BarrieFolk is excited to announce that we will be presenting a fall concert series again at the MacLaren Art Gallery in Barrie. Ticket information will be available soon.

Line-up and dates:

Friday, Sept. 21

MARK REEVES

Friday, Oct. 19

KAREN SAVOCA

Friday, Nov. 2

JORY NASH

Friday, Dec. 14

Songs for a Snowy Evening featuring

KATHERINE WHEATLEY, JUDE VADALA and TANNIS SLIMMON

Join BarrieFolk at this year’s EcoFest! We will be hosting a day of music on June 9 and 10 (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Please join us down by the waterfront; no admission.

Below is the line-up of performers.

SATURDAY, JUNE 9

11 a.m. Cameron Austin

Cameron’s folk-rock sound features percussive rhythms, peppered with latin, blues, jazz, country, and folk flavours.  His latest album, Seems To Me, is a perfect road trip-window down, wind in your hair, arms out the window, feet on the dashboard; freedom and escape with the heat and grittiness of asphalt and gravel .  This talented Barrie performer plays music for long, hot summer nights. Visit www.cameronaustin.com for more information.

 12 p.m. Jon Mackey

Jon Mackey is a folk singer-songwriter from the small town of Fesserton, Ontario. Jon took an interest in music in his early teenage years by teaching himself how to play the guitar and conquering his stagefright. The 20 year old presently juggles his academic and musical careers while studying kinesiology at Sir Wilfred Laurier University.

The inspiration for his music comes from everything he experiences in his life. While some of his songs, such as ‘Rolling Stone’,  are focused around meaningful ideas, like making sense of a world full of uncertainty, others reflect on the humourous side of life’s experiences. With influences such as Jack Johnson, Mason Jennings, Sublime and Joe Purdy, you could say that Jon’s music is a hybrid of folk/rock/reggae.

1 p.m. Vince Therrien 

Vince’s original songs uniquely capture the feel of traditional Country music. His songs hold equal parts truth and fiction shared with humour and sorrow. He is influenced by country greats such as Hank Williams and Willy Nelson, and more current singer-songwriters such as Jenny Whiteley and Ron Sexsmith.  His song writing was showcased when he played with the country-roots band Three Penny Opus. Three Penny Opus released 2 albums, played at several festivals in Ontario, received airplay in several countries, and even won a spot to play the famed Havelock Country Jamboree. Music has also allowed Vince to share the stage at songwriting workshops with artists such as Fred Penner, The Whiteley Brothers, and Charlie Sohmer. In 2005 Vince won the Northern Ontario Music & Film award for Best Songwriter.  Vince not only has a suitcase of songs; he also possesses a charming stage presence and a voice to boot! From roots in the Canadian Shield, love and work led Vince to Southern Ontario where he has made Barrie his home.

2 p.m. Glenn McFarlane

Glenn hails originally from New Brunswick and now makes his home in Brampton. In addition to his solo endeavours, he is also one/half of the Celtic and East Coast duo Brown Ale and one/third of the Celtic-Rock trio Celteclectic. Glenn is a multi-instrumentalist (guitar, harmonica, mandolin, accordion, bouzouki) who is the President and co-founder of the Brampton Folk Club, the 2009 Brampton Arts Person of the Year and a songwriter who was honoured with the 2011 OCFF Songs From the Heart Winner (Humour). On his latest CD, Food For Thought, his familiar Celtic/East Coast sound is coloured with shades of country, western, folk, rock and world music; McFarlane showcases his diverse skills not only as a singer and entertainer, but as a songwriter. For more on Glenn, visit www.glennmcfarlane.ca.

 3 p.m.  Kirsten Scholte

Kirsten Scholte, more commonly known as ‘Kirty’ is a 23-year old singer/songwriter from Orillia. Playing guitar and singing since the age of 16 and studying music throughout high school, Kirty inevitably went on to study music at Humber College (majoring in voice) where she eventually formed her four-piece band. In the summer of 2011 Kirty had the honour of playing the Mariposa Folk Festival in her hometown. Kirty’s music can be described as a modern day roots genre, earthy and inviting. The combination of her sound and lyrics creates an inviting atmosphere for the audience. For more on Kirsten visit www.kirtymusic.com.

 4 p.m.  Mitchell Wilson

Combining old and new, Mitchell Wilson’s music could be called a number of things: roots, folk-rock, alternative country. But to Mitchell it’s just music. Born in Toronto and raised in Barrie, the 22-year old has honed his abilities in the area’s rich folk music scene but he has never felt trapped by it. With a sound that moves between country, blues, traditional folk and rock, those who find Mitchell performing around his adopted home town are bound to hear songs by an eclectic mix of artists including The Rolling Stones, The Band, Gram Parsons, Ryan Adams, Steve Earle, John Prine, Jay Farrar and more.

