Canterbury Folk Festival

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www.arrogantworms.com

Three quarters of a quarter of a century ago, something magnificent happened in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Sensing a desperate public need for musical comedy, The Arrogant Worms was formed. The Arrogant Worms began as a comedy troupe performing songs and sketches on the campus radio station in 1991. As the live show developed, the songs delighted the audience. The sketches - not so much. It began as a hobby, making fun of a big dumb world. Luckily, the world is still dumb and The Arrogant Worms (Mike McCormick, Chris Patterson and Trevor Strong) still have plenty to sing about. The shows are fast, furious and family friendly. The wit is quick, the satire is biting and the musicianship is second to none. Their appeal has earned them fans from kids to parents to grandparents to Princess Leia. The Arrogant Worms have sold more than 150,000 copies of their 12 albums and played on three continents to crowds as large as 100,000. They were recognized in 2003 as the Touring Act of the Year by the Canadian Arts Presenters Association. The Worms have entertained at corporate functions, sung anthems at sporting events and emceed at major festivals. Their songs are in school lesson plans, in textbooks and even played on the Space Shuttle. On earth or in space, everyone digs these Worms. The Arrogant Worms are as comfortable on the radio or on camera as they are on stage Their energy and showmanship were captured on the DVD of their concert with the renowned Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. The DVD also features appearances by Worm pals figure skating champion Kurt Browning and actors Tom Cavanaugh (Ed, Love Monkey) and Nathan Fillion (Saving Private Ryan, Desperate Housewives). In recent years the Worms have been pleased to donate their time and talent to the cause of literacy in Canada through Frontier College and were awarded the Peter Gzowski Award for their efforts. So The Arrogant Worms will continue to provide tuneful and silly escapism for everyone who needs it. And if you think you don't need it, well you're wrong. You do. The Arrogant Worms know what's best for you and what's best for you is The Arrogant Worms

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In 1973, "Painted Ladies" became an international hit for Ian. 30 years, a Juno award, 3 SOCAN classic awards, a handful of Juno nominations,15 albums and as many top 20 records later, he's still writing and recording successfully with his internationally acclaimed band, The Boomers. Ian's lyrics have been utilized in English text-books and many international artists have had success with Ian Thomas' songs such as Santana, America, Manfred Mann, Chicago, Bette Midler and Anne Murray. Aussie artist Daryl Braithwaite achieved number one down under for 5 weeks with an Ian Thomas song "As The Days Go By" and went top five with another, "All I Do" from the same album. Ian's songs have been licensed for television uses in programs such WKRP in Cincinnati, Baywatch, Degrassi High and Leap Years and in feature films such as Peter's Friends, The Philadelphia Experiment, First Born, and Strange Brew. Ian is also in demand as a film composer and has scored many feature films and TV Movies of the week. To help support his "music habit" Ian has done extensive voice work in cartoons (Ned's Nute, The Dumb Bunnies) and close to a thousand radio and television commercials as everything from the voice of Snap the Rice Crispy to the voice of the Ontario Lottery Corporation. His television appearances have included roles such as insane Scotsman Duncan McTavish on Supertown Challenge (comedy channel) and regular character Dougie Franklin for six years running on the Red Green Show (CBC/PBS). There are new challenges afoot with a screenplay, one completed novel, "Bequest" and another under way. Ian lives with his wife of 33 years in the Niagara wine region of Ontario because he likes both wine and his wife.

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www.jimbyrnes.org

An American-born actor long in Canada, Jim Byrnes is best known for playing 'Lifeguard', the communications expert and link to the "organization" on the CBS series "Wiseguy" (1987-1990), and as Joe Dawson, one of the Watchers tracking the immortals on "Highlander" (syndicated, from 1993-98). A handsome man, often bearded, Byrnes lost both his legs when, while helping push a stalled truck on a highway, he was hit from behind by a car. After recuperating, he pursued work as a musician, which also led to the acting career for which he had once trained. Born and raised in St Louis, he grew up on the city's north side. As a teenager going to music clubs, he and his buddy were often the only white people in the place. "We never had any problems. We were too naïve, too innocent, and had too much respect for the music and the culture - they knew it, they could tell." Starting piano at age five, by age thirteen Jim was singing and playing blues guitar, and he continues to play on his favorite guitar, a Gibson 1969 Hummingbird. In addition to being a musician, acting always seemed to strike a chord, ever since he did Shakespeare in the Park in St. Louis when he was 15. He studied acting at Boston University and St. Louis University. In 1981 he formed the blues group, The Jim Byrnes Band, began playing dates throughout Canada, and has become a staple of the Vancouver music scene. The band has released three albums, "Burnin'", "I Turned My Nights Into Days" and "That River." In 1996, he won the Juno award for Best Blues/Gospel Album for "That River". He broke into the US TV market in 1987 acting in and singing a song he had written for the NBC miniseries "Hands of a Stranger". "Wiseguy", filmed in Vancouver, Canada, premiered later that year. In addition to acting, Jim has also done voices for the animated series "Dragon Warrior" (syndicated, 1990) and "Megaman" (syndicated, 1996), appeared in the short-lived syndicated series "Neon Rider" (1990) and performed blues songs on an episode of the HBO series "The Hitchhiker". He has co-starred in numerous TV movies, beginning with "The Red Spider" (CBS, 1988). He had strong moments playing a war veteran in the award-winning "Serving in Silence: The Margarethe Cammermeyer Story" (NBC, 1995) and reprised the role of Lifeguard for a "Wiseguy" reunion movie on ABC in 1996. In 1993, he was nominated for a Genie for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his work in "Harmony Cats", and in 1996 won the Leo for Best Actor in a TV Drama for his work in Highlander. Jim's feature film work has been limited, although he earned good notices as a musician in "Harmony Cats" (1994) and is also recalled as a police lieutenant in "Under the Gun" (1995).

