HomeGrown Live Music Festival – 2019 Schedule

Sonny Slide Maddams has been playing music for over 50 years. A slide guitarist, Sonny’s specialty is Roots and Blues music, performing on such instruments as National Resophonic guitars, lapsteels, acoustic guitar, and banjitar.

Sonny Slide’s music goes way back to the 1920′s, playing the classics of Blues masters such as Robert Johnson, Blind Willie McTell, Bukka White, and Sleepy John Estes as well as contemporary blues and originals. More info.

We have travelled the open mic circuit surrounding Tweed (our home town) and invited several times to NK2 Belleville.

Busking at Frontporch Shinangans Stirling and Porchfest Belleville (2 years) and this year at Tweed Front Porch Rukus.

Gigs at Hastings House, Church Key and upcoming – March 31 Port Bistro Pub Trenton Ontario.

Many local Tweed fundraisers, car shows and special services.

Christopher Rio is a Nigerian rhythm and blues singer/songwriter who gained prominence after he was a top 8 finalist on The Voice Nigeria in 2017. With musical influences like Usher Raymond, Mali Music, Lucky Dube, Westlife amongst others, he bares his soul with his unique delivery and versatility across different genres showcasing his versatility. He seeks to take his listeners on many a journey through his mind’s eye with every song and every lyric, armed with a brilliant lush tenor voice texture – the type you can listen to all day.

Whisky Rocks delivers a high energy show to keep people dancing. We are three experienced musicians who each bring a different style to create an awesome entertaining experience for everyone! More info.

Performing original and traditional country, blues and folk-rock, his first album in 1999 received independent radio play in Canada, Australia, U.K., New Zealand, France and Holland. Geoffrey has performed on Rogers Cable TV, Global TV and several times live on CFRC Radio. His original song
“Anybody Seen My Girl” has received radio play on CBC Radio, and television play in Sweden. He is a regular performer at The Limestone City Blues Festival and performed at the Homegrown Live Festival for the first time in May 2018. He continues to record his next album at Musty Music Productions in Glenburnie, ON. More info.

This a classic blues band, composed of four veteran musicians, playing old-time groovin’ blues and danceable blues favourites. Featuring: Richard Burgman (Guitar), Dan Costa (Drums), Mike Pacey (Bass), and Tom Stewart (Lead Vocals and Harmonica).

Both raised in Kingston, Solange and Shea met at a local open mic and the two have played music together ever since. Through a combination of guitar, fiddle, and harmonies, they perform a variety of classic jigs and reels and modern acoustic melodies.

Danie’s music can be defined as “Celtic with a twist”. With her bright smile and charming personality, she strives to create an engaging and charismatic show for her audience. Her experience recording and performing with other artists, as well as her career as a music teacher has helped her to master and develop her art. More info.

Jessica Wedden is a 16-year-old upbeat Celtic, East Coast and Ottawa Valley style fiddler, trick fiddler, step dancer, composer, 2016 & 2018 Canadian Folk Music Award nominee and 2018 Canadian Songwriting Competition semi-finalist. Appeared on Breakfast Television Toronto, Rogers TV-Daytime Ottawa.
Performed at Ottawa’s Marvest for CityFolk, Toronto’s WinterFolk, opened for fiddler Ashley MacIsaac. Fiddling is her passion! More info.

Originally from Cape Breton, I’ve been playing guitar since 1975, I enjoy playing and singing songs that folks know and can sing along with, so far I cover other folks music, most genres … I aspire to play like Chet Atkins, but brain-to-fingers pathways don’t move that way, yet.

Coming soon.

The Tuesday Night Session has been taking place for over 20 years, presently meeting at the Toucan pub on Princess Street every Tuesday evening at 8:30. The Session is a chance for musicians to play Irish, Scottish and Celtic inspired instrumental music in a ‘session’ like setting.

The Alt Country persona of Kingston singer/songwriter Tim Sheffield, Clem’s songs are a respectful nod to Old Time and Outlaw Country music, setting his stories in the modern age. Songs of tragedy and heartache have never sounded sweeter than when Clem offers them sincerely and honestly, solo or with a band. More info.

Brock Young is a 12 year old singer/songwriter. He has two original country song registered with SOCAN. I’m an active member of the International Singer/Songwriter Association.

