Toronto-based singer-songwriter Shawna Caspi takes her time crafting lyrics that are poetic and meaningful, often using unusual rhymes and surprising turns of phrase. She spent years on the road playing solo shows at festivals and in concert halls, train cars, backyards, and living rooms, supporting her warm, clear voice with intricate fingerstyle guitar accompaniment, and drawing energy from shifting landscapes and long drives through Canada and the United States. After taking a break from the road to rest, reflect, and write, Shawna returns with her fifth album, Hurricane Coming, a collection of raw, deeply personal songs set against a backdrop of colourful cinematic soundscapes. Shawna also created a series of abstract paintings inspired by the songs on the album, seamlessly combining her work as a musician and visual artist.

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https://tylercraigmusic.com/

Born in Perth and raised amidst the small town rhythms of Eastern Ontario, Tyler learned early that music could be both refuge and community, a lesson that would shape his approach to songwriting.As a teenager, he split his time between hardcore bands and the quiet pull of country music, absorbing the craft of storytelling from writers like Guy Clark and John Prine. That blend of grit and reflection would later define his own voice, earnest, grounded, and deeply human.After nearly two decades of performing mostly behind the scenes, Tyler confronted health challenges in 2021 and 2022. The pause gave him a new perspective, and he returned to music with renewed focus, leaning on the community that had nurtured him since childhood. In 2023, he began writing seriously, quickly amassing the material for his debut album. He recorded it at Brock Zeman’s studio with The Weber Brothers as his backing band, and it was polished by Steve Foley at Ottawa’s Audio Valley Recording Studio. The record captures Tyler’s blend of roots, country, and narrative-driven songwriting.Following his album release show at Bowie’s in Smiths Falls, Tyler has been steadily performing throughout the Ottawa Valley, crafting songs that draw from lived experience and a lifetime of listening. He is currently at work on his second album, slated for early 2026.

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James Gedda Music

Taking their namesake from a track off their 2022 album “Heartache Kid,” Matt Moran & the Palominos were born.

Following the release of Heartache Kid, they hit the road at a near constant pace. This work ethic has garnered them a loyal fanbase as well as mentions on national outlets such as American Songwriter and Saving Country Music. They are currently working on their next full-length album. “It’s definitely alternative country,” says Moran. “We’re taking things up a notch.”

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Bree Taylor’s artistry has already been recognized with nominations, competition placements, and national attention, but her journey is only just beginning. With her “Rebel Country” sound, undeniable stage presence, and relentless drive, she is poised to become not just a Canadian success story, but an international force in country music. Bree Taylor is a fearless songwriter and performer, and her story is one of resilience, passion and the power of chasing a dream without compromise.

https://www.breetaylor.com/

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Joel Brogon is a Folk/Americana Singer/Songwriter from South Texas. His musical journey is deeply influenced by a rich tapestry of genres, drawing inspiration from classic Singer/Songwriters, folk sounds of the 70s, and traditional 90s Country music. At the heart of Brogon’s artistry lies a profound commitment to narrative storytelling, weaving tales inspired by his own life experiences and those of the community around him. Through his songs, he sheds light on a wide range of topics, from the beauty of nature to social justice issues like LGBTQ+ rights and environmental stewardship. Brogon’s preference for small-scale performances speaks to his desire for intimacy and connection with his audience. He values the shared experience of music in close quarters, where the audience can truly engage with the stories he shares. Beyond his musical endeavours, Joel Brogon is deeply entrenched in local activism and serves as a spiritual leader within his community. He shares his life with his husband Christopher and their fur-children, embodying the values of love, inclusivity, and compassion both on and off the stage.

https://www.joelbrogon.com/

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REVIEWS:

"Ann Ramsey offers a rare combination of musical, vocal and songwriting delight. Her guitar playing and vocal clarity work together in a way that sweetly carry the evocative lyrics of her originals and timeless covers, captivating the listener and leaving us eager for more.

Ann is as good a performer -- and as nice a person -- as they come. Find out for yourself!"

--Andy Phillips, Host, Music Makers Open Mic

"Ann Ramsey creates beautiful and hypnotic contemporary folk songs with a nod to traditional folk stories and harmonies. Her voice and intricate guitar-playing draw you into each song. A wonderful performer and person, whose music and performances you should seek out."

--Tom Cooney, Recording Artist & Host, Philadelphia Folksong Society/Philadelphia Area Songwriters Alliance Open Mic

"Ann is a fingerstyle, classic-sounding folk singer-songwriter, who is creating for herself a niche: great stories with a distinct Anglo-Celtic feel that’s all her own. On top of it, her voice is reminiscent of Judy Collins!!”

