PERFORMERS
ABOUT WINTER WARMER
Winter Warmer is a small intimate festival meant to help participants feel cozy in the midst of winter. It combines great music from both established and promising new artists in intimate settings often with the option of sampling a taste of something warm and delicious and washing it down with a beverage or two!
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Get A Festival Pass
$115 fees & taxes INCLUDED
There are limited Festival Passes available. Passholders have access to all ticketed events EXCEPT THE SONGWRITING WORKSHOP and SONGWRITERS CIRCLE on Sunday at the Anglican Church Hall. Passes are still subject to capacity ... PASHOLDERS must arrive 15 MINUTES before the show starts .... otherwise they are subject to available seating. This is especially true in smaller venues.
Purchase Festival Pass Here
Tickets
Tickets for individual shows can be purchased by clicking the links below. Please note that these ticket prices include ALL FEES and TAXES except Saturday Night at The Aquarium. They use a different ticketing platform.
THE PERFORMERS
Click Images for Sample Music
GRAND THEFT
BUS
Friday January 26th 8:45pm
Doors Open at 8:00pm
Algonquin Hotel NB Room $33
GRAND THEFT BUS is a Canadian band based in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Known for short, catchy, genre jumping ditties and long meandering nonsensical improvisations with occasional magic and a touch of musical comedy. As one reviewer noted “ Grand Theft Bus lies somewhere between nu jazz, wan UK soul and that particular type of near-reggae that white guys make.”
Formed in 2000, the band consists of Tim Walker (guitar, vocals), Graeme Walker (bass, vocals), Dennis Goodwin (guitar, synths, vocals) and Bob Deveau (drums and electronics) Their first album, Birth of Confusion, was released in 2003.
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Grand Theft Bus are a sonically dynamic group with an eclectic blend of songs ranging from pop to prog, heavy and intense to light and fluffy, quirky nonsense to meaningful melodrama
A mockumentary about the band, Rubarbicon, was filmed by independent filmmaker Greg Hemmings and released in 2006. They recorded their 2008 album, "Made Upwards"', in the main dining room of New Brunswick's lieutenant governor's mansion and that release received the Newcap Radio Alternative Recording of the Year.
Synth player Brad Perry joined the band in 2010. Their album Distracted Tracks appeared on the !earshot National Top 50 Chart in December 2015.
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They continue to fill concert venues and festival spaces whenever they play. This is their first appearance at Winter Warmer
GARRETT MASON
Friday January 26th 7:30pm
Doors Open at 6:30pm for food
Anglican Church Hall $25
The incomparable GARRETT MASON makes a return visit to St Andrews and Ministers Island after 4 years. A Juno Award winning blues guitarist Mason has developed a unique and unforgettable style. He has been described as an enigma, one of Canada’s most under rated performers and the real deal by critics and commentators across the country. He has wowed audiences from coast to coast and maintains a busy schedule without having a manager, a website, a publicist or an agent.
Garrett Mason is a true bluesman at heart. He was raised in Truro, Nova Scotia by his mother Pam, and father, veteran Canadian Bluesman Dutch Mason. His quest to become a blues musician started at a very early age; being surrounded by music blues music, Garrett’s favorite tapes at 3 years old were Canned Heat and Buddy Rich. However, the seed was planted after watching a video of Stevie Ray Vaughn “Live At the El Mocambo”!
Garrett would be the first to tell you that riding the coat tails of others won’t take you very far in this business, but striving to be truly original is the secret to longevity and lasting success. He continues to sell out venues and festival stages across the county with a sound and presence that is one of a kind!
J.P. CORMIER &
DAVE GUNNING
Saturday January 27th 8pm
Doors Open at 7pm
Huntsman Dunn Theatre $40
DAVE GUNNING & J.P. CORMIER, two of Canada’s greatest roots singer-songwriters have finally done what everybody’s wanted — heck, what they’ve wanted — for years. They have released their first album together, called "Two". Great friends, frequent collaborators, co-writers and touring partners, the pair has been talking about this album since pretty much the day they met. Now it’s here, and it’s everything fans hoped and dreamed it would be.
