Tin Pan North 11 Performer Bios
We've got forty singer-songwriters coming from all over North America to attend the 11th Annual Tin Pan North. You can buy tickets at the door ($10.00) or a 3 night pass ($30.00 - and this includes the Gala at Hugh's Room). If you are attending the Gala at Hugh's Room only, tickets are 20.00. Advance tickets are now available at Ticket Window.
Songwriter, musician, and educator Debra Alexander has been featured in numerous songwriting events in Toronto, Austin, Boston, and Nashville. Her set sounds like Joni Mitchell and Diana Krall got together for Brazilian coffee... and ended up collaborating with Ira Gershwin.
Her songs have won awards in five international songwriting competitions, appeared on four CDs, and enjoyed radio airplay. Debra has fostered the progress of many songwriters and musicians as a SASS mentor, a SAC workshop clinician, and an NSAI regional coordinator.
She is currently focusing on her role as the Creative Director of Word Maven Music Publishing.
Performing Thursday, May 27th @ Trane Studio 7:30pm Website
Rich Baker's song writing abilities were first noted in the late nineties while working out of Cedar Tree Studios in Kitchener Ontario.
Writing with many talented songwriters, including John Landry, Julian Austin, Stacey Lee (of Lace) and Jamie Warren, Rich has enjoyed success with such hits as Bit By Bit, Long Gone and Forgotten and My Heart Says Yes.
After taking a few years’ hiatus, Rich has recently returned to his musical roots, once again writing and playing live. As Rich says, he is "home again".
Performing Wednesday, May 26th @ London Music Club 8:00pm Website
Peter is an award winning songwriter who has performed his songs on radio, television, and at live venues across Canada. He wrote original music for Dan Aykroyd’s production “Tom Paine” and his current song catalogue receives regular airplay on local radio stations CBC, CJAM and CHYR.
His song “V8 Cars” has just been placed in a soon to be released documentary film about the auto industry.His current project is a collection of songs based on early Canadian historical events. He records as a member of the band “Same Latitude As Rome” with three CD releases since 2007.
Performing Friday, May 28th @ Moonshine Cafe- 9:30pm Website
Just returned from an extended stay in Nashville, where he was busy co-writing, performing, plugging and networking. Chris has released a self-titled independent album.
He has one composition/recording written expressly for TV makeover show ‘Groomed’ airing repeatedly on ‘W’ network. Chris provides vocal work for jingles (ie. sings the theme for Disney / Nelvana’s ‘Overruled’, in it’s third season on many networks across North America).
Says Chris, “I feel blessed to be making music and enjoy being part of the ever evolving world of music.” You can sample some of his music at
Performing Thursday, May 27th @ Moonshine Cafe- 9:30pm Website
A resident of Caledon ON, John has been writing songs since the age of 14. He first ventured into songwriting after being assigned a school project.
Moved by the death of his hero John Lennon, John earned an A+ for his tender ode to his musical idol and thus the journey began. Throughout the nineties and the new millennium John fronted a moderately successful band and at one point 120 mainstream and college radio stations across Canada spun the band’s single.
John is currently writing contemporary country and is a member of the Tall Tree Songs writing community.
Performing Thursday, May 27th @ Moonshine Cafe- 9:30pm Website
From Bible Hill, Nova Scotia, multi Juno nominated Cindy Church is known throughout music circles for her beautiful harmonic vocals whether solo or blended for the groups Quartette (Sylvia Tyson, Gwen Swick, Caitlin Hanford) and Lunch at Allen’s (Marc Jordan, Ian Thomas, Murray McLauchlan).
Having been awarded Female Artist of the Year for the Alberta Country Music Awards, and nominated for various CCMA awards, Cindy has 3 solo albums to her credit and performed background vocals on 3 Ian Tyson albums.
Performing Thursday, May 27th @ Black Swan - 9:30pm Website
Juno nominee Patricia Conroy is one of Canada’s top female artists. Born in Montreal, and influenced by her mother’s Maritime country background and her father’s Irish roots, Patricia was drawn to piano and vocal lessons. Later she discovered the sounds of Emmylou Harris, The Eagles and Linda Rondstadt, and realized the direction she wanted to go musically. Hooking up with like minded music talent in the late 80’s, Patricia entered a “Battle of the Bands” contest and won $10,000, which gave her the opportunity to demo some of her original material. Her first record deal Blue Angel with Warner Music Canada aligned her with record producer Randall Prescott who brought Vince Gill to the studio to sing background vocals on 2 songs she had written.
An additional two records with Warner Music Canada, Bad Day for Trains and You Can’t Resist It, and touring throughout the Country had Patricia secure legions of fans as well as awards: 8 Number 1 Singles; 5 Number 1 CMT Videos, CCMA Independent Female Artist in 1999, 2000, 2006 and 2007 as well as various CCMA Awards including Female Vocalist, Song of the Year and Album of the year. Always honing her writing and getting her songs recorded by Canadian Stars Michelle Wright, Lisa Brokop, The Rankin Family, One More Girl and the US duo Steel Magnolia. Patricia’s latest CD Talking to Myself is an innovative album with a fresh sound and an emotional depth fans will find hard to resist.