JFrom humble beginnings as a Wednesday night jam group from homes along Leeds-Grenville County Road 5, CR5 Bluegrass, are now an award winning and much sought after touring ensemble, playing at bluegrass, country and folk festivals, fairs and other venues throughout the province. Recipients of the “Most Promising Group” award at the 2018 central Canadian bluegrass awards, also nominated for 2018 CCBA Best Gospel Group, Their premier CD of all original material, “Up North”, earned them a CCBA nomination for “Best Recording” back in 2016. Fun, energetic and always entertaining!

The Lonely Vices is Ottawa’s newest country band. Covering hits that span the decades, Danya, Bruce, Gerry and Mel love taking requests (provided they’re for one of the 20 songs they know!) They’ve been entertaining crowds in the capital since 2018 and are excited to make their Kingston debut at HomeGrown Live!More info.

I started playing in coffee shops and bars in Toronto in the early 70’s. The Wild West is an assemblage of outstanding veteran musicians who love to throw down hot Honkytonk music. More info.

We are a lot of Americana- Neo Folk Duet. Music from a simpler time with multi acoustic instruments and rich harmonies. We pride ourselves on bringing back traditional music. And winning over fans along the way.

The United Steel Pickers are a five piece band which plays country music from Jimmie Rodgers to Hank Williams and from Lucinda Williams to Fred Eaglesmith. All members provide vocals and perform on instruments such as acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass, piano, lap steel, slide guitar and mandolin.

Amanda Sorensen has been singing in the Kingston area for a few years now singing country. Dan Desjardins has been involved in playing in a blues band for 8 years and has played at The Limestone City Blues Festival for the last 7 years. The two of us got together just over a year ago doing a country duet.

Her intimate lyrics are like words torn from her diary, and the music is the glue binding the pages together. Ever since learning to play guitar at the age of 12, Teagan McLaren has found harmony in creating music about her personal triumphs and struggles. Keep an eye out for her Nashville-recorded album that will be released this summer! More info.

The Foley Mountain Playboys mission is to provide the perfect soundtrack for a country dance in a small town community hall, legion or tavern. Music that should be accompanied by a potluck supper, 50/50 draw, or a homemade pie auction. Foot-stompin’, finger-tappin’, dance floor fillin’, down to the core Roots music. Good times are guaranteed. Singing along and dancing will most likely occur.

Michael e. Casteels wrestles with robots in existential-crisis, dinosaurs that refuse extinction, alphabets in various stages of explosion/implosion, and many other serious topics, like century-long bus rides, and the way the clouds look right now. He creates surreal, pop-folk, electroacoustic music with the aid of a loop station, a few pedals, and a few instruments he found abandoned on the moon. More info.

Paul Clifford and Matt Rogalsky meet in a new duo to explore uncertain electronic terrain. More info.

Jeremy Kerr is a composer and sound artist currently based in Kingston, Ontario with a particular interest in musical theatre, harsh noise and all sounds in between. His most recent collection of works – Mother Drone and Other Ancient Spirits of Great Power – was self released in June 2018 and can be found in the cold void of the internet. More info.

Birtches is an instrumental ambient musician from Kingston, Ontario, creating atmospheric pieces with the help of synths, guitars and a heap load of effects, drawing from a wide breadth of influences ranging from ambient electronica, classical, and death metal. More info.

Konig has been an on-going solo project of Nadia Pacey since August 2013. Frequently performing in Kingston, Konig was most recently heard at Kingston’s Electric Circuits Festival in March 2019.More info.

Aaron Asselstine and Donovan Gopaul bring lo-fi hip hop nu-jazz, low-key song writing and a dash of electronic psychedelia!More info.

David Parker is Slow Man Tofu, performing Diary Tape: “”The idea for this tape came out of some recording sessions with friends. My bandmate and I were using interviews she had recorded on tape, manipulating those tapes and playing instruments along to the interviews. It inspired me to make something more personal involving my own voice and thoughts in audio format, as a sonic element alongside stretches of improvised musical passages. I used a variety of instruments each of which lent itself to a particular path of composing. Each one has it’s own personality and I arranged them to complement the feelings and thoughts from the spoken word passages.

