The 2025 Ontario Folk Music Awards were an evening filled with laughs, cheers, and moments of emotion, with artists from across the province celebrating excellence in Ontario’s folk scene.
Acting as the orchestra, local artist and award host Angelique Francis, her two sisters, and her father played two songs to set the tone for the evening, energizing the audience and nominees. Her ability to keep the audience engaged and provide entrance and exit music for each award presented will surely raise the bar for future hosts, giving the whole evening the glitter and glam of a primetime awards show.
The first award, Performing Artist of the Year, was given to Jessica Pearson and The East Wind. In her excitement of winning, she made a hasty exit, prompting Angelique to encourage future presenters and nominees to “strut their stuff” on the way up so they can play them on and off stage properly. In response, Pearson happily returned to the stage to dance her way off stage, earning claps and cheers from the crowd.
“As a performing artist, my goal for every show is to hold space for everyone in the room to feel, to tell stories, and to build community. My bandmates and I work hard to make every performance memorable and to connect with everyone in the room. To be acknowledged by Folk Canada and my peers as Performing Artist of
the Year means the world to me and my bandmates,” Pearson says on her recognition.
“Folk Music is the music of the people for the people. To see the rise of folk music is to see the rise of the people. This community is one where we can grow together, feel together, and express our truths, without judgment or fear. I love this community, and to be nominated and win alongside these incredible artists and leaders in this community is a dream come true.” — Jessica Pearson
Savannah Shea then performed her track “Best Remembered,” which awarded her Song of the Year recognition. Her stellar performance reinforced why she deserved the accolade and gave an emotional acceptance, expressing surprise to receive the award for a song “with no chorus.” In a wavering voice, she told the audience that she had been considering giving up her craft, but in light of her recognition, now plans to continue.
“I am so grateful to be welcomed with open arms into a community of creators. It’s only been one day of my first-ever Folk Music Ontario conference, and I’ve already met so many wonderful people who inspire me to keep creating and sharing art,” Shea says when asked about what the award meant to her.
Recording Artist of the Year winner, Julian Taylor, accepted his award with grace and humility, also choking up during his speech.
“Folk music continues to grow because it connects us — it tells real stories about who we are and where we come from. It’s honest, it’s human, and it reminds us of our shared experience,” Taylor says in a statement for Apt613. “Winning this award means a lot to me because it comes from a community that values authenticity and heart. I’m grateful to be part of that tradition and to help carry it forward.”
Julian Taylor performing at the Ontario Folk Music Awards, Oct. 15, 2025. Photo: Paul Goubko.
The evening was also filled with many moments of laughter and comedy, such as Cecilé Doo-Kingué’s introduction to the winners of the Estelle Klein Award winners John and Michelle Law. “It was almost like the universe wanted us to have a threesome,” he said.
Further laughs were elicited while screening a video celebrating Al Rankin, the Estelle Klein Lifetime Achievement Award winner, in which Steve Poltz suggested Folk Canada should award him with $10 million with a strategically placed caption that said “The views expressed are not shared by Folk Canada.”
The evening ended with an exceptional rendition of “One Love” by Bob Marley played by Angelique Francis that brought artists and attendees together in dance and laughter, recalling the events of this memorable evening at the National Arts Center’s Fourth Stage.
Here’s a full list of the winners and the awards they received in order of presentation:
Artist of the Year: Jessica Pearson and the East Wind
Recording Artist of the Year: Julian Taylor
Music Video of the Year: Kazdoura, for the song “Khayal”
Estelle Klein Community Builder Award: John and Michelle Law
Estelle Klein Lifetime Achievement Award: Al Rankin
Album of the Year: Abigail Lapell for the album Anniversary
Culture and Climate Award: Steven Dagenais, Mydas Greenworks
Taylor Mitchell Bursary: All members of the developing artist program
Colleen Peterson Songwriting Award: Evan Rotella for the song “MaryAnne”
Song of the Year: Savannah Shae for the song, “Best Remembered”
For more information on Folk Music Ontario and next year’s awards, visit their website.
