ABOUT

WHO WE ARE

Folk Canada is the country's largest organization devoted to the folk, roots, and traditional music community. For over 37 years, Folk Canada and its members have supported the growth and development of the folk music community across the country through initiatives like the annual Folk Music Ontario Conference, Developing Artist Program, Festivals' Retreat, Export Development Program, Peer Sessions, Ontario Folk Music Awards, Folk in Film Festival, Year-round Professional Development Seminars, Community Folk Fests, and more!

“[Folk Canada] is unparalleled in its approach to community, career and industry development. It's a unique, refreshing conference that puts artists first.”

- Corey Poole, Music Officer, City of Mississauga

OUR MISSION

At Folk Canada, our mission is to preserve and promote Canadian folk music, support musicians at all career stages, and cultivate a vibrant, inclusive community through advocacy, education, and collaboration. We serve as a key resource for the growth and sustainability of the folk music industry across Canada.

Driven by the belief that folk music is a powerful medium for storytelling and cultural expression, we work to preserve traditions while embracing innovation and contemporary influences. Our annual Folk Music Ontario conference, mentorship programs, workshops, and networking opportunities empower artists from newcomers to veterans, helping them develop their craft, reach wider audiences, and build sustainable careers.

Inclusivity is at our core. We celebrate diverse voices and traditions within Canadian folk music and promote equity and equal opportunities for all artists. Through strong partnerships and collaborative efforts, we advocate for increased recognition and support, fostering a thriving, resilient folk music industry that reflects our cultural diversity and collective identity.

MEET OUR 2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND STAFF

From left to right:
Jaymie Karn (Programs Assistant), Cassidy Houston (Vice President), Candace Shaw (Director), Jo Proulx (Director), Cécile Doo-Kingué (President), Sherry Sinclaire (Member At-Large), Umair Jaffar (Treasurer), Rosalyn Dennett (Executive Director), Chris Greencorn (Director), Tara Williamson (Secretary), Joel Elliott (Operations Manager).  Not pictured: Shakura S'Aida, Rachel Petersen, Val Denn, Julie Fowler, Karrnnel Sawitzky, and Dione Taylor

STAFF

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Rosalyn Dennett

Executive Director

Rosalyn joined FMO as Executive Director in April 2022, bringing with her a wealth of experience in the music industry and non-profit organizations through her roles at the Canadian Federation of Musicians, the Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA), Music Canada, the Canadian Live Music Association (CLMA), and MusicOntario. She cut her teeth in the music industry as a musician, performing with artists such as Ken Whiteley, Kaia Kater, Fred Penner, and Oh My Darling.

Rosalyn currently sits on the executive board of Folk Alliance International, and has previously served on the board of directors of Folk Music Ontario (2017-2021) and the Travelling Musicians Union AFM Local 1000 (2018-2020).

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Joel Elliott

Operations Manager

Joel joined Folk Music Ontario in January of 2020. Prior to that, he spent 10 years at The Conference Board of Canada, planning, marketing, and delivering upwards of 20 conferences and 100 webinars per year.

Joel is active in the Ottawa Music scene. He and his partner are the former co-hosts of The Monday Special Blend, a weekly show on 93.1 CKCU FM. He is the former host of The Ottawa Music Video Showcase and Live! On Elgin Open Mic on Rogers Cable 22. He is a former board member of the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition, and continues to sit on the programming committee, where he recently helped to organize and deliver the 4th Annual Capital Music Awards in June of 2023.

Joel is also a singer, composer, and entertainer who has performed with various bands and theatre productions over the course of 20 years. He is the Bandmaster of The Magic Machine, who released their first EP in 2018. In 2017, Joel wrote the score and acted as Musical Director for Phantom of the Opry, a play which ran for 5 sold-out shows at Ottawa’s Gladstone Theatre.

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Jaymie Karn

Program Assistant

Jaymie is the in-house graphic designer and Program Assistant at Folk Music Ontario. Previously based in Toronto, she was active in the bluegrass and old-time music scene. Now a resident of the Ottawa Valley, she is building a new music community in and around the capital. While not being a musician, Jaymie is committed to supporting live music and musicians. Her graphic design career focuses on album art, merch, and promotional design.

Jaymie studied Drawing, Painting, and Fibre & Textiles at OCAD University. She later excelled in developing visual arts and ceramics programs in Arts-Based Curriculum schools and led community-driven arts events while working in youth education.