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TRIUMPH 50th Anniversary Tour 2026 - PRE SALE HAPPENING NOW! 10am Dec 10th
Michelle Joly Releases New Holiday Single: “All I Want For Christmas (Dreams Come True)”
Celebrated Indigenous vocalist Michelle Joly is closing out 2025 with a holiday anthem built for every playlist and newsroom. Her new single, “All I Want For Christmas (Dreams Come True),” (Out: December 5 2025) combines her signature jazz-soul sound with cinematic production and a standout verse from Cree artist YNG Bear, delivering a joyful, instantly classic Christmas track shaped by Joly’s decades-long career on stages across the globe.
A dynamic performer and respected music educator, Joly has toured internationally for more than twenty years. She served as the featured soloist for the Vancouver Outreach Sweet Soul Gospel Choir, led by legendary musical director Chico (Marvin Gaye, Earth Wind & Fire, Lionel Richie), and performed backup vocals for Daniel Caesar at the JUNO Awards. Most recently, she headlined major Indigenous festivals across Canada, and works as an Ambassador for the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund. Her artistry is grounded in storytelling, community, and an emotional honesty that resonates across generations.
Celebrated Métis Vocalist, Michelle Joly, Draws on Her Decades-Long Career to Bring Christmas Magic to Life with
“All I Want For Christmas (Dreams Come True)”
A globe-travelling performer from St. Paul, AB, Joly blends jazz, soul, and orchestral pop with an inspiring verse from Cree artist YNG Bear to create a timeless Christmas anthem.
Release Date: Friday, December 5, 2025
Edmonton-based Métis vocalist, songwriter, and music educator Michelle Joly shares her final release of 2025 with her uplifting new single, “All I Want For Christmas (Dreams Come True),” featuring Cree artist YNG Bear. Rooted in the warmth of small-town holiday memories, the song celebrates the simple, joyful moments with loved ones; the laughter, music, and togetherness that make Christmas feel magical at any age. Hailing from St. Paul, Alberta, Joly has spent more than two decades building a remarkable career that spans continents and genres. She has performed around the world as a featured vocalist, served as the lead soloist for the Vancouver Outreach Sweet Soul Gospel Choir under the direction of Chico (Marvin Gaye, Earth Wind & Fire, Lionel Richie), opened for Dr. Maya Angelou, and delivered backup vocals for Daniel Caesar at the JUNO Awards. Just this year, she headlined one of Canada’s largest Indigenous festivals, further cementing her reputation as a dynamic and deeply respected performer. In addition to all of her exceptional talents and accolades, Joly is a multi-instrumentalist and Long & McQuade music educator, who also serves as an Ambassador for the Downie Wenjack Fund, championing connection and understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
Stepping into the spotlight with her final single release of 2025, Joly blends heartfelt lyricism, lush orchestration, and boundless optimism to craft an instant holiday classic that evokes nostalgia, sparks hope, and ushers in an exciting new chapter in her artistic journey. Joly’s signature blend of jazz, soul, and cinematic orchestration shines throughout, transforming the track into a timeless holiday favourite in the making.
“All I Want For Christmas (Dream Come True)” will be available everywhere on Friday, December 5 2025.
About "All I Want For Christmas (Dream Come True)":
Heartwarming, cinematic, and made for listeners of all ages, “All I Want For Christmas (Dream Come True)” is Michelle Joly’s uplifting holiday anthem celebrating the magic found in simple moments with the people we love. Written during a reflective period of her life, the song grew from Joly’s memories of leaving her small hometown of St. Paul at seventeen to chase her musical calling across the globe that meant years of accomplishing her career dreams of unforgettable performances, but also Christmases spent far from family. Through the ache of reflecting on missed memories, Joly transforms those memories into an inspiring tribute to togetherness, joy, and the simple, everyday moments that become holidays we never forget. Beginning as a gentle, piano-led idea and blossoming into a full cinematic arrangement produced with the orchestral touch of her favourite Disney soundtracks, “All I Want For Christmas (Dream Come True)” radiates warmth and emotional clarity. Its uplifting melodies and immersive arrangement capture the universal wish of the season: to gather, to laugh, and to sing with the people who matter most.
The track also features Cree artist YNG Bear, whose verse adds depth and a contemporary spark. Encouraged by Joly to write from a place of honesty and possibility, his contribution reflects his own journey of resilience, community leadership, and purpose. Together, Joly and YNG Bear craft a holiday song rooted in intention and heart, offering a bright, inspiring message that feels both timeless and refreshingly original. As Joly’s final release of 2025, “All I Want For Christmas (Dream Come True)” showcases her remarkable vocal presence, lyrical warmth, and boundless creativity, delivering a Christmas classic in the making.