--Rob Lincoln, Co-Chair, Philadelphia Area Songwriters Alliance

From soft-spoken fingerpicking to full-band barn-burners, singer/songwriter VANCAMP crafts award-winning songs that walk the line between quiet vulnerability and crowd-lifting energy. While rooted in folk, VANCAMP’s sound draws just as much from indie rock and alt-pop — pairing shimmering guitars and layered harmonies with raw, reflective songwriting. The project began in the quiet moments of the pandemic and quickly found traction as live shows returned — rooted in a desire to connect with others through music that doesn’t hide what it means.

https://vancampmusic.net/

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Rushfest has already happened. Sometimes the Lonesome Cowboy schedule doesn’t sync up with events. It’s still a great story!

Curated by RUSHfest Scotland founder Steve Brown and Canadian superfan and music journalist Paul Beaulieu, RUSHfest Canada is more than a fan convention—it’s a legacy event with heart, history, and an extraordinary mission: all profits will be donated to Brain Cancer Research at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto in honour of Neil Peart.

My apologies to the guys that this went up after the event, but The Lonesome Cowboy works on a first-in, first-out method. But follow them and get ready for any future shows they have.

https://rushfestcanada.ca/

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Tom Dunphy is the husband of Lonesome Cowboy guest Tara Dunphy. Together, they play in the classic country band, The Rizdales. Now, both of them have solo careers, and Tom has released his first solo album. “I wanted to make a stripped-down country record without a drummer,” he says. “Most of my songwriting is now done standing by the campfire—I have them year-round—working out words and music in my head. I figure out the chords later; it’s been years since I wrote a song with an actual guitar in my hands.”

https://www.rizdales.com/

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Their music has been featured on film, commercials, radio, and television, and they have performed and recorded with the best in the game from percussion legend Giovanni Hidalgo to NOLA legends Roger Lewis of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band and Joe Lastie of Preservation Hall fame. Their extensive touring experience has allowed them to share the stage with the likes of Trombone Shorty, The Roots, and The Soul Rebels, among many others.

https://heavyweightsbrassband.com/

country music, traditional music, traditional country, americana, americana music, art, songwriter, old school country, old school country music, old time music, old time country, folk music, folk, storyteller, folk music, folk song, roots, roots music

Douglas John Cameron has been described as a modern-day troubadour. His songwriting and performing career spans almost four decades and is rooted deeply in the folk/blues/country tradition. In 1985, his tune " Mona With The Children" hit the top 20 in Canada and garnered a Juno nomination. Recently, he has applied his songwriting and composing talents to the world of television and movies. Cameron is also an established children's entertainer who has written songs for top Canadian pre-school shows including "Ants In Your Pants", "Wee 3", and "Big and Small".

https://www.whiskeyjackmusic.com/

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https://www.roseerinstokes.com/

What is undeniable is the deeply honest approach to her musical storytelling, a wide-open emotional tableau that is representative of the silence of the vast forests and big open skies of the northern Ontario city of North Bay, where Stokes was born and raised.

Stokes is a five-time Northern Ontario Music and Film Award nominee. Her Sophomore LP, ‘When The Sun Goes Away’, earned her a nomination for Album of the Year at the Ontario Folk Music Awards.

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After Warjunk's demise Glen took 3 years to study Jazz theory and styles and began to focus on acoustic music with an eye towards a primarily “live” musical endeavor aimed at connecting with an audience in intimate settings and through a wide variety of genres performed acoustically. When Glen ran into Graham at a Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds show in 2014 he proposed the idea of an acoustic duo. Well a year of rehearsals later, CRASH WORLD made their “live” debut on September 5, 2015. Many performances later at such venues as Guilt & Co., Ouisi Bistro, El Camino’s, Cottage Bistro, Slickity Jim’s, The Main, The Cascade, as well as a Jazz Fest 2019 appearance, CRASH WORLD have established themselves as a unique night out. History meets music, with a live radio show vibe and CRASH WORLD's growing audience have shown a hunger for more of what they're offering up. CRASH WORLD has a presentation and style that appeals to a incredibly wide age demographic. All ages indeed!

https://crashworldband.com/

With four nominated albums, a founding member of Oh Darling, headlining four international tours, and sold-out shows across the country, she has also travelled extensively through Ireland, Appalachia and Louisiana to pursue her love of traditional music.