www.lilyfrost.com

2009 was a watershed year for Lily Frost. Off the top, she received a Gemini nomination for the score, which she co-wrote, of the hit TV show "Being Erica." Lily also co-wrote the theme song "Everything I Ever Wanted to Be." (She will be appearing, as herself, in a second-season episode, and you know you've turned a certain corner, fame-wise, when you appear "as yourself" in anything.) To support the release of "Lily Swings," she toured all over Canada with her western swing band (called "The Debonairs" in honour of the late great Canadian underground legend Ray Condo), performing songs from the repertoire of Billie Holiday, to packed houses and standing ovations everywhere. 2009 also saw Lily expand her fan-base in France, embarking with a four-piece band on two sold-out tours in a year, drawing praise from French critics for her "mastery of ambiance," her "wide palette of emotion," and the powerful singing voice and strong personality of a woman who clearly "knows where she's going." Her last album, Cinemagique, also won rave reviews in France. Liberation praised the "alchemy, kaleidoscopic vision.and superb voice of Lily Frost." Comme Ca concurred, saying "this excellent album.shines with sensuality and charm." In the course of this eventful year, Lily and Jose (her collaborator and husband) poured their heart and souls into the making of her new disc, Viridian Torch-Lily's sixth solo disc.

www.pierreschryer.com

Pierre Schryer is part of the vibrant Franco-Ontarian culture of Canada and from an early age was immersed in the music and traditions of his heritage. As a solo performer he has received numerous titles and awards including Canadian Open Fiddle Champion, Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Champion, Violoneux Championnat, and North American Irish Fiddle Champion. Pierre truly captivates audiences with his energy, genuine warmth, and flawless ability in any style from Irish, Scottish and Québecois, to Canadian, American, or Swing. Over the last decade, Pierrehas released several recordings on the New Canadian Records label including the New Canadian Waltz, 2 Worlds United, Acoustique ! , Heat of the Moment and Blue Drag. Pierre's debut album, the New Canadian Waltz, was recorded live in 1995 and features his uncompromised fiddling dexterity and authentic representation of various traditional fiddle styles. Among the many highlights of Pierre's career is the 1999 CD release of 2 Worlds United (later released for worldwide distribution on the Claddagh Records label in Dublin, Ireland.) This duet recording combines Pierre's skillful fiddling with the talents of button accordionist, Dermot Byrne, of the Irish super-group Altan. The result is a masterful combination of two celebrated musical traditions; Irish and Franco-Ontarian . The 2000 CD release of Acoustique! represents the evolution of the Pierre Schryer Band, displaying a fresh and exciting sound in Canadian fiddling and songs. 2002 marked the launch of another live album, Heat of the Moment with Pierre Schryer and Ian Clark. The result is a wonderfully uninhibited spontaneous and joyful conversation between fiddle and guitar. Blue Drag, the milestone album to date, was honoured with a Nomination at the 2004 JUNO Awards for best Roots and Traditional Album of the Year (Group.) It represents the ongoing vision of Pierre Schryer Band to create sophisticated and innovative arrangements of Celtic and traditional music, while incorporating elements of gypsy swing, improvisation, and world music. Pierre Schryer Band was officially showcased at the International Folk Alliance in Montreal in February 2005. On his own, Pierre has also shared the stage with many of today's greatest Celtic artists, and performs regularly with Quebec's Club Carrefour promoting the authentic music, dance and songs of French Canada, Ottawa's Celtic guitar wizard Ian Clark, Ireland's genius accordion player Dermot Byrne, as well Symphony Orchestras across North America.