Performing Friday, May 28th @ Moonshine Cafe- 9:30pm Website
Sting and Ryan Adams. Inspired by music very early Adam began playing the piano and writing songs at the age of seven. He initially came onto the music scene as the lead vocalist with the Nashville-based pop/rock band 9 Point Landing, turning heads with his impressive song writing skills and captivating vocals. In 2005, Adam collaborated with Canadian producer Asher Lenz, whose credits include co-writing Andrea Bocelli’s song “Go Where Love Goes”. The duo began developing new songs and began working with Josh Groban. Their song, “So She Dances” is featured on Groban’s latest record “Awake” and was performed by Groban on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Dancing With The Stars and featured on an episode of The Simpsons. In 2006, Adam’s song “Prisoner” was the featured track in the opening teaser of a Law & Order episode and his first solo album, “Anvil of a Heart”.
In 2009, the single release to radio of Beautiful World climbed the Billboard charts to # 4 and although not a Christmas song, was transformed and became the #1 Christmas song in December 2009 for 3 straight weeks. With live and television performances in Pennsylvania in April of 2010, Adam’s official Canadian launch of “Anvil of a Heart” will occur on May 12th in Toronto.
Performing Friday, May 28th @ Trane- 9:30pm Website
Julie has often been described as a true singer, and her original songs touch on every subject and emotion. Blending her love of folk and country music with her background in classical music and musical theatre she creates a beautiful sound all her own.
Her heartfelt lyrics and upbeat personality make her live shows a delight. Julie is very involved in the local music community hosting a monthly Women In Song night at The Moonshine Cafe (now in its fifth year), and hosting musical events at CJ’s Cafe on many special occasions.
Performing Friday, May 28th @ Moonshine Cafe- 7:30pm Website
Steven Demetrious is a Canadian country-rock recording artist and Nashville based songwriter.
An intuitive musician, carefully balancing passion and creativity, Steven Demetrious is an artist prepared to give his best in country-rock performing. "I don't believe you should go by the book, there aren't any rules to follow. It's all about what you do along the way. Keep the songs real. Don't be afraid to experiment but keep the music true to you."
He released his debut album in 2008 and is currently working on his follow up album in Nashville with acclaimed songwriter & producer Danny Wells.
Performing Thursday, May 27th @ Black Swan - 9:30pm WebsiteShaun Devlin
Shaun Devlin is a veteran musician who recently recorded his first CD of original music. Shaun writes simple songs about everyday people.
His music is no flash, just Cash, and includes roots, folk and Americana influences as well as straight-ahead country.
Performing Thursday, May 27th @ Trane Studio - 7:30pm Website
Music is in my blood literally coming from a family of musicians.
I started singing as soon as I could string a sentence together, learned to play the organ at age eight, wrote my first song at sixteen, and taught myself to play guitar at twenty.
Song writing just seemed like a natural extension of singing and playing and I never thought twice about it.In 2009 I released my first song to radio and receive airplay across the country and am now actively pursuing a career in music and will be releasing my first official CD this spring.
Performing Thursday, May 27th @ The Black Swan 9:30pm Website
Toronto based Wendell Ferguson has long been a behind-the-scenes force in Canadian country music. Known for his comedic and clever lyrics including “Throw Another Fiddle on the Fire”, one would be hard pressed to find a better “guitar playing troubadour”. Having won the Canadian Country Music Association Award for Guitar Player of the Year 7 times, the CCMA organization retired Wendell from ever being nominated in that category again!. In 1994, 1995 and 1997, Wendell went on to other CCMA wins including Back Up Band of the Year with Coda the West and The Duane Steele Band.
Taking the stage of the 2005 CCMA Awards live show with Paul Brandt, the show was nominated for a Genie Award. Wendell has backed up and recorded with artists such as George Fox, Duane Steele, Shania Twain, Tommy Hunter, The Dixie Chicks, Gil Grand and countless others. When he’s not running songwriting camps or attending FACTOR board meetings, Wendell can be found touring Canada with Katherine Wheatley, Quartette, to name but a few, or under his own name.
Performing Thursday, May 27th @ Trane- 9:30pm Website
Andrew Fetterley's high energy performances make him a powerful and captivating talent to watch. Featured on CBC Morning, Breakfast Television and university radio stations, Andrew has also played with a wide variety of players including Jeff Martin (The Tea Party) and Anesti Karantakis (Fefe Dobson, Sass Jordon) plus opened for acts like Emerson Drive and The Tragically Hip.
With two indie recordings “A Collection of Footprints” 2006 and “The Year I Went Missing” 2007, Andrew is now at work on a full length album for release this year. With elements of funk rock, pop, jazz and country combined with his soulful voice, Andrew creates his own special blend of unique music.Performing Thursday, May 27th @ The Black Swan- 7:30pm Website
I wrote my first song when I was five. It wasn't very good but as my wife noticed, right there in the dust and dirt was an internal rhyme.
