Blending folk-pop sensibility with country and Irish-Newfoundland roots, Sherry affirms her place as one of Atlantic Canada’s best-loved singer-songwriters. Once named “St. John’s answer to Lucinda Williams” and compared to John Prine for “reeling you in with her heartfelt stories and a hint of humour,” Sherry’s rich vocal style is described as “absolutely unforgettable” (Exclaim!). Her 2018 release, Wreckhouse, included the celebrated single “Stop the Trains,” about her father’s 1950s railway encounter with the infamous Wreckhouse winds. The song has quickly become a part of the Newfoundland canon of legendary songs. Her show captures her adventurous and open-hearted spirit and her songs transport you to places and experiences that make you feel like you’re on the journey with her.
“Sherry has certainly honed her skill as a master storyteller. Her dry wit and self-depreciation creates a comfortable space for the audience to relax and engage. She’s very disarming and the songwriting is great. The crowd loved it and everyone stuck around for a chance to chat with her after the set. It’s that kind of show. David Francey-esque.” Bryan Power- Victory Pool Music
Sherry will be accompanied by violinist and fiddler Maria Cherwick, whose career spans from symphony orchestras, to touring internationally with her Ukrainian speed-folk band, The Kubasonics. Originally from the Canadian Prairies, Maria’s studies and career eventually brought her to St. John’s Newfoundland, where she is currently based. Maria holds a Bachelor of Music from Brandon University and a Masters of Music from Memorial University of Newfoundland. Twice named MusicNL “Side Musician of the Year” as well as “Celtic/Traditional Artist of the Year”, Maria maintains a busy performing schedule, dividing her time between several country, folk and bluegrass bands, and is highly sought after as a session musician.
Sherry and Maria have performed extensively together, and have created a show which weaves together story telling, songs and fiddle tunes.
Formed by Aaron Collis and Mark Manning, Rum Ragged takes a bold approach to the distinct
folk music of their home, the Eastern Canadian island of Newfoundland. Boasting bouzouki,
fiddle, bodhran, banjo, guitar and button accordion, these new champions of East Coast music
enliven and enlighten audiences with both songs and tune sets which they deliver with an
honest swagger that is far beyond their years. With reverence for their roots and a creative,
contemporary edge, this young band have quickly become known as the finest purveyors of
their great living musical tradition. Rum Ragged is not your run-of-the-mill folk band, they are the
genuine article.
On Shout for More, her fifth full-length album, Sherry Ryan charts a new chapter in her life with a luminous collection of songs that glows like stained glass. Blending folk-pop sensibility with country and Irish-Newfoundland roots, Sherry affirms her place as one of Atlantic Canada’s best-loved singer-songwriters. Her pure voice adorns lush arrangements—closely crafted with producer Mark Neary—like a floral crown, carrying the soul of each song straight into the listener’s heart, whether she is looking to the future, glancing back at the past, or taking stock of what falls in between.
Born and raised in Middle Cove, Newfoundland, Canada, Sherry’s career has been storied, with acclaim and accolades from the ECMA, MusicNL, Exclaim!, CBC and audiences nation-wide. Once named “St. John’s answer to Lucinda Williams” and compared to John Prine for “reeling you in with her heartfelt stories and a hint of humour,” Sherry’s rich vocal style is described as “so good—so distinct—it’s absolutely unforgettable” (Exclaim!). Sherry’s 2018 release, Wreckhouse, included the celebrated single “Stop the Trains,” voted Best Song in the Province (The Overcast), and featured in festival-favourite film An Audience of Chairs.
Though trains, roads, and travel frequently cross into her Americana-infused songs, Shout for More proves Sherry is far from road-weary. With fresh energy and new stories to tell, Sherry Ryan is poised to win hearts and get boots tapping.
Sandy Morris known to his musical friends as “the easternmost guitar player in North America” is an accomplished and multi-talented musician, producer, and engineer based in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Picking up his first guitar at the age of 15, Morris has made his living as a versatile and ingenious performer since 1965. An original member of the legendary Wonderful Grand Band, his more recent collaborations include Rasa (with Erin Best), and the Eight Track Favourites.
