Singer/Songwriter

Danny Michel

The only good thing about not shopping in record stores like we used to is that you don’t have to figure out what genre to look for Danny under. If that were the case, you could try searching under rock, pop, folk, world, or even classical. His own self-described musical A.D.D. has kept his music fresh for decades.

Maybe it has something to do with being born next to a candy factory, but his thoughtful lyrics and charming performances have earned him a devoted fan base, multiple Juno nominations, Polaris Prize nominations, CBC’s Heart of Gold award, and wins for the CFMA’s Producer of the Year and Oliver Schroder Pushing the Boundaries awards.

His adventurous musical spirit has led him on unique journeys, from recording and touring with The Garifuna Collective (from Belize) to recording an album aboard a Soviet-era icebreaker in the Arctic while on an expedition with astronaut Chris Hadfield. Albums like Matadora and Khlebnikov explore themes of human connection, the environment, and the cosmos.

Beyond music, Danny is passionate about social causes. He founded the DM Ocean Academy Fund to support a non-profit high school in Belize. His charm, creative performances, and wide-ranging interests have made him a beloved figure not only in music but also in charitable and environmental circles. This has led to unique performances, including playing at Jane Goodall’s 85th birthday, David Suzuki’s 75th, and touring with Stuart McLean’s Vinyl Cafe.

His latest album, Ghost Town, is a deeply personal and vulnerable collection of songs born from the pandemic, showcasing his most introspective work to date.

60
Aeolian Hall
Price
$34 Advanced $39 Doors
Event type
Steve Poltz

It might’ve even been last night, but Steve Poltz just played the greatest show of his life. Guess what? 

The next show will be even greater, making that show the greatest show of his life. 

Are you starting to notice a trend? 

He isn’t shy about it either. 

Even after most likely thousands of shows (but who’s counting?), he hits the stage with the same amount of energy and always makes sure to declare, “This is the greatest show of my life.” 

It’s why he’s quietly emerged as the kind of live phenomenon celebrated passionately by a diehard fanbase worldwide and renowned as a festival favorite everywhere from Bluesfest in Byron Bay and High Sierra Music Festival in California and Telluride Bluegrass Festival in Colorado to Cayamo Cruise (where he actually got married). It’s why his music has crept into pop culture via collaborations with everyone from Jewel and Billy Strings to Molly Tuttle, Sierra Hull, Nicki Bluhm, Oliver Wood, and even the late Mojo Nixon. It’s why after over a dozen albums, he’s still creatively firing on all cylinders and critically acclaimed by the likes of Rolling Stone, Associated Press, Billboard, and many more. 

Nevertheless, the next gig will be the greatest show for him (and maybe for you too)…

60
Aeolian Hall
Price
$34 Advanced $39 Doors
Event type
Ian Thomas

Ian Thomas is “the complete entertainment experience!” He is a film-composer with 22 feature films to his credit; an author; an actor, much sought after as a voice-over artist and recognized for roles such as Dougie Franklin on the Red Green Show... and, of course, a Juno-award-winning Singer-Songwriter whose songs helped form the bedrock of the Canadian musical landscape, a contribution recognized by SOCAN when Ian was honoured with a National Achievement Award for Songwriting, and in October 2025 an induction into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Ian Thomas first garnered major radio airplay in1973 with the top-40 single Painted Ladies, followed by a string of hits throughout the 70s and 80s, and on into the 90s with his band The Boomers. Whether performed by him or covered by artists including Santana, Chicago, Manfred Mann, America, Bon Jovi and Bette Midler, Ian’s many hits continually achieved heavy rotation on radio across Canada and around the world ... recordings such as Come The Sun, Long Long Way, Right Before Your Eyes, Coming Home, Pilot, Hold On, Time Is The Keeper, Liars, Wishes, The Runner, Levity, Back To Square One, Love Ya Too Much, You Gotta Know, One Little Word, Dirty Love, To Comfort You, and of course, Painted Ladies. In the new millennium, Ian joined fellow singer-songwriters Murray McLauchlan, Marc Jordan and Cindy Church to form Lunch At Allen’s, touring coast to coast for the past two decades, and now with five albums to their credit.

Of his art, Ian says: “The song remains the most satisfying creative experience for me. Songs are interactive and, with over 50 years of writing, I have spent many hours with each one and they with me. When I listen to one of my old albums, I remember where I was and the people I made them with, some living, some now dead.  I think about who I am, who I used to be, and who I thought I was. These albums are like flags stuck in the road behind me that wind back, into the past, almost out of view.”