Poor Angus is an award-winning quintet, formed by Brian LeBlanc and Andrew Bryan. Irish session enthusiasts, they met at a local pub and played together in a previous band for a couple of years. Upon meeting piper Ross Griffiths at the same session, and noted local folk singer Scott Cameron Smith, they decided that they had to get together and bring this music to a wider audience. With an award winning album under their belts and three years of playing festivals and events around North America, the lads are preparing to record their second album for release in Summer 2009. Poor Angus is nestled in on the internet at www.poorangus.com

Ojibway Storyteller
Aaron Bell

From a very early age, Aaron Bell, Ojibway Storyteller displayed many talents in the arts. Throughout his young life, Aaron put to paper everything he could which eventually led to Sheridan College for Classical Animation as well as Mohawk College for Graphic Arts Production.

Aaron soon realized that drawing was not what he wished to do with his life. After leaving college, he gained employment at many First Nations organizations from the Woodland Cultural Centre to Kanata Native Traditional Village in Brantford, Ontario. This is when his journey began to lead him into other forms of art, from acting to set design and eventually to the gifts of First Nations Storytelling.

His travels have led him on many paths throughout his life, but this is what he loves to do. which is share the teachings and the culture of the First Nations people of Southern Ontario with those who wish to learn through the magic of the spoken word, drama and humour.

White Pine Dancers

For the past eight years, Gonrah Desgohwah White Pine Dancers have performed for over 35,000 guests both locally and internationally in some of Southern Ontario's most celebrated educational venues! Audiences across Southern Ontario and beyond have stated that our performance was not only entertaining, but educational as well. Many audience members commented that they had learned more about First Nations culture during our one hour performance then they had anywhere else! Our performances are interactive as well as colourful and vibrant. Our audiences always come away with a smile on their face, a smile in their spirit and a smile in their hearts.

The power of movement,

The rhythm of History,

The story's of our ancestors,

Shared with you.

Billy Pettinger is a Canadian-born singer and songwriter who performs under the moniker Billy the Kid. She also fronts the rock band Billy and the Lost Boys and played drums in Vancouver's longest surviving Ramones cover band, the Ramores. Pettinger has been the primary songwriter in all of her original projects and has collaborated with such artists as Garth Hudson from The Band and Bob Dylan, Randy Cooke of Dave Stewart's Rock Fabulous Orchestra and Ringo Starr and Stan "the Baron" Behrens, who played harmonica for Willie Dixon, Ruth Brown and the Four Tops. Her latest release The Lost Cause was produced and engineered by Raine Maida, lead singer of Canadian rock band Our Lady Peace. Pettinger released a five song EP called The Lost Cause on November 14, 2008. The EP contains the songs "These City Lights", "Drown", "The Drugs", "I Don't Want to Know" and "Just Trying to Get By". The Lost Cause was sold on tours opening for Raine Maida, on her website, and on iTunes. An additional five songs were recorded at the same time but have yet to be released.

Nominated by the Canadian Folk Music Awards for Best Vocal Group of 2009, the four-woman A Cappella group from Ottawa, Ontario is a fresh new sound.
This is A Cappella as you've never heard before!
Cantarra was founded in 2007 by award-winning singer/songwriter Lee Hayes (of Malaika fame). Lee is teamed with the musical talents of Charlotte Hayes, Lori Jean Hodge, and Nicky Brodie to create this stunning vocal mosaic. Cantarra will surprise and enchant; they are an exciting, captivating experience.
Cantarra's vocal rhythms, complex harmonies, and accents of percussion lend themselves beautifully to their musical genres of Canadiana, Latin, World Beat, Pop, and Folk.
With a myriad of languages (English, French, Spanish, Swedish, Swahili, Italian, Zulu, Lingala, and Finnish to date) and original arrangements by creative director Lee Hayes, Cantarra's performances are truly magical.

"A Mesmerizing Treat!"
- Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival, 2007

"Cantarra is a welcome addition to Ottawa's roots music scene"
- Patrick Langston, The Ottawa Citizen, 2008
www.cantarra.ca