Sandy Morris has contributed his own compositions, his performances, and his musical expertise to film and television projects for more than 30 years. His credits include serving as musical director or producer for Land and Sea, Violet, Tommy, East Coast Music Awards, and Codco, among many other projects. In addition to his own projects and featured appearances, he continues to perform with numerous other musicians on their recordings and live performances.
Soundbone Folksong Choir (SFC) is a non-auditioned choral group for adults who share a love of the traditional and contemporary folk songs of Newfoundland and Labrador and beyond. Established in the winter of 2020, the choir was forced to shut down after only three rehearsals due to the pandemic and the subsequent lockdown. During the 2021-2022 season, the choir had two successful 10-week sessions due to a combination of online and in-person rehearsals, and went fully in-person for 2022-2023.
The SFC was founded and is directed by traditional musician/music educator Jean Hewson with the help of Assistant Director Madison Mouland. It is a project of Soundbone Traditional Arts Foundation; an organization that fosters the preservation and performance of the traditional folk arts of Newfoundland and Labrador. (soundbone.ca)
Over the last two years of its existence, the SFC has had the opportunity to work with guest musicians Christina Smith, Brian Cherwick and Dave Panting, and has also enjoyed workshops given by Linda Byrne, Dave Penny, Sally Goddard, Paul Wilson, and Shay Black: expert traditional singers from Newfoundland, England, and Ireland respectively.
School of Rock St John’s House Band is a high energy professional group of talented and rising youth NL Rockstar’s. These St John’s area youth artists are as passionate and crazy about Rock’n’roll as they are fun and entertaining to watch. With an extensive multi-decade Rock’n’roll repertoire these young local musicians will get you moving, smiling, clapping, and singing to some great classics! With more than four hours of formal supervised practice each week and 1000+ licensed songs; these young Rockstars are perfectly equipped to help fill your venue and make your next festival or event, a huge success that people will talk about for months! Perfect for family entertainment at bars/pubs/hotels/stadiums or outdoor events with a stage, a grill or restaurant. Give us 110-volt power and we will rock your guests!
Four folky, bluegrassy gals jamming and laughing in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Sooky Couch Girls began playing music together in July of 2023 after connecting at the Ship Pub’s bluegrass brunch. Composed of Sarah Hansen (vocals, guitar, harmonium, ukulele), Emily Hunt (upright bass, vocals), Lauren Smee (fiddle, vocals), and Meghan McCarthy (vocals, guitar), this acoustic quartet plays a combination of original songs and covers with a side order of sass. Their style is a unique combination of bluegrass, folk, country and gospel, and their mission is to have as much fun as possible while sharing their love of music with audiences and with each other.
Richard Neville grew up in the coastal Labrador community of Black Tickle.
Richard writes and performs songs inspired mostly by the people, culture and history of Labrador. He is also an accomplished guitarist who has accompanied Labrador’s Harry Martin since 1997 and has also joined him on his award-winning recordings. Richard can also be found as a session guitarist on many other CD’s as well as a backing vocalist. Richard has been one of the most active sought after musicians in Labrador for 20 plus years now; his live shows has been a draw for many a venue during this time.
Richard has also performed live from one side of Canada to the other, and abroad as far away as South America, England and Antarctica. For over 4 years, he was a part of the Halifax folk music scene. He has performed as a solo act and played in several bands touring extensively throughout the Atlantic Provinces. Richard has performed on TV and radio many times over the years and has been a featured act at such festivals such as the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival and Trails, Tales and Tunes. Richard also taught guitar in school for 3 years on the south coast of Labrador. He released his first album of original songs in August of 2011-entitled “Old Souls”. In February 2023 he released his second album; a self-titled album of original songs on the indie label “SingSongInc, produced by Jim Payne. In 2017, he was awarded the Labradorians of Distinction award for his work in music over the last 30 years. In 2019, along with 2 other local Musicians, Richard was hired as a musical mentor for 3 months, mentoring students from the Goose Bay area in musical performance. Also, for over a period of 5 years Richard sat on the Board of Directors as one of the only two musical representatives for the NL Provincial Arts Funding Agency, ARTSNL. Richard has also been a board member for the NL Folk Arts Society representing Labrador. Richard often donates his time through his music every year to many people and organizations in need of a helping hand. He has been a fond supporter of the local SPCA for many years.
Richard resides with his family in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
