Communities

Cross vivid, folk-inspired melodies with two well-travelled jesters and you’ll find Jâca (ZH?-ka), a guitar and clarinet duo with exuberant energy, charm and wit. Clarinetist Wesley Ferreira and guitarist Jaxon Williams define their style as world music fused with personality, and are unafraid to experiment with that which captures their fancy - fresh takes on classics as well as composition from emerging artists. Highly skilled musicians and educators, both Wesley and Jaxon hold doctorates in music. Wesley performs worldwide as soloist, orchestral and chamber musician. International award-winning guitarist Jaxon is a former Fulbright scholar and master of the Spanish guitar repertoire. From the moment the duo step foot on the stage to the final round of applause, audiences members will find themselves engaged, entertained and enthralled. An evening with Jâca is an encounter with virtuosic performance, cheeky banter, and rhythms that coax you to play along.

Rum Ragged brings a bold take on Newfoundland folk music, combining deep roots with a contemporary twist. As leading performers of their vibrant tradition, they play instruments like bouzouki, fiddle, banjo, guitar, and accordion, captivating audiences with their unique style. Known for their honest, thought-provoking, and often humorous live shows, they have quickly become fan favorites. Their impressive vocal harmonies and storytelling deliver unforgettable concerts. Despite a demanding tour schedule, Rum Ragged has performed at top global folk venues and recorded five acclaimed albums.

Tommy Charles is bringing a classic touch to Country with a soulful tone. Tommy Charles throws listeners back to a "Golden Era", while carrying sounds reminiscent of Marty Robbins, and crooners. Born in the Montréal area and recently calling the Nashville of the north (Calgary) home, Tommy appeared on the hit TV show, "La Voix" (The Voice). His talent and acclaim from the competition allowed him to build a fan base, and play to audiences live across the country. Performing both in Canada and in Texas, Tommy Charles is eager to deliver performances that honor the rich heritage of North American music in variety of languages and influences.

Every now and then, we encounter an artist like Sandra Bouza who gets right down into our blood and bones. An artist whose voice stops us in our tracks. Her latest album, ’A Sound in the Dark.’ is nominated for the 2024 Canadian Folk Music Awards Contemporary Album of the Year. You can hear echoes of Etta James and Carla Thomas in Bouza’s powerful, highly nuanced phrasing. Like Amy Winehouse and Adele, Sandra’s absorbed a lot from the greats from the golden age of R&B and has emerged with a style that's all her own. Few singers can inhabit a vocal like Bouza does.