I've had ten plays produced, short stories and poetry published, and a screenplay optioned and developed by Warner Bros..
I was in an alt/folk duo that toured and was courted by Universal. After that, I rediscovered the soul of Country music. That took us to Nashville and back home with a publishing deal. A perfect situation allowing me to write here and still have a presence on Music Row…
Performing Thursday, May 27th 7:30pm @ Trane and Friday, May 28th @ St. John's Anglican - 7:30pm Website
From Hamilton, Ontario, talented, savvy and still in her teens, Ariana Gillis has already had a major label offer, as well as some smaller label interest. A riveting performer, Ariana leaves it all on the stage much to the pleasure and satisfaction of audiences. Her 2009 independently released debut album titled TO MAKE IT MAKE SENSE garnered her critical acclaim and industry awards including the 2009 Canadian Folk Award for Young Performer of the Year,
the 2009 Niagara Music Song-writing Award, as well as nominations for three 2009 Hamilton Music Awards.
Ariana has played and captivated audiences at various Ontario summer festivals including the Hillside Festival in Guelph, the Mariposa Folk Festival in Orillia and the Summerfolk Festival in Owen Sound. Ariana has shared the stage with many artists including Ron Sexsmith, Eddie Schwartz, Kevin Breit and Sarah Sleen. Always the trend-setter, Ariana’s vibrant red “Auggie” hairstyle is the latest incarnation of her iconic look.Performing Thursday, May 27th @ Moonshine Cafe- 9:30pm Website
Stu has a big heart. Good job as a large chunk of his was wrecked by two heart attacks. I did love the taste of cigarette smoke with my coffee in the morning he still says after 10 years smoke free. Luckily songwriting can be done slow and easy so it suites me now.
His performances are rare but he is known to bring along someone to help him and provide an added treat. Not to be missed.
Performing Thursday, May 27th @ Moonshine Cafe- 7:30pm
When not tending to and coaxing yellow pear tomatoes out of the soil in my modest urban garden I am still writing though leaning more to fiction of late. Music in the sound of a well turned sentence a new/old pleasure. Sometimes all at the same time, making up stories and rhymes whilst turning over dirt with a pitchfork. Where the metaphor hits the worm home...
Somebody once sang a few of my songs on the radio but that was so long ago it feels like someone else so i'll let that ghost put the details in his bio.
These days I am working with my faith and music group "Manning Avenue" on a re-release of some old recordings along with a few new bits. Studio lights burning at Ken Whiteley's in Toronto and Liquid Audio in Saint John. Feeling like a blessed man in a broken world.
Performing Thursday, May 27th @ Trane Studio 9:30pm and Friday, May 28th @ St. John's Anglican 7:30pm Website
Beth Hamilton is the other half of the singer-songwriting duo Beckon from Owen Sound. Singing and playing piano since the age of five, Beth is a working musician, music educator, and music therapist.
She teamed up with Connie Sinclair-Rossitter to form the duo in 2009. Beckon is an intriguing blend of roots, folk and pop sensibilities, rapidly gaining recognition for their captivating original music and stunning harmonies.
Performing Friday, May 28th @ The Black Swan - 9:30pm Website
Joe Hash
Joe Hash was born in Ohio, but his family roots are in the South. So are most of his musical influences.
Whether writing solo or collaborating, this singer-songwriter is steadily translating those influences into a solid catalog.
In his hands, familiar country themes are transformed into something fresh and moving. Just listen to "Stay," or "Change The Things You Can." Veteran Nashville hit-writer Richard Fagan has called Hash's "Dynamite Shack" a masterpiece. Hash divides his writing time between Toronto and Nashville. Look for his music on iTunes and other digital outlets.
Performing Thursday, May 27th @ The Black Swan - 9:30 pm Website
Howard Jamieson, an Ottawa native, was initiated to performing music on stage at the age of fourteen. He worked as a bassist for a number of local bands over an eight year period.
Howard has built a successful business and returned to music as a singer/songwriter. He has a few co-writes with current industry professional songwriters and is garnering more attention from his works. Currently he is recording for a yet to be named CD.
Performing Friday, May 28th @ The Black Swan - 7:30 pm Website
From a small logging community in western Oregon, Tim Johnson has been writing songs and performing on guitar and piano since he was 11. After graduating from college, Tim spent five years in Japan as an English teacher where he led a band performing mostly his own songs that appeared weekly in Tokyo venues. When he moved to Nashville, Tim was immediately recognized as a major songwriting talent and offered contracts from six major publishers. Tim has enjoyed considerable success with over 60 major cuts by such greats as Diamond Rio, Joe Diffie, LeeAnn Womack, Skip Ewing, and Pirates of the Mississippi.