Ian Thomas, with his stellar 4-piece band, brings past to present recreating the original sound of all the hits ... 70s, 80s, 90s and beyond. Ian Thomas ... Not Gone Yet!

60
Aeolian Hall
Price
$89.50 Advanced SECOND SHOW ADDED DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND! TICKETS ALSO AVAILABLE FOR MAY 4TH (NO REFUNDS/EXCHANGES)
Event type
Sold Out
Marty Kolls

Marty Kolls is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose work balances lyrical depth with musical clarity. Based in London, Ontario, her sound blends elements of folk, soul, and pop, delivered with an emotional honesty that resonates deeply. Onstage, Marty performs with an intensity that draws listeners in—measured, raw, and fully present. Equally committed to her community, she lends her voice and time to local initiatives with the same care she brings to her craft. With new music arriving this fall, Marty continues to build a body of work rooted in connection, curiosity, and the quiet power of a well-told story.
TUNES@NOON at The Aeolian is supported with thanks to The Paul Seed Fund through London Community Foundations and is a London UNESCO City of Music project.

15
Aeolian Hall - Southen Lounge
Price
FREE ADMISSION
Event type
Lunch at Allen's

LUNCH AT ALLEN’S … FAREWELL TOURfeaturing MURRAY McLAUCHLAN, CINDY CHURCH, MARC JORDAN and IAN THOMAS 

As the saying goes ‘all good things must come to an end’ and so it is with Lunch At Allen’s, who will embark on a country-wide Farewell Tour beginning in Atlantic Canada this October. Coming together in 2004, for what was meant to be a one-off 8-date tour presented as a song-writer’s circle, the four renowned artists discovered a soul-warming  joie de vivre in performing together … and so began 20 years of camaraderie touring the country coast to coast.

Lunch At Allen’s is a musical powerhouse comprising four remarkable Canadian talents: Murray McLauchlan, Cindy Church, Marc Jordan and Ian Thomas. As individuals, they have written for or sung on over 25,000,000 CDs, penning hits for Josh Groban, Chicago, Bonnie Raitt, America, Santana, Cher and Rod Stewart, as well as Murray’s Farmer’s Song, Marc’s Marina Del Rey and Ian’s Painted Ladies, just to name a few. These three artists have come together adding the incredible voice of Cindy Church (Quartette, Great Western Orchestra) to form Lunch At Allen’s. Attending their stage show is to embark on an intimate musical journey replete with laughter and personal anecdotes, familiar favourites and new material, fashioning an unforgettable evening’s entertainment …from their hearts …to your soul.

“You would be hard pressed to find another Canadian ensemble with more collective depth of influence over Canada’s musical landscape than Lunch At Allen’s.” – The Beat Magazine

 

60
Aeolian Hall
Price
$89.50 (includes taxes and fees)
Event type
Sold Out
Shantero Productions presents LUNCH AT ALLENS - FAREWELL TOUR

SECOND SHOW ADDED DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND! APRIL 13th TICKETS AVAILABLE AT https://aeolianhall.ca/events/shantero-productions-presents-lunch-at-allens-farewell-tour-2/

LUNCH AT ALLEN’S ... FAREWELL TOUR...featuring MURRAY McLAUCHLAN, CINDY CHURCH, MARC JORDAN and IAN THOMAS 

As the saying goes ‘all good things must come to an end' and so it is with Lunch At Allen's, who will embark on a country-wide Farewell Tour beginning in Atlantic Canada this October. Coming together in 2004, for what was meant to be a one-off 8-date tour presented as a song-writer's circle, the four renowned artists discovered a soul-warming  joie de vivre in performing together ... and so began 20 years of camaraderie touring the country coast to coast.

Lunch At Allen’s is a musical powerhouse comprising four remarkable Canadian talents: Murray McLauchlan, Cindy Church, Marc Jordan and Ian Thomas. As individuals, they have written for or sung on over 25,000,000 CDs, penning hits for Josh Groban, Chicago, Bonnie Raitt, America, Santana, Cher and Rod Stewart, as well as Murray’s Farmer’s Song, Marc’s Marina Del Rey and Ian’s Painted Ladies, just to name a few. These three artists have come together adding the incredible voice of Cindy Church (Quartette, Great Western Orchestra) to form Lunch At Allen’s. Attending their stage show is to embark on an intimate musical journey replete with laughter and personal anecdotes, familiar favourites and new material, fashioning an unforgettable evening’s entertainment …from their hearts …to your soul.