Denise Pelley has performed with orchestras as far afield as Portugal and Germany. But it was her debut Jazz cd "Trust the Moment", recorded in 1998 that brought her to the attention of jazz lovers across Canada after it's launch at an evening hosted by Shelagh Rogers at Toronto's Top 'O The Senator, an appearance on CTV's Canada AM and airplay on CBC's After Hours.
Denise has performed with many great artists including acclaimed trombonist Ray Anderson, Gospel/Blues legend Jackie Richardson, Flamenco guitarist Jesse Cook, and long time collaborator pianist John Noubarian. Recently she opened for Aretha Franklin at the John Labatt Centre in London, Ontario.
Denise enjoys performing with symphony orchestras and is a regular with the London Jeans 'n Classics series. On the festival circuit she has performed at the du Maurier Downtown Jazz Festival (Toronto), Ottawa Jazz Festival, The Royal Canadian Big Band Festival (London), Bluesfest (London), Waterloo Jazz Festival and Sunfest (London), among others.
Denise also enjoys acting and has been part of The Grand Theatre (London) seasons performing in the Fats Waller musical Ain't Misbehavin' ,Wang Dang Doodle with Denis Simpson and A Streetcar Named Desire. Denise's new one-woman show, Jazzabel premiered in September 2005 at the McManus Theatre (Grand Theatre), London, Ontario to sold out audiences! Jazzabel will be showcased in Washington DC in October, 2005 and New York City in February, 2006. Denise Pelley has performed with orchestras as far afield as Portugal and Germany. But it was her debut Jazz cd "Trust the Moment", recorded in 1998 that brought her to the attention of jazz lovers across Canada after it's launch at an evening hosted by Shelagh Rogers at Toronto's Top 'O The Senator, an appearance on CTV's Canada AM and airplay on CBC's After Hours.
Denise has performed with many great artists including acclaimed trombonist Ray Anderson, Gospel/Blues legend Jackie Richardson, Flamenco guitarist Jesse Cook, and long time collaborator pianist John Noubarian. Recently she opened for Aretha Franklin at the John Labatt Centre in London, Ontario.
Denise enjoys performing with symphony orchestras and is a regular with the London Jeans 'n Classics series. On the festival circuit she has performed at the du Maurier Downtown Jazz Festival (Toronto), Ottawa Jazz Festival, The Royal Canadian Big Band Festival (London), Bluesfest (London), Waterloo Jazz Festival and Sunfest (London), among others.
Denise also enjoys acting and has been part of The Grand Theatre (London) seasons performing in the Fats Waller musical Ain't Misbehavin' ,Wang Dang Doodle with Denis Simpson and A Streetcar Named Desire. Denise's new one-woman show, Jazzabel premiered in September 2005 at the McManus Theatre (Grand Theatre), London, Ontario to sold out audiences! Jazzabel will be showcased in Washington DC in October, 2005 and New York City in February, 2006.
In 2002 Denise was honoured with being the recipient of the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal. In 2003 she was named a YM-YWCA Woman of Distinction in the Arts and Heritage category. Denise won best jazz artists in London, Ontario's Music Awards in 2002, 2003 and 2006. In April of 2006 Denise was the honoured recipient of the Paul Harris Fellowship Award, the highest award given by Rotary.

The Ingersoll Pipe Band today continues to carry on the traditions of the band past through performances and instruction. Under the direction of Pipe Major James Muterer and Drum Major Gail MacKay the band participates in many parades, community events and competitions throughout the year. They have performed in many parts of Canada and the United States, from Halifax to North Carolina. One of the band's regular performances are at the Indianapolis 500 race and parade which is held on Memorial Day weekend. The band has also been on tour in Taiwan and have most recently returned in March 2004.

There is a spotlight, a stage, and a band. The video lottery terminals flash, the bartender slams bottles, the voices of 500 people hum. Then J.P. Hoe steps to the microphone, and the world stops.
Well, almost. Outside, the Winnipeg wind batters snow against the doors. Headlights zip by, on their way to and from somewhere else. But in this space, on this night, all eyes, ears and minds are on the guy with the crooked smile, the smoky torch-song voice, and the guitar strapped to his chest. And you think, this man could start a war.
Ask the 2,500 people who, after seeing him open for Jann Arden on her 2007 Canadian tour, rushed the merch booth to buy his EP, The Live Beta Project. Ask the hundreds of Winnipeggers who turn out for his tongue-in-cheek theme gigs, like the perennially popular J.P. Hoe Hoe Hoe Holiday Show. Music legend Seymour Stein thinks J.P. would be huge in Asia. A Western Canadian Music Awards jury thought his full-length debut, The Dear John Letters, was one of the top pop recordings and top songwriting efforts, of 2008.
This is a songwriter who gets people talking. They talk, for instance, about his sound. It's hard to pin down. The melodies are always fluid, the lyrics clear-eyed. And of course, there's always J.P.'s voice, a classic instrument that rasps with weight beyond his years. But the songs... the songs run the gamut, from gentle to gregarious, and sometimes even down'n'dirty. There's the party-starting trumpets on songs like Start a War, the twangy strums of Safe and Sound, and the restless, breathless urgency of Simple Life. "You're kind of jazzy, kind of poppy," opined one man, who cornered J.P. in a Winnipeg steakhouse. "Pick a genre and you'll do good." A friend once compared J.P. to Bob Dylan, if Dylan wrote more love songs. All this from a guy who started playing guitar in high school because it was the best way for a shy kid to meet girls. He's come a long way since then. Since making his first, amateur recording while interning at a radio station outside of Paris, J.P. has become one of the most buzzworthy acts in Winnipeg's tight-knit scene. He's toured with Emm Gryner, been invited to record a CBC Canada Live concert, and filled performance slots at prestigious events such as the Winnipeg Folk Festival. One step forward, two steps back. As the first decade of the third millennium closes, the music industry is struggling to find its footing in a bold new technocracy. J.P. has felt the tremors too. It's tough out there to make ends meet, to find the right industry supports, to say sayonara to the day job and make music a living.
But J.P.'s fans are proof that his music can rise above the din.
What happens next? More music. More albums. More cross-Canada tours, more dates in cities like New York, Austin and Los Angeles, where he's wooed showcase crowds before. More sizzling shows with his deft backing band, the Truly Richards.
Beyond that? Any stage, and any sky is the limit for J.P. Hoe. Don't take our word for it: just watch him go.

