Winterfolk XXIII: Celebrating 23 Years of Folk, Blues, and Roots Music in Toronto
Winterfolk, Toronto’s beloved annual celebration of folk, blues, and roots music, returns for its 23rd year from February 14–16, 2025, at the iconic Tranzac Club. This year’s festival promises an extraordinary mix of established artists, including Michael Jerome Browne, Dala, Sultans Of String, 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.
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 a highly respected event that draws over 150 performers and a diverse audience annually. Beyond showcasing exceptional talent, Winterfolk creates opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and connection within the music community.
The full lineup includes: Amanda Rheaume, Brian Blain, Brian Gladstone, Brian Morgan, Camie, Cathy Anne, D’Arcy Wickham, DALA, Danny Marks, David Newland, Donné Roberts, Glen Hornblast, Harpin’ Norm, Howard Gladstone, Jesse Greene, Jessica Stuart, Ken Whiteley, Laura Fernandez, Lynn Harrison, Lynn Miles, Melanie Peterson, Michael Jerome Browne, Noah Zacharin, Q & A, Robert Priest & the Revelations, Russell deCarle, Shawna Caspi, Sultans of String – Trio, Suzie Vinnick, Tannis Slimmon & Lewis Melville, The Mid-Century Modernes, Tony Quarrington, Tyler Ellis, Wild Bloom.
This year’s festival focuses on rebuilding and revitalization, presenting a lineup that combines iconic performers with fresh, youthful energy to ensure the continued evolution of roots music. According to Winterfolk 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.”
Highlights of Winterfolk XXIII
- Opening Night – Friday, February 14, 2025: Celebrate Valentine’s Day with “Valentine Voices: A Night of Female Power,” featuring performances by Lynn Miles, Melanie Peterson, and more artists to be announced.
- Saturday, February 15, 2025: 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.
- Sunday, February 16, 2025: The festival shines a spotlight on community music organizations and talent like Ken Whiteley, Michael Jerome Browne, Amanda Rheaume, providing a glimpse into the past and future of folk, blues, and roots music.
- Winterfolk XXIII’s lineup features a mix of celebrated names and rising stars, including Michael Jerome Browne, Donné Roberts, Russell deCarle, Dala, Amanda Rheaume, Tannis Slimmon & Lewis Melville, Harpin’ Norm Lucien, Jesse Greene, and many more.
- In addition to its artist showcases, Winterfolk is partnering with local organizations such as the Toronto Folk Festival, Brampton Folk Festival, and Seneca College Music Program to amplify their work and foster greater collaboration within the music community.
Beyond performances, Winterfolk XXIII 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.”
Winterfolk XXIII invites music lovers, families, and friends to experience three unforgettable days of live music, community connection, and cultural celebration. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering the festival for the first time, Winterfolk offers something truly special for everyone.
For tickets and more information, visit Winterfolk’s Official Website.