DIANE CHASE Diane emerged as a Cdn Country recording artist in 2000 with her first CD and title track “In the Middle of Something” which skyrocketed to the Top 10 on the Canadian charts. She followed that up with yet another Top 10, four Top 20 hits and five Top 10 CMT videos along with numerous Canadian Country Music Awards and Nominations. With the success of 2 more CD’s Diane toured the continent and abroad with mega stars like Alabama and The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and was also honored to entertain coalition troops in Afghanistan and the Persian Gulf, with multiple trips from 2005-2008. In addition to writing and performing, Diane has been delighted to add Musical performances to her list of accomplishments. www.dianechase.com
RONNEY ABRAMSON Ronney Abramson was born in the Paris suburb of Neuilly-Sur-Seine, and grew up in Montreal. Ronney began playing guitar and writing songs at an early age, influenced by a diversity of genres of music. Her formal studies in classical guitar added an extra layer of inspiration to her songwriting. Her songs and smooth guitar style form a warm blend of folk, pop and jazzy soul. Her first album, RONNEY ABRAMSON (1972), was recorded at André Perry's Montreal studio and released on Capitol Records. After her move to Toronto, Ronney went on to record two albums for True North Records, STOWAWAY (1977) and JUKEBOX OF PARIS (1978) and an EP for Duke Street Records (1982).  As a reflection of the success of her music on radio, Ronney is a three-time recipient of P.R.O.CAN’s (now SOCAN) Certificate of Honour, recognizing her “outstanding contribution to Canadian Music” for Your Love Gets Me Around, Never Seem To Get Along Without You and Light Up Your Love. STOWAWAY, digitally remastered in 2017, is Ronney's first full album to be re-issued and released into the digital realm. Her critically acclaimed JUKEBOX OF PARIS album has been digitally remastered as well and is slated for release in 2019.
WENDELL FERGUSON Wendell Ferguson is a buffoon, a fool, a charlatan and a general nuisance...but he can play the guitar (a bit). He's garnered 9 CCMA Awards, an OCPFA Lifetime Musician Award and was twice nominated for a JUNO. Despite all this he still remains the same unapproachable snob he's always been. His CD, "Wendell Live! The Shit Hits the Fans!" was nominated for “Album of the Year” at the 2006 CCMA Awards. His latest CD, “Menage A Moi” won the ‘Instrumental Album of the Year’ at the 2010 Canadian Folk Music Awards. He's proud to be appearing at the (insert name of function here) Wendell Ferguson is Canada's most beloved living philosopher. A performer whose sheer genius is only topped by his immense talent. And all of that is exceeded, nay, dwarfed by his unparalleled humbleness and extreme humility. (*he also plays guitar a little) Wendell Ferguson is a multiple award winning guitarist and Juno nominated performer. His easy-going but hilarious stage patter also gets him many emcee gigs. He's performed at most of the folk and country festivals in this country and has hosted many industry and corporate functions as well as many television and awards shows with his unique combination of musicality and humour. He also plays guitar... a little.
SYLVIA TYSON Sylvia Tyson started performing professionally in 1959 as one-half of the internationally acclaimed folk duo, Ian and Sylvia. She wrote her first song, “You Were On My Mind”, in 1962, and three years later it reached #3 on the Billboard chart for a group called We Five, subsequently hitting the British charts as a hit for Crispian St Peter. Through the sixties and early seventies, Ian and Sylvia produced thirteen popular albums and toured extensively in North America and Europe, sharing their manager, Albert Grossman, with such luminaries as Bob Dylan, Peter Paul and Mary, The Band, and Janis Joplin. The duo went their separate ways in 1977. Sylvia has continued to have a long and successful solo career. She has recorded ten albums, written over two hundred songs and has for the last twenty years also recorded and performed with three other well-known Canadian female singer-songwriters in a group called Quartette. As well, she has had a long and distinguished radio and television career, both in music and in documentaries. Sylvia is an emeritus member of the boards of CARAS (Canadian music awards) of FACTOR (funding body for Canadian artists), and she is one of the founders and past president of The Canadian Songwriters’ Hall of Fame. She is also a member of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, The Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, and has received Canada’s highest civilian honour, The Order of Canada. In 1985 she co-edited with Tom Russell a songwriter book entitled And Then I Wrote – The Songwriter Speaks, a collection of quotes from songwriters about their craft (from Stephen Foster to Stevie Wonder). Her first book, Joyner’s Dream, a work of fiction was published in March of 2011, and a CD of music was released under the same title. She continues to perform as a solo artist, and as a member of Quartette. She is presently working on her second novel.