“You would be hard pressed to find another Canadian ensemble with more collective depth of influence over Canada’s musical landscape than Lunch At Allen’s.” - The Beat Magazine

60
Aeolian Hall
Price
$89.50 (includes taxes and fees)
Event type
Sold Out
Danny Michel & Steve Poltz

POSTER CREDIT - MARC AUDET, OTTAWA GIG POSTERS

60
Aeolian Hall
Price
$45 Advanced $50 Doors
Event type
Danny Michel

The only good thing about not shopping in record stores anymore is you won’t have to figure out what genre to look for Danny under. If that were the case, you could try looking under, rock, pop, folk, world or even classical.

His own self-described musical A.D.D. has kept his music fresh for decades. Maybe it has something to do with being born next to a candy factory, or his ambidextrous brain, but his thoughtful lyrics & charming performances have earned a devoted fan base, multiple nominations for Junos, The Polaris Prize, CBC’s "Heart Of Gold", and most recently winning the CFMA's "Producer of the year" and "Oliver Schroder Pushing the Boundaries" Awards.
But Danny considers his career highlights to be the unique real life moments like performing for Jane Goodall’s 85th birthday party, touring with Stuart Mclean and working with charities close to his heart.

In 2015, his adventurous spirit took him to the country of Belize where he tracked down one of his favourite Belizean bands; The Garifuna Collective (a unique Afro-Amerindian cultural group) and convinced them to create an album together. That album (“Black Birds Are Dancing Over Me”) was called “One of the finest musical works of our time” by Billboard's Larry Leblanc, landed Danny’s 3rd Juno nomination (World Music Album Of The Year), and a sold out summer tour of North America with The Garifuna Collective.

While in Belize, Danny also founded the DM Ocean Academy Fund that helps raise scholarships for a small non-profit community high school. To date, Danny & his fans have raised over $125,000.00 for the school.

In 2016, Danny returned to Canada to record "Matadora," his most deeply humanist album to date. This ten-song collection explores the environmentalist, pacifist, romanticist, archivist, and space enthusiast in Danny.

Then it was off to the Canadian high Arctic where Danny recorded “Khlebnikov” (possibly the most northern album ever recorded/above 80°) aboard the legendary Soviet-era Russian ice-breaker, Kapitan Khlebnikov during an 18-day arctic expedition curated by Astronaut Col. Chris Hadfield. Once home, Danny’s recordings were arranged for brass & strings by film composer Rob Carli. The result is a suite of atmospheric and haunting songs about the Arctic, our planet, and our place in it.

When he’s not performing he’s fighting for musicians’ rights, the environment, making short films, producing, running his studio or filming his comedy/sci-fi/music show “Dan’s Space Van

Steve Poltz

PHOTO CREDIT - JEFF FANSANO

It might’ve even been last night, but Steve Poltz just played the greatest show of his life. Guess what? 

The next show will be even greater, making that show the greatest show of his life. 

Are you starting to notice a trend? 

He isn’t shy about it either. 

Even after most likely thousands of shows (but who’s counting?), he hits the stage with the same amount of energy and always makes sure to declare, “This is the greatest show of my life.” 

It’s why he’s quietly emerged as the kind of live phenomenon celebrated passionately by a diehard fanbase worldwide and renowned as a festival favorite everywhere from Bluesfest in Byron Bay and High Sierra Music Festival in California and Telluride Bluegrass Festival in Colorado to Cayamo Cruise (where he actually got married). It’s why his music has crept into pop culture via collaborations with everyone from Jewel and Billy Strings to Molly Tuttle, Sierra Hull, Nicki Bluhm, Oliver Wood, and even the late Mojo Nixon. It’s why after over a dozen albums, he’s still creatively firing on all cylinders and critically acclaimed by the likes of Rolling Stone, Associated Press, Billboard, and many more. 