Quote: “I wrote this song while thinking about the Christmases I spent far from home, and how much the little things like singing with my brother, and being with family truly mattered. Even though life changes, the spirit of those moments lives on, and I wanted this song to bring people back to that place of joy and connection.” - Michelle Joly
Michelle Joly Biography
Michelle Joly is a Métis vocalist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist whose evocative blend of folk, jazz, soul, and roots music has made her a standout voice in the Canadian music landscape. Born and raised in St. Paul, Alberta, she has spent over two decades cultivating a career defined by her versatility, working as an artist, entertainer, producer, and respected music educator. Her catalogue of self-released albums showcases her unmistakable melodic instincts, dynamic range, and deeply expressive vocal style.
A celebrated performer on the global stage, Joly spent more than twenty years travelling the world as a featured soloist across several major cruise lines, captivating audiences with her signature warmth and artistry. She served as the featured soloist of the Vancouver Outreach Sweet Soul Gospel Choir, led by renowned artist Chico (Marvin Gaye, Earth Wind & Fire, Lionel Richie), and opened for Dr. Maya Angelou along with numerous other luminaries. Joly’s vocal talents were once again spotlighted when she performed backup vocals for Daniel Caesar at the JUNO Awards.
In 2025, she opened the Back to Batoche Festival, one of Canada’s largest Indigenous festivals, and headlined the Wanuskewin Truth and Reconciliation Festival in Saskatchewan, where she appeared on Global News. Her live performances have taken her to stages across the country, and her songwriting and performance once again earned her national recognition when her track “Cover Me” was selected as the theme song for the award-winning Prime Video film Dil Rahk: Gloves of Kin.
Most recently, Joly became an Ambassador for the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund, deepening her commitment to fostering connection, understanding, and healing between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities through music and education. Guided by authenticity and unpretentious honesty, Michelle Joly continues to inspire audiences with a body of work rooted in storytelling, cultural connection, and a profound dedication to her craft.
Connect with Michelle Joly:
https://michellejoly.bandcamp.com/track/spirit-of-the-prairies
https://www.facebook.com/meeshjoly/
https://www.instagram.com/michellejolymusic/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3c7BxdR9eqNiGembJeJIuW
18-Year-Old Fiddler Irish Millie Earns Single of the Year Nomination and Folk Music Ontario Performing Artist of the Year Recognition + Announces Tour Dates
18-Year-Old
Fiddler Irish Millie Earns Single of the Year Nomination and Folk Music
Ontario Performing Artist of the
Year Recognition + Announces Tour Dates
https://www.youtube.com/@IrishMillieFiddleTunes
https://irishmillie.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/IrishMillieFiddleTunes/
https://www.instagram.com/irishmilliefiddle/
https://www.tiktok.com/@irish.millie?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
PETERBOROUGH, ON / TORONTO, ON – Irish Millie, the 18-year-old Canadian fiddler, singer, multi-instrumentalist, and composer who is taking the roots scene by storm, has released "You Were There," the standout single from her acclaimed EP Between Then and Now. The track has earned the young artist her seventh Canadian Folk Music Award nomination, this time for Single of the Year. Simultaneously, she earned her fifth consecutive nomination for Young Performer of the Year, having been recognized in that category every year since the release of her debut album Thirteen in 2021.
The Peterborough native has also been recognized as a nominee for Folk Music Ontario's 2025 Performing Artist of the Year, cementing her status as one of Canadian folk music's most dynamic rising voices. Released on July 6, 2025, via LaunchPad Records, Between Then and Now showcases Irish Millie's artistic evolution, blending East Coast drive, Bluegrass energy, and Contemporary Trad grit across four compelling tracks. "You Were There," co-written with Matthew Cicciarella, features Millie on fiddle and vocals alongside Cicciarella on guitar, with Tyler Martin contributing electric guitar and additional string arrangements.
Produced by Martin at Electric Alchemy and mastered by Gregory Pastic, the song exemplifies Millie's gift for crafting emotionally resonant material that honors tradition while pushing boundaries. The EP's four tracks, including "Allison," "Mystery to Me," and "WASTED," reveal different facets of Millie's artistry. From the intimate fiddle and guitar interplay of "Allison" to the fuller arrangement of "WASTED" featuring piano and drums, the collection demonstrates her versatility as both performer and composer.
Her ability to play fiddle, vocals, piano, guitar, and foot percussion gives her music a distinctive sonic signature that has captivated audiences across Canada, the United States, and Europe. Her previous album GRACE earned praise from Celtic music royalty Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, who called it "Fresh, lively... cool tunes and great playing". Alex Monaghan of FolkWorld Magazine wrote, "What most grabs me about Irish Millie's music is the passion, full of fun, fire, and feeling for the music she loves".