Rosalyn is the Executive Director of Folk Canada, Canada's largest conference for the Folk, Roots, and Traditional music industry. She serves on the executive board of Folk Alliance International and has formerly served on the boards of Folk Music Ontario and AFM Local 1000. She has previously held positions at the Canadian Federation of Musicians, Music Canada, MusicOntario, Canadian Independent Music Association, Canadian Live Music Association, and is the Co-Founder of STUMP MEDIA and Smiths Falls Music.

https://rosalyndennett.com/

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Onion Honey may hail from Ontario’s tech capital, but musicians Dave Pike, Esther Wheaton, Leanne Swantko, and Kayleigh LeBlanc play folk music like an old-fashioned string band. The multi-talented lineup all sing harmony, write songs, and pass around banjo, guitar, mandolin, and double bass in performance. Three years of weekly ‘Banjo Church’ livecasts polished their onstage rapport to a high shine.

https://onionhoney.com/home

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Chris performs solo and with collaborators Jen Calder (percussion, backing vocals) and Jared MacKay (bass), The Larks. His music has always been just a little different. Eccentric, maybe. Quirky even. Original, and at the same time, somehow familiar. Forever fascinated by how music works, he began writing songs as a teenager and since then, has written hundreds. Early days in a punk band, a few years in a celtic-polka-funk outfit, later times in folk and rock groups. Check out the socials for the most up-to-date action.

Chris is releasing new music monthly as of August 2024.

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Tara says, “There is nothing like the magic of music to bring back memories, encourage movement and human connection. The first thing I tell residents when we meet is that I want to play what they want to hear, because this is not MY show, it is theirs. We get to know each other, and I find out that magic song that makes them smile.”

https://www.taradunphymusic.com/

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Ultimate Rick Jones is an International musical enterprise based in Indiana (Rick's not from there, he just lives there.)

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Marshall has the distinction of being a Maple Blues Award and Canadian Independent Music Award nominee

His fiery approach to guitar playing and catchy song-writing has had him compared to Rory Gallagher (Rock Radio Magazine), Taj Mahal, Roy Bookbinder and Corey Harris (Rootstime), to Johnny Winter and Kim Mitchell (Music Reviews by the Rock Doctor) and Woody Guthrie (Living Blues). He’s also been described as a Neo-Delta visionary (Living Blues Magazine).

Marshall has co-produced and released “Where’s the Party” (2003), “The Morning After” (2008), “Blues Intervention” (2010), “House Call” (2013), and Feeling Fine (2018) to wide critical acclaim.

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Not only does Wayne do his own thing, but he is also a member of Split Lip Rayfield and their bluegrass shredding punky vibes. It's been almost 30 years since SLR first mashed up their aggressive stew of acoustic bluegrass instrumentation, tight country vocals, fierce metal shred and in-your-face punk sensibilities. One observer said we all "owe them a huge debt for not only defining a sound, but stretching the possibilities of the acoustic music world."

https://www.stitchgiver.com/

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Matt Gower has been involved in the Ottawa music community for over two decades. His songwriting incorporates elements of folk, alt-country and old-time music tied together with timeless lyrics and a powerful singing voice. Over the years Matt has performed with garage-folk band Capital Grass and the No Men, folk duo Fathom the Sea as well as solo gigs around the National Capital Region.

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Formed in the heart of eastern Ontario, The Plowboys are a tight-knit group of musicians brought together by their love for traditional country tunes. With roots deeply embedded in the rich soil of classic country sounds, they’ve cultivated a signature style that pays homage to the legends that paved the way while adding their own unique flair.

https://plowboys.ca/

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https://familynamemusic.com/

Their music carries a playful push-and-pull—Ben leans into newgrass and old-timey roots, while Jacob brings a flair for indie-folk and classic country. The result? A dynamic sound layered with heartfelt lyrics, hope, and hard-earned wisdom, all delivered with brotherly charm and just the right amount of tension.

The Family Name have just released “Don’t Choke,” their second single recorded at Little Known Studios. Producer and multi-instrumentalist David James Allen plays several instruments on the track - an upbeat departure from the duo’s typical stripped-down acoustic sound.

The duo looks forward to releasing a new EP in 2026 and to announcing supporting concerts and tour dates.

