February 14 – 16, 2025
Tranzac Club, Toronto
In Support of Local Music Community
The Annual Winterfolk Blues & Roots Festival is set to return to Toronto from February 14 to 16, 2025, offering a full weekend of outstanding live music at the Tranzac Club in Toronto’s Annex neighbourhood. Known for bringing together some of the finest talents in blues, roots, folk, and Americana music, Winterfolk has become a highly anticipated winter tradition, drawing music lovers from across the region.
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. These artists are set to reignite the spirit of live music and inspire audiences of all ages. The intimate setting of the Tranzac Club provides a cozy, immersive environment, allowing audiences to connect closely with the artists and enjoy each performance up close.
Alongside the music, the festival offers workshops, community jam sessions, and songwriter rounds where musicians can share their creative processes and stories behind their songs. These sessions provide a unique opportunity for both fans and musicians to gain insight into the craft and connect with the Toronto music community. Winterfolk also actively supports Toronto’s local music scene, with many independent and local artists on the lineup, showcasing Toronto’s vibrant artistic spirit.
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-favourite 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, and 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. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to blues and roots music, Winterfolk delivers a memorable experience through its eclectic programming and passionate community atmosphere. Tickets are available on the Winterfolk website and offer flexible options for single-day passes or full weekend access.
About Winterfolk
Winterfolk was formed to entertain, educate, enlighten, engage and encourage the community about various folk music styles including roots, blues, folk, and more. Founded by Festival Director Brian Gladstone, it is run as a division of The Association of Artists for a Better World, a registered non-profit organization in the Province of Ontario, Canada.
