DAVE GUNNING

With over two decades on the road and fifteen albums to his credit, Nova Scotia’s Dave Gunning has earned a reputation as one of Canada’s most engaging and respected folk singer-songwriters. A multiple East Coast Music Award and Canadian Folk Music Award winner, Gunning is celebrated for his warm stage presence, razor-sharp wit, and songs that honour everyday heroes while tackling hard truths.

His music has long reflected his deep roots in Pictou County, where stories of working people, small-town struggles, and local pride shape his songwriting. Whether he’s shining a light on unsung community champions or confronting social and environmental issues close to home, Gunning brings an honesty and empathy to his work that have become his trademark.

Known for his ability to connect with audiences through both laughter and reflection, Gunning’s live shows balance heartfelt storytelling with moments of perfectly timed humour. His rapport with listeners—equal parts genuine, self-effacing, and deeply human—has made him a beloved fixture on stages across Canada and beyond.

Over the years, Gunning has shared the stage with folk greats like Ron Hynes, Rita MacNeil, and Matt Andersen, yet he continues to carve his own path, grounded in the values of community and craftsmanship.

In June 2025, Gunning travelled to Point Lonsdale, Australia, to record his fifteenth studio album, Field Notes, set for release in 2026. Stripped-back and emotionally rich, the new collection returns to the heart of what he does best: telling stories that remind us who we are, where we come from, and what matters most.

Rose Morrison is an artist who embodies the roar of the sea with a pure and delicate voice, captivating audiences for nearly 25 years as a professional musician. Hailing from Baddeck, Nova Scotia, this versatile fiddler has carved out an impressive career, collaborating with luminaries such as Oscar and Grammy Award winner Glen Hansard, Irish folk legend Breanndán Ó Beaglaoich (Breanndán Begley), and celebrated Scottish-Canadian tenor John McDermott. She has graced the stage of Carnegie Hall twice, most recently in March 2024 for a tribute to Sinéad O’Connor and Shane MacGowan. Rose has recorded three albums, toured extensively across North America, Europe, and Japan with The Cottars, and is a three-time East Coast Music Award winner.