Tia haling from Port Dover is an Americana/Folk singer/songwriter who's credits include 4 internationally released albums, videos on CMT Canada and World performances atfestivals andvenues like Strawberry Festival (CA), Riverhawk(FL),The Bluebird Cats (Nashville) and Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival (AL),and Seswyn Fawr, and Liangolien Festivals, BBC2 radio in the UK. Tia has had her songs recorded by artists in Canada, Wales and the US and in moves like "Our Very Own." (Starz Network) Tia has written and rcordedwith notable talent such as Randy Bachman (BTO), Andrew Gold (Linda Ronstadt), and Tommy Parham (Eve Selis). Visit Tia on the web at www.tiamcgraff.com

Eric Shain originally hales from Western Canada but has resided equal time in Ontario. Stage performances reflect this mans talent, energy and the love of entertaining and proves his ability to satisfy people of all ages. No stranger to the music business. For many years Eric's enthusiasm has led him across Canada coast to coast promoting the values of Country music, his first love, although he also performs various styles of music. His dedication and sincerity over the years has made him a well-known and respected Entertainer, Recording Artist, Singer, Musician and Songwriter. His repertoire goes far beyond what is listed in this package and also performs original material well accepted by audiences. Although he performs with the "Shain Gang" periodically he also does a great single or duo act that is warm, full and entertaining and sure to be a welcomed addition to your entertainment lineup. A Great Singer Entertainer Who Played Every Province In Canada (Oops,, Except Two) For Many Years Doing Dances, Tv And Radio Shows, Legions And Private Festivities,

The Whitewater Bluegrass Band has performed for over fifteen years at many festivals and musical events. This dynamic and crowd pleasing band has enjoyed a very long and successful journey in the Bluegrass and Folk world entertaining young and old alike. Their style and upbeat personalities continue to compliment many music activities and festivals.The band members are Glen Patterson: Fiddle Player, harmony vocals. Betty Blasdell: Guitar player, lead/harmony vocals/ emcee.Yvette Teichroeb: Banjo Player, lead and harmony vocals. Bob Kalmusky: Bass Player. Lisa Bates: Fiddle,Mandolin,Harmony Vocals. Dynamic, high-energy music in the true Bluegrass spirit!! Visit whitewaterbluegrass at http://www.myspace.com/glenwhitewaterbluegrass

ROBERT BREEN has been playing in bands in the area since the age of 13, and in the group Safe As Milk since 1991. He is also the Career Management Instructor and Industry Liaison at The Ontario Institute of Audio Recording Technology (OIART) in London ON. He has written articles on audio which have been published in EQ, Mix, Professional Sound, and Canadian Musician Magazines amongst others, and he is the current Vice Chair of the Audio Engineering Society in Toronto. He is founder and President of www.canadianaudiodistributors.com, importing studio microphones and accessories to Canada since 2006. From 1998 to 2004 he worked as an engineer and studio manager at TEC Awards Nominated Ocean Studios in Burbank, California. While at Ocean, he assisted and engineered on hundreds of sessions, including several Grammy Nominees and Winners. He recently finished a 24 track analog studio in London where he continues to work as an engineer and producer, and his credits include "Sketches" by Canterbury Festival Founder Ted Comiskey, and the upcoming album by London music mainstay Doug Varty. Robert is excited to return to the Canterbury Folk Festival, partially because he can see his mom's front porch from the stage.

A guitarist and folk singer, Bruce began playing at the age of nine when he received his first guitar. After graduating from Ridgetown Agricultural College, Bruce and a friend backpacked across Europe playing and singing for room and meals. In the mid 1970's he and three friends formed the Back 40 Bluegrass Band which led to the founding of the Back 40 Bluegrass Festival. Recently he has done house concerts with the proceeds going to The Ontario Food Grains Bank.