SUNDAY, JUNE 10

11 a.m. Jeff Williams

Jeff Williams is a singer/songwriter who has fronted two local bands (Still Motion, Pholk Jam Gheri) and also plays solo. Along with coffee houses and pubs Jeff also plays in local festivals. He has two CD’s and his tribute to our troops called “The Soldier’s Song” has been profiled and played by Canadian Forces Radio Europe and The Peak FM in Collingwood. If music with an earthy style of maritime folk rock with introspective lyrics and contagious melodies is your cup of tea, don’t miss this fine performer.

 12 p.m.  Pete Eastmure

Pete Eastmure Pete has always followed his music – as a young man he traded Northern Ontario farm life for journeys across California and New Mexico, coming up through the folk-rock scene in Atlantic Canada. He is a prolific singer-songwriter in his creative prime, whose voice is emerging as a beacon for his generation.  Pete draws on his life experience to create iconic songs, rich in character and emotion, distilled by time to reveal truths about today.  Like any well-spun tales, Pete’s songs evoke contrasting moods as demonstrated on his latest release Songs For Mezz, (named for his daughter), which features songs that sketch out episodes from his life starting with his days as a truth seeking hitchhiker to warm  tracks about love and family.

 1 p.m. Sarah Calvert 

Sarah Calvert is a modern day Renaissance woman who adorns many hats as an award-winning performing singer-songwriter, producer, assistant musical theatre director, former high school English teacher, freelance journalist, extreme freestyle skiing competitor, ski, sailing and Kundalini Yoga instructor, mantra musician, world traveller and all around swell gal. She’s been characterized as “A rare vintage blend of Norah Jones and Debbie Harry, this full-bodied singer-songwriter mingles roots and jazz, for a heady blues infusion.”  For more on Sarah, visit www.sarahcalvert.ca.

2 p.m.  Mark Martyre

Mark was the songwriter, lead singer, and guitarist for Toronto-based rock band Montague Street. Recently Mark has decided to take his songwriting, introspective lyrics, and engaging live show to audiences as a solo performer. This year Mark is set to create a buzz with his refreshing country-rock sound in live shows and through a new, full length album.

 3 p.m.  Georgie Luttrell

With fewer years behind her than most performers, Georgie has been playing and writing music for five years. Her influences are obvious in her sound as a singer/songwriter whose music is very acoustically anchored with a lived-in pop sensibility. Georgie is currently working on new material and building up her foundation as an independent artist and is in no rush to complete the process as she feels she still has much to learn. Her debut on record, Falling, is a self-recorded and mixed original composition that is one of the many highlights on Seneca College’s IMP16 compilation. Keep an eye open for this talented young chanteuse in the coming months as she begins to leave the nest behind and spread her artistic wings.

 4 p.m.  Scott Cooper

Scott Cooper writes and plays laid back-to-basics folky pop music that’s firmly rooted in a love and appreciation of life’s tiniest and oft-missed details. As the adage goes, “take care of the small details, the big ones will take care of themselves.”

Through several years of critically acclaimed recordings and strong live performances, Scott has established himself on the Canadian music scene, garnering audience loyalty throughout Ontario, and currently expanding to Quebec and Western Canada.

His music has been used in both film and television (you’ve heard him on The Food Network’s smash “The Surreal Gourmet”, CTV’s “Heartland”, and PBS’ “Roadtrip Nation”). Cooper’s music also receives regular rotation on CBC and satellite radio across the country, and has charted on college/campus radio across North America, UK, and Germany.

Unplugged Saturday Nights Open Stage at the Barrie Public Library (60 Worsley St). Doors open at 7pm. For more info e-mail kcpttrsn@gmail.com. The open stage will be hosted in a song circle format, allowing more performers to take part in an acoustic, intimate setting.

Unplugged Saturday Nights Open Stage at the Barrie Public Library (60 Worsley St). Doors open at 7pm, music starts at 7:30pm. For more info e-mail kcpttrsn@gmail.com. The open stage will be hosted in a song circle format, allowing more performers to take part in an acoustic, intimate setting.

The Barrie Folk Society Annual General Meeting will take place on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 5:15 pm at the Barrie Public Library (60 Worsley St).  The AGM will be followed by the regular monthly Open Stage (doors open at 7pm, music starts at 7:30pm.)

Anyone interested in the Barrie Folk Society’s future direction and plans for the upcoming year,  are welcome to attend the Annual General Meeting at 5:15 pm.  In matters requiring a vote, members in good standing (you can renew your membership at the AGM) may place a vote.

A reminder of the AGM and an agenda will be sent out Monday, Feb. 20.   In the meantime, please note the date and time on your calendar.

