STINGRAY Young Performers Program

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 US and abroad.

The program hosts upwards of 35 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 Open

Deadline to apply is April 11, 2023

APPLY NOW

Program Information

Program runs from July 5-7, 2023

The program includes full days of mentorship and the opportunity to perform on stage at the 2023 Winnipeg Folk Festival.

Sessions and workshops are held in the city from July 5-6, 2023.

Performances take place on July 7, 2023, the Friday of the Festival at Birds Hill Provincial Park, Manitoba.

*Program fee is $200 per applicant, which includes a 4-day ticket to the festival and backstage access for Friday. Bursaries will be available for Canadian applicants

Who Can Apply?

Musicians aged 14 to 24 - singer/songwriters, instrumentalists, vocalists or bands. Returning participants welcome.

Please Note: All performers, and participants must participate in the full program, and fall within the age range.

For more information email:
mhamill@winnipegfolkfestival.ca

How to Apply?

Apply online! Deadline to apply is April 11, 2023

You will need to submit the following:

Performer and/or group information
- Include contact information and details for each member
Photo
Bio describing your musical style, influences and inspirations
Three-song recording (MP3s preferred) with at least one original song

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
Cassie & Maggie
Cara Luft
Carolyn Mark
Catherine MacLellan
Chad VanGaalen
Christine Fellows
Damhnait Doyle
Danny Michel
Dave Bidini
David Wax & Suz Slezak
Del Barber
Dustin Bentall

Fortunate Ones
Fred Penner
Greg MacPherson
Harrow Fair
Heather Bishop
Jadea Kelly
Jeremy Fisher
Jesse Matas
JD Edwards
Joey Landreth
John K. Samson
Kris Ulrich
The LYNNeS
Mark Berube
Michael Bernard Fitzgerald
Michael Jermome Brown
Natalia Zuckerman
Nathan Lawr
Ndidi O
Oh My Darling
Old Man Luedecke
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
Samantha Crain
Shannon Johnson
Stephen Dudash
Stephen Fearing
Steve Dawson
Suzie Ungerleider (Oh Susanna)
Tannis Slimmon
Tim Williams
Tony Dekker
Tré Burt
Trish Klein
William Prince