The Limestone City String Band emerged from the Kingston Bluegrass Jam, featuring Paul Rappell, refugee from blues/rock/folk outfits in Montreal and Toronto; Mary Pearson – Bluegrass banjo player in local bands; and Jack Baker, a mainstay on the Kingston scene and country and blues vituoso. The LCSB plays traditional old time music, but also strays into more contemporary territory.

Judy Duguay and Rick Melanson are ‘Judy and Me’. They’ve been performing together for many years and bring with them thoughtful songs rich in melodies, lyrics and harmonies.
Judy and Me released their independent debut in 2016 and are currently working on new material for a new album.
They’ve proudly performed and volunteered at this festival for many years. More info.

Originally from Cape Breton, I’ve been playing guitar since 1975, I enjoy playing and singing songs that folks know and can sing along with, so far I cover other folks music, most genres … I aspire to play like Chet Atkins, but brain-to-fingers pathways don’t move that way, yet.

Denis played at last year’s HomeGrown event, and will be joined this year by Sam Cole and Chris Ferrall, two bandmates from ‘The Reflections’, and a surprise guest or two. Their music covers the Americana genre and a wide variety of artists such as Wilco, The Avett Brothers, Steve Earle, amd many
more. More info.

New to performing, but not new to the scene.
My style is hard to define, but it best fits within the folk category.
While I play mostly covers, they are done in a way that is compelling and haunting.
I have a knack for taking metal/punk/dance pop songs and converting them into raw acoustic versions.
It’s different, it’s soulful, you’ll like it.

SAPPH DECAF is a folk/pop duo with a retro vibe and a fondness for love songs. When the weather is nice, you’ll find them busking downtown. Since it often isn’t, you can catch their two-part harmonies at venues around Kingston and on social media. More info.

Christopher Rio is a Nigerian rhythm and blues singer/songwriter who gained prominence after he was a top 8 finalist on The Voice Nigeria in 2017. With musical influences like Usher Raymond, Mali Music, Lucky Dube, Westlife amongst others, he bares his soul with his unique delivery and versatility across different genres showcasing his versatility. He seeks to take his listeners on many a journey through his mind’s eye with every song and every lyric, armed with a brilliant lush tenor voice texture – the type you can listen to all day.

Singer-songwriter guitarist Chris Giguère writes memorable songs of reflection, insight and pondering that live on the blurry boundary between folk, country, and rock. The Final Say are Robin Moon, vocals and Alex Voinot, guitar. The trio released their debut EP “Shine” in August 2018. More info.

Erika Lamon is a soulful folk-pop singer-songwriter based out of Kingston, ON. Her music has taken her all the way from North America’s largest Francophone music festival, to the more intimate settings of the festivals, pubs and cafés of her hometown. She released her self-titled debut EP in October 2017. More info.

Rocky High & The Northern Lights is a 3-piece progressive folk band from Soperton, Ontario. After forming in early 2016 they’ve played a number of shows from farmer’s markets to country fairs. They opened for Juno Award winners Elliott Brood as part of the Festival of Small Halls. They’re known for fast-paced, energetic performances, as well as their slower ballads. More info.

Swordwall has put on live music events for/with international acts like BluRum 13, Zoobombs, Turbogeist , & Peelander-Z, RXX/R33, Height Keech, Mister, Mrs. Paintbrush, Passalacqua & Kate Ferencz. Canadian acts like Ghettosocks, Tachichi, Conn Shawnery, Dead Messenger, Squid Lid, B.A. Johnston, Bloodshot Bill, JAB & Sheezer, as well as local Kingston ON acts like B Rich, Slaves of Spanky, Grampa & Footbags, Owl Farm, The Huaraches, Greasetruck, Teenage Frankenstein, Egyptian Prescription, Dingers, Mississippi Grover, Cap’t Killbags, Heavy Living, Josh Peck, Deep Sixed, Loyal Haggard, DJ Anomaly, Beta 58s, Aquamuffin, Kaz, Dan Doesn’t Sleep, Keaton, Rare, Sincere, Dirty Doc & Nothing But Mental.More info.

Kitz Willman produces alternative, experimental hip-hop music with an anti-colonial agenda. Ukrainian ancestry and an upbringing in Saskatoon permeates throughout Willman’s lyrics, samples, and sonics. More info.