Nevertheless, the next gig will be the greatest show for him (and maybe for you too)…

AJAMAF 2024: An Evening with Sarah Smith
THIS EVENT IS PART OF AEOLIAN JAZZ & MUSICAL ARTS FESTIVAL 2024! CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE! Sarah Smith is a fiercely talented Canadian singer/songwriter, known for her powerful and compelling stage performances and the bold humanity of her songwriting. After honing her craft as a member of proto-Punk band The Joys, Sarah has spent the last 15 years as a solo artist, touring relentlessly throughout Canada, while also building a growing and deeply loyal fan base in key parts of the United States and Europe. She has been honoured with over 25 Canadian Independent industry awards for her work, and has shared the stage with some of the most respected Canadian artists of all time, including Carole Pope, Sass Jordan, Joel Plaskett, Bif Naked, as well as International acts like Melissa Etheridge, Nancy Wilson and KT Tunstall. She has steadily released original music over the past decade, including 2023’s “Come Together”, an 18-track album which combines the sounds of Canadian Production by Mick Dalla-Vee (Randy Bachman) as well as European production by Pat Anthony (Usher). A native of London, Ontario, Sarah recently moved to Pender Island, off the coast of mainland British Columbia where she has experienced a personal rebirth and a revitalization of her creative artistry. The balance she has rediscovered in life has translated into new and exciting creative endeavours and re- energized her desire to become an international touring artist. Sarah Smith is an artist of uncommon ability, unrivalled authenticity, who connects with all who encounter her remarkable songs and live performances. Sarah is an inspiring advocate for mental health and well-being. She uses her platform to not only play shows, but to also share her story and support organizations like the Canadian Mental Health Association, Addictions Services of Thames Valley, My Sister’s Place, Anova, and Vanier Children’s Services. Through her social activism, Sarah is helping to make a real difference in the lives of many. Be sure to visit www.sarahsmithmusic.com for all info on Sarah Smith!
60
Aeolian Hall
Price
$35 Advanced $40 Doors
Event type
Tim Baker - Along The Mountain Road Tour

Tim Baker has come a long way to be with you. He’s come from the far, rocky, northeastern shores of Newfoundland. He’s come from the deep songwriting tradition of that island. He’s come from over 12 years of touring, writing and recording, with his former band Hey Rosetta! And he’s come through 5 years on his own now, releasing 2 full-lengths & 3 EPs, over a dozen music videos, and playing countless festivals and shows across North America & Europe. He’s come through it all collecting critical praise, devoted followers, and awards along the way: 2 Juno nominations (SOCAN Songwriter of the Year, New Group of the Year), 2 shortlist/3 longlist Polaris Prize nominations, 14 East Coast Music Awards, many Music Newfoundland & Labrador Awards and other prizes. Through it all he brings his powerful and personal voice, his electric and open-hearted energy, his dynamic and sophisticated arrangements, his wild and sweeping body of work. Other than the occasional solo performance (or the odd show with orchestra and/or choir) Tim has spent the vast majority of his touring life expressing his music through the power of a 5-7 piece band - his former, Hey Rosetta!, and his current, Tim Baker & All Hands. Always one to keep reimagining and reconnecting in different ways, this fall the Canadian troubadour is reducing the arrangements, focusing the light, and watching the songs expand to fill the space; laying bare his extraordinary songwriting, his extraordinary spirit, his extraordinary journey here.

60
Aeolian Hall
Price
$35 Advanced $40 Doors
Event type
Haley Heynderickx

It takes a mix of skill and luck to tend a garden well, but it’s impossible without a certain amount of kindness tended. While the cyclical nature of gardening seems inherent, in some ways, Heynderickx is just beginning. Her debut album, named I Need to Start a Garden out of a search for calm through these waves of uncertainty and upheaval, is out now via Mama Bird Recording Co.

For the empathetic singer/songwriter, the reasons for seeking such acceptance and understanding stem from a life of paradoxes. Heynderickx grew up in a religious household in Oregon, closely identifying with her Filipino roots, but also straddling multiple cultural identities. Now residing in Portland, her faith is not overt, but her introspection and continued struggle for self-actualization are easily accessible and relatable.

Likewise, the tracks on I Need to Start a Garden reflect these seemingly disparate elements. Through soft acoustic guitar picking and deftly accented trombone sighs, Heynderickx’s music immediately recalls folk music of the ‘60s and ‘70s mixed with a love of jazz radio. But Heynderickx’s singing—her vocals that range from sultry to operatic—belie a tenacity in her soul.