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James Gedda is an up-and-coming Country and Americana singer-songwriter with a booming voice and a plainspoken honesty in his lyrics. The Crown Point, IN native has drawn comparisons to the likes of Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard with his earthy baritone, and he regularly covers such classics, but what drives him is writing songs and telling stories with modern sensibilities. He's performed in such historic venues as The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, and regularly sings all over Northwest Indiana and the Chicago area on top of having toured through Appalachia & the Southwest. He's released three locally-recorded solo acoustic EP's: Thick As Thieves, Bad Things Happen: Dynaline Sessions Vol. 1, and Hollering in a Bar, along with a pair of singles produced by Midamerican Records in Nashville, TN and is hard at work on getting his debut full-band, full-length album released in early 2025. James Gedda is not an artist to miss if you're a fan of infectious melodies and affecting stories

https://jamesgeddamusic.com/

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Jason's music is a rich tapestry woven from a diverse array of influences, reflecting the melting pot of sounds that is Chicago. Drawing inspiration from folk, Americana, classic rock, southern rock, outlaw country, classic country, blues, gospel, and more, his songs are a testament to the depth and breadth of his musical upbringing.

For over 25 years, Jason has been a familiar face on the Midwest music scene, leaving his mark as both a solo artist and in collaboration. His live performances reverberate with honesty and vulnerability, captivating audiences throughout the region.

https://www.jasonbenefield.com

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While the native Louisianan has established himself as a fixture of the East Nashville scene these days, Harrison still wears his Cajun heritage proudly on his sleeve, as the album takes its name from the small town where he was born and raised. The title track is a country/western tall tale about a “Titan of Tioga” — written from a first-person perspective — poking fun at the irony of being a big fish in a small pond while still evoking a palpable sense of pride for his roots and Main Street USA in general. “Mommas don’t let your sons end up like me,” he croons sardonically (while also shamelessly nodding to a certain famous country song).

https://www.willpayneharrison.com/

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Joel is active in the Ottawa Music scene. He and his partner are the former co-hosts of The Monday Special Blend, a weekly show on 93.1 CKCU FM. He is the former host of The Ottawa Music Video Showcase and Live! On Elgin Open Mic on Rogers Cable 22. He currently sits on the board of the North Eastern Regional Folk Alliance (NERFA).

Joel is also a singer, composer, and entertainer who has performed with various bands and theatre productions for 20 years. He is the Bandmaster of The Magic Machine, who released their first EP in 2018. In 2017, Joel wrote the score and acted as Musical Director for Phantom of the Opry, a play which ran for 5 sold-out shows at Ottawa’s Gladstone Theatre.

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Mike Haggith is an original alternative/indie recording and performing artist, residing in Barrie, Ontario. In the past, Haggith has called the cities of Windsor, ON; Sault Ste Marie, ON; and Thompson, MB home. At thirty-three years old, Haggith is best-known for his distinctive upbeat musical delivery, contrasted by heavily introspective lyrics. Writing largely from personal experience as a therapeutic outlet, his discography traces the ups and downs of relationships, life events, and the hardships of living remotely. An avid writer, producer, and advocate for increased mental health support in Canada's remote northern and First Nations regions, the music of Haggith and his affiliated groups has reached the radio, television, and cinema.

https://www.mikehaggith.com/

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DAVID LARONDE, a fiercely proud Canadian, is a contemporary Indigenous singer-songwriter who performs his soothing brand of folk, edgy rock, and blues. He hails from the land of the Teme-Augama Anishnabai (Deep Water People) in beautiful Northern Ontario. With the David Laronde Band, duo, or solo, he delivers an energetic and soulful performance to be remembered.

https://www.davidlarondemusic.com

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Bad ideas, VCRs, crumbling factories, hairy dogs, questionable tattoos...all are fair game for Nova Scotian funeral director-turned-songwriter Terra Spencer. And the songs are good ones, judging from the stack of awards her three albums have received, and from the caliber of her collaborators, which include David Francey, Ben Caplan, and Matt Andersen. Although her butterscotch voice, deft fingerstyle guitar, and gospel-charged piano make her a formidable musician, it's her onstage ease and crackling wit that make each show feel like a knee-to-knee conversation in a room of 5 or 500. “The real deal.” - Ron Sexsmith

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He is a storyteller. The music is singer/songwriter, troubadour, Urban Folk, Folk Blues style, thoughtful, intelligent, sometimes topical, sometimes universal, delivered with flair. It might even make you think. While some might call it a throwback, others call it the leading edge of a returning cycle.

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https://www.graciejet.com/

A multi-faceted artist, Gracie is not only a songwriter and performer but also a practicing nurse who worked tirelessly on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those experiences of resilience, compassion, and exhaustion profoundly shaped her perspective and songwriting. Her lyrics often read like journal entries — raw, honest reflections that illuminate her humanity and strength.

