Music

The MacKinlays, as they’re known on stage, have been performing practically their whole lives. Formed in 2013, the sisters have opened for artists such as Emm Gryner, Stacey Kay, Zach Neil, and comedian Gerry Dee. Besides performing, The MacKinlays are avid songwriters. They draw inspiration from artists such as Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, HAIM, Shania Twain, and Harry Styles. In 2022, they released their debut single, "Set You Free".

Davis is a graduate of Music Industry Arts from Fanshawe College. Kara is a graduate of Audio Production from OIART. Aimee is currently at Fanshawe College studying Digital Marketing. In the upcoming year, The MacKinlays hope to be performing live and writing and releasing new music.

Michael Holmes is a Canadian author, poet, songwriter and literary editor with several published works. He co-wrote ten songs on "Business & Pleasure", the forthcoming album from Juno-nominated recording artist Emm Gryner. Michael holds a PhD in English and is the Executive Editor at celebrated Canadian literary publisher, ECW Press.

Pianist Angela Park has established herself as one of Canada’s most sought-after pianists. Praised for her “stunningly beautiful pianism” (Grace Welsh Prize, Chicago), “beautiful tone and sensitivity” (American Record Guide), and for performing “with such brilliant clarity it took your breath away” (Chapala, Mexico), Angela’s versatility as both soloist and chamber musician has led to performances across Canada, as well as in the United States, Europe, Japan and Mexico. Angela is a founding member of the JUNO Award-winning Ensemble Made In Canada, and was a member of the AYR Trio with violinist Yehonatan Berick and cellist Rachel Mercer from 2010-2020. Angela and Rachel perform extensively as the Mercer-Park Duo, the St. John-Mercer-Park Trio with violinist Scott St. John, and with Mayumi Seiler (Seiler Trio). Other projects this season include solo recitals and performances in Thunder Bay, Toronto, Parry Sound, and Elora, duos with violist Sharon Wei, piano duo concerts with Stéphan Sylvestre, performances with flutist Susan Hoeppner, and trio concerts with clarinetist James Campbell and soprano Leslie Fagan. From 2011-2014, Angela was Visiting Assistant Professor of Collaborative Piano-Woodwinds at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. Angela has been Assistant Professor of Piano and Collaborative Piano at Western University since 2019. Born and raised in London, Ontario, Angela is thrilled to be back in her hometown with her husband, Darren, and son, Alfie.

Described as a "pure chamber musician" (Globe and Mail) creating "moments of pure magic" (Toronto Star), Canadian cellist Rachel Mercer has appeared as a soloist and chamber musician across five continents. Grand prize winner of the 2001 Vriendenkrans Competition in Amsterdam, Rachel is Principal Cello of the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa and Co-Artistic Director of the "5 at the First" Chamber Music Series in Hamilton. With a first love of chamber music, Rachel regularly collaborates with her longtime duo partner, pianist Angela Park, and was cellist of JUNO award-winning piano quartet Ensemble Made In Canada (2008-2020), the AYR Trio (2010-2020), and the Aviv Quartet (2002-2010). Rachel has given masterclasses across North America, South Africa and in Israel and has given talks on performance, careers and the music business. An advocate for new Canadian music, Rachel has commissioned and premiered works including cello concerti by Stewart Goodyear and Kevin Lau, as well as solo and chamber work by Vivian Fung, Andrew Downing, Alice Ho, Abigail Richardson-Schulte, John Burge and Jocelyn Morlock. Rachel can be heard on the Naxos, Naxos Canadian Classics, Centrediscs, Analekta, Atma, Dalia Classics and EnT-T record labels, and released a critically acclaimed album of the Bach Suites on Pipistrelle in March 2014, recorded on the 1696 Bonjour Stradivarius Cello from the Canada Council for the Arts Musical Instrument Bank. Rachel plays a 17th century cello from Northern Italy.

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Canadian-born flutist Susan Hoeppner is highly regarded for her deeply lyrical phrasing, dazzling virtuosity and a “no holds barred” approach in her performances.  She is an established international soloist, recitalist and chamber musician, with appearances that include numerous venues spanning the continents of North America, South America, throughout Europe, Japan and China. Ms. Hoeppner has inspired Canadian composers such as Christos Hatzis, Alice Ping Yee Ho and Gary Kulesha among others to write music for her and was nominated for a JUNO, Canada’s highest musical award, for Classical Album of the Year. Her numerous recordings are available digitally on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, and on labels including Marquis Classics, EMI, Centrediscs/Naxos and Grammophon BIS. Ms. Hoeppner enjoys giving masterclasses far and wide and is a Member of Faculty at the Glenn Gould School, The Taylor Academy for young gifted artists at the Royal Conservatory of Music, and at the University of Toronto. Every summer she joins the woodwind faculty at the International Music and Dance Academy at Domaine Forget de Charlevoix in Canada and the Campus Internazionale della Musica d’Arte in Italy. Susan is a founding member of the new annual online CanAmerican Flute Symposium and Young Artist Competition, as well as hosting an online Insightful Performer Masterclass Series. Susan Hoeppner has been appointed a Wm.S.Haynes Artist by the Boston-based flute company.  She resides in Toronto.

