John Allaire – Your host

John is known around the Nation’s Capital as the host of “The Allaire Show”, a weekly singer-songwriter series at Quinn’s Ale House in Old Ottawa South and now Brews and Blues in Stittsville, featuring guests from around the world. He, along with his backing band, The Campistas, were asked to be one of the opening acts for Neil Young and Crazy Horse on their 2024 Love Earth Tour.

See John’s full bio here

Jesse Greene
CENTRAL, Jan 3
https://www.thejessegreeneband.com/

Jesse Greene is one of Canada’s most electrifying blues talents — a powerhouse singer, songwriter and guitar slinger with a raw, soulful voice and a fierce command of the blues tradition. Hailing originally from Ottawa and now based in Toronto, Greene blends gritty blues, rock & roll grit and roots-driven swagger that often evokes the spirit of southern blues legends while remaining unmistakably her own. She’s captured attention onstage and in competition, including a standout run as a finalist at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, and was recently awarded the 2024 Amy Louie Grossman Music Scholarship for artist development. With passionate originals and heart-cutting performances that resonate long after the last note, Jesse Greene is a major force in today’s blues scene.

Libby & Cal
WEST Jan. 8 – CENTRAL Jan. 10
https://www.libbyhortop.com/

Libby & Cal are an acclaimed acoustic folk duo from Ottawa known for their richly woven vocal harmonies, thoughtful lyrics, and genre-blending sound that feels both timeless and fresh. Comprising autoharpist Libby Hortop and 12-string guitarist Cal Tranner, the pair first met at a music festival and quickly discovered their musical chemistry. Their heartfelt, often candid songs explore real-world themes with wit, depth, and emotional honesty. Together they’ve released multiple albums—including their latest, The Hagstrom-Schmidt Affair—and have entertained audiences across Ontario, Quebec, and beyond with their engaging live performances.

Emma Bayash
WEST Jan. 15 / CENTRAL Jan. 17
https://www.instagram.com/emmabayash/

Emma Bayash is a Canadian singer-songwriter and performer from Ottawa whose expressive voice and thoughtful lyrics draw deeply from her experiences and personal journey. With a background in classical voice and years playing in local folk-rock bands, Emma began forging her path as a solo artist with her 7-track EP Circles in 2022. Her music blends emotional storytelling, rich harmonies, and elements of folk and cabaret, creating performances that resonate with both heart and wit. In addition to her solo work, she’s also known as one-half of the Bayash Sisters, a folk-pop duo celebrated for their intricate harmonies and community-rooted sound.

Tyler Cochrane
WEST Jan. 22 – CENTRAL Jan. 24

Tyler Cochrane is an Ottawa-area singer-songwriter known for his soulful voice, raspy tones, and genre-blending sound that pulls from rock, blues, soul and folk. Born and raised in Ontario, Tyler has become a favourite in the local live music scene, regularly performing in venues around Ottawa (including as the Sunday evening open mic host at our very own Quinn’s Ale House!) with heartfelt original music and compelling covers that showcase his passionate delivery and sweet melodies. His performances have earned him a loyal following and frequent bookings at community stages, cafes and music series across the region.

K Dilla
WEST, Jan 29 – CENTRAL, Jan. 31
https://www.facebook.com/kayak.dilla

K Dilla is a rising voice in the Ottawa hip hop scene, known for gritty lyricism, raw freestyle energy, and authentic storytelling rooted in urban life. An active presence on social media and in local shows, K Dilla blends classic boom-bap influences with contemporary rap flows, representing his city with passion and drive. He consistently drops new tracks and freestyles that speak to resilience and street-level honesty, positioning himself as one of Ottawa’s promising up-and-coming hip hop artists.

Shannon Eddy
WEST – Feb 5 / CENTRAL – Feb 7

Shannon Eddy is an Ottawa-based pianist, multi-instrumentalist and singer whose warm, expressive playing and soulful presence light up any room. With a background in jazz, blues, and roots music, she’s a versatile performer equally at home leading a solo set or adding rich keyboard textures to ensembles. Shannon’s performances are known for heartfelt musicianship, dynamic interplay with fellow artists, and a cool, attentive stage vibe that draws listeners in. She’s a regular on the Ottawa live music circuit and a valued collaborator in the city’s vibrant community of roots and blues players.

Catbird
WEST – Feb 12
https://catbird-band.bandcamp.com/

Catbird is a haunting folk-roots duo based in Ottawa’s Wellington Village, weaving dark, dulcet harmonies with a timeless, neo-folk sensibility. Comprised of Tracy Shaw and Greg Beaudoin (AKA Lefty), their music leads listeners down lonesome forest paths with rich vocal interplay, thoughtful songwriting, and a retro-tinged sound that blends country, folk and gothic Canadiana. Together they’ve built a reputation for evocative live performances that feel intimate yet expansive, rooted in the heart of Ottawa’s vibrant acoustic music community.

