Roots North Music Festival Archives

Steve Poltz on Cayamo – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Mar 21 2020

It is always a pleasure to sit down with Nashville based singer-songwriter Steve Poltz to chat about his music – especially so, when you’re in the middle of the Caribbean on the Cayamo roots music cruise. His third time on Cayamo, Steve was joined by partner Sharon, sister Kathy and Dad Joe; Steve and Sharon actually tied the knot on the boat, surrounded by 500 of their closest friends! A brilliant live performer, Steve Poltz is scheduled to be back in Canada to play the 6th Roots North Music Festival in Orillia ON on Saturday April 25 2020. The Roots North Music Festival takes place at a variety of venues across Downtown Orillia from Thursday – Sunday, April 23-26. For more information about the music of Steve Poltz, visit poltz.com. Photo: Susan Wheeler-Hall. You can also check out our full Cayamo radio episode HERE. Music: Steve Poltz “Silver Lining” from “One Left Shoe” (1998, UMG Recordings), “Sewing Machine” (Live) (2014, Live At Oasis House Concerts, San Diego CA, YouTube) and “Pharmacist” from “Shine On” (2019, Compass Records).

VK & Legends Of THE DEEP – Charm – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Sep 17 2019

Marni and Steve Van Kessel, who make music together as VK, are back with a new album – album number three, and this time it’s a wonderful bluesy Americana folk-rock recording with their new band Legends of THE DEEP. After a very successful appearance at this spring’s Roots North Music Festival in support of their last album, “Terms and Conditions, VK released the new album “Charm” at this summer’s Mariposa Folk Festival. Joining Steve and Marni Van Kessel as Legends of THE DEEP on this recording are John Lebarr (guitar/vocals), Sean Murray (keyboards/vocals), Jamey Heidman (bass/vocals) and Roger Stanley (percussion). Folk Roots Radio caught up the Marni and Steve Van Kessel at home in Orillia to chat about the new album. For more information about the music of VK, visit 112records.com/vk. Photo credit: GH Thomson. Music: VK & Legends of THE DEEP “Letting Go”, “Love Me Baby” and “Someday, Someway” from “Charm” (2019, 112 Records) CDN.

Ariana Gillis – Roots North 2019 – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Apr 16 2019

Ariana Gillis is a captivating live performer. She sings with such passion, with such a distinctive voice and vocal delivery, you really can’t take your eyes off her. And the songs? Well, they are always engrossing. Ariana will be appearing at the 2019 Roots North Music Festival which takes place in Downtown Orillia on Friday April 26 and Saturday April 27. She’ll be sharing the Friday night main stage with two other fabulous songwriters Ron Sexsmith and Rose Cousins. Ariana Gillis has produced two fabulous albums – 2009’s “To Make It Make Sense” and 2012’s “Forget Me Not”, and a 2017 E.P. “Headful Of Stars”. She’s recently been down in Nashville, recording a brilliant new album “The Maze” – live off the floor with the legendary Buddy Miller. The new album, that Buddy describes as pop-Americana, will be released this June. We caught up with Ariana Gillis at home in Niagara to chat about her Roots North 2019 appearance and the forthcoming album. For more information and upcoming tour dates visit arianagillis.com. Music: “Freedom” from “Headful Of Stars” E.P. (2017) and “The Maze” and “Dirt Gets Dirty” from “The Maze” (2019, Self).

VK – Terms & Conditions – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Apr 12 2019

Orillia ON based husband and wife Steve and Marni Van Kessel make music together as VK. Steve is the songwriter behind a project that they describe as a bit of a cross between Blue Rodeo and the Tragically Hip – Canadian style Americana based around strong tunes and inspirational lyrics. Their first album (from 2014) “Doin’ Just Fine” was more of a band project and credited to VK and The Narrows. Their latest, “Terms & Conditions” is a wonderful slab of Canadian tinged roots Americana and very much a duo album, with support from an excellent group of session musicians. They are already hard at work on their next project, which will be another band album, this time credited to VK and the Legends of THE DEEP. VK will be playing the 2019 Roots North Music Festival on Saturday April 27. We caught up with Steve & Marni at home in Orillia to chat about their music. VK have just released a NEW Video for their song “Radiate & Glow”. You can find it online HERE. Steve and Marni also run their own record label, 112 Records. You can visit VK online at 112records.com/vk. Music: VK “Terms & Conditions”, “Edge Of The World” and “Radiate & Glow” from “Terms & Conditions” (2017, 112 Records).