Kathleen began her studies of the harp with Nora Bumanis, harpist of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, and completed her music degree with a focus on harp performance at McGill University, studying under Jennifer Swartz, of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra. She has also taken lessons with highly respected performers Judy Loman and Lori Gemmell.

Beyond her university training, she has over 20 years of experience as a freelance harpist, contributing to the vibrant musical communities of southwestern Ontario, through performances in orchestral settings, chamber music, church music, musical theatre productions, and accompaniment of vocalists and choral ensembles. Kathleen has a special love for choral and vocal accompaniment, and performs regularly with choirs in London Ontario and surrounding centres. She has collaborated with dozens of choral groups over the course of her career, including Amabile choirs, Chor Amica, Fanshawe Chorus London, Karen Schuessler Singers, choirs associated with Western University, and many church choirs.

Outside of her performance and teaching work, she enjoys helping musicians prevent and overcome playing related injuries, and assists other individuals regaining functional skills, in the context of her work as an occupational therapist.

"Sonja is an uncommonly versatile performer..."

Music has been an integral part of Sonja’s life since childhood. Growing up with a music historian and a classically trained soprano as parents exposed her to a great deal of classical repertoire. Sonja spent much of her youth singing in choirs and playing the violin. In her late teens, she was presented with the opportunity to audition for the world reknowned Interlochen Arts Academy in Interlochen, Michigan. She decided to audition for the voice department, where room was available for one more student.

Sonja graduated from Interlochen with flying colours and returned home to Canada to continue studying voice at the Don Wright Faculty of Music at The University of Western Ontario. As part of her studies at UWO, Sonja performed in several operas to gain more experience on the stage. She also took up the position of soprano soloist at First St. Andrew’s United Church, which is widely recognized for its fine music program.

Simultaneously, a close friend encouraged her to try Jazz. Her initiation into the Jazz world was a New Year’s Eve gig at a local restaurant. That night proved to be a trial by fire as Sonja spent the evening entertaining the crowd with Jazz standards she’d only just learned (and more than a few which she had to sight-read!). Finding it to be an exhilirating experience, Sonja continued to work on expanding her jazz repertoire and finding a vocal technique that lent itself better to jazz than opera.

Following graduation, Sonja found herself performing more and more Jazz at local restaurants, clubs and private functions. She also worked full-time as a waitress, performing for enthusiastic crowds on nights and weekends. She collaborated with many of London’s very talented Jazz musicians, learning the skills of jazz musicianship as she went. Their mentoring of her singing paid off and in 2005, Sonja was recognized with a London Music Award for Most Popular Jazz Performer.

Denise has performed with many great artists including acclaimed trombonist Ray Anderson, Gospel/Blues legend Jackie Richardson and Flamenco guitarist Jesse Cook. She has opened for Aretha Franklin at the John Labatt Centre in London, Ontario.

Denise has performed with symphony orchestras and festivals which have included the du Maurier Downtown Jazz Festival (Toronto), Ottawa Jazz Festival, The Royal Canadian Big Band Festival (London), Bluesfest (London), Waterloo Jazz Festival and Sunfest (London), among others.

Denise also enjoys acting and has been part of The Grand Theatre (London) seasons performing in the Fats Waller musical Ain’t Misbehavin’, Wang Dang Doodle with Denis Simpson and A Streetcar Named Desire. Denise’s one-woman show, Jazzabel premiered in September 2004 at the McManus Theatre (Grand Theatre), London, Ontario to sold out audiences! In October 2005 Jazzabel was performed in Washington, DC at the National Museum for Women in the Arts and in February 2006 to audiences in New York City at Urban Stages Theatre. As well, she was premiered in the February 2006 issue of O (Oprah Winfrey) Magazine. Denise’s recording credits include seven CD’s.

She is honoured with being the recipient of the Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals. In 2003 she was named a YM-YWCA Woman of Distinction in the Arts and Heritage category. Denise won best jazz artist in London, Ontario’s Music Awards in 2002, 2003, 2006 and 2008, 2009, and 2012. In April 2006 the Hyde Park Rotary presented her with the Paul Harris Fellowship Award, Rotary’s highest honour. In 2008 and 2014 she won Jazz Artist of the Year at the Jack Richardson awards. In February 2009 the London Black History Committee honoured Denise with the Black Community Achievement Award in recognition of her accomplishments, contributions and support to her community. In April 2015 she was inducted into the Jack Richardson London Music Hall of Fame. In November 2015 Denise received a honourary licentiate diploma from Conservatory Canada.

Denise is a volunteer with Canadian Aid for Southern Sudan and has made ten trips to South Sudan where she helps to deliver a music and art camp for the children. She is also a board member with Educate the Children helping to raise funds for a school in Nigeria and a board member with Sunfest.