Diamond Dance Centre (DDC) is a local Ingersoll dance studio that offers a variety of dance classes to students ages 3 to Adult. Having just completed a successful second season, DDC, under the direction of owner Jamie Weekes, is growing and building yet again in preparation for its 2009-2010 dance year. Diamond Dance Centre is currently offering classes in tap, jazz, RAD ballet, lyrical, hip hop and creative movement. Additionally, DDC is currently accepting registrations for August summer camps! For more information on the Diamond Dance Centre at www.diamond-dance.net

Diane grew up in Thamesford, Ontario where her Mom had the music on before she woke up and Classical music could be heard every Sunday. Summer trips to see family in Nova Scotia were always celebrated with at least 2 house parties where everyone sang and played guitar. Now living in Mount Elgin where she paints signs, trucks, etc., with her husband Brian and 2 awesome daughters, Breanne and Ashley.

Doug Turvey is the Official Town Crier for both the Town of Ingersoll and the Township of Zorra. He has been crying across Canada and the United States for the past 16 years. It is his wonderful privilege to promote his "communities" at various events and competitions. He has placed 5th in the Provincial Championships many times, 7th in the North American competition and 11th at the World competition in Washington State. Doug enjoys going to all the events as a way of giving something back to the community. As a member of the Ontario Guild of Town Criers, he is a former past-president of the Guild. He has hosted many competitions in Embro and Ingersoll. The competition at Ingersoll's Harvest Festival  is the longest annually run event in North America. 

Gord started playing fiddle about age 8. He walked 21/2 miles down the road every Saturday to a local teacher in Ailsa Craig, and he’s been playing ever since. With wife Joyce as accompaniment, the two have played in many fiddle contests for a number of years. Gord has been the Ontario Champion 3 times, and won or placed in many others. Over the last few years, Gord has played in many country bands and is now a fiddler with the group ‘Still Kickin’. As a duo, Gord and Joyce have played concerts, shows, etc. Gord is pleased to share his fiddling style with beginners and enjoys coaching a number of adults and kids.

Hearts of Praise bring to their listeners a blend of Contemporary Gospel Music with harmonies, guitars, bass, keyboard and flute. For the past 6 years this hard working Gospel group shares strong vocals, and lyrics that touch the soul. "Hearts of Praise" have opened the Canterbury Folk Festival on Sunday Morning for the past 3 years with a Worship & Praise Service with songs of conviction & expressions of God’s grace for the heart. Their music is uplifting as they proclaim God’s Gospel of Love to all His creation.

Besides Canterbury Folk Festival they can be found sharing their music in a variety of churches across South Western Ontario, the occasional concert performance with the Southern Gospel Group "The Torchmen" and other venues such as St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral in London for the Evangelism Conference in 2005.

JEnn is an acoustic singer/songwriter from Woodstock, ON. Having mainly concentrated on her art interest over the past decade, she has recently begun focusing on her musical aspirations. Between gigging, writing and running a weekly open jam at a local pub, she headed into the studio in the Summer of '05. There she recorded her 4 song demo titled the "Uncommon EP". She's played gigs and festivals across the province and has even had the pleasure of opening for Ron Sexmith in 2007. She is now back at the Funny Farm where she has nearly finished her full length album and is anxious to get back in the studio. JEnn thrives on playing live with her songs that sing straight from the heart.

An energetic group of musicians who play folk roots music with a flair for Celtic traditions and a passion for performing original tunes.
Bob Cunningham, originally from England, has sung professionally with many folk groups, most recently Tranby Croft. He plays guitar, long neck mandolin and Irish bouzouki.
Barry Nunn, a guitar, bass and harmonica player with a keen sense of vocal harmony, has performed solo and in groups across much of Canada.
Bernie Gilmore, with two recent albums to his credit, is a singer, guitarist and banjo player who is always looking for a good story to make into another song.
Alice Boyle rounds out the group providing elegance and sparkle with her viola and fiddle arrangements.

Children's Story Teller, Lou Anne Tessier, has been a part of the Canterbury Folk Festival from the beginning. She enjoys sharing her talent for the telling of traditional childrens stories, Lou Anne is a local amateur story teller who relishes spinning a yarn for auddiences yourn and old. She looks forward to hosting the Canterbury Folk Festival childrens stage welcoming all the wonderful children's performers. It is a delightful weekend spending time with friends new and old!

Magoo has been writing songs and playing them in clubs, concerts and at festivals across the country since 1975. In the 1980's, working with a promoter in the US, he opened shows for Taj Mahal, Roger McGuinn, The Band, Joe Cocker and David Bromberg among others. He formed a rocking little band called the Nu Magoos, and enlisted the playing talents of one Kirk Elliott. In 1987 they were commissioned by Scholastic Publications to write and record music for a soon to be released book entitled ‘Sing a Song of Mother Goose’, and the family duo Kirk and Magoo was hatched.