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, while rising star The Weather Station will be joined on Saturday evening by inspirational world music performer Alysha Brilla and Orillia based 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 for $55.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 440: In Conversation with… Ron Sexsmith

Folk Roots Radio Episode 440: Ron Sexsmith In Conversation

Apr 11 2019

We’re giving over the whole of Episode 440 of Folk Roots Radio to an in-depth conversation with one of Canada’s finest songwriters, Ron Sexsmith. During our wide-ranging conversation, Ron Sexsmith chats about songwriting, and becoming a published author with the release of his grown-up fairy tale Deer Life, which, now, may also become a musical. He also talks about live performance – both solo and with his band, and a new album for release in 2020. 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. Check out the full playlist below.

The Weather Station - Roots North 2019 - Folk Roots Radio Interview

Apr 11 2019

Tamara Lindeman has received rave reviews for her music, and the quality of her songwriting. If you don’t recognize the name, it’s probably because, on stage, she goes by the name The Weather Station. A fabulous songwriter, Tamara Lindeman has received rave reviews for her music. On the acclaimed “All Of It Was Mine” (2011), and follow-up “What Am I Going To Do With Everything I Know” (2014), (both for You’ve Changed Records), Lindeman established herself as a songwriter’s songwriter, earning accolades for her delicate, careful wordplay, filled with double meanings, complex metaphors, and rich details of the everyday. Her third album “Loyalty”, recorded at La Frette Studios in France in the winter of 2014 with Afie Jurvanen (Bahamas) and Robbie Lackritz (Feist) was nominated for the Polaris Prize, while her most recent album, 2017’s self-produced The Weather Station was also critically acclaimed. Tamara Lindeman will be heading back into the studio this April to start work on the follow-up, which could end up being two different musical projects. The Weather Station will be performing at the 2019 Roots North Music Festival in Orillia on Saturday April 27. We caught up with Tamara Lindeman at home in Toronto to chat about her music. For more information visit theweatherstation.net. Photo Credit: Shervin Lainez. Music: The Weather Station “Thirty”, “Complicit” and “Impossible” from “The Weather Station” (2017, Outside Music).

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!)

Folk Roots Radio Episode 438: feat. Ariana Gillis & More New Releases

Apr 05 2019

Ariana Gillis joins us on Episode 438 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about her upcoming appearance at the 2019 Roots North Music Festival which takes place in Downtown Orillia on Friday April 26 and Saturday April 27. A captivating live performer, Ariana will be sharing the Friday night main stage with two other fabulous songwriters Ron Sexsmith and Rose Cousins. She is also getting ready to release “The Maze”, her third full-length album, recorded in Nashville with Buddy Miller. We also check out new music from Tariq, Gabrielle Papillon, The Maes , Safe As Houses, Còig, Zachary Lucky, Benjamin Dakota Rogers and Fresh Breath. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 437: feat. VK & More New Releases

Apr 05 2019

Orillia ON based husband and wife Steve and Marni Van Kessel make music together as VK. They join us on Episode 437 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about their heartfelt brand of old-school rock and roll and Canadian style Americana, and their second album “Terms & Conditions”. VK will be playing the 2019 Roots North Music Festival on Saturday April 27. It’s a great interview and definitely worth checking out. And, as always, we take a look at more of the new releases we’ve received – and this time around we check out new music from Cary Morin, Graham Nicholas, Michael McDermott, Sumaia Jackson, Michael Martyn and Hugh Christopher Brown. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 436: feat. The Weather Station & More New Releases

