The Newmarket Folk Society is returning with live music concerts, beginning with fan favourite John Prince & A Piece of the Rock Oct. 29.
“We’re absolutely excited to be hosting live concerts again,” said Andrew Strauss, artistic director of the Newmarket Folk Society. “We have a wonderful line-up for our 2022/23 season featuring talented musicians from all across Canada. And we couldn’t be happier to start our series with Prince’s group that has performed for us many times in the past.”
Offering a diverse mix of traditional, maritime, folk and bluegrass music, Prince, Bruce McDaniel, Joe Sexton and Donny Wood have been entertaining audiences throughout Ontario and the Maritimes and beyond for many years – both individually and as members of John Prince & A Piece of the Rock.
Originally from Princeton, Bonavista Bay, N.L., Prince relocated to Ontario in the mid-1970s. He has performed with various East Coast artists, including Dick Nolan, the Bay Boys and the late John Allen Cameron. A gifted songsmith, his songs have been performed by many artists across Canada, and his Newfoundland Blessing was featured in the musical No Change In The Weather.
Born and raised in Toronto, McDaniel began playing guitar at the age of 12, picking out fiddle tunes learned from a friend of his father. His fluid flat-picking guitar style, his "blazing" mandolin licks and strong harmony vocals are an integral part of the band’s sound.
Sexton’s music career began early in his hometown of Tilting, Fogo Island, N.L., where he was featured playing accordion and harmonica in the National Film Board’s 1966 film The Children of Fogo Island. Over the years, Sexton has continued to entertain family and friends with his accordion, harmonica, acoustic guitar and harmony vocals.
Originating from Oxford, N.S., Wood began playing piano at age six with his father, a fiddle and accordion player. Equally adept on bass or piano, he has toured extensively throughout North America and the U.K. with the Cape Breton Symphony Fiddlers and Scottish Accent Band.
The concert starts at 8 p.m. and takes place at the Newmarket Legion, 707 Srigley St. Tickets, $25, can be purchased online here or by calling 705-431-7182 (leave a message).
The rest of the 2022/23 line-up includes:
- Nov. 25 – Lennie Gallant, an East Coast sensation who has won a host of awards, including 19 East Coast Music Awards; Lennie will be bringing his Innkeeper’s Christmas show
- Jan. 28 – Rick Fines with Alec Fraser and Roly Platt
- March 18 – stay tuned for details
- April 22 – Stephen Fearing
- May 27 – Boreal with their Songs of Renewal show
