This year, Australia has its biggest presence ever at Folk Canada, the premier annual gathering of Canada’s folk, roots, and world music community.
The event is happening October 14th to 18th at the Sheraton Hamilton Hotel in downtown Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Port Fairy Folk Festival are presenting three artists across an afternoon showcase on the Saturday afternoon – Pierce Brothers, Oceanique and KYARNA.
Also set to play the event are two Australian artists based in Canada. Sally Titasey performs as part of the BC trio Oh Pray Tell, and Dean Workman will be performing in one of the late night showcases.
Larry Heath from the Sounds Australia team will be on ground in Hamilton for the event. Don’t miss these artists! Their details and set times are below.
Pierce Brothers
For years now twin brothers Jack and Patrick Pierce’s high energy duo Pierce Brothers has been a staple of the Australian indie-folk/ blues & roots scene, captivating festival goers and headlining sold out venues the world over. Having established themselves as an integral part of the music scene in Australia and abroad, the brothers have toured relentlessly – honing their craft and gaining fans across the globe as they go. The band’s music has grown with them over the years and has seen them release a top 15 ARIA debut album, two Top 10 ARIA EPs and have received over 40 million global streams.
More details at their official website.
- Friday 16th October at 12.15pm – AIM Booking Showcase at Ballroom Stage
- Friday 16th October at 9.40pm – Ballroom Stages
- Saturday 17th October at 3.20pm – Port Fairy Folk Festival Showcase at Ballroom Stage
- Saturday 17th October at 12.40am (Sunday AM) – Acoustic Showcase Room #1009 – Tempi / Port Fairy
Oceanique
Oceanique are the indie-folk duo of twin sisters Maddy and Jess Houston, raised in the small coastal town of Walpole in regional Western Australia. Known for their dreamy sibling harmonies and deeply personal songwriting, the pair create music grounded in storytelling and connection. Rooted in contemporary folk, Oceanique weaves together heartfelt storytelling and warm reflective melodies, reminiscent of the vast country sky they grew up under. Their seamless blood harmonies have earned comparisons to artists such as First Aid Kit and The Staves.
More details at their official website.
- Friday 16th October at 7.40pm – Ballroom Stages
- Saturday 17th October at 3.40pm – Port Fairy Folk Festival Showcase at Ballroom Stage
- Saturday 17th October at Midnight (Sunday AM) – Acoustic Showcase Room #1009 – Tempi / Port Fairy
KYARNA
KYARNA is a Yuin singer-songwriter making Country, folk and Americana music rooted in story, place and connection. Her songs move through love, grief, family, memory and the complicated beauty of being human. With Country at the centre, her songwriting brings together intimate storytelling, warmth, grit and emotional honesty. From sharing stages with Australian music icons to developing her songwriting practice internationally, KYARNA is building a body of work grounded in the power of a good song to tell the truth, carry a story and connect people. Her debut album “Joy Comes In The Mourning” will be coming in 2027.
Learn more at her official website.
- Saturday 17th October at 3pm – Port Fairy Folk Festival Showcase at Ballroom Stage
- Saturday 17th October at 9.10pm – Macnab Stage
- Saturday 17th October at 11.20pm – Acoustic Showcase Room #1009 – Tempi / Port Fairy
Oh Pray Tell
Oh Pray Tell is a Kootenay, BC based trio –sally titasey, shayna-adjowa jones, and betty supple– blending roots, gospel, acoustic R&B, folk, and experimental folklore. Their soulful alchemy weaves storytelling, spoken word, and three-part harmonies into a powerful, immersive experience. They speak to the times with honesty, confronting hard topics while holding listeners gently, wrapping them in rich, satisfying harmonies that offer comfort, resonance and connection.
Learn more at their official website.
- Friday 16th October at 9.10pm – Macnab Stage
- Saturday, October 17 at 11.40pm – Acoustic Showcase Room #1017 – ELAN: Voices from Quebec and Touring Artists to Discover
- Saturday, October 17 at 1:40am – Acoustic Showcase Room #1023 – Great Canadian Pajama Jam
- Sunday 18th October – 2026 Community Folk Festival at Mills Hardware
Dean Workman
Born in Australia and based in Canada for twenty-one years, Dean released his first solo album, Don’t Overthink It, in 2025. In 2026, he performed two solo sets and took part in two workshops at the Mariposa Folk Festival. His second solo album is scheduled for release in October 2026. After decades of grooving behind the scenes, Dean Workman has become a new solo artist with plenty to sing about.
Learn more at his official website.
- Saturday 17th October at 1.40am (Sunday AM) – READI Acoustic Showcase Room #916
Photo: The Pierce Brothers at Reeperbahn Festival, 2019. Photo by Charles Engelken.