Unplugged Saturday Nights Open Stage at the Barrie Public Library (60 Worsley St). Doors open at 7pm, music starts at 7:30pm. For more info e-mail kcpttrsn@gmail.com. Please note, there will be a new format starting in January. The open stage will be hosted in a song circle format, allowing more performers to take part in an acoustic, intimate setting.

BarrieFolk takes a road trip to Moonstone on Saturday, June 16 for a potluck gathering/concert featuring John Prince and The End of the Road. Long an Ives family favourite, this trio delivers a diverse mix of traditional, maritime, celtic folk and bluegrass with unsurpassed energy and heart. End of the Road is the perfect vehicle to share familiar traditional songs and a repertoire of original John Prince compositions. Strong vocal harmonies and lyrical melodies present a memorable musical experience that leaves audiences yearning for more. Set in a beautiful log and timberframed home, concert goers are invited to bring along their favourite dish and share the true community of our folk roots. The show starts at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $20; BFS members receive a $2 rebate at the door.  To reserve your seat, e-mail cyberfolkie@hotmail.com or call 705.322.3349.

Unplugged Saturday Nights Open Stage at the Barrie Public Library (60 Worsley St). Doors open at 7pm, music starts at 7:30pm. For more info e-mail kcpttrsn@gmail.com. Please note, there will be a new format starting in January. The open stage will be hosted in a song circle format, allowing more performers to take part in an acoustic, intimate setting.

The Barrie Folk Society is thrilled to host East Coast sensation David Gunning in a house concert on Friday, May 4 at Patty and Ginny’s. The show starts at 8 p.m. Still a few seats available, but they’re going fast!

This Pictou County, Nova Scotia born and bred singer-songwriter and working class hero has built up from humble beginnings to a point where his name is regularly included in conversation with artists such as David Francey, James Keelaghan, Ron Hynes, Stan Rogers, Bruce Cockburn and Gordon Lightfoot. Writing from a sonic menu that includes flavors of Irish, Scottish, French Acadian, folk and country musical styles, Dave transcends genre with songs that fill your senses and touch your soul.

Dave has been awarded six East Coast Music Awards since 2003 and took home two 2011 ECMA Awards for his recording, “a tribute to John Allan Cameron” (Roots Traditional Recording of the Year and Producer of the Year) and four Canadian Folk Music Awards nominations (Traditional Album, Traditional Singer, New Emerging Artist and Producer of the Year). Gunning was the winner of the Indie International Song Contest (for his song, Hard Workin’ Hands, co-written with Ron Hynes) and has been awarded a finalist in the Great American Song Contest, the USA Songwriting Competition, the John Lennon Songwriting Contest and the International Songwriting Contest. All of the hardware and certificates aside, however, it is the personal connection that Gunning’s music engenders that is the greatest testament to his craft.

A seasoned performer and entertainer, Dave has toured extensively both solo and with his band, performing to sold-out venues, festivals, house concerts and theatres throughout Canada, the U.S., the U.K. , Ireland and Denmark. Engaging and charismatic, Dave’s magnetic gift of captivating audiences by creating a bond through down-to-earth details, homespun humour and seasoned musicianship will be in full display as he continues to tour in support of the latest chapter of a career heading for international recognition.

Tickets are $20; BFS members receive a $2 rebate at the door.

To reserve your seat, please call 705.431.7182 or e-mail ginnyc649@hotmail.com.

For more information on Dave, visit www.davegunning.com.

Watch Dave live now!

The Barrie Folk Society is excited about this upcoming house concert featuring Scott Cooper and Rob Szabo at Elaine and Pat’s. The show takes place on Friday, March 9 (8 p.m.). Please note the new date for this show.

Scott Cooper writes and plays laid back-to-basics folky pop music that’s firmly rooted in a love and appreciation of life\’s tiniest and oft-missed details. As the adage goes, “take care of the small details, the big ones will take care of themselves.”

For more information on Scott, visit www.scottcoopermusic.com.

Watch Scott live now!

Hailed by the press as a “gifted musician” with “the soul of a poet” and “a voice of tremendous power and whimsy,” Toronto-based Rob Szabo is a tireless solitary touring troubadour, an acclaimed songwriter and in- demand record producer. His studio recordings get raved about by press, both in Canada and the U.S., where he\’s been called “Cobain-worthy” and “like-prime Costello.” Szabo`s crowdfunded self-titled fifth studio album is a dark and intimate recording prominently featuring his voice and acoustic guitar with dashes of horns, strings and ambient atmospherics. His fans always mention Rob\’s ever-present wry smile, and how he makes you feel like you\’re in on a shared secret.

For more information on Rob, visit www.robszabo.com.

Watch him live now!

Tickets $20; BFS members receive a $2 rebate at the door.  To reserve your seat call 705.719.6654 or e-mail emurray@georgianc.on.ca.