Mar 28 2019

Episode 436 of Folk Roots Radio features an in-depth length interview with Tamara Lindeman. You may not recognize the name, but if we tell you that, for music, she goes by the name The Weather Station, we’re sure you’ll know who she is. A fabulous Canadian musician, Tamara Lindeman is already turning heads with the quality of her songwriting. The Weather Station will be headlining the 2019 Roots North Music Festival in Downtown Orillia ON on Saturday April 27. It’s a great interview, and definitely worth sticking around for. We also check out new music from Tomato Tomato, Mother Banjo, Ross Falzone, Michael Jerome Browne and Dave Gunning. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 435: feat. Roots North Music Festival & More New Releases

Mar 28 2019

Amy Mangan joins us on Episode 435 of Folk Roots Radio to talk about the 5th Annual Roots North Music Festival which takes place across Downtown Orillia on Friday April 26 and Saturday April 27. This year, a fabulous main stage line-up sees renowned Canadian songsmith Ron Sexsmith take the stage on he Friday evening with Prince Edward Island raised, Halifax NS based Rose Cousins and the ever intriguing Ariana Gillis, while inspirational world music performer Alysha Brilla who blends folk, jazz and world rhythms together and Orillia based Americana duo VK join 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. We also take a look at more of the latest new releases and this time around we check out new music from Iain Thomson and Marc Duff, Doug McArthur, Le Vent du Nord, AKA Trio, Ashley Condon, Cathy Hutch and Noah Derksen. Check out the full playlist below.

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 370: Irish Mythen & Roots North 2018

Mar 29 2018

Prince Edward Island based troubadour singer-songwriter Irish Mythen joins us on Episode 370 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about her fabulous live show, and a new album that’s expected this summer. A favourite on the festival scene, Irish will be appearing at this year’s Roots North Music Festival taking place in Orillia on Friday and Saturday April 20th and 21st. Amy Mangan, one of the organizers of Roots North, joins us to chat about the festival and we also include music from other artists heading to Orillia this time around, including Oh Susanna, The Wooden Sky, Joey Landreth, Jeremie Albino and Orillia’s own Danny Webster. Check out the full playlist below.

Roots North Music Festival 2018 - Folk Roots Radio Interview

Mar 27 2018

Toronto based singer-songwriter Oh Susanna is one of the artists heading to Orillia for this year’s Roots North Music Festival. This year’s festival takes place across Downtown Orillia on Friday April 20th and Saturday April 21st. Joining Oh Susanna for the Friday evening show at the St Paul’s Centre, 62 Peter Street South in Orillia are Danny Webster and Toronto based indie folk rock band The Wooden Sky while country blues phenom Jeremie Albino, and highly rated solo singer-songwriters Joey Landreth and Irish Mythen will be appearing on the Saturday evening. There will also be late night performances on Friday and Saturday with some free shows at a variety of downtown venues throughout Saturday. To learn more about this year’s festival we caught up with Amy Mangan, one of the festival organizers. Check out the full schedule on the Roots North Music Festival website. Pick up tickets At Alleycats Music in Orillia or online at rootsnorthmusic.ca. Early bird weekend passes are currently just $35 (increases to $45 on April 2nd!) Music: Oh Susanna “Puget Sound” from “A Girl In Teen City” (2017, Stella Records) and The Wooden Sky “Riding On The Wind” from “Swimming In Strange Waters” (2017, Nevado Records).

Irish Mythen Live 2018 – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Mar 25 2018

Global troubadour singer-songwriter Irish Mythen has had a great twelve months on the road with extensive touring across Canada, Europe, Australia and for the first time into Thailand and Cambodia. Once you’ve seen Irish in concert, you’ll be working out how to catch her again. A festival favourite, among many other performances this coming year, Irish will be appearing at this summer’s Cambridge Folk Festival in the UK, and heading back into continental Europe alongside some extensive Canadian dates that include the Vancouver Folk Festival and April’s Roots North Music Festival in Orillia. We caught up with Irish to chat about her live show, and a new album that hopefully should arrive before her summer dates. Music: Irish Mythen “Gypsy Dancer” from “Irish Mythen” (2014, Self), “The Auld Triangle” (Live at the Philadelphia Folk Festival 2015) and “Did You Ever” (2018, Live for Southern Souls at The Painted Lady in Toronto).