Since her 2022 debut, Gracie has released a steady stream of singles supported by FACTOR Canada, earning international radio play and over 250,000 views on the self-directed music video for her breakout track Sister. Her follow-up singles Sway and Forest Fire were featured on the national television program CMCTV Talent, further solidifying her rising profile.

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Happily located in the village of Point Edward, in southwestern Ontario, Ken McLachlin has been performing, writing, teaching and recording music now for over 200 dog years. Making music has been a big part of him for as long as he can remember. Ken grew up in the small village of Corunna, in southwestern Ontario, where his Dad always had country music on the radio or record player, then 8-track tapes and eventually cassettes and CDs. He still enjoys listening to those country music oldies.

I always think back to a cold October night in 2000, when I stood on a makeshift barricade on the Adams Mine Road. Across the road, police were lining up for mass arrests. But the people who were holding the line weren't radicals, they were my neighbours - many of them senior citizens and farmers. Up until that moment, I had never considered a life in politics... as I stood on that barricade, I realized that the people who should have been there to protect the public interest had sold us out."

- Charlie Angus, from his book Unlikely Radicals

https://www.charlieangus.ca/

The Ottawa Citizen's Patrick Langston praised Nathan's first solo album, No Wicked for the Rest, as “a smart blend of folk, bluegrass and country that segues nicely from tracks about power and greed to more intimate tunes about love and its struggle to survive in a cock-eyed world.” 

Shawn spent his Covid years watching Italian horror films, knitting, releasing homemade music on cassette, and humbly discovering his Métis heritage. Clarke recently released his latest full-length studio album Softer Scissors, a collage of various sonic influences — from the ‘60s singer-songwriter tradition of Simon and Garfunkel, to the eclectic experimentation of Wilco, to rock energy of Sloan, Softer Scissors is sewn together by Clarke's rich story-telling and winding melodies.

https://www.shawnwilliamclarke.com/

Charlie has always been recognized for exploring his musical horizons. As a six-time ECMA winner and eight-time Nova Scotia Music Award winner, Charlie has earned awards for Blues, Pop, and R&B/Soul Recordings of the Year, and on multiple occasions been recognized as Entertainer of the Year. A’Court has also received multiple Maple Blues Award nominations including Male Vocalist and Songwriter of the Year.

PETE EASTMURE is an Ontario-based country folk artist who often sings with his wife Eva Marie on harmonies and light percussion. Their unique sound is characterized by acoustic layered guitar and sometimes electric Gretsch White Falcon guitar, as well as on Albums, moody pedal steel guitar and mandolins. The song writing draws heavily from traditional Americana folk and country music, bringing to mind Gordon Lightfoot, Elizabeth Cotton and borrowing liberally from Hank Williams and The Drifting Cowboys. The lyrics speak eloquently about the great cinema graphic life of small-town Canada and the dreams and inspirations of those folks who live there. Pete grew up on a horse farm on the side of the Blue Mountains Ontario, before leaving at an early age and hitchhiking to California.

The classic Canadian finger-pickin’ Folk troubadour, another unique, original Artist performing his songs, in his own snazzy, jazzy, classic, timeless way. Will, Originally from South Porcupine, northern Ontario, has an expansive and eclectic repertoire of his unique original songs: from whimsical ditties to foot-stomping rockers, heart-breaking ballads and catchy singalongs, exploring Folk, Folk-Rock, Jazz, Cabaret, Blues, Waltzes, Old-Time, Rockabilly, Rock & Roll and other timeless, classic musical styles.

https://www.willgillespie.ca/

Stephen Fearing was born in 1963 in Vancouver, British Columbia and grew up in Dublin, Ireland where his schoolmates included future members of U2. In 1996 he co-founded Blackie and the Rodeo Kings with Colin Linden and Tom Wilson. Fearing has released ten albums as a solo artist, featuring musical guests including: Bruce Cockburn, Margo Timmons, Rose Cousins, Richard Thompson, Shawn Colvin, and Sarah McLachlan. “Getting on stage is the fun part, especially when the adrenaline kicks in,” he says, with a broad smile. “People want to escape and be taken on a journey. I build my shows so they do just that.”

https://www.stephenfearing.ca/

For 45 years, Duncan Fremlin has been plying his trade as a producer (Banjodunc Productions), as a singer/banjo player (Whiskey Jack) and as an author (My Good Times With Stompin' Tom). As band leader and raconteur, he's welcomed to the band elite members of the Canadian music community. The band continues to write, record and tour across the country performing the finest music in their history.

