The Haliburton County Folk Society has announced the artists it will present in the 2025-26 concert series.
Artistic director Sue Shikaze said, “we are really excited about our line-up. These artists will appeal to a range of musical tastes, with folk, blues, and Celtic influences. Some of the artists are wellestablished and some are up-and-comers whose talents are sure to take them places.”
She added, “we pride ourselves in presenting high-quality performances and introducing our audience to artists that showcase a diversity of great Canadian talent. I think people know folk society shows are a great night of live music, representing a broad range of genres.”
The series opens Sept. 27, with Sandra Bouza and her band. “Sandra is a voice of power and passion, with songs that touch your heart and fuel your soul. Performing a mix of folk and rhythm and blues, it will be a concert to remember,” Shikaze said.
Bouza was the 2019 winner of the Toronto Blues Society’s talent search and was nominated for 2025 contemporary album of the year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards. She has a special connection to the Haliburton Highlands. She participated in the Halls Island Artist Residency on Koshlong Lake, where she wrote most of her latest album, A Sound in the Dark.
Mimi O’Bonsawin, performing on Oct. 25, is a contemporary roots singer-songwriter born in Northeastern Ontario. She is mixed French Canadian and Abenaki, a member of Odanak First Nation. “Through her rhythm and story-driven songs, Mimi’s music embraces the beauty of the land. The ethereal quality of her music whisks
you away with uplifting melodies and introspective lyrics that weave pop sensibilities with acoustic instruments. The layers of percussion and surprising harmonies make you feel the music rather han just hear it,” the folk society said.
On Jan. 31, 2026, it’s Union Duke, with the folk society saying the band, “is twofifths country, two-fifths city, and one-fifth whiskey. They have been described as a raucous collision of alt-rock and twang, bringing crowds to their feet with songs from the heart and with an abundance of soaring harmonies, driving rhythm, and infectious enthusiasm.”
On April 18, 2026, Minor Gold is coming. “Blending sixth sense harmonies with sun-dappled folk-rock reminiscent of the late 60s and early 70s, Minor Gold are an award-winning duo led by vocalists and guitarists Dan Parsons (Australia) and Tracy McNeil (Canada). With a trademark groove and an undeniable stage chemistry, their music floats you down long desert highways and coastal canyons,” the folk society said.
The series wraps up with Jessica Pearson and the East Wind on May 30, 2026. “Like sirens calling from an ancient shore, the haunting three-part harmonies of this trio will bind you in a timeless folkloric spell. Alchemizing roots, classic country, Americana and Celtic soundscapes, the trio spin tales of outlaw heroics, matriarchal power, resistance and resilience, and the unrelenting beauty of becoming who you are,” the folk society said.
People can save money by purchasing season tickets at www.haliburtonfolk.com Tickets for individual concerts are also available.
