Gil’s Hootenanny is delighted that Tony Turner will be the Opening Act for the 2025 Concert, leading the audience in singing some of our favourite sing along songs.
Tony is a Canadian singer-songwriter and, since 2017, a resident of Nanaimo, BC. Since the early 1990s Tony has written and recorded well-crafted, thoughtful and sometimes humorous songs which he delivers with his rich baritone voice. Tony has recorded three albums of original compositions as well as a seasonal EP. A new recording, due in spring 2025, may be his most mature and revealing work, featuring original songs of survival and resilience and change from personal, societal and historical perspectives.
A writer with a social conscience, Tony channels the issues of our times into musical observations and reflections. Ten years ago, Tony’s song Harperman, about then Prime Minister Stephen Harper, thrust him into a media spotlight that few could have anticipated. His life and career were forever changed after his song won the 2015 Gil’s Hootenanny song-writing contest and a video of the song became a YouTube hit and the centrepiece of political rallies across Canada. Harperman garnered Tony a Spirit of Folk award from Folk Alliance International for its impact.
Tony’s much-loved anthem of unity, Circle of Song, was published in Rise Again, the sequel to the popular Rise Up Singing folk songbook. In 2016, the Spirit of Tony Turner award was named in his honour in Ottawa where he developed and honed his songwriting and performing skills. Each year an individual is awarded a “SofTTie” for the selfless giving of their time and talent to the local music community.
For more information on Tony, visit: www.tonyturner.ca
Gil’s Hootenanny will take place at 7:00 pm, Wednesday, April 30, at 30 Cleary Avenue, the campus of the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa. The venue is accessible, has ample parking and is serviced by OC Transpo.
Tickets for Gil’s Hootenanny will be $20 (plus fees). Kids are welcome to attend free of charge.
Stay tuned for further information.