https://whiskeyjackmusic.com/

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Zachary Lucky is a Canadian country singer/songwriter. He's currently touring with is album The Wind, out now. Check him out at zacharylucky.com

This episode of The Lonesome Cowboy Podcast includes discussion about mental health matters and mentions suicide prevention and loss. If you’re in distress, you can call or text 988 from anywhere in Canada for support 24/7/365. You matter. Please take good care of yourself

https://www.maureenpollard.org/

https://maureenpollardassociates.com/

Maureen Pollard is a registered social worker with a private practice in Cobourg, Ontario. She specializes in supporting people as they integrate the experiences of grief and trauma. Maureen provides compassionate care for individuals and groups in therapy, and she is a dynamic speaker, delivering effective training and workshops to professionals, volunteers, and community members.

Writing stories captivated Maureen at a young age, perhaps beginning with the class newspaper in Mrs. Voy’s grade four class. For many years, Maureen’s writing focused on telling the stories of real people in professional reports. In 2010, Maureen found her way back to creative writing, gently prompted by a conversation with her eighth-grade teacher, Mr. McLean, and embraced with compassionate encouragement by Firefly Creative Writing. ​

​In 2020, Maureen discovered songwriting and embarked on a new adventure of telling stories in a whole new way. Keen to learn more, Maureen picked up the guitar in 2021, deepening her connection with the music she’s writing.

These experiences have shifted her personal life and enhanced her role as a professional as she explores the therapeutic power of story and song. Her creative heart has cracked wide open, and there’s no looking back.

Brian Tremblay’s Lonesome Cowboy Cowboy Podcast is a free publication. There’s no charge to subscribe. If you enjoy what I’m doing here and want to support me financially, please go to the subscriptions page and pledge. Thank you!

Ken Whiteley is a Canadian folk musician and composer. He has 22 multiple Juno Award nominations. Having received a Genie Award, 18 Maple Blues nominations and Lifetime Achievement Awards from various organizations including the Mariposa Folk Festival and with over 400 songs written, Ken Whiteley is a Canadian folk institution.

This episode's guest is Michel Neray. Michel is a Toronto based musician who has just released a new album and is planning a tour next summer. Michel and I discuss his career, new album and the changes and difficulties in the music business; especially for older musicians.

Like everyone, James has had his share of challenges. He was an energetic and creative child who was always daydreaming and displaying his imagination through acting and drawing. That, of course, was challenging for James’ academics. He struggled in school, except in art class, in which he excelled. His imagination really sparked when, at 16 years old, a friend put a guitar in James’s hands. Right from the start, James didn’t take lessons and didn’t want to learn other people’s songs. He wanted to write his own songs, create his own characters and tell his own stories. Although a happy individual, he enjoyed writing about life’s struggles. James would pull from experiences that he saw happen to people around him. Stories of love, determination, cheating, abuse, and heartache.

While still passionately writing, recording, and performing his own music, James’ storytelling skills, along with his evolving drawing abilities, led him to a successful career as a Storyboard Artist. His hard work paid off. From there, in 2007, he ended up co-founding Jam Filled Entertainment, an animation studio that now has 700 employees with offices in Ottawa, Toronto and Halifax.

Shortly after the release of his third solo album in 2015, These Weights, James took a long hiatus from recording and performing music for personal reasons…Reasons he now regrets. But in January 2020, James was slammed with the biggest challenge he had ever faced; his 23-year marriage came to a shocking and devastating end. How did James make it through? James dug deep and wrote songs that were from a place he had never been before. He wrote with new eyes, new ears, and new emotions. His songs now became personal as opposed to observational.

country music, traditional music, traditional country, americana, americana music, art, songwriter, old school country, old school country music, old time music, old time country, folk music, folk, storyteller, folk music, folk song, roots, roots music

What’s to tell? East Coast background, from a family with a musical mother and a TV-holic father. Started playing music seriously later in life and rekindled the love of writing music when I met two lovely young ladies by happenstance (yes, that’s where the name came from) at a local music festival. After 8 years and 3 studio albums, the band sadly dissolved. But when one chapter ends, another begins!

https://www.gallaghermakesmusic.com/

Brian Tremblay’s Lonesome Cowboy Cowboy Podcast is a free publication. There’s no charge to subscribe. If you enjoy what I’m doing here and want to support me financially, please go to the subscriptions page and pledge. Thank you!