Alysha Brilla Archives | Folk Roots Radio

Ron Sexsmith – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Apr 08 2019

One of Canada’s finest songwriters, Ron Sexsmith will be performing an intimate solo show at the 2019 Roots North Music Festival, at the St. Paul’s Centre in Orillia ON on Friday April 26. The songwriter’s songwriter, Ron Sexsmith has released fifteen full-length albums since his debut “Grand Opera Lane” in 1991. His most recent album, “The Last Rider” was released in 2017, shortly after making the decision to leave Toronto for Stratford. Ron is now also a published author after the release of his grown-up fairy tale “Deer Life”. Ron Sexsmith joined us on Folk Roots Radio for an in-depth conversation about his music, a possible musical version of Deer Life and a new album of original songs slated for 2020. For more information about the music of Ron Sexsmith, visit ronsexsmith.com. Music: Ron Sexsmith “Worried Song”, “The Man At The Gate (1913)” and “Who We Are Right Now” from “The Last Rider” (2017, Ronboy Rhymes) and “Love Shines” from “Long Player Late Bloomer” (2011, Ronboy Rhymes).

The 2019 Roots North Music Festival takes place across Downtown Orillia on Friday April 26 and Saturday April 27. Ron Sexsmith will be sharing the Friday night main stage with two other fabulous songwriters, Rose Cousins and Ariana Gillis. Alt. folk rising star The Weather Station headlines the main stage on the Saturday evening with support from inspirational world music performer Alysha Brilla who blends folk, jazz and world rhythms together and Americana duo VK. There will also be a full day of free performances throughout the day on the Saturday, at a variety of downtown venues. Check out the full schedule for the Roots North Music Festival, on their website at rootsnorthmusic.ca. Weekend passes can be picked up at Alleycats Music in Orillia or online via the website. The early bird price is currently just $45! (weekend passes go up to $55 on April 12. Don’t miss out!)

Roots North Music Festival 2019 – Main Stage Line-up – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Mar 10 2019

Renowned Canadian songsmith Ron Sexsmith and alt. folk rising star The Weather Station are headlining this year’s Roots North Music Festival which takes place across Downtown Orillia on Friday April 26 and Saturday April 27. A particular strong main stage line-up features another couple of fabulous songwriters, Prince Edward Island raised, Halifax NS based Rose Cousins and the ever intriguing Ariana Gillis who join Sexsmith on the Friday evening, while inspirational world music performer Alysha Brilla who blends folk, jazz and world rhythms together and VK, an Orillia based Americana duo featuring Steve and Marni Van Kessel joining The Weather Station on the Saturday evening. There will also be a full day of free performances throughout the day on Saturday at a variety of downtown venues. To learn more about this year’s line-up we caught up with Amy Mangan, one of the festival organizers. Check out the full schedule on the Roots North Music Festival website. Weekend passes can be picked up at Alleycats Music in Orillia or online at rootsnorthmusic.ca. The early bird price is currently just $45! (The cost of a weekend pass goes up to $55 on April 12. Don’t miss out!) Photo: Deb Halbot. Music: Ron Sexsmith “Evergreen” from “The Last Rider” (2017, Ronboy Rhymes), Rose Cousins “Chosen” from “Natural Conclusion” (2017, Outside Music) and The Weather Station “You and I on the Other Side Of The World” from “The Weather Station” (2017, Outside Music).

Folk Roots Radio Episode 295: Folk Music Ontario 2016 Developing Artist Program

Jan 20 2017

We’re all about the Folk Music Ontario (FMO) Developing Artist Program (formerly known as the FMO Youth Program) on Episode 295 of Folk Roots Radio. Each year during the annual conference, a group of youth performers are paired with mentors from the Ontario folk community to work on a showcase performance and participate in professional development activities. The programme is open to residents of Ontario and the National Capital Region, between the ages 15 and 21, who are chosen for their interest, ability and experience. This documentary features commentary and musical contributions from programme coordinator Treasa Levasseur; Mentors: Cécile Doo-Kingué, Christa Couture, Graydon James, Lynn Miles and Alysha Brilla; Youth: Brandon Girouard, Anita Cazzola, John Muirhead, Missy Bauman and Melina Hanke. The 31st annual FMO conference takes place October 19-22, 2017, at the Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel & Suites, 5875 Airport Road, Mississauga, ON. The closing date for the 2017 Folk Music Ontario Developing Artist Program is August 18. Learn more about the program HERE. Photo credit: Mike Bourgeault.

Aug 06 2016

This episode of Folk Roots Radio is all about this year’s Kingsville Folk Music Festival which takes place the weekend of August 12-14 in beautiful Lakeside Park in Kingsville on the shore of Lake Erie. We feature interviews with artistic directors John & Michele Law, Leamington singer-songwriter Dale Butler and publicist Michelle Fortier, alongside music from some of the artists we’re excited to see in Kingsville this time around. Check out the full line-up HERE. For more information about the festival and to get tickets, visit kingsvillefolkfest.org.

May 06 2016

This episode features an interview with John & Michele Law who joined us to chat about the line up for the 3rd Annual Kingsville Folk Music Festival, which takes place from August 12-14, in the beautiful confines of Lakeside Park in Kingsville on the shores of Lake Erie It’s a great festival and already gaining a great reputation for bringing fabulous folk, roots, blues and world music down into South-western Ontario. There’s also a lot of new music on this episode. I hope you’ll check it out.

May 04 2016

The performers for the 3rd Annual Kingsville Folk Music Festival, which takes place from August 12-14, have just been announced. This year, the festival, which takes place in the beautiful confines of Lakeside Park in Kingsville on the shore of Lake Erie, features Buffy Sainte-Marie, fresh from success at the Juno Awards with her Polaris Music Prize winning album “Power in the Blood”. Joining Buffy at this year’s festival are Alex Cuba, Quique Escamilla, Irish Mythen, Garnet Rogers, Alysha Brilla, Qristina & Quinn Bachand, Bill Bourne, The Boxcar Boys, Jason Dennie & Rochelle Clark, Tony Gouveia, Maneli Jamal, Connie Kaldor, Kaia Kater, The Laws, Rob Lutes, Danielle Miraglia, The O’Pears, Amanda Rheaume, Gordie Tentrees & Jaxon Haldane, Union Duke, Luther Wright, Dale Butler, Francine Leclair, Whoa Nellie! Vera & Johnny, Tribute to Willie P. Bennett and children’s performers: Jangles The Magical Clown, Butterfingers and Magoo alongside Todd Crowley’s Musical Petting Zoo. Artistic Directors John & Michele Law joined us to chat about this year’s festival. Weekend passes at Kingsville are still under $100 which sounds like a great deal and Children 16 and under are admitted FREE! Regular priced weekend – senior – student and single day passes are now available online HERE. For more information visit kingsvillefolkfest.org. Music: Buffy Sainte-Marie “Power In The Blood” from “Power In The Blood” (2015, True North Records).