Irish Millie will embark on her second East Coast Holiday Tour with long-time music collaborator Luka Hall from December 27, 2025, to January 2, 2026, performing five intimate shows across Ontario. The mini-tour continues a growing holiday tradition for the pair, blending Millie's lively Celtic folk fiddle tunes and Luka's soulful acoustic songwriting. Each stop features stories, spontaneous collaborations, and plenty of audience sing-alongs, offering a cozy, communal way to close out the year and ring in the new one with music, laughter, and connection.
A past Peterborough Folk Festival Emerging Artist of the Year and recipient of the Peterborough Civic Award for Community Betterment for her "Fiddling for Fox" campaign, Millie is currently studying Music Industry & Technology at the University of Toronto while maintaining an active touring and recording schedule. She is supported on stage by her father, Murray Shadgett, on guitar. Planning for a July 2026 tour across Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes is currently underway.
East Coast Holiday Tour Dates:
December 27 – Torchbearer Taproom, Oshawa (9-11 PM)
December 28 – Brewer's Pantry, Bowmanville (2 PM)
December 29 – Princess Gardens, Peterborough
December 31 – Dockside Bistro, Campbellford
January 1 – Royal Gardens, Peterborough
Planning for a July 2026 tour across
Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island
is currently underway.
Standout Release - 'Dinner With The Lord' - The Latest Release for AV & The Inner City From Their Recent Self Titled EP.
You may recall AV & The Inner City from their self-titled debut EP last month - the powerhouse Canadian vocal ensemble whose blend of gospel-rooted harmonies and lived experience captured national attention. Now, the group is releasing their brand new single, “Dinner With The Lord,” on Friday, November 21. The release follows the early success of their debut self-titled EP, which debuted at #7 on the CKUA Radio Top 30 and continues to gain traction across Canada.
The striking acapella single was recorded live around one microphone, with no edits and no production tricks. The track showcases the powerhouse collective of community voices, featuring Indigenous, Black, Filipino, LGBTQ, and immigrant vocalists leaning into pure harmony and lived experience to offer a communal reflection on where we turn when we feel we’re running out of places to go.
A few highlights about the group:
Photo LuLuBee Photography
- Their debut EP just hit #7 on the CKUA Radio Top 30.
- Support from CBC, SiriusXM, Edify, and Porter Airlines Magazine, plus 20K+ streams on early releases.
- Winners of the Edmonton Folk Festival Emerging Artist Award.
- Acclaimed festival performances at Calgary Folk Festival, Vancouver Island Music Festival, and more.
- A powerhouse all-female ensemble featuring Indigenous, Black, Filipino, LGBTQ, and immigrant voices.
- Known for goosebump-level acapella moments and a compelling live presence that has drawn praise from industry veterans (including a glowing review from former Nickelodeon promoter Vic Bell).
AV & The Inner City, One of Canada’s Most Compelling Vocal Ensembles, Reflect on Where We Turn in Hard Times with Brand New Single, “Dinner With The Lord”
Blending gospel-rooted harmony with lived experience, the group offers an acapella reflection on where we turn in moments of uncertainty
AV & The Inner City’s Debut Self-Titled EP is now #7 on the CKUA Radio Top 30!
Release Date: Friday, November 21 2025
One of the most exciting new forces in Canadian Roots and Soul, AV & The Inner City are a powerhouse vocal collective born on a front porch in Edmonton’s inner city during the COVID-19 lock-down. What started as weekly outdoor singalongs to keep neighbors connected has evolved into a nationally recognized ensemble whose music focuses on the universal aspect of lived experience: resilience, displacement, joy, grief, belonging, and survival. Their debut self-titled EP is already making a statement, currently charting at #7 on the CKUA Radio Top 30, with additional support from CBC, SiriusXM, Edify, and Porter Airlines Magazine. The group’s all female lineup reflects the fabric of Canadian society, featuring Indigenous, Black, Filipino, LGBTQ, immigrant, and working-class voices. The result is a sound that is both communal, relatable, and thought-provoking. Their new single, “Dinner With The Lord” (out November 21), pushes that ethos forward. A fully acapella interpretation of a song written by fellow porch-concert musician Alin Rogoz, and the first song the group recorded that was not written by AV, the track was recorded live around a single microphone, with no edits, no isolation, and no safety net. The track explores what we reach for when we feel we are running out of places to turn: faith, community, memory, music, and one another.