JOAN BESEN After a varied career of performing and writing, which included seven years as a member of Sylvia Tyson's band, Joan Besen became a member of Prairie Oyster in 1982. Her unique keyboard playing is a strong element in the band's distinctive and familiar sound, and can also be heard on the recordings of many other national and international artists. Besen is the songwriter behind many of Prairie Oyster's best-known songs, including Did You Fall in Love with Me, One Precious Love, Will I Do 'Til the Real Thing Comes Along and many more. Over the years her songs have received the majority of awards that the Canadian music industry has to offer. Besen is a founding member of the S.A.C. and has participated in teaching workshops for this organization. She is on the board of the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame and also succeeded Frank Davies as chairperson of the SOCAN Song of the Year Committee for CARAS, a position that she held for six years. In addition to playing and writing music, Joan enjoys participating in activities in support of Canadian music.
DAVID CELIA David Celia is an accomplished guitar player and songwriter who has toured frequently across Canada & throughout Europe (including a memorable appearance at the Glastonbury Festival). He has been touted as "one of Toronto's best guitarists” by CBC Radio and has featured frequently on the BBC in the UK. David’s 4th album, “Double Mind” is available on CD & Vinyl.   From Toronto, David is an innovative singer/songwriter and astonishing guitar player, known for his spontaneously driven live performances. His songs are filled with warm sentiment and sometimes mixed with humour. They have an open alt/folk style that's also been described as "Beatlesque”. He tours frequently across Canada and Europe (Glastonbury Festival) and is quoted as "One of Toronto's best guitar players” by CBC Radio. He also plays as sideman with acts diverse as Icelandic alt/pop star Emiliana Torrini or Ian & Sylvia Tyson. David's music consistently appears on the BBC and CBC and even Gordon Lightfoot is a fan. David’s recent release, “Double Mind” is available on Vinyl for the first time (Seedling Music)
THOMAS WADE Thomas Wade, is a Canadian country music artist. He was the lead singer of the group Thomas Wade & Wayward, who released their eponymous debut album in 1996. The album produced seven singles on the Canadian Country Music chart, including the Top 10’s “Zero to Sixty” and “She’s Getting Serious.” Between 1997 and 1998 Thomas Wade and Wayward received seven CCMA awards. The group was also nominated for three Juno Awards for Best Country Group or Duo in 1997, 1998 and 1999. Wade launched a solo career in 2000 when he signed to Shoreline Records and released his debut album, Lucky 13. Five singles were released from the album, including the Top 10 “Running Away with You.” Following the release of a career retrospective in 2001, So Far, Wade was diagnosed with oromandibular dystonia. While he was forced to end his recording career, he has continued his career as a songwriter. Celine Dion included one of Wade’s songs, “Come to Me,” on her 2004 album Miracle. Due to cutting edge work in neuroplasticity, Thomas began to heal early in 2010 and is just about to launch his first studio effort in 16 years on CD and Vinyl, Blue Country Soul.
JK GULLEY As a performer, some of JK’s influences include James Taylor, Gordon Lightfoot, Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler and guitar icons Chet Atkins, Jerry Reed and Lenny Breau. JK’s diversity and talents have recently been showcased on festival stages at the Mariposa Folk Festival, Summerfolk, the Barrie Jazz & Blues Festival, Kitchener Blues Festival, as well as appearances at Folk Alliance and the Bluebird Café in Nashville, TN. In 2003 JK was invited to be a member of the legendary John Cowan Band as a Guitarist and Performing Songwriter. Cowan has recorded and released "Gulley penned" songs on 3 of his recent CDs. A little known fact is that JK is also the inventor of the Gulley Hook, an acoustic guitar strap accessory made by Levy’s Leathers of Canada. As talented behind the scenes as he is on stage, JK’s skills as a Songwriter, Arranger and Guitarist have lent themselves to recording studios in Canada and the United States with over 100 of his compositions recorded and released. To prove his many endeavors successful, JK is a SOCAN and CCMA award winner, JUNO nominee, and has received several nominations for “Producer of the Year” and “Male Vocalist of the Year” from RPM Big Country Awards and the CCMA.
