From the FolkCanada.com news release:
Folk Canada Announces 2026 Ontario Folk Music Award Nominees
The 32nd annual Ontario Folk Music Awards will take place at The Studio in Hamilton, Ontario on Wednesday, October 14th during the annual Folk Canada Conference.
The event will feature performances by a select number of nominated artists and special guests, and is open to all Folk Canada Conference attendees. Still to be announced are the Estelle Klein Award recipients, the Laureate for the Colleen Peterson Songwriting Award and Culture in Climate Award.
Established in 1987 and now in its 39th year, the Folk Canada Conference (previously the Folk Music Ontario Conference and Ontario Council of Folk Festivals) will take place October 14-18 in Hamilton, Ontario and welcomes attendees from across the country to the event. To learn more, Folk Canada invites interested parties to visit their website and sign up for their newsletter.
“The Ontario Folk Music Awards are an opportunity to celebrate the incredible talent and creativity found across the province,” says Rosalyn Dennett, Executive Director of Folk Canada. “We’re proud to recognize this year’s nominees and bring the folk community together in Hamilton to celebrate their work.” Rosalyn Dennett is available for interviews, and select artists are available for interviews and performances in advance of the event.
Below is a complete list of nominees. Local artists are bolded.
Album of the Year
- Honesty by The Lifers (Guelph)
Links: The Lifers, More Lifers Stories, Video above courtesy of The Lifers - The Truth We Hold by Amanda Rheaume
- Not Defeated by Angelique Francis Band
- Mi Pequeña by Eliana Cuevas
- Immersed by Justin Gray
- Sofreh Tisch by Ladom Ensemble
- Reasons To Stay by Tanika Charles
Music Video of the Year
- “One More Dance Around The Sun” by Great Lake Swimmers
Links: Great Lake Swimmers, More GLS Stories, Video above courtesy of GreatLakeSwimmers - “Without You” by Aysanabee
- “Been Done” by Frank Mighty
- “Kaku “Grandma’” by Jonathan Nvita
- “Exploits Island” by Kate Weekes
- “Vulgar Bulgar” by Medusa Quartet
- “Fruta Prohibida” by Payadora
Performing Artist of the Year
- The Barrel Boys
- Logan Staats (Brantford)
Links: Logan Staats, More Logan Staats Stories, Video above courtesy of Logan Staats - Julian Taylor
- Mimi O’Bonsawin
- OK Naledi
- Schmaltz & Pepper
Recording Artist of the Year
Song of the Year
- “Unforgettable” by Amanda Rheaume
- “Inevitable” by Emma Lamontagne
- “WIHOGORA” by Empress Nyiringango
- “Oh, Little One” by Jory Nash
- “Patron Saint” by Kate Greenland
- “Until the Devil’s Paid” by Michael Darcy & The Atlantic Tramps
- “Quit My Habit” by Rebekah Hawker
- “Temporary” by Vicki Brittle
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