Tara Holloway
CENTRAL Feb. 14
https://taraholloway.com/

Tara Holloway is an Ottawa-based singer-songwriter whose powerful, soul-weathered voice stops listeners in their tracks. Blending folk, blues, and roots with fearless emotional delivery, Holloway has spent years touring and honing her craft across Canada and the U.S. Her music reflects a well-traveled life, rich storytelling, and a commanding vocal presence that takes center stage. Now firmly rooted back in Ottawa, Tara Holloway delivers captivating live performances that are raw, intimate, and unforgettable. 

Ken Workman
WEST, Feb 19 – CENTRAL, Feb. 21
https://www.reverbnation.com/kenworkman/

Ken Workman is a veteran Ottawa-based singer-songwriter known for his thoughtful lyrics, warm acoustic sound, and captivating live performances. Rooted in folk and roots traditions, his songs blend heartfelt storytelling with melody-rich arrangements, drawing audiences into honest reflections on life, love, and community. A familiar face on the Ottawa music scene, Ken’s shows are intimate, engaging, and full of genuine musicality that resonates long after the last chord.

Jon VW
WEST, Feb. 26
https://www.facebook.com/jonvwmusic/

Jon VW is an Ottawa-based singer-songwriter, sound engineer, and music producer known for his genre-blurring acoustic performances and heartfelt original songs. After spending over a decade working behind the scenes with some of Canada’s best artists, Jon stepped into the spotlight with his own music — playing guitar and ukulele while delivering passionate vocals and inventive live arrangements. His gigs showcase a unique blend of earnest songwriting, rich musicality, and a deep connection with his audience.

Mathew Falvai
CENTRAL – Feb. 28
https://www.youtube.com/falvai

Mathew Falvai is an Ottawa-based singer-songwriter whose music blends folk, soul, and indie influences with deeply personal storytelling and emotional nuance. Known for his expressive vocals and thoughtful songwriting, Falvai crafts songs that explore vulnerability, resilience, and the quiet moments that shape everyday life. His performances balance intimacy and intensity, drawing listeners in with subtle dynamics, melodic depth, and a genuine connection to the room. A respected presence in Ottawa’s live music community, Mathew Falvai continues to build a reputation for honest, compelling shows that resonate. He is also the master of requests! When venturing into pub rock shows, he’s tough to stump!

Shawn Tavenier
WEST, Mar. 5 – CENTRAL Mar. 7
https://www.youtube.com/c/ShawnTavenier

Shawn Tavenier is a longtime fixture of Ottawa’s live music scene, known for his seasoned musicianship, soulful vocals, and deep roots in blues, rock, and roots music. A versatile performer and collaborator, Shawn has spent years honing his craft on stages across the country, earning a reputation as a reliable, passionate artist with a strong connection to audiences. Whether leading a band (Silver Creek) or delivering an intimate set, Shawn Tavenier brings authenticity, groove, and a lifetime of musical experience to every performance. He has recently released an album with his latest project, The Golden Low.

Lucky Ron
WEST, Mar. 12
https://www.facebook.com/TheOriginalLuckyRon/

Lucky Ron is a true Ottawa country legend — a larger-than-life performer known for his twangin’ voice, sharp wit, and no-holds-barred approach to roots and country music. A fixture of the city’s live music scene for decades, he is best known for his long-running weekly residency at The Laff, where his unpredictable, high-energy shows have become essential Ottawa listening. With deep local roots, fearless crowd interaction, and a reputation built one unforgettable night at a time, Lucky Ron brings pure authenticity and swagger to every stage he steps on.

Tony D
CENTRAL Mar. 14
https://www.tonyguitarro.com/

Tony D is a two-time Juno Award–winning guitarist and one of Canada’s most respected blues players. A full-time professional for over 40 years, he cut his teeth on blues, rock, and jazz, learning straight from the vinyl of legends — and even spent three days playing rhythm guitar for Buddy Guy as a teenager. He later opened for Stevie Ray Vaughan at Ottawa’s NAC. Best known as the longtime lead guitarist for MonkeyJunk, Tony has toured internationally, earned multiple Junos and over 25 Maple Blues Awards, and recently released his first solo album in 20 years — a powerful distillation of a lifetime in the blues.

And more artists to come this season, including, Jamie Douglas, Matt Gower, Slo’ Tom, Th’ Immediates, Alanna J. Brown, Al Wood, Ron Leary, Evan Rotella and Jeff Tanguay!

Miss a week?? Miss A lot!!