In this episode we chat with musician, booking agent and grant-writer, Sage McBride.

Drawing on her experience as both a touring artist and industry professional, Sage shares practical advice on everything from tour routing and self-booking to writing stronger grant applications. We also talk about what makes a showcase stand out, why live videos matter, and how collaboration can open new doors for artists.

Connect with Sage McBride on Instagram and at Midnight Agency. Also, be sure to check out her band, Shred Kelly and catch them on their run of Canadian dates this summer.

About Sage McBride

Sage McBride is a Canadian booking agent, musician, and grant writer based in Kenora, ON. She works at Midnight Agency, helping artists expand opportunities across North America through strategic touring and career development. Sage is also a member of the alternative folk-rock band Shred Kelly, contributing to their national and international success. As a grant writer and coach, she has secured funding through programs like FACTOR and Music BC, helping artists achieve their goals. Passionate about live music, Sage volunteers with Knox on 2nd in Fernie, supporting sustainable touring and creating accessible opportunities for artists and audiences alike.

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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 Chris Frayer, the Artistic Director of Winnipeg Folk Festival.

We get into the evolution of the Winnipeg Folk Festival and what it takes to build a lasting music festival. Chris also shares insights from his decades in the industry, including how he approaches artist booking, balancing emerging and established artists, and creating meaningful experiences for audiences.

Don’t miss Winnipeg Folk Festival 2026 happening July 9th-12th. For more information on Winnipeg Folk Festival, tickets and on their year-round concert series, visit their website and follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

About Chris Frayer

Chris Frayer has been active in the Canadian music industry for over 27 years, serving as Artistic Director at the West End Cultural Centre and Jazz Winnipeg, and for the past 21 years as Artistic Director of the Winnipeg Folk Festival. In addition to leading the festival’s four-day event each July, he oversees its year-round concert series and the Young Performers Program.

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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 the Artistic Co-Director of Sunfest, Mercedes Caxaj.

Mercedes takes us behind-the-scenes of creating a diverse and internationally focused music festival. She shares the story of how Sunfest began, how they bring artists from around the world to the stage, and the work involved in producing a free-admission festival. We also discuss how representation and community engagement shape the festival’s mission and create opportunities for artists and audiences to discover music from across the globe.

Don’t miss Sunfest 2026 happening July 9th-12th in London, Ontario. For more information on Sunfest and their year-round concert series, visit their website and follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

Folk Canada is also sending a big congratulations to Alfredo Caxaj, Founder and Artistic Co-Director of Sunfest who recently received the Order of Canada!

About Mercedes Caxaj

Mercedes Caxaj is Artistic Co-Director of Sunfest in London, Ontario, presenting thoughtful, innovative global arts programming year-round. Sunfest, a free-admission global music and jazz festival, will celebrate its 32nd edition July 9–12, 2026, in downtown London’s Victoria Park. She also collaborates with national and international partners, including international export missions, to promote underrepresented artists in global music markets.

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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 Mick Janzen of the folk trio The Janzen Boys.

Mick shares his journey from busking to full-time touring, and dives into the DIY digital marketing strategies he uses to build his audience, drive ticket sales, and strengthen direct connections with fans. He breaks down how independent artists can use social media, targeted advertising, and online tools to grow their reach, create opportunities, and build a sustainable career.

Catch Mick and The Janzen Boys on one of their upcoming tour dates and connect with them on Instagram, Facebook and their website.

About Mick Janzen
Mick Janzen is a Winnipeg-based folk artist, touring musician, and digital marketer. As a member of the folk trio The Janzen Boys, Mick has cultivated a global fanbase through independent touring, storytelling, and grassroots digital strategies. With a marketing background and a DIY spirit, he has fuelled viral campaigns and consistent sell-outs for The Janzen Boys across Canada and the U.S., and has also worked with artists, such as Ron Pope, on tour promotion ads. Over the last two years, Mick has moved 13,000+ CDs, grown an email list of 8,000 subscribers, and sold out dozens of self-promoted headline shows—including 350-seat rooms in Thunder Bay and the historic Lunenburg Opera House.

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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 sit down with booking agent Nicole Rochefort of AIM Booking Agency.

We discuss the artist-agent relationship, what agents look for when signing new clients, the importance of community and networking, and why artists need to think like entrepreneurs. Nicole also shares practical advice on self-promotion, audience development, balancing life on the road, and creating a long-term career that leaves room for both growth and rest.