He had a #1 with Mark Chestnutt with "Thank God For Believers" and "Someone You Used To Know" with Collin Raye. He has recent cuts with Reba McEntire, Trace Adkins, Andy Griggs, George Strait (He Must Have Really Hurt You Bad), Kellie Pickler (Things That Never Cross A Mans Mind) and Blaine Larsen. In 2007, Tim, with business partners Rory Feek and Jeff Skillen, established the Song Trust, an organization that taps into the Ipod generation's single-track buying habits by making the song the star by helping new artists that the labels have turned down. Their first song, “Bring Him Home for Christmas Santa” charted respectably and inspired an online response that was immediate and overwhelming – a mere 500,000 hits.
Performing Friday, May 28th @ Trane-7:30pm & Saturday, May 29th @ Hugh's Room 9:30pm Website
Influences from Country, Rock, Folk and Blues formed a style of rhythmic up-tempo songs and relevant ballads. He performed in bands and solo, but he always connects with his audience because of a passionate delivery. He has traveled the continent. That life experience is reflected in his music and lyrics.
David Joseph is the NSAI Waterloo London Chapter Coordinator. He plays the piano and guitar. Classically trained on the piano he has won many festivals. David is a focused songwriter holding memberships with CCMA, NSAI, SOCAN / ASCAP. David attends many conferences and goes to Nashville.
Performing Wednesday May 26th @ London Music Club-10:00pm & Friday, May 28th@ The Moonshine Cafe, 7:30 Website
Born and raised in the Greater Sudbury area in Northern Ontario, Chris Leblanc has been making his mark on the local music scene for many years. A powerful voice and seasoned guitar playing are just small part of this dynamic performers repertoire.
Songwriting has become a passion of his, and he regularly writes with some of the most talented artists on the Canadian music scene. Chris is looking for 2010 to be his break out year, after hearing him perform, I'm sure you'll agree that he is headed towards great things!
Performing Friday, May 28th @ Black Swan- 9:30pm Website
Born in Tokyo, Japan, Steve Leslie considers himself to be a lucky guy “who’s had the pleasure of making his living as a songwriter, musician and educator”. With a college loan from then US President Jimmy Carter, Steve attended Morehead State University in Kentucky and received his BM in Guitar / Jazz Studies. After teaching privately in Tallahassee Florida for 8 years, Steve moved to Nashville in 1992 and was signed to a staff song writing position at EMI Music Publishing for 9 years. Some of his works were recorded by Kenny Rogers, George Strait, Rhonda Vincent, Mark Chestnut, and Darryl Worley to name a few.
In 2004, Steve received a Grammy certificate for the title cut to Ricky Skaggs’ 2004 Grammy winning Best Bluegrass Album Brand New Strings. Steve has maintained a career as an independent songwriter and music publisher since 2007. His new company, New Modern Songs has published works by Darryl Worley and Darius Rucker, all written by Steve. As an educator, Steve was adjunct professor of Jazz History at Tallahasse Community College in Tallahasse Florida and a frequent guest clinician and lecturer at Morehead State University, Middle Tennessee State University, Belmont University, Berklee College of Music and the Nashville Songwriters Association International. Currently residing in Nashville with his wife Amy and 2 sons, Steve is in the rehearsal stages of a newly written musical, “Public Displays of Affection”, a romantic comedy with 11 original songs. He is also completing a book of poetry “Greater Gravity”.
Performing Wednesday, May 26th @ London Music Club -10:00pm, Friday May 28th @ The Black Swan - 7:30pm & Saturday, May 29th @ Hugh's Room 7:30pm Website
Allison Lynn
Having just returned from 3 years in Nashville, TN, Allison is thrilled to be home in her native Canada. While in Nashville, Allison was able to work with some of Gospel music's greatest singers and songwriters.
Her CDs, "Real Big Fan" and "Hymns in the Key of Grace," explore themes of hope and joy, set to Allison's unique blend of Gospel and Jazz.
Allison and her husband, Gerald Flemming, are currently worship leaders at St. John's York Mills Church in Toronto, and have a ministry that takes them to churches of all denominations.
Performing Thursday, May 27th @ Trane - 7:30pm and Friday, May 28th @ St. John's Anglican Website
Award winning songwriter Linda M has recent cuts with Danny Deakin and Erin Haley, both produced by Juno nominated Douglas Romanow.
She is a Songwriting/Artist Development instructor at Seneca College at York U and is signed with music publisher Jay Warner in Los Angeles as a songwriter.
Linda M has licensed music to the hit teen drama “Dawson’s Creek” and the feature film “Shades of Blue” which recently debuted at the Queen’s International Film Festival in New York City.
Performing Friday, May 28th @ Trane - 9:30pm Website
Glen MacNeil
Glen Macneil writes songs with great emotion, distinct melodies and memorable hooks. Glen writes from a perspective of distance, of interludes between lovers and lives and the roads that lead from small towns to big cities and back again.
Glen was born in Toronto, Ontario Canada but moved to his family’s native Cape Breton when he was only two years of age. Growing up on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, music is part of the cultural landscape - music is in the blood.