Bryan Gloyd’s happy place is at the piano working out some different approach to a jazz standard – or anything he’s just heard on Spotify and would like to explore.  His background includes church and some recording work and lots of fun times accompanying vocalists.  Really good times include working with Grammy Winner Matt Alber, songwriter Marc Jordan and Canadian National Jazz Award Winner Denzal Sinclaire.

Currently he is supporting the Aeolian as book keeper and Acting General Manager.  He recently retired from a 30 year career in Animal Nutrition and is now down to just 1 job.

Much like a well balanced cocktail, songwriting duo Dizzy & Fay have undeniable chemistry. Inspired by the composers of the American Songbook, Dizzy’s passionate piano and Fay’s romantic voice are the perfect pairing; resulting in original jazz songs that sound fresh, while also echoing timeless standards. Their intuitive musical charm is captivating on record and on stage where audiences are fast becoming life long fans.

Julian Taylor is a Toronto-based, award-winning singer-songwriter, radio host, and label owner. Over the course of his esteemed career, which spans 20-plus years as the leader of Staggered Crossing, Julian Taylor Band, and his solo work, Julian has established himself as one of Canada’s greatest troubadours. His 2020 LP, The Ridge, earned two Juno Award nominations, along with a pair of Canadian Folk Music Awards for Solo Artist and English Songwriter of the Year, five Native American Music Award nominations, plus a nomination for Canada’s most prestigious music accolade, the Polaris Music Prize.

Julian's new album, Beyond the Reservoir, released  October 14, 2022 includes the singles “Seeds” , “Wide Awake” and “Opening the Sky”” that builds on the soul-folk sound and autobiographical themes first explored on The Ridge.

Reviews to date of Beyond The Ridge have been outstanding

“With Beyond The Reservoir the Americana music melodist looks to build on the breakout success of his 2020 acoustic album “The Ridge” In August he released “Wide Awake” a bittersweet song about embracing one’s ingrained familial experiences. While the single suggests a countrified Jim Croce or a twangier Cat Stevens, Taylor is a unique and important voice on the Canadian Roots and Folk  Scene.”  Brad Wheeler, The Globe and Mail.

“Raw, vulnerable and powerful” - Wide Open Country

“Veteran Canadian singer-songwriter Julian Taylor’s latest musical incarnation as a country/folk artist fits his wise, incisive, emotionally powerful song writing like a glove. We reviewed his incredible new album, “Beyond the Reservoir,” which comes out tomorrow.” Adventures in Americana

Tara Dunphy is an award winning singer, songwriter and multi instrumentalist from London, Ontario, Canada.

For over 20 years Tara has been a professional musician, touring and performing across Canada and the United States.

Tara is a 6 time recipient of the Forest City London Music Award, was named to the Forest City London Music Awards "Fantasy Band" as favourite string musician.  She is also a 3 time Ameripolitan Award nominee, 2 time Academy of Western Artist Award nominee and winner of multiple national championships for traditional Irish music. Most recently, Tara won the grand prize at the Aeolian Hall Songwriting competition in 2022.

Since founding in 2003 the acclaimed classic country band The Rizdales with her husband, Tom, Tara has gone on to release 7 albums with the group while continuing to be a sought after session musician.  She has proudly performed alongside many artists, most notably Wanda Jackson, Dale Watson, Johnny Bush, Sylvia Tyson and Luther Wright and the Wrongs.  She is currently working on her first solo album as well as the debut album from her celtic roots band, "Maggie's Wake".

Tara will be accompanied by musician Larry Smith.

After playing in a metal band in high school, studying classical guitar at Western University and flamenco guitar in Spain, London, Ontario singer-songwriter and guitarist Matthew Martin finally discovered his own artistic voice writing indie folk and Americana inspired songs. His songs are story driven, sparked by the people and places around him and liberally peppered with a rich imagination cultivated as a lifelong bookworm.  Matthew currently maintains a busy guitar teaching schedule and is working on releasing a full album with his band Trusty Fox before turning his attention to recording his debut EP as a solo artist.

Hamilton-born but now a proud Londoner, Stephen is a multidisciplinary artist, working primarily as a musician/multi-instrumentalist, music director, composer, actor, performer, singer/songwriter, and music educator. Starting end of February, Stephen will be working his first season at the Shaw Festival, apprenticing under the Festival’s music director, Paul Sportelli. He has worked professionally in theatres all around Ontario for the past five years, and has worked as a music teacher when not on the road. He is an avid lover of craft beer, craft cocktails, and sharing plates (really anything ingestible), and writes music and plays extraordinarily long board games in his spare time. Stephen is releasing his debut album as a singer/songwriter, Fridge Magnet Symphony, this year.

Inspired by the storytelling that exists in the diverse genre of folk music Noelle writes in a way that is simple, honest and deeply emotional. Noelle is a witty and charismatic performer who draws in the audience with her joy. She meshes a lighthearted presence and stage banter with emotionally charged, uplifting and sometimes haunting songs. Lyrically she taps into the angst and beauty of life. Each song has a soul and largely speaks to the resiliency and courage of human beings.