I’ve won the Kingston Ontario songwriting competition . And have released 2 solo albums and 3 group efforts throughout my career.

Brandon Clark (A.K.A Legzz) is a highly dedicated and talented hiphop artist born and raised in Kingston, ON. Working with artists such as Havoc (of Mobb Deep), Necro, Madchild, Snack The Ripper, Merkules, Riff Raff, Obie Trice, Choclair, Ghettosocks, Evil Ebenezer, Illvibe, Peter Jackson & more, he has recently received plenty of attention from his community & surrounding areas.

Influenced heavily by 90’s hiphop and death metal, he brings a unique sound and delivery to the table. Legzz is the CEO of a small hiphop group based in Kingston, ON called the OMGsquad (Open Minded Guys). Legzz recently released his solo album “Only The Middle” recorded at OMGstudios, entirely mixed and mastered by himself and produced by in house (OMGsquad) DJ Nuggz.

The group is currently working on their untitled duet album and a free “remix” mixtape for fans that is set to release late July 2019. More info.

Freestyle artist from Kingston Ontario

ShizNick is a word play and punch line heavy hitting MC out of Kingston Ontario, originally hailing from Port Perry. He has reached the Earshot National Hip Hop top ten list (Canadian college + University Radio charts) for both of his past two mix tape albums and shared the stage with many well known North American hip hop acts.

He has a versatile nature in his musical styling with songs ranging from humorous to heart felt and hard rugged tones. This rang of emotions are often portrayed with passion and energy during all of his live performances. More info.

Dan Steele is a hip hop artist from Kingston, Ontario, Canada, who goes by the stage name “Dan Doesn’t Sleep”. He has been writing, composing and producing for 10 years and has been touring around Central Canada for eight years. He has released 4 EPs and 3 singles as his current act, ‘Dan Doesn’t Sleep’, and 11 EPs in total. Find his music on Bandcamp, Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, and anywhere else you can buy music online! More info.

I started performing live 5 years ago and since then I’ve worked with legends like HOPSIN , CLASSIFIED , MERKULES . MADCHILD , MOBBDEEP and many many more !
it’s been a life changing experience working with so many huge artists and getting recognition locally – I’ve released 10 projects and 3 of those were studio albums I’m very proud of. Kingston knows.More info.

Keaton Ryan is a hip-hop artist from Kingston Ontario. His music has been applauded for the ability to deliver energetic and provocative material while also providing thoughtful social commentary.More info.

BAG$ = Bag Money are a Kingston Hip Hop band featuring members of Slaves of Spanky & Owl Farm. They were formed in 2015 by rappers Grampa & Cap’t Footbags who first began working together in 2003.
Their musical style can be compared to live hip hop acts like The Beastie Boys or The Roots.More info.

With over 20 years experience as a solo entertainer and the sax/keys player in many Toronto and Kingston bands, my musical influences are equal parts Royal Conservatory, Smooth Jazz, and School of Rock. More info.

The Kitchen Gypsies live in Kingston, Ontario and play the Gypsy Jazz (Jazz Manouche) style of music created by Django Reinhardt in France in the 1930’s. In addition to charitable functions, private gatherings and celebrations, we have performed at local events including open air markets, The Skeleton Park Festival, Art Among the Ruins and the HomeGrown Festival.

Performing the great works of the Jazz Songbooks of the 20th Century

Featuring our wonderful singer Selina Chiarelli, we explore the world of jazz standards. Each standard tells a story in a simple direct way, Although standards are in some ways very familiar there is always more to discover each time you play one.

Martello Alley Cats is a hip vocal jazz ensemble with twelve singers and two instrumentalists. We sing chestnuts such as Smile, recalling the unforgettable Charlie Chaplain,Trickle Trickle and Boy from New York City from Manhattan Transfer, and avant-garde jazz in Fusion. We have a lively combination of soloists and harmonizers. The CATS are too much fun to miss!!!!!

Paul Morrison’s dedication to performance and composition stems from his teen years in B.C. His innate talent and creativity were tuned at Humber where he earned the school’s highest award in honor of Oscar Petersen.