Magoo possesses a lot of hats, and he wears them all quite well. Singer/songwriter, host, family performer, guitar teacher, backyard shed builder, and fashion plate (clothing to match the hats) all come quickly to mind. He has hosted the legendary Blue Skies Music Festival in Clarendon Ontario for 28 years, is a Past President of the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals and a recipient of a prestigious Porcupine ‘Off Beat ’Award

To keep tabs on Magoo visit him at www.magooman.com

Maigan is a Canadian Open Stepdance Champion and also a Canadian Olde Tyme Fiddler. She has won more that 100 trophies and plaques in her travels all over Ontario and Nova Scotia. She is also one of the few entertainers who can play the fiddle and dance at the same time and with this routine place 2nd in the Novelty Section at the Shelburne Canadian Open Championship. Maigan is also proud to have been one of the opening acts for Amy Sky at the 2002 Canada Games in Woodstock and has been fortunate to dance with Natalie MacMaster at Centennial Hall in London

The Judith Coleman Oxford School of Dance has been in existence for 36 years in Oxford County. The reputation of the School is well known throughout South Western Ontario and beyond for outstanding quality. The students are taught by highly qualified and professional staff. This includes Judith Coleman and Kim Lightheart a former principal dancer of the National Ballet of Canada. Judith Coleman is a Registered Teacher and Practical Teaching Supervisor for the Royal Academy of Dance. She is also a life member of the British Association Teachers of Dancing. The School's main focus is Ballet, but also includes in the curriculum Character, Lyrical, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, Pilates and Ballroom. For more information visit their website at www.judithcolemandance.com

The Rakshanda Dancers are a group of ladies who study Middle Eastern (belly) dance at the Victoria Park Community Centre. They look forward to providing you with an intriquing display of various types of belly dance.

2009 Jack Richardson Award Nominee

Scott Doyle grew up in a small town of 500 people on the east coast of Newfoundland, Bay de Verde. Influenced by contemporary poets such as Leonard Cohen and Jim Morrison, he began writing poetry. His interest soon turned to songwriting and he began playing guitar at fourteen. Small town living in a community of hard working fishermen built a strong foundation for him and in years to come, he too would work hard labour jobs around southwestern Ontario such as construction, factory lines, and farming. Staying true to himself, he continued to write and went to school to study Recording Engineering. Upon completion of that course he realized that his true passion was to be a singer songwriter. Ten years of performing, travel across the country and into the United States, hard labour work, and a love for music are all themes portrayed on his latest album Picture Perfect Street. He now has a new handful of songs and will begin recording of his next album this winter. See more of Scott's career at http://www.myspace.com/scottdoylemusic

Established in 1991, the Sim School of Highland Dance enrolls approximately 100 dancers ages of 3 to adult each year. The dancers hail from various towns throughout Southwestern Ontario and participate in classes at studios in Embro and St. Thomas. On a whole, the studio operates upon the basic principle of respect for others. Our dancers are encouraged to try their very best at all times and our success is attained through persistence and teamwork. I am very fortunate and proud to have a studio that upholds these ethics.

Ted was born and raised in Ingersoll and has been singing and entertaining as long as he can remember. He has sung in many groups such as Tower Line Road, Madrigal and Francis Street. For the past few years he has been performing solo, singing and playing acoustic guitar and has put out two CD's. The first was made up of all his father's favourite east coast and Irish ballads, and the second is a collection of his own writings. Ted finds inspiration in every day events such as weddings, anniversaries or special fund raisers and has put eleven of these together in a CD called Sketches. Ted has a special spot for Canadian veterans and his song "Red Petaled Flower" made its way to CBC Radio. The past year has found Ted working more often with his good friend Jim Gonder who plays a great piano and banjo.

According to author and folklorist, Roy Palmer, shepherds in Lincolnshire, England until very recent times, still used ancient Celtic numerals for counting their sheep. For instance, yan is one, tan is two and tethera is three. Tethera is also the collective name for a group of Cambridge and Kitchener On. musicians; Paul Morris (mandolin, vocals, concertina and melodeon) , Brad McEwen (citterns and vocals) and Brian Sinclair (mandocello and various other unique stringed instruments). Paul is one half of the English Music Hall duo County Vaudeville, and Brad and Brian have been in Nonesuch for years. Gwen Potter plays violin and viola and has recently moved to Canada from England. She is the most recent member of the band. Although Tethera means Three, and there are now four musicians, they have decided to keep the name because they like it! Brad McEwen is also the founder and Artistic Director of the Mill Race Folk Society. The repertoire consists of mainly traditional English dance tunes and songs, but other things have been known to creep in from Ireland, France, Brittany, Belgium and even Canada! They have been playing together in pub sessions for many years and bring the relaxed style of the informal session to the festival stage. Just close your eyes and imagine the ancient timbers of an old pub and a pint of English ale in front of you.