JAMIE WARREN In 1993, Jamie released “Fallen Angel” on River North/Mercury Records, which yielded an enduring fan favourite and radio hit, “One Step Back”. The success of this record was followed closely and even more impressively, by the album “Just Not The Same”, which surrendered several Top Ten singles and led to a handful of JUNO and CCMA nominations in multiple categories including wins for Independent Song of the Year and Independent Male Artist of the Year. Since then, Jamie released the critically acclaimed “Really” in 2003, and a career retrospective collection of greatest hits in 2005 under the title “Make Me Believe”. In 2008, Jamie released the very personal “Right Here Right Now”
DAVID LEASK Originally from Scotland, David Leask is a born song chaser. A natural storyteller, creator of five critically acclaimed records and a relentless live performer, he is a recipient of the Mississauga Performing Artist of the Year Award. David has won multiple international songwriting awards in different genres including 1st place in the International Songwriting Competition for both the Blues and the Gospel category, the USA Songwriting Competition for Comedy, the Folk Music Ontario Songs from the Heart Contest in the Blues Political category; the Overall Winner, the Unisong Song Contest in the Country and Rock category, and the NSAI Single Song Country Showdown. Indeed, Songwriters Magazine called him the most consistent Canadian songwriting competition winner. David’s music draws from Celtic soul and roots/country, topped up with a pop sensibility and he is about to release his sixth record entitled “Six in 6/8”. A gifted songwriting teacher, David has been a songwriting mentor for 10 years with the School Alliance of Student Songwriters, on the songwriting faculty for Guitar Workshop Plus, and has conducted numerous songwriting workshops at Folk Festivals and on behalf of the Songwriters Association of Canada with students ranging in age from 7 to 70+.
DAYNA SHERECK Dayna Shereck, a songwriter from Toronto, took her passion to Nashville 5 years ago where she began writing with Dan Hodges Music as an unsigned songwriter. She has been a semi-finalist in the International Songwriting Competition for 2012, 2013, 2014, as well as a Finalist in 2014. Dayna released her first EP "Suitcase Full of Dreams" in 2015, and had her first film placement that same year with a song called "Whadaya Say" placed in "On The Wing". Her co-written songs have been placed on several independant albums with radio play on the BBC and independant radio throughout Canada and the US. Dayna is also member of the Tin Pan North Festival Committee.
CHARISSA PAVLOU Charissa is a singer/songwriter from Burlington, Ontario. Drawing inspiration from artists of past and present, she has developed her own distinctive style, a unique country blend, revealing her love and influences spanning across many musical genres. She delivers her songs with an honest, mature sound well beyond her years. The warm, distinctive tone of her voice, combined with heartfelt lyrics and well-crafted melodies, will certainly command your attention when she steps up to the microphone.
DON LAZAR Don Lazar (Don Laz) Singer/Songwriter is a self-taught musician from Vaughan, Ontario. He accompanies himself on the guitar and ukulele. He has been inspired and influenced by the great musicians in this world but has a strong passion for country music. He writes and sings his own songs releasing an EP of 3 songs in July 2017 which was followed up with an official video of his song “Picture Time” in October 2017. His debut album titled “Small Steps” released in June 2018 can be heard on all digital retailers including Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube under the name “Don Laz”. He should be back in the studio this summer to record his new single. Don is a member of the Tin Pan North Songwriters Festival Committee.
DAN McVEIGH Dan McVeigh is a country songwriter whose current CD called “Drove” has garnered great reviews from Country Music News and other publications. McVeigh achieved national radio airplay with his single “You Are All I Dream Of”. The song went to #1 on “That’s Country.com”. Dan's songs have been recorded by a number of Canadian artists such as Valerie Raymond, Debbie Nelson and Myra Leblanc . He is working on his new CD “Resolutions” to be released later this year. Dan performs regularly throughout Ontario and in Nashville, Tennessee as a solo artist & with his band North of 49. Dan has performed with artists like Victoria Banks, Frank Myers, Tim Johnson, Tim Taylor, Diane Chase, Gil Grand, Colin Amey, Jason Barry, Barry Brown, Bruce Michael Miller and Wendell Ferguson.
CHASE STEVENS Returning to Tin Pan North for the 9th consecutive year, Chase Stevens is a Mississauga based Singer/Songwriter who is recognized for his heartfelt lyrics and strong imagery. His cd titled Tumbleweed was released earlier this year with the first single “The World Sure Has Changed” climbing to the #4 spot on the True North Canada Country Chart. In addition to writing for his own album, Chase was a co-writer on 2 songs released to radio in 2018 by CMAO nominee, Tianna Woods. And has been a guest performer in her Spring concerts. Chase co-hosts a bi-monthly songwriter’s night in Oakville featuring some of the best emerging songwriters and performers in Ontario. His cd available through his website, www.chasestevensmusic.com
BARB DORAN Over her career, Barbara Doran has made many trips to Nashville to write and record. Doran was nominated in first round ballot at the inaugural 2012 CMAO awards in four categories, qualified as a semi-finalist in the International Songwriting Competition two years in a row, a finalist in the Great American Songwriting Competition multiple times and landed a spot on the Nashville Songwriter’s Association ‘Ones To Watch’ list many times. She has released three CD’s to date and the latest was released in Dec 2016, a nine song CD completely written by her and has been garnering amazing reviews.