We got together a few years ago to play Jazz standards every Tuesday night at 7:00. Thus our name Standards@7. We have been performing a regular monthly TGIF gig for more than two years. We cover standards, that is, primarily pop tunes that have stood the test of time, and have been performed by Jazz musicians for decades.

Michelle Kasaboski is on a journey to establish herself as a top versatile vocalist in the Canadian music scene. In December 2018 she performed her 2nd Annual Christmas Concert at the Grand Theatre to a sold-out crowd, along with releasing a brand new EP of Jazz standards.
More info.

This funky alternative to a string quartet plays unique arrangements of pop and jazz standards. These four women really rock their horns! All are experienced big band musicians who perform regularly throughout the area. Consider The Saxobelles Saxophone Quartet for corporate events and celebrations.
More info.

Paula Wood has been writing songs since her youth and has been performing in and around the Kingston area for nearly a decade. Her unique vocal approach to a song combined with her relatable original lyrics command the audience’s attention. She is accompanied by dynamic keyboardist Derrick Claridge who is an absolute treat to hear & watch. Derrick has played in numerous well known local bands since the 90s & was once a board member of Joe’s M.I.L.L. Together, Paula & Derrick will captivate you & leave you wanting more.

Coming soon

Coming soon

HoozHear? is a group of accomplished musicians ages 12-19 who blend multiple instruments and play a unique mix of songs by mainstream and eclectic artists. Starting as the house band for Crystalize Music Studio, these award-winning musicians perform all over Kingston on their own and also supporting other young musicians at various performances. Onstage performers are always changing, hence the name.

Jasmine Woboditsch is a local high school student, 16-year-old singer and multi-instrumnetalist. She has performed with community big bands since the age of 6, was mentored by Paul Langlois for the Crystal Ball when she was 11. At age 8, she made it to the Top 10 in Under 18 Songwriting category where Emily Fennell and Rob Baker were amongst the judges. She’s worked with Ryan Lewis of Elevation Music Studio and currently studies vocal with Julie Mylks and piano with Meg Freer.

Jessica Wedden is a 16-year-old upbeat Celtic, East Coast and Ottawa Valley style fiddler, trick fiddler, step dancer, composer, 2016 & 2018 Canadian Folk Music Award nominee and 2018 Canadian Songwriting Competition semi-finalist. Appeared on Breakfast Television Toronto, Rogers TV-Daytime Ottawa.
Performed at Ottawa’s Marvest for CityFolk, Toronto’s WinterFolk, opened for fiddler Ashley MacIsaac. Fiddling is her passion! More info.

HoozHear? is a group of accomplished musicians ages 12-19 who blend multiple instruments and play a unique mix of songs by mainstream and eclectic artists. Starting as the house band for Crystalize Music Studio, these award-winning musicians perform all over Kingston on their own and also supporting other young musicians at various performances. Onstage performers are always changing, hence the name.

I am a 12 year old singer/songwriter and guitar player. I have 2 original song registered with SOCAN. I am an active member of The International Singer/songwriter Association.

Anthony, Cash, Callum, Douglas, Matt and Ty are all 13 years old or younger and have been playing together for a little over a year now.

The band has played at several venues and has is focusing on building a repertoire of originals and classic covers.

we live next door are a progressive folk duo based in Kingston, Ontario. Their music is an eclectic mix of folk storytelling and progressive rock, making use of unconventional harmonies and innovative chord structures. You can catch them at their Musiikki Cafe residency on the first and third Sunday of every month. More info.

This band delivers songs that were written right here in Kingston and have been performed across the country. Alternative rock mixed with a story-teller twist that will keep you coming back for more. More info.

Singer-songwriter Dympna is an old friend of our beloved Joe whom she commemorates in her beautiful ballad, Amsterdam, written shortly after his tragic death in ’99. Past festivals have featured a more acoustic version of her songs; this year she returns to her 90’s roots with this driving, electric version of same, accompanied by stellar bandmates Peter, Owen, and Andy!

Hellhound Trail’s blend of cutting blues, classic rock, and expressive soul delights listeners everywhere they perform. Their setlist is ever growing and carefully constructed to showcase favourites like Jimi Hendrix, Muddy Waters, and BB King, with some original material blended into the mix. This hardworking band puts on a great show for the enjoyment of the blues enthusiast and the casual listener. More info.