Blending non-religious Gospel, Soul, and Roots influences with their signature community spirit, AV & The Inner City’s “Dinner With The Lord” is a stirring, fully acapella interpretation of a song written by fellow porch-concert musician, Alin Rogoz. Recorded live around a single microphone, the track highlights the group’s unmistakable vocal blend, relying on precision, trust, and shared intuition rather than production. With tender vulnerability and a hint of wry honesty, the group explores the universal search for comfort in moments of loneliness and uncertainty. Rather than offering answers, the song creates a space for listeners to consider where they turn when connection feels out of reach; whether toward faith, community, memory, or simply the hope of being seen. Both earnest and tongue-in-cheek, “Dinner With The Lord” invites reflection on the timeless need to belong, honouring the shared hunger for understanding that first brought this ensemble together on AV’s front porch. As the closing track of their debut, self-titled EP, “Dinner With The Lord” is a triumphant and natural bookend to the project, bringing the collection of songs to a close with a track that completes the project’s full-circle arc, echoing the communal porch-singing roots that first brought these voices together.
"‘Dinner With The Lord’ is about searching for comfort and belonging when you feel like you’re running out of places to turn. We didn’t write it, but we related to it more and more by singing it together, which reflects exactly how this group was born: through community.” - AV (Ann Vriend)
AV & the Inner City is a Soul/Roots group that formed during the COVID-19 pandemic in Edmonton’s inner city. In just three years, they completed their first summer tour, playing major festivals like Vancouver Island, Calgary Folk Festival, and Edmonton Folk Festival, where they received the Emerging Artist Award. At the Calgary Folk Festival, former Nickelodeon promoter Vic Bell praised their set by saying: “Soul and gospel singing ruled… This was an act that could have closed the Main Stage any night.” The group of all female vocalists grew out of AV’s weekly “porch concerts” - nearly 60 free shows held from 2020 to 2021 in Edmonton’s McCauley neighborhood, offering live music and connection during the pandemic. By summer 2021, the vocalists had become a polished ensemble, performing AV’s originals in rich, soul/gospel harmonies. Their first releases have already garnered over 20,000 Spotify streams. Their self-titled debut EP, released in October 2025 has continued that momentum, debuting on the CKUA Radio Top 30 and just one week later reaching #7. Featuring members from Indigenous, Black, Filipino, LGBTQ, immigrant, and working-class backgrounds, the group’s sound is shaped by lived experience and a shared commitment to community. Known for their powerful acapella moments, emotional depth, and commanding live presence, AV & the Inner City have quickly become one of the most compelling and authentic new voices in Canada’s Roots and Soul landscape.
Connect with AV & The Inner City:
https://annvriend.com/pages/av-and-the-inner-city-1
https://www.instagram.com/avinnercity/?hl=en
https://www.youtube.com/@AVandTheInnerCity?reload=9&app=desktop
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5UBKW4TzZRZO2bWuLtD2sb
'Another Christmas Day' Holiday Album That Keeps on Giving for Alex Bird & The Jazz Mavericks.
Alex Bird & The Jazz Mavericks with the Holiday Album That Keeps on Giving ‘Another Christmas Day’
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https://www.youtube.com/c/AlexBird
https://alexbird.bandcamp.com/album/another-christmas-day
https://www.facebook.com/AlexBirdMusic/
https://www.instagram.com/alexbird007/
https://www.tiktok.com/@abird007
Acclaimed Canadian vocalist and songwriter Alex Bird, together with his band The Jazz Mavericks, is proud to announce the release of their new holiday album ‘Another Christmas Day’. Recorded live off the floor in Toronto at Canterbury Music Company, the album brings ten original songs into the rich tradition of holiday jazz with warmth, artistry, and timeless appeal.
The album, originally released on November 1, 2024, marks the fourth full-length project from Bird and longtime collaborator, musical director, and arranger Ewen Farncombe. Joining them are Jacob Gorzhaltsan (sax & clarinet), Julian Anderson-Bowes (bass), and Norbert Botos (drums & jingle bells). The collection showcases the group’s seamless chemistry, capturing the intimacy and joy of live performance.
‘Another Christmas Day’ highlights Bird’s ability to craft new standards for the season, songs that balance festive cheer with heartfelt emotion. Tracks like “Ho Ho Hold Me Close” and “Christmas in the City” invite listeners to share in the joy of togetherness, while “Every Time This Year” and the title track reflect on those who are alone during the holiday season. The result is an album that feels both classic and fresh.
“We wanted to create a holiday record that honors tradition but also brings something new to the table,” says Bird. “Recording live, without headphones, allowed us to truly listen to one another in the room. It brought out the honesty and magic that the music and audience deserves.”
The lyrics carry a distinctly personal touch, with vivid imagery that evokes all aspects of the season. In “Prelude to Christmas,” Bird sings: *“The snow is falling, the fire is calling / The faces you love are by your side.”* In the introspective “Everytime This Year” Christmas past is reflected in the fragments of a snowglobe, ”Fallen from the fireplace, shattered memories in the glass.” And in “It’s December,” the refrain rings out: “It’s December, and it’s Christmas everywhere.”
