Refolkus

Folk Canada
  • 5.0 (17)
  • Music
  • Updated Weekly

Refolkus is an original podcast by Folk Canada. Each episode features guests from all areas of the music industry for good conversations and informative chats, with a focus on folk.

  1. 6d ago

    The Art of Booking Northern Lights Festival Boréal with Kerri Stephens

    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

  2. Aug 12

    The Art of Booking Vancouver Folk Music Festival with Fiona Black

    In this episode we chat with Fiona Black, the Artistic Director of Vancouver Folk Music Festival. Fiona shares insights into booking international artists, creating meaningful collaborations and workshops, and what makes the Vancouver Folk Music Festival such a unique experience for artists and audiences. We also explore how festivals have evolved post-pandemic and the role of community in creating memorable live music experiences. The 2026 Vancouver Folk Music Festival has already passed but stay up to date with what’s coming next year by visiting their website and following VFMF on Instagram and Facebook. About Fiona Black Fiona Black is the founding Director of Programming for the BlueShore Theatre at Capilano University. For the past 29 years, she has produced and programmed the Cap Jazz Series and Cap Global Roots Series plus "North Shore Jazz", a satellite series presented on Vancouver’s North Shore in partnership with the Vancouver International Jazz Festival.  In addition, she is the Artistic Director of the Vancouver Folk Music Festival.   Considered a very active member of the global and jazz music industry, Fiona travels extensively to international music gatherings and festivals and is fully committed to discovering and nurturing fine artists from around the globe. ______________ 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

  3. Aug 5

    Artist Management & Promoting Shows with Tim Des Islets

    In this episode, we sit down with Tim Des Islets, founder of Noisemaker Management and Noisemaker Presents, a Canadian artist management and event promotion company. Tim shares insights into the world of artist management, the evolving artist-manager relationship, and what it takes to promote shows and festivals in today’s live music landscape. We also explore how community, strategy, and strong industry relationships play a role in building sustainable careers for artists. Check out Noisemaker and follow Noisemaker Management on Instagram and Facebook and Noisemaker Presents on Instagram and Facebook. About Tim Des Islets Tim Des Islets is the founder of Canadian artist management company Noisemaker Management and event promotion company Noisemaker Presents. Noisemaker manages an award-winning roster of artists that includes Great Lake Swimmers, The East Pointers, The Once, Splash’N Boots, Two Hours Traffic, Gizmo, and Gord Sinclair from The Tragically Hip. Tim Des Islets is the founder of Canadian event promotion company Noisemaker Presents. Noisemaker produces 80+ events in clubs, theatres, and festivals in Ontario each year. ______________ 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

  4. Jul 29

    Mastering the Media with Ann MacKeigan

    In this week’s episode, we sit down with Ann MacKeigan, a media consultant and performance coach with over three decades of experience at CBC. Ann shares insights on how artists can frame and deliver their stories with confidence, including practical strategies for preparing for interviews, finding the human connection in every story, handling unexpected questions with honesty, and creating memorable moments that resonate with audiences. We also explore how thoughtful storytelling can strengthen your presence across traditional media and social media. If you’re interested in working with Ann, head over to CompassMedia to book a meeting. About Ann MacKeigan Ann MacKeigan is a media consultant and performance and leadership coach based in Toronto. She is the founder of CompassMedia. For more than three decades, Ann worked with the CBC, leading creative teams, developing national programs, and training on-air talent across news, arts, and entertainment. She created the ground-breaking program Global Village. Before launching CompassMedia,  she was the Executive Producer for the flagship national arts programs: Q with Tom Power, and Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud. Through CompassMedia, Ann now helps broadcasters, performing artists and leaders speak with confidence, clarity, and connection—on mic, on stage, and in the moments that matter. ______________ 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

  5. Jul 22

    Art, Identity & Belonging with Ahmed Moneka

    In this week’s episode we chat with multidisciplinary artist, Ahmed Moneka. We discuss his journey from Iraq to Canada and how music has shaped both his life and his activism. Ahmed shares how he blends his Afro Sufi heritage with jazz, folk, and contemporary influences to tell stories of identity, migration, and resilience. We also discuss the power of music to build cultural connections, promote peace, and create space for love, belonging, and social change. Connect with Ahmed Moneka online and be sure to follow him on  Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok to stay up to date. About Ahmed Moneka Juno-nominated Ahmed Moneka draws on his Afro Sufi heritage to deliver a joyful and transcendent mix of African grooves and Arabic folk melodies, informed by contemporary funk, soul and jazz. Ahmed first arrived in Toronto in 2015 from Iraq. Now, reflecting on this journey as an actor, activist and musician, he leads an all-star global ensemble, drawing his audience into an ecstatic celebration of life, performing across Canada and the U.S., as well as in Colombia, Chile, Morocco and South Korea. ______________ 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

  6. Jul 15

    From Artist to Agent with Sage McBride

    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. ______________ 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

  7. Jul 8

    The Art of Booking Winnipeg Folk Festival with Chris Frayer

    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. ______________ 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

  8. Jun 24

    The Art of Booking Sunfest with Mercedes Caxaj

    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. ______________ 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

See All (91)

Trailer

5
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

Refolkus is an original podcast by Folk Canada. Each episode features guests from all areas of the music industry for good conversations and informative chats, with a focus on folk.

Information

  • Creator
    Folk Canada
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    91
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Folk Canda / Folk Music Ontario 2023
  • Show Website
    Refolkus

You Might Also Like