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"Two" is made up of everything the duo excels at. There are new collaborations between the two writers (Brothers, Home To Mary), new arrangements of antique folk numbers (Johnny Armstrong, Katie o’ the Gowrie), and some tasty, surprising covers (Never Picked Cotton, Stompin’ Tom’s Songbird Valley).
Gunning & Cormier go back 23 years when Dave had a fiddle player drop out of a show at the last minute, he hired J.P. for a gig. Totally blown away by his playing, Gunning. hired him to play on an upcoming recording. Since then they have played & written together. Their collaborations over the years have showered with awards and nominations on the East Coast and nationally.
STEPHEN LEWIS &
BOBBY MAHAR /
DAVE MATTHEWS & TIM REYNOLDS TRIBUTE
Saturday January 27th 6:15pm
Doors Open at 5pm for supper
Anglican Church Hall $20
STEPHEN LEWIS & BOBBY MAHAR first started playing Dave Matthews songs together when they met in high school nearly 20 years ago. Their combined love for the intricacies of the ways both Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds weave intoxicating stories together through lyrics, song, and melody formed an unbreakable musical connection and a lifelong friendship. Through this friendship, they became dedicated to honoring the songs that first brought them together by paying tribute in the truest form of their musical heroes (Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds), while incorporating just the right amount of themselves into each song to make the concert experience truly unique and memorable.
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Stephen Lewis is a well known New Brunswick based guitaris who strategically uses looping and effects to compliment his funky guitar stylings. Sometimes playing with his quartet :The BIG Band of Fun or with his BIG Fun Duo he has heated up festival stages (Burning Man, Mountain Jam) throughout the US and the UK (Glastonbury).
HELLO CROWS
Friday January 27th 6:00pm
Doors Open at 5:00pm for food
Sunbury Shores Gallery $15
Food and Drink Available
Lessons from the past, anthems for the present, and hope in the future where truth is realized— that clear-sightedness combined with cautious optimism says a lot about what The Hello Crows are hoping to accomplish. They are not only a group of highly talented Wabanaki songwriters and storytellers, but together they stand as a collective voice representing both their people and generation simultaneously.
Formed in 2022, Judie Acquin, Dylan Ward, Mattie Comeau and Quinn Bonnell originally appeared together when they were all booked together as a Wabanaki songwriter circle. Sharing the stage, the chemistry quickly became obvious. Not only were they all a natural fit for one another, but their combined voices only proved to further amplify their powerful messages. In that instant, making this a more permanent lineup was the only logical ‘next move’.
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Within the group, we not only learn of the indigenous cultures, values and traditions, but also gain the perspectives of indigenous women and the LQBTQIA2+ communities as well, making The Hello Crows one of the most important acts working in Canada right now. Celebrate the spirit of healing, humour and fortitude with The Hello Crows and their journey of putting the modern Indigenous experience and landscape to story and song.
YELLOW BLUE
Saturday January 27th 2:30pm
Doors Open at 1:30pm
Sunbury Shores Gallery $15
Food and Drink Available
St. Andrews, NB based progressive folk group YELLOW BLUE emerged in the early months of 2020 as a six-piece ensemble, bringing together a collective musical journey that included stints in notable acts like "Hill Williams," "Modabo," and "Bonehouse." With a wealth of experience and diverse influences, YELLOW BLUE set out to weave their own sonic narrative.
Blending indie rock with folk influences, the band's sonic tapestry is a testament to the unique musical backgrounds of each member. YELLOW BLUE made their initial mark with a brief live pre - pandemic debut that left a lasting impression on the local scene, showcasing the potential waiting to be unlocked. As the world gradually reopened, the band seized the opportunity to return to the stage, performing at the local art gallery and gracing the outdoor stage at the Paddlefest music festival.