Throughout his career, Bird has become one of the most exciting voices in Canadian jazz. His sophomore album ‘You Are the Light and the Way’ was nominated for Best Vocal Jazz Album at the 2022 JUNO Awards, a recognition that placed him firmly among the country’s leading vocalists. His surprise 2023 release ‘Songwriter’ was again nominated for a JUNO in 2024, cementing his reputation as a versatile and visionary artist. And in 2025 Bird and Farncombe released an original bossa nova EP in collaboration with Latin Grammy Award winner, Cheo, ‘Casanova, Bossa Nova, Lover Man’.
Beyond the accolades, Bird has become a fixture on stages across the country, headlining the Sudbury Jazz Festival and appearing at The Markham Jazz Festival, The Kensington Market Jazz Festival, and The Niagara Jazz Festival, alongside performances at The Jazz Bistro, Upstairs Jazz, and The Old Mill.
Industry peers and press have hailed ‘Another Christmas Day’ as an inventive and enduring addition to the holiday canon. Metronome Magazine praised the album as “a modern-day holiday jazz masterpiece,” while Jazz Weekly called Bird “the freshest singer around” whose songs “swing the jingle bells.”
bird Farncombe reflected on the project: “Holiday music has always been about connection. We wanted to write songs that could bring people together now and for years to come. There’s joy, but also space for reflection—because that’s what the season is really about.”
As the holiday season approaches, Alex Bird & The Jazz Mavericks invite audiences everywhere to discover ‘Another Christmas Day’. With its blend of swing, sentiment, and originality, the album promises to become a beloved companion for many winters ahead.
Upcoming Tour Dates
November 28 – Upstairs Jazz, Montreal, QC
December 5 – The Classic Theatre, Cobalt, ON
Desiree Dorion - New Single: 'Red Wine' for JUNO Nominated Canadian Singer-Songwriter.
Fresh off of two new major wins at the Manitoba Country Music Awards (November 2025) for Female Artist of the Year and Album of the Year, JUNO-nominated singer-songwriter Desiree Dorion returns with her clever and timeless new single, “Red Wine” featuring Catie St. Germain, and Diana Desjardins, which was just released on Friday, November 14.
With warm, intimate vocals and a touch of humour, “Red Wine” is a love song to a supportive friend who just happens to be a drink. The track features fellow Manitoban artists Catie St. Germain and Diana Desjardins, blending classic Country instrumentation including steel guitar, fiddle, and rich harmonies with Desiree’s trademark storytelling charm. The artists and musicians on the song also continues Dorion’s commitment to representation in her work, with five of the seven musicians on the recording identifying as Indigenous - an act of equity and visibility still rare in the Country music genre and industry as a whole.
With warm, intimate vocals and a touch of humour, “Red Wine” is a love song to a supportive friend who just happens to be a drink. The track features fellow Manitoban artists Catie St. Germain and Diana Desjardins, blending classic Country instrumentation including steel guitar, fiddle, and rich harmonies with Desiree’s trademark storytelling charm. The artists and musicians on the song also continues Dorion’s commitment to representation in her work, with five of the seven musicians on the recording identifying as Indigenous - an act of equity and visibility still rare in the Country music genre and industry as a whole.
by Renata Bardelli
Desiree's music has earned national recognition from The
Morning Show, eTalk, CTV, APTN, CBC, and SiriusXM, alongside multiple
Top 100 chart entries and #1 spots on the Indigenous Music Countdown. A defining voice in Canadian Country and Roots, Desiree continues to bring honesty, warmth, and representation to the genre.