Tiffany Fewster has been dancing for 18 years, and teaching and choreographing for over 10. At the age of 15, she was a Canadian Step Dance Champion and also a Principal Dancer in the Mirvish Production of Needfire at the Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto. Her dance career has taken her many places and has introduced her to many great faces. When she is not performing or teaching, Tiffany now sells Real Estate full time for Century 21 Heritage House in Woodstock. She is very happy to be back at the Canterbury Folk Festival again this year and is thankful for the opportunity it gives her students to get out and perform in a relaxed atmosphere and also be so close to home (Woodstock). Tiffany learned to step dance in Ingersoll from Linda Waymouth, so this festival is near and dear to her roots. "Watching this festival grow every year is wonderful and I hope it keeps growing and we all keep dancing

Sarajayne Sweetland, the current Canadian Open Solo Step Dance Champion is delighted to return again this year to her home town folk festival. 2009-10 has been chalked full with amazing opportunities including performing with Canadian and US Fiddle Champion, Shane Cook and his talented colleagues, Jake Charron and Brian Pickell at both Canterbury Folk Festival and Owen Sound's "summerfolk". After Sarajayne's Labour Day Weekend first place finish at the legendary Pembroke Fiddle and Step Dance Championships she had the honor of performing in a Thanksgiving concert with the Kitchener -Waterloo Symphony Orchestra. Recently Sarajayne was invited back to perform in a St Patrick's Day Concert Series with the KW Symphony conducted by Nova Scotia's talented conductor, Mr Scott MacMillan and "The Rock's" accordionist extraordinaire, Mr.Bernard Felix. Sarajayne was able to travel to Belize for a three week missions trip this past christmas and was delighted to share her dancing with the village children. A missions trip to Africa calls her name this summer and she is confident her joy for dancing will be shared by the people across the sea.

About Sutherland Studio of Dance
Established for over 40 years, Sutherland Studio is a family oriented dance studio, dedicated to instructing and encouraging dancers of all ages and levels to achieve their potential and reach their goals.
Located in London, Ontario, Canada, the studio offers a wide range of high quality instruction in Highland, Scottish National Dances, Highland Choreography, a comprehensive Stretch and Strength Program and Ballet for Highland Dancers.
Instruction is provided in the form of group classes, workshops, semi-private and private lessons. Classes are open to all ages and are available for different skill levels.
For the competing dancer, various events are held throughout the year to provide opportunities to match skill and talent with dancers from other communities locally, provincially, nationally and internationally. Both traditional Scottish dances and creative choreographies are featured at these events.
For both the recreational and competitive dancer, entertainment venues often request dancers to perform for Robbie Burns Day, weddings, recitals and senior residence facilities.

Phil Arnold is the driving force behind Puppetworks. Founded in 1999, this puppet company has been experimenting and performing with puppets for over a decade. In addition to performances for adults and children, Puppetworks delivers workshops to elementary students in the Southwestern Ontario region. An actor and director for over thirty years, Phil started working with puppets while he was the owner/producer of the Old Factory Theatre in London (1998-2003). When the Old Factory closed in 2003, Phil started this new chapter of his life as a full-time puppeteer. "Puppetry is a near perfect and inclusive art form." A puppeteer often works in isolation but the trade-off for this lonely existence is the management of the artistic process from concept through script development to performance. Phil has been the President of the Ontario Puppetry Association since 2003. He performs in Canada and the USA and has been a regular performer at "Puppets Up!" Canada's largest international puppetry festival staged in Almonte, ON every August.

Michael is 15 years old, and has been playing the guitar for two years. He started singing at the age of 9 when he performed in his first school play. He has sang with the Ingersoll Choral Society, and has performed at the western fair youth talent for the last 4 years. He thoroughly enjoys performing and hopes to make a career with his guitar.

The Taoist Tai ChiT internal art of taijiquan incorporates stretching and turning into a sequence of movements to effectively improve the health of body, mind, and spirit. Taoist Tai ChiT is a gentle set of movements that promotes health and well being for people of all ages and in all health conditions. This self-regulated exercise is a series of 108 movements identified as a moving meditation. The health benefits include improved circulation, balance, posture, increased strength and reduced stress. The Taoist Tai Chi SocietyT is a world wide organization and members can attend classes in any of the more than 500 clubs distributed throughout 26 countries around the world. It is a nonprofit, registered charitable organization which has been in Woodstock for 26 years. Website: www.taoist.org/woodstock

These fellows are a Blues Based group who individually are accomplished musicians. They met and formed through various jam nights around Stratford and can now be heard throughout Southern Ontario sending out their great ensemble sound

Haley Blyth is a talented performer with a background in musical theatre. A graduate of the Sheridan College Music Theatre Performance Program, Haley has honed her craft in classic performances such as: Cabaret, Anything Goes, Carnival Big Time Operator, West Side Story and many more. Her voluntary endeavors include: Choreographer and Director of 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory'- Summer Musical Theatre Production 2007 and the Ontario Summer Games Opening Ceremony - Dance Performance 2004. Haley is an award winning actor, singer, and dancer and continues to advance her skills through workshops and performing locally.