Interested in working with Nicole? Connect with her at the AIM Booking Agency website or on Instagram or Facebook.

About Nicole Rochefort
Nicole (Niki) Rochefort is a respected leader in Canada’s performing arts industry and the founder of AIM Booking Agency. This independent firm has been shaping the national touring landscape for over 15 years. Nicole plays a vital role in strengthening Canada’s touring circuits, representing award-winning musicians and performing artists at festivals and arts centres nationwide. A fixture at showcase conferences across the country, she is a dedicated advocate for her artists and a key collaborator in building bridges between performers and presenters. A distinguished leader in the Canadian performing arts, Nicole is a recipient of the Ontario Presents Agent of the Year award and a nominee for the same honour at the 2026 Live Music Awards. Nicole currently co-chairs the Ontario Creates Music Industry Advisory Committee, sits on the board of Ontario Presents, and is an active member of the CAPACOA Advocacy Committee—all central to her mission of ensuring a sustainable future for the Canadian arts.

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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 to acclaimed Canadian artist, AHI. We discuss the power of storytelling in folk music and how personal experiences shape the songs we connect with most deeply. We also touch on AHI’s journey as an artist, the role of vulnerability in songwriting, and how he’s learned to channel criticism into creativity and growth throughout his career.

Be sure to catch AHI live on his upcoming tour and connect with him on Instagram, Facebook and on his website.

About AHI

With an unmistakable voice like “gravel on silk”, and a colourful landscape of tightly-crafted lyrics, driving rhythms and uplifting melodies, Canadian singer-songwriter AHI (pronounced “eye”) is creating folk music the whole world can sing to. From charting on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon, to delivering captivating performances on CBS & NPR Tiny Desk and touring internationally with Mandy Moore, Lauren Daigle and Milow, AHI has earned over 100 Million streams worldwide, propelling him to the forefront of today’s Folk/Roots music scene.On the international stage, AHI has received glowing reviews from Billboard (US) and Rolling Stone (Germany), and his voice has been featured by Starbucks, Ralph Lauren, IKEA, and many more. Meanwhile, back home in Canada, AHI has earned multiple JUNO Award nominations and been recognized by the prestigious Polaris Prize, establishing him as one of Canada’s most exciting new voices.

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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 sit down with Grammy-nominated, two-time Juno winner, fiddler Natalie McMaster.

Natalie chats about her journey from growing up in Cape Breton’s rich musical traditions to building an internationally celebrated music career. We discuss the role of love, family, and community in shaping her life and artistry, the decision to bring her children into her performances, and the importance of passing traditional music on to future generations. We also dive into Natalie’s new bestselling book ‘I Have a Love Story’, which is available wherever books are sold.

Be sure to catch Natalie live on her upcoming tour and connect with her on Instagram, Facebook and on her website.

About Natalie MacMaster

Hailing from Cape Breton Island, Natalie received her first fiddle at the age of nine, launching a career that has lasted for over three decades. Her first recording was released when she was only sixteen years old. Fifteen albums later, Natalie is a Grammy nominee and a two-time Juno winner. Natalie has received a host of awards in the US and Canada. She has recorded and toured with some of the world’s greatest performing artists, including Allison Krauss, Carlos Santana, The Chieftains, Thomas Dolby, Raffi, Sharon Lois & Bram and Yo-Yo Ma. In 2002, she married renowned fiddler Donnell Leahy of the Leahy family band and moved to Lakefield, Ontario. They have seven children and have performed and recorded together as a duo, occasionally including their children, who also play fiddle, in their performances. ‘I Have a Love Story’ is Natalie’s first self-written publication.

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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 week’s episode, we chat to Toronto-based folk roots singer-songwriter Shawna Caspi.

We delve into the realities of touring in today’s music industry and how artists can build more sustainable touring practices. We also get into frugal touring tips, navigating rising travel costs, finding creative ways to save money on the road, and the importance of community, authenticity, and artist well-being while touring.

Catch Shawna Caspi on one of her upcoming tour dates and connect with her on Facebook and her website.

About Shawna Caspi
Shawna Caspi is a Toronto-based folk-roots singer-songwriter who can make a room full of people feel like they’re hanging out with an old friend in a plush corner booth. With her warm voice, clever and poetic lyrics, and intricate fingerstyle guitar accompaniment, she makes music that makes an authentic human connection, that conveys a sense of closeness, of being understood, of feeling less alone. Her latest album, Hurricane Coming, was nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award and an Ontario Folk Music Award.

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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