Sweet Talk Jackie, formed in 2015, is a Canadian Rock band based out of Kingston Ontario. Members consist of Cole LeBlanc (Vocals & Guitar), Cameron Gravelle (Bass & Vocals), and Steve Vanden Engel (Drums). This rock band blends influences from such artist as “Thrice”, “Red Hot Chilli Peppers”, “Stone Temple Pilots”, “The Tea Party” and many more. More info.

Weathered Siding is a new quartet presenting mostly original material on mostly acoustic instruments and voice. Recently (re)formed under the leadership of Scott Dwyre, the band influences include John Prine, the Grateful Dead, Ronnie Lane and Townes Van Zandt and their material reflects an appreciation for lyric and melody.

Aquamuffin is currently played by Kingstoner’s Aidan, Hugh, Mike and Phil, but the group has invited the odd sit-in for live shows. Influences are varied but would likely include: Frank Zappa and the Mothers, Ween, The Residents, Pink Floyd, Gong, Caravan, Slapp Happy, Soft Machine, They Might Be Giants, King Crimson, The Beatles, Holy Modal Rounders, Cat Stevens, Nirvana, Queen, and/or Genesis.

Thundercrap (also called thunder-crap music, alt-crap, or simply…crap) is a genre of music that emerged in Kingston in the early 1990’s and remains widely unpopular to present day. The Thundercrap genre consists of various groups that emerged from the independent music scene in and around Aquamuffin. More info.

Coming soon.

Kashgar is unique: a blistering mix of rock, world, jazz and funk influences driven by four expert musicians who pay equal attention to crafting good melodies and cutting loose with their improvisational abilities. Backstopped by sizzling percussion and with ferocious lead playing, Kashgar brings new energy to world-rock. The debut CD ‘Kashgar’ was released in 2015 and is available on all reputable (and many disreputable) online services. The lineup currently features Marcus Taylor on acoustic guitars and percussion; Adam Saifer on electric guitars; Sean Corocan on bass and trombone; and Alberto Garcia on percussion.

KaKaow (Ricky Brant formerly of Shushlang) has been tooling and crafting funky electronic dance music over the past two years. With experience as a psychedelic rock guitarist, KaKaow puts on a colourful, energetic show, sure to get people movin’ n’ groovin’ all night long! More info.

Trevor Strong is a member of the Arrogant Worms, who would be nothing without him. Conversely, he is nothing without the Arrogant Worms.

Jennie Marshall is a lifelong musician, songwriter and poet. Since retiring from her career in teaching, Jennie has been able to focus on performing her songs and poetry in Kingston and Victoria, B.C.. Jennie is a storyteller who seeks to ease our journey as we stroll along the rutted road of human existence.

performed at the R.C.H.A. songwriters Lounge with John Sommerville. Also have played with a bluegrass band at the Royal Tavern. Also play music at the Providence Care Hospital. I have played at bluegrass festivals around the area

Stephen Medd’s songwriting is influenced by the 60’s North American and British folk music: musicians like Pete Seeger; The Chad Mitchell Trio; Peter, Paul and Mary; The Clancy Brothers; and Gordon Lightfoot to name a few. The inspiration for Stephen’s songs lies in the peoples who settled the Kingston and Bay of Quinte regions of Lake Ontario; and in the wild and beautiful Canadian wilderness that he traveled as an exploration geologist. Stephen assisted Avril Lavigne in her early development by writing 3 songs for her that were Avril’s first-ever studio recordings. In 2017 Stephen performed on the main stage at the Shelter Valley Folk Festival as a finalist in a songwriitng contest to promote the event. He is currently performing and recording a collection of historical ballads he has written about the forgotten stories of our region.

Erica Bradley is a small town musician with big singer songwriter goals. She has just finished her most recent EP with long time music partner and friend, Jay Mittler. They do folk/jazz/Motown style music and bring a big comfort to the stage. More info.

Coming soon.

Coming soon.

Jonathan Davies tells stories through song, audio documentary and film. Active in the French-Canadian community, he is a former laureate of the “Gala albertain de la chanson” songwriters contest. His 2018 essay, “I can write songs but I can’t script mainstream success,” was featured in the Globe and Mail. More info.