Glen is a member of SOCAN and the Songwriters Association Of Canada and NSAI. He has received Honourable Mentions from the Billboard World Song Contest, the Singer/Songwriter Awards and the Unisong International Song Contest.Performing Friday, May 28th @ The Moonshine Cafe - 9:30 Website
Bruce Madole
Bruce Madole won last year’s Songs from the Heart Galaxie Rising Stars of the CBC Award from the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals and Galaxie Radio (with co-writer David Leask), for “While I Still Breathe”.
Bruce is the co-founder and host of the Source of the Song songwriter’s series.Bruce’s musical influences are roots, folk, and blues. Bruce’ songs have been recorded by such artists as Johnny Reid and Eli Barsi, and his most recent cut is “Purgatory”, co-written with JK Gulley, and recorded by Mati Haskell.
Bruce’s article, “Writing Closer to the Bone”, appeared in Canadian Musician recently.Performing Wednesday May 26th @ London Music Club-8:00pm & Friday, May 28th@ The Moonshine Cafe, 9:30 Website
Terry hails from Saint John, New Brunswick and moved to Toronto in his early 20’s.
He enjoyed commercial radio success with his pop songs “Half A Chance” and “She's not the Only One” in the early '90's.
A trip to Nashville rekindled a life-long interest in country music, an influence that is clear in his recent works.
Performing Friday, May 28th @ The Black Swan - 9:30 Website
Ali Matthews has released 5 independent, critically acclaimed CDs since 2000. Writing and performing in both the Christian and mainstream music industries, she blends mature and sensitive lyrics with evocative, compelling melodies. Matthews holds the GMA (Gospel Music Association Canada) record as the artist with the most nominations ever in one year: 11 in 2006. She has received 7 GMA Covenant awards and 19 nominations in 5 years.
She was a winner in the 2006 International Songwriting Competition, The Canadian National Songwriting Competition, The Word Guild Canadian Writers Awards and she was named Woman of the Year in the City of Stratford for her outstanding contribution to the Arts.
Performing Friday, May 28th @ St. John's Anglican- 7:30pm WebsiteTom McInerney
A member of SOCAN; the London Musicians Association (local 279 of the A.F.of M.); and the Nashville Songwriters Association International, Tom has been creating and performing for almost 30 years. His music has been used in support of such varied causes as The Stephen Lewis Foundation; graceFM: Leprosy Mission Canada and the Alzheimer Society of London and Middlesex.
Tom McInerney is an award winning singer-songwriter, based in London, Ontario. His music has been described as soulful and important. He has worked with such diverse musicians as John P. Allen, Sandy MacKay, John Regan, Denise Pelley, Steven Holowitz and Tanglefoot.
Performing Wednesday, May 26th @ London Music Club - 8pm, Thursday May 27th @ Trane 9:30pm and Friday, May 28th @ St. John's Anglican 8:00pm Website
David sings with a powerful conviction, heartfelt insightful songs that reflect life and its lessons. Early influences were artists like Stan Rogers, Adam Mitchell, Raffi and David Bradstreet whom he met while hanging out at Fiddlers Green.
David had his first taste of performing at Fiddlers, and got hooked on songwriting. Other influences are artists like Steve Goodman and Neil Young.
David's debut CD “Can't Close A Blind Eye” was produced by Juno award winner David Bradstreet, and is available on over 30 download services, in full album/single song format.Performing Thursday, May 27th @ The Black Swan 7:30pm Website
Dean's professional career started as the lead singer/songwriter for the Canadian rock/pop band "The Arrows" in 1981.An independent release "Misunderstood" was followed by two albums for A&M records which produced the hit singles "Meet me in the Middle","Talk Talk", and "Heart of the City".
When the band broke up in 1986 Dean went on to be a staff songwriter penning many hits including "Heaven Help my Heart" a top ten song for country superstar Wynonna Judd , " Darkhorse" a number one in Canada for Amanda Marshall which Elton John called a sure fire hit on Rosie O'Donnell,"Birmingham' a top twenty song worldwide for Amanda Marshall.Dean has also penned hits for Anne Murray, Australian super star Tina Arena, Terri Clark, Kelly Coffee, John Berry,The Guess Who, JohnMcDermitt, The Rankin Family, and many others. Over the years Dean has been kept busy producing, recording, writing and playing live either with a band or in solo songwriter situations.
Performing Saturday, May 29th @ Hugh's Room - 9:30pm Website
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 Canada’s leading country music internet station, “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 . Dan performs regularly throughout Ontario and in Nashville, Tennessee. Dan has performed with artists like Victoria Banks, Tim Taylor, Diane Chase, Gil Grand, Colin Amey, Jason Barry, Barry Brown, Bruce Michael Miller and Wendell Ferguson.
Performing Friday, May 28th @ Trane 7:30pm Website
Born in Essex England, writer/producer/publisher Ralph Murphy spent his youth in Wallaceburg, Ontario with his mum. In 1965, Ralph moved to London, signed a record deal with Pye Records and released two singles with Jack Klaysen as The Guardsmen. The Guardsmen then changed their name to the Slade Brothers, released an additional two singles and opened up for famous headlining acts, such as The Kinks, The Troggs, Martha and the Vandellas, The Byrds and The Walker Brothers.