Sold Out
Nico Paulo

PHOTO CREDIT - CECIL JOHNSON

Nico Paulo is a Portuguese/Canadian songwriter, performer, and visual artist. She moved to Canada in 2014 to pursue her career, originally setting down roots in the vibrant Toronto arts community, and eventually moved east to become an essential part of Newfoundland’s celebrated music scene. Paulo’s highly anticipated, self-titled debut LP, which arrived in spring 2023, is a melodically dynamic, heart-baring collection that finds her exploring the interconnected nature of relationships and the flow of time in lush, sophisticated pop arrangements. The album’s textures come courtesy of production by Joshua Van Tassel (Villages, Fortunate Ones) and Tim Baker (Hey Rosetta!).

Paulo released her debut single, the wistful  “Please Don’t Forget,” in 2019. Her debut EP, Wave Call, arrived in 2020, featuring contributions from musicians Bravo Kilo, Evan J Cartwright, Kwame Appiah-Kubi, and Tim Baker, with production and engineering handled by David Gavan Baxter. She toured the EP in Europe in 2020, making stops in Portugal, the UK, Ireland, France, and Germany. Her latest releases—the Live at First Light EP recorded for the Lawnya Vawnya Artist Residency and a cover of José Afonso’s Portuguese folk song "O Cavaleiro e o Anjo"—were both recorded in Paulo’s adopted hometown of St. John’s, and include appearances by local musicians Tim Baker, Adam Hogan, Steve Maloney, and Mary B. Waldram

“Your new favorite vocalist lives in Newfoundland” - MTV

“Nico Paulo has a knack for transmuting the mundane motions of daily life into grand, wistful reveries.” - The FADER

“‘Now Or Never’ is heavenly, a stark yet gorgeous piece of songwriting that puts us in mind of Jessica Pratt in its emotional honesty.” - Clash

“Wave Call moves with steady gestures… hypnotic and soothing.” - Exclaim! Magazine

“Nico Paulo’s gently forceful folk… took on a newfound Fleet Foxesian lushness.” - NOW Magazine

Nico Paulo est un auteur-compositeur, interprète et artiste visuel portugais/canadien. Elle a déménagé au Canada en 2014 pour poursuivre sa carrière, initialement dans la communauté artistique dynamique de Toronto, et a finalement déménagé vers l'est pour devenir un élément essentiel de la célèbre scène musicale de Terre-Neuve.

Le premier album de Paulo, sorti au printemps 2023, est une collection mélodieuse et dynamique qui la trouve explorant la nature interconnectée des relations et l'écoulement du temps dans des arrangements pop luxuriants et sophistiqués.

60
Aeolian Hall
Price
$30 Advanced $35 Doors
Event type
Marty Kolls

Singer-songwriter Marty Kolls brings the energy of her east coast upbringing, classical music training, and life-long experience on the stage to every one of her performances. She mesmerizes her audience with her voice, melody and presence, with songs that speak of living life from the heart. “Marty Kolls is a revelation,” says the London Free Press’ Arts Editor, James Reaney.

Marty released her first full length album entitled ‘This Life’ in 2014 to a standing room only audience at one of Canada’s top rated and intimate music venues, Aeolian Hall. This performance was an experience for all who attended and awaited for the arrival of this much anticipated album including her friend and producer Simon Larochette of Sugar Shack Studios.

The album sums up much of Marty‘s experience as an artist and lover of life, not without it’s disappointments and battles. The title track ‘This Life’, inspired by a Richard Linklater film ‘Waking Life’ urges us to live in the present before there is ‘nothing left to give’.  Like warning bells going off in your head, the bombast of the horns and punch of the drums reiterate the same message.

An artist who writes from experience Marty takes her audience to the many places she’s lived such as her beloved New Brunswick with it’s winding roads and formative memories.  She also speaks of her times living and working for years in Asia as a musician and teacher where her appreciation for privileged life was awakened.

Upon her return to Canada in 2006 Marty was thrown into the mix of musical talent in Toronto Ontario. Finding her way through the modern era of online overnight sensations, she nestled into the musical venues of the west end like the Cameron House and the Dakota Tavern carrying on the traditions of her live music upbringing. There she stumbled upon producer Jesse Capon and together they produced a two song CD through the FACTOR Music Demo Grant, now offering Marty something to share with the industry.

It wasn’t long before her stories would take a new turn upon discovering she was pregnant with her daughter, and shortly after made the move with her husband to his home town of London Ontario where they now live. Continuing to make music in a number of bands, including well known cover-grass band Kevin’s Bacon Train, Marty has found a home and community of strong musicians and friends. Now sharing the stage with acts like Sarah Harmer, Dan Mangan and Whitehorse, she continues to love and take pleasure in the good fortune that is ‘This Life’.