These shows marked a triumphant return for YELLOW BLUE, solidifying their place in the local music scene. The band's performances, characterized by understated vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, accordion, and a solid rhythm section, allows them to create songs that are a blend of introspection and celebration Their music invites listeners on a journey that is both grounded and aspirational. and results in a sound that resonates with their audience.
AMY LOU KEELER
from Mama's Broke
MAKE A DONATION
AT THE SHOW
Friday January 26th 5:00pm
Doors Open at 4:00pm
Honeybeans By Donation
Food and Drink Available
Amy Lou Keelor is one half of the powerful folk duo Mama’s Broke a new ensemble that that deliver a compelling performance with heart and raw energy. Amy’s strong voice and skillful banjo, guitar and mandolin playing blends well with her original – and often dark – compositions that push the boundaries of tradition and the constraints of genre. She is capable of drawing music from old-time, Quebecois, blues, punk, Celtic, Balkan and doom metal traditions to create soundscapes that are both familiar and new.
Mama’s Broke has been gaining momentum fast. They have completed two European, and several Canadian and U.S. tours and performed in a wide range of venues, from circus shows in New Orleans, to pirate ships in Amsterdam, to concert halls in Ireland, to theatres in Brooklyn. This year also brought the release of their debut album, Count the Wicked, as well as a Canadian Folk Music Award for Ensemble of the Year.
CARLENE
MAKE A DONATION
AT THE SHOW
Saturday January 27th 3:30pm
Doors Open at 3:00pm
Honeybeans By Donation
Food and Drink Available
CARLENE is a rising folk-musician stationed on the lonely shores of Grand Manan Island, NB.
A defiant recluse out of necessity more so than choice, her milling thoughts are transformed into melancholic tunes of observation, tragedy and self-reflection.
Her most recent album "Looking Out My Window" has garnered attention regionally and a successful opening slot for Rose Cousins at last year's PADDLEFEST has garnered her new fans and a number of shows around New Brunswick. Produced and engineered by Mike Trask the album boasts a fine ensemble of supporting musicians including Trask, Julie Aube (Les Hay Babies), Christian Belliveau (The Back Yard Devils), Marie Andree Gaudet (Maggie Savoie) and others.
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Peter Rowan, CBC Saint John music columnist calls this album exceptional with great influences from British folk music - Fairport Convention and Americana - Judy Collins. However the musical element that stands out on the recording is Carlene's voice.
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This late afternoon show will be a rel treat. Check it out.
SONGWRITER'S WORKSHOP with
Catherine MacLellan, Chris Kirby,
Steve MacDougall
PASSES NOT VALID FOR THIS EVENT
Sunday January 29th 1:00 - 3:00pm
All Saints Anglican Church Hall $25
Participants Under 18yrs FREE
Refreshment Available
This Songwriting Master Class will be led by three distinguished award winning Atlantic Canadian songwriters. It will give participants a chance to both have one of their own songs critiqued as well as work toward creating new material.
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Catherine MacLellan is a PEI singer-songwriter with a passion for connecting with her audience. She has travelled extensively, performing her original material all over the world. She takes great pride in her Island roots and is the daughter of the legendary Gene MacLellan, who penned the iconic tune "Snowbird". Catherine's songs reflect her deep connection to nature, and her ability to craft poignant lyrics and unforgettable melodies has earned her a reputation as one of Canada's beloved songwriters.
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Award winning singer-songwriter Steven MacDougall combines songs and stories from his vast and diverse musical vocabulary - folk, country, rhythm and blues, and rock and roll - all influenced by his Cape Breton musical roots and world-wide travels with his band, Slocoaster. An internationally renowned songwriter, he travels to Nashville, NYC, Los Angeles to collaborate. Steven has many successful co-writes to his credit, including works on Gordie Sampson’s Sunburn and Few and Far Between albums.
