Loten first met in September of 2017 they rehearsed as an acoustic folk and bluegrass band. After months of honing their sound, and the addition of hard rock drummer Sam Neumann as well as bassist Sam Robinson, their sound has been transformed into the epic high energy indie experience that it is. An ensemble lead by Daphnee Vandal’s dynamic voice backed by bass, drums, guitar, fiddle, and banjo, RedFox retains their acoustic roots origins, while exploring more electric sounds. The group can trace their influences back to bands such as Punch Brothers, Mumford & Sons and Paramore.

The combination of traditional and rock music they are growing up with can be heard in their wide variety of covers, while influences of folk rock bands such as the Avett Brothers, Lumineers and the Jayhawks are the drive behind their energetic originals. Between the three of them they play fiddle, guitar, mandolin, bass, accordion and keys, and have been known to pick up just about any other instrument they might find while touring the region in their dad’s Jetta wagon.

The result has been critical and radio acclaim and an initial record release — ‘Radiance’ — that continues to receive considerable airplay as they put the finishing touches on their second release, which will be available in early 2019.

The album bridges his traditional americana vocals with contemporary folk-rock instrumentation to create the modern honky tonk sound that has become his signature.

This concept has led them to four independently-released albums, heavy gigging throughout Ontario and Quebec, recurring gigs in New York City, and two UK tours.

Even after the removal of part of his lung at 17, Ken never lost his desire to sing. Having only one lung has never slowed him down to this day.

With less emphasis on public appeal or current musical trends, Mosely’s newest release takes the 2013 formed four-piece Alt/Rock group in a more artistic direction. “We made the music we wanted to hear, the music we think needs to be made.” When they aren’t chowing down on tacos, this tight-knit group of seasoned musicians can be found fine-tuning their Halloween costumes or singing karaoke in their beloved home, the nation’s capital of Ottawa ON.

Frontmen Jared Otter and Benjamin Vallée have been making music together since the eighth grade, spending their time in high school discovering americana and growing their musical chemistry together.

Tom’s second album “Musta been a Pretty Good Night” was released in October 2012 and his third album “I’m Sick” was released October 2013. The band’s their third album “Down in a Government Town” was release in October 2016. This new record features live favourites such as “One Way Street”, “Family in the Mansion on Parliament Hill”, “It’s a Condo Now!” and the title track “Down in a Government Town”.

was described in Exclaim magazine -Steve Stacey and company have carjacked Buck Owens, rear-ended John Prine and made off with (at least) a vat of homemade whiskey to create this set of infectious masterpieces.

Boot-stomping, drum-driven sing-alongs, give way to eerie harmonies, subtle synthesizers, tantalizing guitar riffs, which support soaring lead vocals. The songs weave in and out, endings and beginnings blur, subtle to heavy and back.

Their show is energetic and interactive featuring dance moves for the kids, jokes for the adults, dramatic props, great guitar licks and just a itty bitty little tiny bit of education (a couple of the guys are teachers).

The combination of traditional and rock music they are growing up with can be heard in their wide variety of covers, while influences of folk rock bands such as the Avett Brothers, Lumineers and the Jayhawks are the drive behind their energetic originals. Between the three of them they play fiddle, guitar, mandolin, bass, accordion and keys, and have been known to pick up just about any other instrument they might find while touring the region in their dad’s Jetta wagon.

Donnelly is the main songwriter and upright bass player in The Kingmakers (SUN Studio, Cowboy Jack Clement’s studio, Hi-Style Studio Chicago) and plays with Drive-In Radio, Ray Harris, Uncle Sean, Lefty McRighty, Jimmy George and has played with many more while also running his studio Tenvolt Audio.

“The deep emotion of the lyrics is matched by a lived-in, dense instrumentation of guitar, pedal steel, banjo and organ” Fateema Sayani, Ottawa Citizen “Poorly Kept Secrets” (2012), was called “the best of Canada’s ‘new wave’ (of country music)” by Country Music People magazine, UK. “Ray Harris, veteran of the Ottawa music scene, should be a secret no more” Kickin’ Cuts, Country Music People Magazine (UK).

We’re a four piece country band – acoustic guitar, chicken pickin’ electric, bass and drums. Lots of harmonies and funny lyrics. Slo’ Tom and the Handsome Devils formed around 2009 and our album "Musta Been a Pretty Good Night!" was released in October 2012. Our 2013 album "I’m Sick" received rave reviews and we had a song chosen by the Ottawa Citizen as one of the Top

With introspective, playful lyrics, powerful guitar riffs and solos, and a fun, engaging band chemistry, Arms delivers solid, memorable performances. Notable shows include Mountain Man Music Festival and Ottawa Bluesfest.

The title track and first single off the album, “Kinda Sets The Tone”, swings its way right across your heartbreak. His wry humour glints in “Rain On Your Thunder (The Spanish Imposition)”, a passion for cars shines clearly in “Big Old American Cars” and “Margaret’s Waltz” is an out and out love song. In thirteen full band tracks, this album covers the gamut from blues to country to folk. Ray’s first release, “East End, West End, North End, South End” (2009), gave us rootsy music worthy of our time. “The deep emotion of the lyrics is matched by a lived-in, dense instrumentation of guitar, pedal steel, banjo and organ” Fateema Sayani, Ottawa Citizen “Poorly Kept Secrets” (2012), was called “the best of Canada’s ‘new wave’ (of country music)” by Country Music People magazine, UK

Her stage persona is large, but don’t confuse her hammy side for a lack of talent. The gal — a teacher with the Ottawa school board by day — can sing. She really hit a high note with the release of their fifth album, C’Mon . It shows a band moving from early punk influences into a blues-rock sound that amplifies Hogan’s breathy, heartachin’ voice, bringing to mind Patsy Cline and Dusty Springfield. (Ottawa Magazine, Dayanti Karunaratne)

Built on the foundation that "it’s all about the song", the band delivers powerful vocals with strong supportive instrumentals rooted in a traditional sound – from the early hard-edged blues through gospel and on to today’s great songwriters, including original compositions. Heart, drive, deep blues, inspiration, a tight vocal blend, fun filled interplay, and an intimate relationship with the audience are some of the things that describe a Maple Hill performance.

The combination of traditional and rock music they are growing up with can be heard in their wide variety of covers, while influences of folk rock bands such as the Avett Brothers, Lumineers and the Jayhawks are the drive behind their energetic originals. Between the three of them they play fiddle, guitar, mandolin, bass, accordion and keys, and have been known to pick up just about any other instrument they might find while touring the region in their dad’s Jetta wagon.

Joined by veteran percussionist Martin Agard, Trailer for Rent is a dynamic trio that plays everything from Celtic to Contemporary. The band’s polished harmonies, driving rhythms, and obvious enjoyment of playing together have made the group a local favourite. They love to jam, and lend their unique sound to everything, from Blue Rodeo to Mumford and Sons, Steve Earl, Lumineers, and much more.

You’ll hear surprisingly hummable, temptingly strummable original tunes designed and performed in a manner that it is certain to make you smile. Add in beautiful backups and theatrical nonsense from an ever-increasing group of musical misfits and you’ve got a show that you won’t soon forget.