In 1969 Ralph moved to New York, started two successful record labels, and produced dozens of acts including legendary Canadian Rockers April Wine, for whom Murphy produced two gold albums. In 1976, Ralph went to Nashville to pick up an award and moved there. With partner Roger Cook, he formed the Picalic Group & Pic-A-Lic Music Publishing, one of the most successful independent publishers in Nashville, and had more than twenty number one records including Song of The Year “Talking In Your Sleep” by Crystal Gayle. He also started Kersha Music with Richard Perna of Hamstein Music, and in 1994 joined ASCAP as part of Connie Bradley's Nashville Staff. Ralph is a past president of both NSAI and The Nashville Chapter of NARAS and currently serves on the board of the CCMA. Now ASCAP Vice President International & Domestic, Membership Group, he works on many committees and teaches seminars internationally.
Performing Friday May 28th @ The Black Swan - 9:30pm & Saturday, May 29th @ Hugh's Room 9:30pm Website
Jennifer Noble writes effervescent, heartfelt pop songs in many flavours. Currently Florida baritone Daniel Melvin is recording 8 of her songs. “Paint” was runner up in 2008 for 3 international competitions, “Question Marks” was runner up in the 2009 ISC. And can she sing! She fronted the Foxrun Band and Three Stand Out, which charted on Canadian radio.
Howie Moscovitch is a highly creative, versatile guitarist, a multi-instrumentalist songwriter and producer of pop music. He has worked with the Garbagemen, Maja Bannerman, WhiteNoise, Noise R Us, The Grove Group, Bratty and the Babysitters, Micah Barnes and the Bourbon Tabernacle Choir.
Performing Friday, May 28th with Howie Moscovitch @ Trane - 9:30 Website
Howie Moscovitch Website
Saskatoon’s Codie Prevost turned country heads in 2006, when his Saskatchewan Country Music Association Awards winning streak began. Awarded The Rising Star of the Year and Album of the Year for his debut CD, “The Road Ahead’ 3 years later, in 2009, Prevost took home 10 S.C.M.A. Awards including Songwriter of the Year, Fans Choice Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year, and Male Vocalist of the Year. His song "Quicksand" was recorded by Nashville based Grammy Award Winner Randy Kohrs and is the title track of Kohr’s current acoustic CD bearing the same name.
Prevost has performed throughout Canada, at SxSW in Austin, Texas and at the Canadian Country Music Association Awards songwriters and new artist showcases. He has opened for The Oakridge Boys, Michelle Wright and Doc Walker and has writing collaborations with Victoria Shaw, Willie Mack and Troy Kokol. Prevost’s single SPIN was awarded the worldwide Independent Music Award for Country Song of the Year and his birthday song video to NBC Emmy Award winning talk show host, Ellen DeGeneres appeared on the home page of her January 2010 website. Codie’s 3rd CD, Get Loud, produced by Tom McKillip will launch in June.
Performing Wednesday, May 26th @ London Music Club -8pm,, Friday, May 28th @ Moonshine Cafe- 7:30pm & Saturday, May 29th@Hugh's Room Website
Todd Pyper is a singer/songwriter, as well as a recording engineer and producer. As a musician Todd plays guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, mandolin, lap steel, harmonica and melodica. He is a vocalist that sings both lead and harmony.
Todd has appeared on Television, Radio, Music Video, and countless live shows in bands and as a solo artist. He has released many music projects over the years and in 2008 released his first solo CD "Various Things". Todd owns SoundWorks Productions Recording Studio, and is also an independent publisher as the owner of Rude Clown Music.
Performing Thursday, May 27th @ The Moonshine Cafe - 9:30pm Website
Shelly Rastin grabbed the spotlight sharing the bill with Keith Urban, Tim McGraw and more at festivals that swelled 20,000 fans. Writing and recording credits include Randy Bachman, Jason Barry, Byron Hill, Steve Fox, Randy Boudreaux and Darcy Corbett.
Partners like these helped her songs ‘Born in a Barn’ ‘Be True to You’ and ‘Country Mile’ achieve plays on over 35 stations across Canada and positioned her in the top 20 CANCON female charts each time.‘High Class Trailer Trash’ has been a recent addition to MTV’s Rock Band online gaming community.
Performing Wednesday May 26th @ London Music Club - 10:00 pm Website
Maddy Rodriguez is one of the youngest members of NSAI Toronto.
At 16, she has accomplished much in her emerging career. Her talent has been recognized by people like Livingston Taylor and Greig Nori. Maddy is one of the finalists on MuchMusic’s disBAND.Her song “Extraordinary” made the semi-finals in the teen category at ISC 2009. Recently, Maddy performed in the urArtist Showcase at Canadian Music Fest 2010. Maddy’s song “Summer Love” is a semi-finalist in the RDR CMW contest and was in the top 100 country songs in OurStage.com. Three of her songs are now on iTunes.