JUNO Nominated Canadian Singer-Songwriter, Desiree Dorion, Announces New Classic Country Single, “Red Wine”
Bringing home two additional Manitoba Country Music Awards in November 2025 for Female Artist of the Year and Album of the Year, Dorion is joined by fellow Manitoban artists Catie St. Germain and Diana Desjardins
With warm, intimate vocals, the cleverly written and instantly memorable, “Red Wine” is a love song to a supportive friend, who just happens to be a drink. “Red Wine” is now available as of Friday, November 14 2025
JUNO-nominated singer-songwriter Desiree Dorion continues her evolution as one of Canada’s most compelling voices with the release of her new single “Red Wine”. Offering a glimpse into her forthcoming eighth studio album set for release in 2026, Dorion’s latest release is a cleverly written, classic Country love song with a twist. Following the success of her seventh studio album Remember Your Name (2024), which marked a bold shift into the rich and soulful worlds of Roots/Americana, Dorion once again blends vulnerability, strength, and lived experience into her songwriting, this time, bringing to life a song from her vault. Her storytelling has earned national acclaim, with features on The Morning Show, Breakfast Television, eTalk, Global News Toronto, APTN, and CTV News, and her music continues to resonate across CBC Radio, SiriusXM, and Canada’s National Campus and Community Radio Charts, where Remember Your Name spent 11 weeks, reaching multiple #1 spots. With songs landing in the Canadian Country Top 100 (TRAX) and at #1 on the Indigenous Music Countdown, Dorion has cemented her place as a defining voice in Canadian Country and Roots music. In November 2025, Dorion became a seven-time Manitoba Country Music Award winner with fourteen career nominations, Her music has surpassed 500,000 streams and her album That’s How I Know debuted at #3 on iTunes Canada. Beyond the studio and stage, Dorion is a mother, lawyer, and advocate for Indigenous communities. She has lent her voice to national conversations on representation in Country music, contributed to CBC’s cross-Canada panel on the subject, served as an ambassador for the Downie Wenjack Foundation, participated in the Achimotak series with the CCMA, and mentors emerging artists through the National Music Centre’s OHSOTO’KINO Music Incubator Program.
"Red Wine”:
Putting her clever wit and exceptional songwriting skills on full display, Red Wine is a classic Country, cheeky love song dedicated to the glass that kept Dorion company through the quiet, lonely nights of the pandemic. Written during COVID alongside longtime collaborator Chris Burke-Gaffney, the track was inspired by Dorion's many evenings spent alone at the kitchen table, realizing that she was spending more time with red wine than her family and friends. Rooted in classic country influences like Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton, and Loretta Lynn, the track features the warmth of both the steel guitar and fiddle performed by Brenton Thorvaldson, adding an authentically traditional feel. A song from Dorion’s vault, the track never fit the cookie-cutter mold of mainstream Country. Featuring fellow Manitoban artists Catie St. Germain on the first verse and Diana Desjardins on the second, both artists join in the chorus. Its unvarnished honesty is reflected in the recording itself, where the trio of voices come together in the chorus in a way that feels communal and lived-in. The artists and musicians on the song also continues Dorion’s commitment to representation in her work, with five of the seven musicians on the recording identifying as Indigenous - an act of equity and visibility still rare in the Country music genre and industry as a whole. Warm, witty, and unmistakably classic, “Red Wine” raises a glass to the comfort that sees us through the hardest nights.
“‘Red Wine” is a love song to wine being my best friend during COVID, and the boring lonely nights red wine got me through. It’s a classic Country song, shaped by the influence of the legendary Country greats like Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, and Dolly Parton.”- Desiree Dorion
Desiree Dorion grew up a mile and a half from the grounds of Dauphin's Countryfest - the longest country music festival in Canada. As a little girl, she would ride her bike to the festival site, when it wasn't on, climb up onto the stage, and pretend to play to thousands of fans that come to watch big country music acts. In 2014, her dream of playing the Main Stage came true when she shared the stage with The Band Perry.
This JUNO Nominee has had multiple songs chart in the Top 100 on the Canadian Country music charts, along with numerous songs reaching the top spot on the Indigenous Music Countdown. She released her seventh studio album, "Remember Your Name," on September 20th, 2024, which peaked at #9 on iTunes Canada in its first week of release and has amassed over 100,000 global streams to date. The album also charted in the Top 10 on the national Earshot charts across all genres and #3 in the folk/roots/blues category. Desiree is a proud member of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation. She serves as a Board member of the Indigenous Music Office and is an artist ambassador for the Donnie Wenjack Foundation.
Connect with Desiree Dorion:
https://www.desireedorion.com/
https://www.facebook.com/desdorion/
https://www.instagram.com/desireedorion/
UK Calling is shaking up the tribute scene with a bold, alternative 80s explosion that’s part nostalgia, part revolution.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/uk-calling-live-in-peterborough-tickets-1735882624659?aff=oddtdtcreator
UK Calling is shaking up the tribute scene with a bold, alternative 80s explosion that’s part nostalgia, part revolution. Think The Clash meets The Cure with a dash of ska-fueled swagger. Led by Peter James Fox and Jarrod Ross, the Toronto-based band turns classic anthems into living, breathing celebrations of rebellion, rhythm, and connection. With every show, they’re rewriting music history with heart, horns, and high-voltage energy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZYDDP3yNb4
They’ll be performing at the Gordon Best Theatre on November 15
UK Calling Redefines the Tribute Landscape with Bold Alternative 80s Experience and National Tour
https://www.instagram.com/ukcallingband/
https://www.facebook.com/ukcallingband
https://www.youtube.com/@ukcallingband/videos
With entertainment dollars stretched thin and audiences seeking authentic connections, UK Calling is emerging as a forward-looking force. The Toronto-based collective continues to ignite sold-out rooms across Ontario, delivering the songs and spirit of a generation with a modern vision of what cover and tribute artistry can be.
