In this episode we chat with Tania Joy, the Co-founder and Executive Director/Artistic Director of Springtide Music Festival in Uxbridge, Ontario.

Tania shares the story behind building a community-driven music festival from the ground up, and what she’s learned about supporting local artists, developing audiences, and creating meaningful partnerships along the way. We also explore the idea of slow touring, building genuine relationships with artists, and practical advice for anyone looking to start a grassroots festival of their own.

Don’t miss next year’s Springtide Music Festival happening July 10th-12th, 2027. For more information on Springtide, tickets and on their year-round concert series, visit their website and follow them on Instagram.

About Tania Joy

Folk-Roots artist Tania Joy is the Co-founder, Executive Director/Artistic Director of Springtide Music Festival, a non-profit organization led by a volunteer team of business leaders and local musicians which draws over 70 acts to various venues from breweries and bistros to bookstores and clothing shops in historic downtown Uxbridge, northeast of Toronto. Springtide recognizes that live music venues in small cities and rural towns serve as a vivacious cultural hub for their communities and is committed to creating a platform to support and celebrate local talent, while fostering performance opportunities that introduce Canadian artists outside of the region to new audiences.

______________

Tune in to the latest episodes of Refolkus, featuring latest music releases from Folk Canada members and Refolkus guests, now broadcasting on CKCU FM 93.1 in Ottawa, CKUW 95.9 FM in Winnipeg and CFBX 92.5 FM in Kamloops.

Presented by Folk Canada

Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett

Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett

Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac

Artwork by Jaymie Karn

In this episode we chat with Luisa González, a music industry professional and booking agent with a background in film.

Luisa shares practical advice for emerging artists on building an authentic brand, developing a strong visual aesthetic, creating compelling content on a budget, and building a professional online presence. We also explore how to approach networking and follow-ups at industry events and conferences, while balancing authenticity with the expectations of the music industry.

Connect with Luisa through MGAM (Marilyn Gilbert Artists Management) on their website and Instagram.

About Luisa González

Hailing from Colombia and inspired by the voice of women in both film and music, Luisa has evolved from a filmmaker into a versatile figure within the entertainment industry. She has taken on multiple roles, including booking agent, tour manager, and music video director. She has also had the privilege of collaborating with the Afro-Cuban band OKAN, Lula Music and Arts, and Daymé Arocena; aligning her passion for audiovisual aesthetics with her dedication to supporting emerging musicians.

______________

Tune in to the latest episodes of Refolkus, featuring latest music releases from Folk Canada members and Refolkus guests, now broadcasting on CKCU FM 93.1 in Ottawa, CKUW 95.9 FM in Winnipeg and CFBX 92.5 FM in Kamloops.

Presented by Folk Canada

Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett

Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett

Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac

Artwork by Jaymie Karn

In this episode we chat with Kerri Stephens, the Artistic Director of Northern Lights Festival Boréal in Sudbury, Ontario and founder of Lost Cat Artists.

Kerri takes us behind the scenes of programming Northern Lights Festival Boréal, sharing how she curates a cohesive lineup and considers everything from an artist’s fit with the festival’s mandate to the overall audience experience. She also shares practical advice for artists on pitching to festivals, preparing for industry meetings, following up after showcases, and building genuine relationships with bookers.

For more information on Northern Lights Festival Boréal, visit their website and follow them on Instagram. You can also connect with Kerri on the management side through her company Lost Cat Artists via her website.

About Kerri Stephens

Kerri Stephens is the Artistic Director of Northern Lights Festival Boréal and Founder of Lost Cat Artists, an artist management and development company based in Winnipeg, Canada. With more than 20 years of experience in the music industry, she has worked across artist management, festival programming, marketing, sponsorship, fundraising, and event production.

______________

Tune in to the latest episodes of Refolkus, featuring latest music releases from Folk Canada members and Refolkus guests, now broadcasting on CKCU FM 93.1 in Ottawa, CKUW 95.9 FM in Winnipeg and CFBX 92.5 FM in Kamloops.

Presented by Folk Canada

Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett

Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett

Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac

Artwork by Jaymie Karn