Norman Liota attended Humber College’s prestigious music department before graduating from York University’s music program with honours. He has been a working musician his entire adult life, having toured extensively with bands and as a solo performer. As bandleader for the worldbeat band, Still Life, he produced two videos that saw significant airplay on MuchMusic. His recordings are often featured on CBC in Canada and NPR in the U.S. Holding a degree in both music and education makes him a very effective teacher. Students are encouraged to pursue their own musical interests while building a solid foundation in technique. Norman can help you become a better player whether your goal is touring, post-secondary studies or personal enjoyment.

I just wanted to thank you, Shannon and Theo SOOOOO much for a truly magical evening. I can’t stop talking about it. I will write a proper thank-you to Folkway and to you, and the teachers/performers you recruited when I have a chance. But Please know that we were all blown away- seriously. I will be in touch very soon. ~ T

Dear Folkway Music Staff,
On behalf of the Wellington Youth Arts Group, Kerry’s Place Autism Services and ErinoakKids, I would like to thank-you for the lovely kazoo gifts! A huge thanks to Kim- for your time, your amazing energy, for the use of percussion instruments and  and your fabulous connections!! We had the absolute treat of experiencing music by trying it out…playing shakers, washing boards, drums sticks, croaking wooden frogs…and singing. Oh the singing! Shannon Kingsbury and Theo Simms led us though an incredible musical journey that ended up with our own personal concert. We danced, we sang, we grooved. It was an evening we will never forget. Thank-you Folkway Music, Kim, Shannon and Theo.
Sincerely,
Tania Wycherley

The lessons are going great!  My son loves it and really looks forward to Saturdays.  His fingers are still sore but he needs to keep practicing.  Nick has been great… and we really like  him. ~ SD

Thanks for asking!  The lessons are still going really well and we are continuing.  Thanks for finding this teacher for us.  See you on Saturday! ~ HC

I googled him and in reading what I found, he looks like he’ll be an amazing teacher to have! ~ J

Dear Folkways,  Just a quick followup to let you know I was happy with my purchase and your service.  Kim was especially helpful keeping me updated and well informed. She is a great PR asset to your company.
How do find such wonderful vintage instruments? You pick them well. I’ll be back to buy more if my wife lets me.  Sincerely, MB

What kind of finger picks do folk-style players usually use and what do you sell?

Dear B,
Thanks for writing!   Many people like the opportunity to develop a consistent sound to their picking through the use of fingerpicks. Others prefer to manicure their nails and connect with the strings directly. It is really a matter of personal style and preference…  We carry a number of different Propicks. Nickle and brass, with a split wrap or vintage wrap ~ depending on which what you find more comfortable.  We also have fingertone picks, which let the flesh of finger feel the string for people getting starting.  The sound is different for each.

We look forward to finding out which you prefer!

A prolific songwriter, a gifted and versatile instrumentalist and a powerful singer, Whiteley’s music communicates themes of freedom, love, spiritual aspiration and social comment. His fun-filled shows include award winning songs, presented with particapatory humor, grace and energy.  He is an irresistible performer with a pure love of the music that exudes from the stage, from a wide variety of instruments, as infectious musical talent.

Ken Whiteley’s various musical achievements are already the stuff of legend. An award winning producer as well as a performer of kid songs, Whiteley’s shows are not to be missed!

Don’t forget to plan ahead for an amazing array of titles at the CD table!  Ken has 0ver 30 titles, as seen here.

Advance Tix are on sale now for $20 + HST
Doors 8pm, Show 8:30

Call 519-763-5524 or email info@folkwaymusic.com for ticket info!

HOW TO PLAY THE KAZOO

A kazoo amplifies what you sing or hum.  Don’t bother to blow in it as if its a whistle or flute… but do go ahead and imitate a clarinet or trumpet or saxophone.  Really sing into the kazoo too, imitating a horn playing be-bop in an upper range. Try expressions “teh” and fluttering your tongue for motorboat noises.

Some people think that metal kazoos hold up longer and tend to sound best, so Folkway Music carries them as well as the even more inexpensive plastic ones.  Did you know that comb players make their kazoo with wax paper?!

With most kazoos you can adjust which side of the vibrator is up, under the screw top, to increase tonal rage.  The tightness of the screw top effects the sound too: a loose kazoo is great for marching bands and if you want to play jazz you’ll want it tighter!

Because our meetings are held in Folkway and hosted by Folkway’s Music Program Coordinator it made sense to ask the Head Instructor to share from his expertise, and so, we have long anticipated this opportunity.  This is finally, the very week that he’s promised to perform a few tunes and tell us a bit about his process!  Hopefully he can share ideas and tips to improve our songs too.

Jory Nash admires his melodies.  Dan Kershaw admires his songwriting.  Do you know he cowrote a song on Madison Violet’s Juno-nominated CD, No Fool For Trying?  We don’t have that one for sale here.  Anyone who has met him at the shop knows he’s a great player.

“I am so grateful he would make this time for us!” Logue exclaims, between his family, students, recording and gigging life, not to mention his other role at Folkway “teaching people on the shop floor how to find the instrument(s) of their dreams, I am aware of his amazing talents! We will enjoy and benefit from his example, and attention to our craft.”

Burnett has recorded a rich and lushly wonderful cd called Not So Blue, that we play in the store all the time. Have you heard it?  Its catchy folk pop, with bluesy smooth, sweet vocals and great guitar playing!  Burnett’s music is so great even the instruments love it.

Join us 7-9pm

Wednesday, Feb 9

at Folkway Music

p.s. Bring copies of your songs to workshop!

Tony McManus brings a startlingly original approach to the ancient art normally associated with fiddles and pipes - playing guitar to convey the integrity and emotional impact of the traditional music of Scotland, Ireland and beyond.

Tony’s music has come to define a new role for Celtic music in the guitar world, making regular appearances at guitar specific events where just a few years ago jigs and reels would be unheard of.  He recently appeared at the famous Ryman Auditorium in Nashville in the “All Star Guitar Night” headlined by the legendary Les Paul. His ability to reach audiences unfamiliar with traditional music is remarkable.

We are always delighted to host a Tony McManus show here at Folkway Music.  He returns to our intimate listening room just a week from today!

Friday, February 11.  Doors at 8pm, show 8:30

Advance tickets are on-sale now for $20+HST. 

Call 519-763-5524 or email info@folkwaymusic.com for ticket info