From CFNY-inspired anthems to underground club classics, UK Calling has become Canada’s premier Alternative 80s live experience. Their momentum reflects not nostalgia, but a cultural renewal: an exploration of New Wave, post-punk, and 2Tone ska that resonates with both longtime fans and first-time listeners.
Born from the shared vision of Dublin-raised frontman Peter James Fox and Melbourne-born bassist Jarrod Ross, the band sidestepped the predictable canon. “What if we did a British tribute — but skipped The Beatles and Zeppelin? No stadium rock — just the music that shaped who we are, what we believe, and how we live,” recalls Fox. That idea sparked UK Calling — an ensemble featuring some of Toronto’s most respected professional musicians: Kevin Howley (drums, vocals), Neil Whitford (guitar), Jordan Quinn (keyboards), Andrew Moljgun (sax), and Emily Ferrell (trombone).
Together, the band delivers a meticulously curated repertoire that captures the politics of The Specials, the poetry of The Cure, and the passion of The Clash. Every note underscores their commitment to keeping the energy of late ’70s and ’80s Britain alive for today’s audiences.
“In every city we play, the energy is undeniable,” says Fox. “People aren’t just hearing these songs again — they’re feeling them as part of their own story. That’s what drives us forward.”
Ross adds: “This isn’t about nostalgia. It’s about bringing the rawness and urgency of that era into today’s world. We see fans from every generation finding something real in this music, and that connection keeps growing.”
Recent performances have showcased the band’s evolution through carefully chosen lyrics that speak across decades. Echoing Joy Division’s haunting declaration, “Love will tear us apart again,” and The Clash’s eternal call, “London calling to the faraway towns,” UK Calling crafts nights that feel both familiar and fiercely alive.
Their upcoming fall 2025 tour cements that vision, with a slate of shows across Ontario:
Oct 11 — Oshawa/Durham, Biltmore Theatre
Nov 7 — Parry Sound, Stockey Centre
Nov 15 — Peterborough, Gordon Best Theatre
Nov 21 — Port Dover, Lighthouse Theatre
Nov 29 — Owen Sound, Heartwood Hall
Dec 20 — Toronto, The Great Hall
As UK Calling looks to 2026 and beyond, their vision remains clear: to expand the conversation around tribute performance and reimagine it as cultural preservation. In an industry where competition for attention is fierce, the band gives audiences precisely what they crave — music with purpose, energy, and connection.
Based in Toronto, UK Calling is Canada’s premier Alternative 80s Experience. Formed by Peter James Fox and Jarrod Ross, the band re-imagines the underground sound of late ’70s and ’80s Britain through electrifying live performances. With a lineup of acclaimed Canadian musicians, UK Calling celebrates the songs and spirit of a transformative era while building a future-focused model of tribute artistry.
Black Umfolosi Brings Their Acclaimed Fusion of Traditional Southern African Harmonies on Tour 2025.
Black Umfolosi International will bring their acclaimed
fusion of traditional Southern African harmonies and dance to St. Paul’s
United Church in Toronto on November 15. Audiences can expect an
evening of rich vocals, mesmerizing choreography, and heartfelt
storytelling that celebrate the strength and spirit of Southern African
culture.
Black Umfolosi International Brings the Spirit of Southern Africa to Canada with 2025 National Tour.
Website
YouTube
Spotify
Black
Umfolosi International (BUI), the Canadian-based Imbube and A cappella
ensemble rooted in the rich musical traditions of Southern Africa, is
set to embark on a cross-country Canadian tour this fall, sharing their
mesmerizing harmonies and vibrant dances with audiences from coast to
coast.
Originally
founded in Zimbabwe in 1982 and reformed in 2023, BUI has performed in
over 30 countries worldwide, earning international acclaim for their
captivating performances sung in Ndebele and Zulu. Their distinctive
sound features rhythmic tongue clicks, rolling harmonies, and intricate
choreography that celebrates the beauty, strength, and spirit of
Southern African culture.
Each
performance blends song, storytelling, and traditional dance to create
an uplifting experience that embodies gratitude, endurance, and joy.
Guided by artistic director and founder Thomeki Dube (Nduna), BUI’s
mission is to promote, preserve, and showcase Southern African
traditional music and dance while fostering global cultural
understanding.
The
ensemble’s six core objectives include creating opportunities for
artists, mentoring youth, promoting inclusivity, and using the arts to
uplift and heal communities.