Singer/songwriter/performer for

Kingstown NEW Mississippi (rockabilly- Blues)

TarKNOFOBIK 4 (anti-future alt-rock)

“COUSIN” Gibbard Suede: 10 Greatest Sad Songs in his Life (the Troubadour Sessions)

Plus other projects. More info.

Tom Savage is what one might refer to as a triple-threat. One part truth-telling troubadour, one part death-defying guitar slinger, and one part Country Blues howler. Each facet of his formidable on-stage persona carefully crafted over a 20+ year devotion to the composition and performance of song. Tom is a true believer. A disciple of melody and harmony and tempo and timbre. An evangelist preaching to anyone who will listen of the healing and meditative powers of music. Pouring his heart out of his throat every night, while simultaneously shredding his fingertips in his relentless assault on the beat-up 1973 Guild acoustic he adores.More info.ca

Influenced by the music of Mississippi John Hurt, Hank Williams, Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, John Prine, Leonard Cohen, and Bob Dylan, Jon has entered into the realm of the songwriter with class, abundant talent, and wit, and his soft but smooth voice and elegant finger-style guitar playing are the perfect vehicle for his songs.

Mellow Lily, A.K.A., Kathryn Nemcsok is an award winning singer-songwriter. Her live shows are intimate and real, and she strives for connection with her audiences through her songs and her stories.
The songs on “Infinite Night Stand” invoke other artists who have influenced her songwriting, including Feist and Gordon Lightfoot, Sarah McLachlan, and Stan Rogers. Make no mistake though. Her songs are her own. Her music is a passport that will transport you to places you may recognize as well as to places you’ve never been. More info.

These two have been working on some new music and are ready to showcase in the songwriters lounge. Haley has recently been accepted into Queen’s Universities Undergrad program and Bon is constantly writing, promoting, and performing new music for Kingston audiences.

I haven’t been performing much in the last 10 years. A recent MAJOR change in life left me with nothing but my acoustic guitar and I reconnected with my music and started playing open mics recently. I play alt-rock mostly from 90’s-2000’s (STP, radiohead, etc), but mix in modern blues/rock/singer-songwriter stuff also (a la Gregory Allan Isakov).

“Pop Punk energy and Alt-Rock smarts of the late 90’s/ early 2000’s with a coat of fresh modern polish.”

Dennis Clark is a diverse Singer-Songwriter whose presence and ability to connect with his audience, coupled with a growing repertoire of songs about personal struggle and worldly observations sets him apart from the musical acts of today.

Clark’s catalogue, including his latest “Contradictionary” and “Luggage” EP’s released simultaneously in 2018, could be categorized as a sub-genre of Alternative Rock which also incorporates stripped down Acoustic/Piano arrangements and layered Electronic Pop Rock elements with the vocals and lyrics always at the forefront.

As of 2019, he has had a strong presence on social media and focused his efforts on growing his youtube and instagram audiences with a series of vlogs and new releases called “Music By Me”, which entails dropping a new song each Tuesday as well as a live performance of that song on Thursdays.

As the primary songwriter in the Alternative Rock quartet, Listen Up Kid, Clark released “Minutiae” in 2016. The EP garnered much praise from many publications including Exclaim and CBC and received heavy radio play both on major Canadian stations and Campus Radio across Canada, cracking the Top 10 for several months, peaking at #1 on !Earshot National Charts. More info.

For two decades Pat Johnson has made his living solely from music as a performer, songwriter, instructor, author, recording artist, record producer etc. He has released four full length albums of original songs and participated in various other recording projects. His most recent release “Stumps” (2018) is a commentary on popular culture regionally, globally, in the cosmos. More info.

Piner is a local artist from Kingston, Ontario. Although she is a young artist, she is an old soul. Growing up Piner was surrounded by musicians who taught her to write her feelings and thoughts on paper and sing them aloud for anyone who cared to listen. One of Piner’s inspirations is her neighbourhood. Growing up in the environs of Skeleton Park she experienced the wealth that comes from community while witnessing the reality of struggle. Piner writes songs that let her empathy and understanding take over, by stepping into the stories of others. Piner released her debut album called ‘The Breaking Point’ last July which has received recognition by Dominionated, a independent Canadian Music blog (https://dominionated.ca/albums/piner-the-breaking-point/). The author Mac Cameron writes that “The Breaking Point is a display of pure confidence and vulnerability.” Currently, Piner is working on a EP with more instrumentation called ‘Root Bound’ which is scheduled to be released in May. Piner hopes that her songs will allow listeners to connect with the complexities of the greater human experience. More info.

