Toronto’s 18th Annual Winterfolk Blues and Roots Festival will take place from February 21-23, 2020, in Toronto’s ANNEX. the three-day event 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.
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.”
Advanced wristband sales for Winterfolk XVIII are now closed, but will be available for purchase at the door on festival weekend. Wristbands allow entry to more than 90 performances and the ability to avoid lineups at the door; there are three additional and separate ticketed events.
Winterfolk XVIII — Blues and Bluegrass
Separate Ticketed Event feat. Ken Whiteley, The Layrite Boys, Chris Whiteley & Diana Braithwaite
Friday, February 21st, 7:00 pm @ the Tranzac Club
292 Brunswick Ave, Toronto ON
$15 in Advance / $25 @ the Door
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/blues-and-bluegrass-tickets-91238383461
Winterfolk XVIII — They Put The Folk in Winterfolk
Separate Ticketed Event feat. James Gordon, Jon Brooks & Lynn Miles
Saturday, February 22nd, 7:00 pm @ the Tranzac Club
292 Brunswick Ave, Toronto ON
$15 in Advance / $25 @ the Door
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/they-put-the-folk-in-winterfolk-tickets-91241354347
Winterfolk XVIII — Jack de Keyzer Double Bill
Separate Ticketed Event feat. Evolution of Blues Guitar & Blues Guitar Jam
Sunday, February 23rd, 1:00 pm @ the Tranzac Club
292 Brunswick Ave, Toronto ON
$15 in Advance / $25 @ the Door
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/jack-de-keyzer-double-bill-evolution-of-blues-guitar-blues-guitar-jam-tickets-91224869039