Performing Thursday, May 27th @ The Black Swan- 7:30pm Website
Connie Rossitter made her musical debut on local radio at the age of 5. A country girl at heart, she grew up on the family farm just outside of Owen Sound. She began writing songs in her high school years, performing at open mic nights, coffee houses and in local musical theatre productions. In 2008 Connie teamed up with friend and fellow songwriter Beth Hamilton to form the duo Beckon.
Beckon is an intriguing blend of roots, folk and pop sensibilities. They use both piano and guitar to explore their original music, weaving a tapestry of colourful vocal harmonies.
Performing Friday, May 28th @ The Black Swan- 9:30pm Website
Randy is returning for his third appearance in the Tin Pan North festival. He began playing the guitar at a young age and, in recent years, has become more interested in the craft of songwriting. He has attended two NSAI spring symposiums in Nashville and always enjoys the opportunity to listen to writers perform "in-the-round".
"The Tin Pan North festival provides a great opportunity to perform alongside some amazing talents, and to gain valuable feedback on our writing. I hope everyone enjoys this year's performances."
Performing Thursday, May 27th @ Moonshine Cafe- 7:30pm Website
Toronto’s Amy Sky’s talent spans music, acting and producing. She began classical music lessons at the age of five, and plays piano, guitar, cello and recorder. A graduate of the University of Toronto with a degree in music theory and composition, Amy was signed as a staff song writer in 1983 to MCA Music Nashville, then to Warner-Chappell Music in Los Angeles, EMI Music Los Angeles, and Warner-Chappell Music Germany. Amy has penned songs for Diana Ross, Anne Murray, Olivia Newton-John, Reba McEntire, Belinda Carlisle, Aaron Neville, Heart, Cyndi Lauper, Roch Voisine and Sheena Easton. From 1996 through to 2007, she released 5 albums, garnering multiple Juno nominations and SOCAN awards, and starred in the 1996 Toronto production of the musical Blood Brothers with David Cassidy and Michael Burgess.
Since 2005, Amy renewed her collaboration with Olivia Newton-John, writing and producing songs for 3 albums released in 2005, 2006 and 2007. In 2008, Amy executive produced the fund raising album Celebration and Song: Olivia Newton-John and Friends and joined Olivia and a cast of international musicians, actors, athletes and cancer survivors, walking the Great Wall of China to raise money for the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre in Melbourne, Australia. Amy has performed on stages throughout the world, as a featured performer for televised broadcast specials, and as the featured singer of the national anthem at political functions including speaking engagements for one of her biggest fans, President Bill Clinton. She has twice testified successfully in Ottawa before the CRTC, helping to shape and change copyright policy, and is the first recipient of the Canadian Recording Industry Association Applause award, recognizing her unwavering support of artists’ rights.
Performing Friday, May 28th @ Trane-9:30pm Website
Toronto’s Madeleine Slate may be the youngest of four siblings each in the entertainment industry, but this petite-sized artist isn’t challenged by command performances. In spring 2007, Madeleine entered a singer / songwriter contest judged by Juno Award winning band Billy Talent and walked away with a first prize that included “a day in a studio” used by neighboring artists such as Nelly Furtado.
At age 20, Madeleine departed for Nashville, landed on the Open Mic stage of the famed Bluebird Café and performed one song. That night, Madeleine was quickly sought out and has been invited up on The Bluebird Café’s stage in the past two years on 5 separate occasions as the guest of Tony Arata, Gretchen Peters, Beth Nielson Chapman and Leslie Satcher. In February 2009, Madeleine was handpicked by Nashville based Canadian producer Fred Mollin (Billy Rae Cyrus, Jimmy Webb, Neil Diamond…) to produce a 3 song EP containing her personal lyrics, an unforced guitar style and her gifted vocal delivery. On the fast track to becoming one of Canada’s rising stars, it won’t be long before Madeleine is the new face of the industry.
Performing Thursday, May 27th @ Moonshine Cafe- 7:30pm Website
Mersaidee Soules from Picton, Ontario started her career path early. Singing and songwriting since she was a little girl, Mersaidee made the move to Nashville TN, to further pursue her music career after her success in having a major cut, a song airing on the hit TV shows Dawson’s Creek and Crime & Punishment.
She then won the overall Grand Prize in the US Mid-Atlantic song contest for her song “You Knew”. You can hear tracks and buy her debut CD “Honest as well as her Christmas CD at www.CDBABY.com.
Performing Friday, May 28th @ Trane- 7:30pm Website
From Parry Sound, Ontario and now based in Toronto, Katherine Wheatley’s passion for songwriting began with a $13 guitar ordered from a Sears catalogue. A graduate of Queen’s University in Geology, Katherine spent 5 seasons living in a tent and roughing it in a bush not only collecting rock samples but material for her future recordings. Her first CD, Straight Line, produced by John Switzer, spent 17 weeks on Sam's Top Ten Independent Charts. Katherine's second CD, Habits and Heroes, was produced by David Travers-Smith and garnered praise from fans and critics alike and catapulted a strong touring career.