The Perry Girls are a sister duo from Kingston ON. They have been playing in and around The Kingston area for a year now. Highlight performance include 1000 Islands Got Talent, The Country Music Showdown at The Kingston Fall Fair, Rib-fest Kingston and show openers for Pat Robitaille at The Mansion.

Madeline, age 13, attends Leahurst College. She enjoys playing the piano, ukulele, guitar, drums and now the harp! She is also a ballerina on point with TK Danceworx but in her spare time enjoys archery, rock climbing, swimming, biking, fishing, sketching and managing her dog Molly’s social media page.

Izzy is a motivated vocalist studying with Michelle Newman out of Toronto ON. Izzy also attends Leahurst College. Izzy was cast Annie in Kingston Meistersingers 2017 production of Annie. She was also a finalist with Mini Pop Kids, CNE Toronto Rising Star Competition, Windsor and London Ontario Rise 2 Fame Competitions and many more. If by chance Izzy is not singing, she is dancing at TK Danceworx, and swimming. Izzy just signed with agent Tammy Godefroy with SoHo Management and is ready to tackle the world of tv/film!

The Perry Grils love working with Moira of KPP productions and are excited to continue performing cover songs and busking in Kingston this spring/summer of 2019!

I’ve been a consistent part of the kingston musical community since 1999. Starting out at open mic trying to hone my craft up to par. Today i have performed in almost every kingston venue as a weekly act, a band, or hosting open mic to fellow music enthusiasts. I also fill my summers with music festivals such as Kingston’s Bluesfest, Ottawa’s Bluesfest, Poker runs, McKinnons’ back to the farm festival, Canada day at Confederation Park, weddings, cottage parties, house parties, corporate events and any venue that provides me with the opportunity to connect with people through music. Which is my biggest drive, connection.

HoozHear? is a group of accomplished musicians ages 12-19 who blend multiple instruments and play a unique mix of songs by mainstream and eclectic artists. Starting as the house band for Crystalize Music Studio, these award-winning musicians perform all over Kingston on their own and also supporting other young musicians at various performances. Onstage performers are always changing, hence the name.

With a repertoire of African standards and original music sang in 10-plus languages, Mũũnda traverses the globe to help us find our shared humanity. Mũũnda can be experienced as a solo act, an accapella duet/trio/quartet or a full band depending on dates and logistics. Performances are an interactive mix of music, laughter, healing, dance and truth. Mũũnda’s music is at home in any space: a creative workshop, a festival stage, a street performance, an intimate evening concert or a spiritual experience. More info.

The Next Church band makes a joyful noise out soul, funk, and r&b. More info.

We are a Kingston band who play punk rock. The band started out in Napanee high school in the early 2000s and we continue to play the same high energy music today. More info.

Biography: Futura Free was started by Peter Luft in a makeshift studio space in his girlfriend’s basement. Not long after, Kevin Feeley (guitar), Bobby Benevides (drums), and Gabriel Reeves (bass) rounded out the lineup and marked the shift from a solo recording project to fully fledged indie rock band. More info.

Figure Eight is a 4 piece rock band from Kingston. Drawing differnts inspiration from Punk and alternative rock, they blend a mix of loud guitars and catchy melody with a high energy live show to top it off. More info.

TIGER UPPERCUT is loud guitars, louder bass, and ferocious drums. Influenced by record collections and feline martial arts, TIGER UPPERCUT is a melting pot of countless subgenres reigned in under the musical umbrella of Grunge Pop. Enjoy! More info.

Born from craft beer and creating music. Tighten Up has released 2 albums with a thurd on the way. Songs on the radio from Kingston to the UK. More info.

The Beta 58’s aren’t the answer, the pioneers, or the stars of anything. We’re the loudmouths you see playing rock and roll down the street in that bar that looks like it closed months ago. We play simple, fast, and loud songs to get that last work week out of your head. Get your dancing shoes on and get to the front of the stage, The Beta 58’s are coming to a dive near you… More info.