Black Umfolosi International 2025 Canadian Tour Dates:
* Oct 30 – Chester Playhouse, Chester, NS
* Oct 31 – Mark Lescarbot Theatre, Comeauville, NS
* Nov 1 – Evergreen Theatre, Margaretsville, NS
* Nov 4 – The Carleton, Halifax, NS
* Nov 5 – The Astor Theatre, Liverpool, NS
* Nov 6 – Decoste Centre, Pictou, NS
* Nov 7 – Lunenburg Opera House, Lunenburg, NS
* Nov 8 – Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside, PE
* Nov 9 – Immaculata Auditorium, Antigonish, NS
* Nov 11 – Chalet Bellevue, Morin Heights, QC
* Nov 12 – The OP Theatre, Deep River, ON
* Nov 13 – Westdale Theatre, Hamilton, ON
* Nov 15 – St. Paul’s United Church, Scarborough, ON
* Nov 16 – The Red Bird, Ottawa, ON
* Nov 18 – The Basement, Saskatoon, SK
* Nov 19 – Private Show, Medicine Hat, AB
* Nov 20 – Key City Centre, Cranbrook, BC
* Nov 21 – St. Basil’s Church Centre, Edmonton, AB
* Nov 23 – Studio Bell Theatre, Calgary, AB
* Nov 26 – Belfry Theatre, Victoria, BC
* Nov 27 – St. James Hall, Vancouver, BC
* Nov 28 – Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre, BC
*
About Black Umfolosi International:
Founded
in 1982 in Zimbabwe and now based in Canada, Black Umfolosi
International carries forward the legacy of its original ensemble with a
renewed vision of connection, creativity, and cultural pride. Their
performances unite audiences through song and movement, embodying the
universal power of rhythm and harmony.
Asthma Kids Drop Punk Grenade “Die on This Hill (The Meek Are Getting Ready Pt II)
Asthma Kids Drop Punk Grenade “Die on This Hill (The Meek Are Getting Ready Pt II)”
“Die on This Hill (The Meek Are Getting Ready Pt II)”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ng0l9Hz-KQU
https://open.spotify.com/track/1Yr1n4TTeoHOcJuqShAORD
https://asthmakids.bandcamp.com/track/die-on-this-hill-the-meek-are-getting-ready-pt-ii
https://www.facebook.com/people/Asthma-Kids/61557787954164/
Forget middle eights. Forget bridges. Lindsay, ON’s Asthma Kids have a message and they’re yelling it straight from the steel guts of across the planet to all the indie punks out there. Their new single “Die on This Hill (The Meek Are Getting Ready Pt II)” is a warning shot. A middle finger in 4/4 time to late-stage capitalism, billionaires who pay no taxes, and the idea that your kid might never afford rent.
Asthma Kids is the brainchild of Trevor Hutchinson (Big Eddy, Pardon Beggars) and JP Gill, a duo who refuse to color inside the genre lines. “We leave labels for soup cans,” Hutchinson quips. Punk? Post-pop? Freak-country? Americana? Check all that apply and throw it out. “Make art! Put your phone down and record that song,” Hutchinson insists. That’s the mantra behind Asthma Kids: authentic, angry, and unfiltered.
The new single, mixed at Abbey Road and originally released via UK punk label Dammit Records, is already gaining steam internationally. “I was pissed off,” Hutchinson admits. “My daughter might never rent an apartment. Then I read about billionaires not paying taxes. So I wrote the most direct thing I could.” The song, recorded in three hours at Black Tail Recording during a solar eclipse in Hamilton, Canada’s punk Mecca, hits like a headbutt. "I didn’t want singer-songwriter drivel clouding the message," Hutchinson added. “It had to be crystal clear. It's an f-you to the super elite. But after I nearly died — strokes, rehab, all that — I started hearing hope in it too. It became energizing. Even if I use a cane to (expletive) walk.”
From the band that gave you alien-themed alt-country and punchy power pop (remember “Fenelon Falls 4 Bobcaygeon 0”?), this track takes their ethos further. It’s militant, raw, and real — the only Canadian song on the new ‘Dam-Nations’ punk compilation. Their 'comedy' track “Alien Love” has nearly 20K YouTube views. “Not bad for outsider art,” Hutchinson deadpans.
Asthma Kids want co-conspirators. This is music as manifesto. It’s a sweaty basement show turned call to arms. The duo has been semi-finalists in the International Songwriting Competition twice (yes, once in comedy, once in Americana), and they’re still defying expectations with every track.
“Die on This Hill (The Meek Are Getting Ready Pt II)” is out now on all platforms. Stream it, scream it, and maybe think about which hill you’d die on — before the rent goes up again.
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