Katherine’s music has been used for documentaries, tv series and films. She has been a featured vocalist on Stuart McLean's Vinyl Cafe, as well as a musical guest on Morningside with Peter Gzowski, This Morning with Bernard St. Laurent, TVO's Studio Two, and CBC Radio's Vicki Gabareau Show. She performed her song "On A Beach In France" on CTV's Canada AM and Good Morning Canada to commemorate the anniversary of Dieppe. A regular at folk festivals, concerts and clubs across Canada, Katherine is a member of the Toronto band “Betty and the Bobs”; guitarist in “The Smoking Section”; and presents songwriting workshops across Canada. In addition to her music, Katherine is currently the ambassador for the campaign to raise six million dollars for the new Parry Sound hospital.
Performing Thursday, May 27th @ Trane- 7:30pm Website
Born in Kansas and now based in Toronto, award winning multi-instrumentalist Chris Whiteley has been called a “major part of the roots music scene”. Having appeared on over 200 recordings, playing guitar, trumpet, harmonica and pedal steel, Chris has played with Roosevelt Sykes, Taj Mahal, Bukka White, John Hammond and Blind John Davis. At the Toronto club "The Rockpile", Chris backed up visiting artists including Chuck Berry and John Lee Hooker.
Having toured and recorded with Leon Redbone and appearing with him on Saturday Night Live, Chris’ own recordings won Jazz Report Blues Album of the Year, six Juno nominations, and 4 Maple Blues Awards as Horn Player of the Year and Songwriter of the Year. He wrote a number one Canadian hit for Prairie Oyster, and his songs have been recorded by Amos Garret, Cindy Church, Penny Lang, The BeBop Cowboys, Lunch at Allens, Quartette and Juno winning blues band Fathead. A writer of music for Sesame Street and the National Film Board, Chris often performs as part of the award winning CBC Radio show The Vinyl Cafe with Stuart McLean. He’s captivated audiences at Nashvilles' Bluebird Cafe and has twice appeared at the prestigious Chicago Blues Festival. His 2008 collaboration with acclaimed blues singer Diana Braithwaite received multiple Maple Blues nominations while having them tour extensively throughout North America and the U.K..Performing Thursday, May 27th @ The Black Swan- 7:30pm Website
Karl currently lives in Brampton, Ontario, where he is a member of the Brampton Folk Club. He has a reputation in the city as a songwriter, and his fan base is noticeably increasing. He’s played the renowned Rose Theatre several times and gigs frequently around town.
In his first year of membership with NSAI, Karl hit the road for Nashville to hone his songwriting skills, and to learn about the music industry. There, he played and was well received at the world famous Blue Bird Café. “So far,” he says, “it’s been a wild ride. Karl engages his audience with very interesting little stories about his songs.
Performing Thursday, May 27th @ Trane- 7:30pm Website
My name is Mike Willis, and I’m a singer-songwriter based in Nashville , Tennessee . Born and raised in Decatur , GA , my roots are an integral part of my music; a fusion of the delivery and soul of classic R&B, the lyrics and storytelling found in Country, and the testimonial intimacy of Folk. Since moving to Nashville , I’ve been blessed to work alongside and learn from great and talented people.
I’ve failed and succeeded many times at life and in my career, but making music for me has never been a choice. I simply can’t help it.
Also, I’m a Scorpio, I like long walks on the beach, and I love pepperoni pizza.
Performing Thursday, May 27th @ Moonshine Cafe- 7:30pm Website
A lifelong resident of Burlington, Ontario, Zac's songs are touching, humorous, and heartbreaking - often all at the same time. "There's only so many melodies and chord changes in Nashville", he says, "so your song must have a strong, captivating lyric in order to stand out from the rest.
My goal is to continually write better songs that inspire, challenge, and entertain the country music listener - songs that you will carry with you long after you've heard them."
Performing Thursday, May 28th @ Moonshine Cafe - 7:30pm Website
Jon Zaslow, aka The Fabulous Johnny Zee, is a guitarist/singer/songwriter from London, Ontario. He has 3 CDs to his credit. Fab’s drive to write came from the desire to re-create a mood and energy felt from his early listening to the Beatles, Steely Dan, etc.
One reviewer reports: “The sonics are spot on; the arrangements are complex without being complicated, the singing and guitar playing are both on the highest level (and sounding like nobody else). The songs …. well, the songwriting is just superb. No two songs sound the same, but the whole collection sounds "of a piece".
Performing Friday, May 28th @ The Black Swan- 7:30pm Website
Stacey Zegers has come along way since growing up on her dad's farm. Her debut album "Famous" contains a collection of songs that paint a picture of her life until now.
A dynamic and energetic stage performance, coupled with a genuine passion for music, its no surprise that in her first year of touring Stacey (who currently books and manages her own career) will play upwards of 100 shows.
A great talent and unmatched ambition is what sets Stacey apart, and she proves over and over that she is one artist who is here to stay!
Performing Wednesday, May 26th @ London Music Club - 8:00 pm Website
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