Don’t Miss Future Folk Sensations – Or The Chance To Be One
Each year the Winnipeg Folk Festival presents the STINGRAY Young Performers Program during the Festival weekend showcasing young talent from across Canada.
The program hosts upwards of 30 multi-talented youth musicians aged 14-24. Participants spend a day in sessions with mentors chosen from the Festival’s lineup, crafting and perfecting their songs and a second day performing on stage in front of a Folk Fest audience.
Countless talented artists have graced the Young Performers stage since its beginning in 2000 and many have gone on to perform as part of our Festival lineup and even on our Main Stage; artists such as Brandy Zdan, Cara Luft, Crooked Brothers, Daniel Champagne, Del Barber, Richard Inman and Sweet Alibi.
Applications deadline for the 2022 program is May 24.
Applications Open
2022 Mentors
Del Barber
Cassie and Maggie
Trish Klein
Ndidi O
Tré Burt
Past Mentors Include
Afie Jurvanen (Bahamas)
Alexa Dirks
Amelia Curran
Amy Rigby
Andrew Whiteman
Andrina Turenne
Andy Stochansky
Andy White
Ann Louise Genest
Annick Bremault
Aoife O'Donovan
April Verch
Brandy Zdan
Cara Luft
Carolyn Mark
Catherine MacLellan
Chad VanGaalen
Christine Fellows
Damhnait Doyle
Dave Bidini
David Wax & Suz Slezak
Dustin Bentall
Fred Penner
Greg MacPherson
Heather Bishop
Mark Berube
Michael Bernard Fitzgerald
Michael Jermome Brown
Natalia Zuckerman
Nathan Lawr
Oh My Darling
Oliver Schroer
Oliver Swain
Paul Thorn
Rani Arbo
Rick Fines
Royal Wood
Ruth Moody & Heather Masse (Wailin’ Jennys)
Ruthie Foster
Sacha Daoud
Sarah Lee Guthrie
Shannon Johnson
Stephen Dudash
Stephen Fearing
Steve Dawson
Suzie Ungerleider (Oh Susanna)
Tannis Slimmon
Tim Williams
Tony Dekker
William Prince
Program Overview
Music industry sessions, a full day with your mentor and the opportunity to perform on stage at the 2020 Winnipeg Folk Fest! Sessions and workshops held in the city at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Winnipeg (603 Wellington Cres.).
Performances on Shady Grove stage on Friday of the annual Winnipeg Folk Festival at Birds Hill Provincial Park, Manitoba.
This year's mentors will be announced soon!
Who Can Apply?
Musicians aged 14 to 24 - singer/songwriters, instrumentalists, vocalists or bands. Returning participants welcome.
Program Dates July 6-8, 2022
When do I Apply?
Applications are now open!
Application deadline is May 24.
How to Apply?
Apply as a solo performer, duo or as a group.
The program fee is $175 per applicant, which includes a 4-day ticket to the festival and backstage access for Friday (includes meals).
For more information email: ypp@winnipegfolkfestival.ca or Phone 204-231-0096
Apply online and Submit the following:
- Performer and/or group information
- Photo
- 150-word bio describing your musical style, influences and inspirations
- Three-song recording (MP3s preferred) with at least one original song
- Program registration fee payment information