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Chris Kirby is a Newfoundland born songwriter and producer, based in East Lawrence town, NS. His recent notable credits include co-writing and producing “Natural Born Original” - DeeDee
Austin (# Indigenous Music Countdown), co-writing “I Wanna Play” - The Trews (top 10 Canadian Rock charts, Billboard and Mediabase), and co-writing and producing “Good Things” - Riley Taylor (released on Warner Music Canada, top 40 Canadian Country). Chris has produced ECMA award-winning projects for Yvette Lorraine, Quote the Raven, Andrew Waite and more. Signed to Sound of Pop publishing, many of his songs and productions have been placed in film and TV (Hallmark, CBC, and others). Chris is often found onstage playing Hammond organ with Matt Andersen and the Big Bottle of Joy.
SONGWRITER'S
CIRCLE with
Isabella Sampson, Joe H. Henry, Chris Kirby
PASSES NOT VALID FOR THIS EVENT
Sunday January 29th 4:30pm
Doors Open at 4:00pm
All Saints Anglican Hall $20
Refreshment Available
BREWTUNES -
Jacob Rose, Justine Richardson
Bob Poirier
MAKE A DONATION
AT THE SHOW
Friday- Sunday January 26th - 28th
Music 6:00pm - 8:00pm
St Andrews Brewery
Refreshment Available
Isabella Samson
2022 Canadian Folk Music Awards Young Performer of the Year and winner of Music Nova Scotia's Folk/Roots Album of the Year, Isabella has been making serious waves on the East Coast. A tasteful glimpse into the mind of a young woman navigating life, love, and the world around her, Samson’s music has been described as a perfect mix of Joni Mitchell and Lizzy McAlpine. She has been recognized for her remarkable ability to captivate any crowd with her unique sense of humor and thoughtful lyricism, as well as the sweeping vocals she has become known for. On and off the stage, Samson has always been nothing but true to herself and her Cape Breton roots, guaranteeing a show that will leave you longing for more.
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Joe H Henry
With “a voice like a freight train” Joe H Henry bellows the flames of gritty roots with a whole lot of soul; blending early rhythm and blues, singer-songwriter, and vintage country influences for a unique sound full of nostalgic warmth and substance. Joe was nominated for Music NS Indigenous Artist of the Year and released his debut EP “Keep the Fire Burning” in the summer
of 2023.
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Chris Kirby is a Newfoundland born songwriter and producer, based in East Lawrencetown, NS. He has worked with a number of artists including co-writing and producing “Natural Born Original” with DeeDee Austin (#1 - Indigenous Music Countdown); writing “I Wanna Play” for The Trews, co-writing and producing “Good Things” with Riley Taylor, producing ECMA award-winning projects for Yvette Lorraine, Quote the Raven, Andrew Waite and more. Many of his songs have been placed in film and TV and he performs on stage playing Hammond organ with Matt Andersen and the Big Bottle of Joy.
ELM CITY STRING QUARTET
Sunday January 29th 7:30pm
Doors Open at 7:00pm
All Saints Anglican Church $22
Refreshment Available
Established in 2019, the Elm City String Quartet was brought together by their passion for chamber music and a desire to share their love of quartet repertoire with their home town of Fredericton. With Victor Vivas and Mercedes Salazar on violin, Mark Kleyn on viola, and Emily Kennedy on cello, the ECSQ’s exciting and broad programming pairs works by today’s composers alongside celebrated quartet classics. Their first performance was a memorable evening in a small art gallery that was so packed, there were children sitting on the floor between their music stands. Since then, the quartet has been captivating New Brunswick communities with their broad programming and charismatic playing.
Named after Fredericton’s long-standing moniker, the individuals in the Elm City String Quartet come from a variety of musical backgrounds. Some perform in indie bands and compose multimedia works; some are renowned international pedagogues; but all are passionate chamber music players, Sistema NB Teaching Artists, and are active teachers in their community. The quartet, being a versatile group, has performed in art galleries, churches, and even small house concerts.
The Schedule & Tickets