Jeremie Albino – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Feb 14 2018

Jeremy Albino is a young musician with an old soul, and the classic sound of old time country blues surging through his veins. Musically he’s the real deal – when he plays live, it’s like he’s channeling music from another place and time. Jeremie grew up in Scarborough Toronto before deciding to pass up city life for the slower pace and rooted appeal of rural Prince Edward County. Though still developing as an artist, and yet to put anything down on record, he’s already building quite a name for himself. Jeremie Albino sat down with Jan Hall from Folk Roots Radio at the Folk Music Ontario conference to chat about his music and play three of his original songs live. Jeremie Albino will be playing the Roots North Music Festival in Orillia ON on Saturday April 21 2018. For more information about the music of Jeremie Albino visit jeremiealbinomusic.com. Music: Jeremie Albino “Shipwreck” (Live), “Klondike Man” (Live) and “Trouble” (Live).

Folk Roots Radio Episode 312: Danny Michel Interview & More New Releases

Apr 01 2017

Singer/songwriter Danny Michel recorded his latest album “Khlebnikov” on board a Russian icebreaker in the middle of the Arctic Ocean. Danny joins us on this episode to chat about the new album, his webcast Dan’s Space Van and his live performances. And, as usual we also take a look at some of the latest new releases. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 310 - Roots North Music Festival

Mar 17 2017

On this episode of Folk Roots Radio we take a look at the Roots North Music Festival. Now in it’s third year, this year’s festival takes place on Friday and Saturday April 21-22 in a variety of venues in Downtown Orillia, Ontario. Amy Mangan, one of the festival organizers, joins us on this episode to chat about the line-up and how you can get tickets. We also talk to Raven from festival headliners Digging Roots, about their music and fabulous live show. We fill up the rest of the hour with music from some of the other performers heading to Roots North this time around. For more information about the festival and to buy tickets, visit rootsnorthmusic.ca. Check out the full playlist below.

Digging Roots - Folk Roots Radio Interview

Mar 11 2017

After winning the Juno for Indigenous Music Album of the Year with “We Are…” in 2010, aboriginal roots rockers Digging Roots, featuring Shoshona Kish and Raven Kanatakta, further enhanced their reputation with 2014’s critically acclaimed “For The Light” and their Maple Blues Cobalt Prize winning song about Canada’s missing and murdered indigenous women, “Hwy 17”. Digging Roots are a fabulous live band, with a wonderful bluesy sound that connects with the audience on many levels. And this year, they’re appearing at the Roots North Music Festival in Downtown Orillia on April 22. We caught up with Raven from the band for a wide ranging conversation about their music. Visit Digging Roots online at diggingrootsmusic.com. To learn more about the Roots North Music Festival and to get tickets visit rootsnorthmusic.ca. Music: Digging Roots, “Hwy 17” from “For The Light” (2014, Sugar Bush Music), “Ak-47” (single) (2016, Sugar Bush Music), “The Time Has Come For Going” from “For The Light” (2014, Sugar Bush Music).

Roots North Music Festival: April 21-22 2017

Feb 27 2017

Danny Michel, fresh from a very successful launch of his new album “Khlebnikov”, recorded while traversing the arctic ocean on a Russian icebreaker and phenomenal live act Digging Roots, featuring the wonderful husband and wife duo Raven Kanetakta and Shoshona Kish, are the headliners at this year’s Roots North Music Festival taking place in Downtown Orillia from April 21-22. Also on the main stage bill this year are Jim Bryson, Birds of Bellwoods, Kaia Kater & Cassie Dasilva. The main stage shows take place in the beautifully restored St Paul’s Centre in Downtown Orillia. A late night programme will also take place at the Geneva Event Centre. Further shows are planned for other performance spaces within Orillia. We caught up with Amy Mangan, one of the organizers of the festival to chat about the 2017 line-up. Stay tuned for more artist announcements. For more information about the Roots North Music Festival and to pick up tickets, visit rootsnorthmusic.ca.