PAUL MALYSA Paul Malysa is both soulful and personal. He is a member of NSAI, SAC, CMAO and on the committee for Tin Pan North. He was also a finalist in the Eco Arts Awards and 3 of his songs were featured in a film, Best International Award of Excellence in Los Angeles. This year he just received the Akademia Music Award for his song that he co-wrote with John Christensen “Knelt Down and Prayed” for best Christian/Ballad. Paul has performed at the Legendary Bluebird Café in Nashville, and has been invited back for the 5th year straight to perform at CMA Fest. He has also released his 3rd CD “I’m Country in The City” on Squirrel Head Music’s Label and his music is available on YouTube, RDR Music, Reverbnation and Indiepool.
DAVID McLACHLAN David sings with a powerful conviction, heartfelt insightful songsthat reflect life and its lesson’s. David’s debut record “Can’t Close A Blind Eye” was released in 2003. His second album “Not A Through Street” was released Dec 2015. David continues to write and perform, and recorded his 3 rd album “Traveling Truthfully” in Nashville, released Dec 2016. His 4 th album “out of love” recorded in Nashville was released Sept 2017. His latest album, Reaching For The Sun, recorded again in Nashville, will be released June 2018. All albums are available at e-music sites or signed copies at his shows.
DAVID NEALE David James Neale, is an Americana folk, country and blues artist who hails from Hamilton, Ontario. David has been writing songs since his mid-teens and from his life experiences he trails those thoughts and images to paper then song for listeners to remember their own.
ELORA TAYLOR Elora Taylor is a country music singer/songwriter from Toronto ON. She grew up in competitive figure skating and at the age of sixteen she was told she was no longer able to continue in the sport due to an injury. She spent a week or so laying on the couch, devastated, which is when she turned to songwriting. She put all her focus into singing and writing songs. She formed the all girl rock band, “Tallulah Darling”. They played many of the major venues in Toronto, festivals and showcased for Sony Records in New York City. They eventually went their separate ways and Elora began focusing back on her solo career and her love for country music. She has written hundreds of songs and has received recognition from: Billboard World Song writing contest, CosmoGirl Magazine and the Expose Yourself song writing contest. Her songs “Him and Her” and “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop” have been played on national, internet and college radio. Her song “Metal Heart” was placed in the FX show “The League”. She recorded her EP “Thunder and Lightning” in Nashville and is currently working on a new album.
CARRIE DEMAEYER Carrie is an emerging talent on the Canadian songwriter scene. She has received 5 FACTOR Awards for song-writing/publishing and in the last several years has had over 40 co-written album cuts (including 7 singles) on 12 different albums. “Carrie is the kind of outstanding talent that I am thrilled to work with. She is fun to produce and inspiring to be around.” Rick Hutt – Cedartree Studios
ROGER BECKETT Roger is a singer/songwriter/musician from Pickering, Ontario. He is a Coordinator for the Toronto Chapter of the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and a Coordinator for the Songwriters Association of Canada (SAC), Toronto Chapter.
GLEN HORNBLAST Toronto singer-songwriter Glen Hornblast is a popular performer in many of Toronto's folk and jazz clubs. In 2014, he released his first CD entitled, "Once In A Blue Moon." The twelve-track CD received a lot of airplay on folk internet radio stations from Canada to Australia, and garnered rave reviews. No Depression said at the time, “Eventually, Glen will deserve to take his place among the best tunesmiths and lyricists of Canada. This album is a fine example of why.” Currently, Glen is working on a new CD of his latest tunes to be entitled after one of his songs, “8th Avenue”. Glen will also be in a new documentary in 2018 called “More Than Words” about dreamers and songwriters who make their way to Nashville to make it big. The new CD should be released sometime in the Spring of 2019!
SAMANTHA AVA Samantha Ava is a singer/songwriter from Welland, Ontario. Growing up in a musical family Samantha was naturally drawn to music as an outlet at a young age. As a young adult, she has now taken it to the next level. With many different genres of inspiration, she manages to blend them beautifully into one she calls completely her own. With the deep sultry tone of her voice, cut deep lyrical ability and unique style. "She'll take you to a place you've never been before & you'll enjoy it," says judge of "The Next Country Music Star." Samantha has taken the stage of one of Nashville's top live venues "Commodore Grille" and has also hit the airwaves of Nashville LIVE Radio. In her first year as a member of the NSAI, her hauntingly moving song "Ghosts" climbed to the 2nd round of judging in the Iyric only category of the International Songwriting Competition hosted by NSAI. "Samantha has a projection through her words that connects on a deeper level with the listener" Matt Williams of Inside Music Publishing Nashville.
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