The Art of Song

OCTOBER 24 - 25, 2025

THE ART OF SONG

FESTIVAL

Where Songs Begin: The Artistry, The Stories, The Community

Welcome to The Art of Song Festival, an intimate, unplugged celebration dedicated to the timeless craft of songwriting. In a world filled with digital noise and AI-driven music, this festival brings us back to the pure, unfiltered art of writing and performing original songs: raw, authentic, and deeply human.

Curated by renowned artist Shakura S’Aida, this first-ever gathering at Base31 invites Canadian singer-songwriters from every genre to share their stories, their melodies, and the creative spirit that fuels their music. From folk to soul, reggae to indie, The Art of Song breaks down boundaries and invites us to experience songwriting in all its forms and expressions.

This is more than a concert series. It’s a truly unique opportunity to hear songs the way they were meant to be heard: unplugged, up close, and with the stories behind the music laid bare. Discover why iconic songs were written, what they mean to the artists today, and how they connect us all.

Whether you’re an aspiring songwriter, a lifelong fan of music, or simply someone who loves to listen deeply, this weekend-long festival offers a one-of-a-kind experience that nurtures creativity, connection, and community.

Join us for two intimate songwriting circles and captivating performances throughout the weekend, where artists and audiences come together to share inspiration, stories, and songs, because great music is best enjoyed in great company.

The Art of Song Festival is keeping the artform of songwriting alive, one story, one lyric, one melody at a time.

Weekend Package: Buy a package for any 2 or more shows, and receive an additional 20% off your tickets!

SAT OCTOBER 25 | 7:30 PM | DRILL HALL

GENERAL ADMISSION SEATING: $55 (plus fees + taxes)

Montreal born and Nashville based, Allison Russell is a Grammy, Juno, Americana and Folk Awards winning artist, actor, author, songwriter, producer, human rights advocate, survivor and mother. She is the co-founder of Once and Future Sounds and Love Rising. Her debut solo album “Outside Child” was released in 2021, followed by “The Returner” in 2023 via Concord/Fantasy Records. Prior to her solo career she co-founded, recorded and toured internationally with the bands Po’Girl, Birds of Chicago, and Our Native Daughters. She is a member of Joni Mitchell’s Joni Jam band.

Russell’s ensemble the Rainbow Coalition opened for Hozier’s Unreal Unearth tour throughout 2024. Their All Returners headlining tour will continue Spring of 2025 in Australia and North America. Allison made her Broadway debut starring as Persephone in Anais Mitchell’s Hadestown from Nov 2024 to Feb 2025. Russell’s memoir will be published by Little Brown, release date TBA.

Weekend Package: Buy a package for any 2 or more shows, and receive an additional 20% off your tickets!

JULIAN TAYLOR | OPENER

Julian Taylor is a Toronto-based, award-winning independent singer-songwriter, radio host, and label owner. Over 20-plus years as the leader of Staggered Crossing, Julian Taylor Band, and his solo work, Julian established himself as one of Canada’s great troubadours. He has earned four JUNO nominations, a pair of Canadian Folk Music Awards, five Native American Music Award nominations, and a nomination for the Polaris Music Prize.

SAT OCTOBER 25 | 7:30 PM | DRILL HALL

GENERAL ADMISSION SEATING: $55 (plus fees + taxes)

Weekend Package: Buy a package for any 2 or more shows, and receive an additional 20% off your tickets!

JULIAN TAYLOR | OPENER

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24

CAROLE POPE

7:30 PM | DRILL HALL | GENERAL ADMISSION SEATING: $39 (plus fees + taxes)

Carole Pope is an agent provocateur pushing the boundaries of sexuality, sexual politics, and the status quo, making you think and dance at the same time. Her work has been recognized with three Juno Awards, multiple independent music awards, a Genie Award. 4 gold, 1 platinum and 1 double platinum album.

Weekend Package: Buy a package for any 2 or more shows, and receive an additional 20% off your tickets!

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24

CAROLE POPE

7:30 PM | DRILL HALL | GENERAL ADMISSION SEATING: $39 (plus fees + taxes)

Weekend Package: Buy a package for any 2 or more shows, and receive an additional 20% off your tickets!

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25

SONGWRITERS CIRCLE

2 PM TO 5 PM | DRILL HALL | GENERAL ADMISSION SEATING: $39 (plus fees + taxes) | TICKET INCLUDES BOTH SESSIONS

Weekend Package: Buy a package for any 2 or more shows, and receive an additional 20% off your tickets!

FEATURING:

SONGWRITERS CIRCLE I

2 PM TO 3:15 PM | DRILL HALL

The first songwriter’s circle of the day features Lala Noel, James Keelaghan, and Rita di Ghent. Together, these 3 artists bring a mix of folk, jazz, soul, and storytelling to the stage—sharing songs and experiences that showcase the many voices of Canadian music. A 30 minute break will follow from 3:15 PM to 3:45 PM.

SONGWRITERS CIRCLE II

3:45 PM TO 5 PM | DRILL HALL

The second songwriter’s circle of the day brings together Ammoye, Miss Emily, KC Roberts and AHI. Blending reggae, soul, and funk-infused grooves, these artists create a dynamic exchange of songs and stories that highlight the power of rhythm, resilience, and raw emotion.

A NOTE FROM

SHAKURA S’AIDA

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

“Canadian Songwriters like Neil Young, The Guess Who, Alanis Morissette and The Weeknd have dominated the global music charts for close to 75 years. This is the first of what we hope to be an annual celebration of Canadian singer-songwriters.

We aim to create an intimate, unplugged artist experience for music lovers, artists and aspiring artists. In the age of AI, let’s keep the art of songwriting alive.” — Shakura S’Aida

A NOTE FROM

SHAKURA S’AIDA

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

“Canadian Songwriters like Neil Young, The Guess Who, Alanis Morisette and The Weeknd have dominated the global music charts for close to 75 years. This is the first of what we hope to be an annual celebration of Canadian singer-songwriters.

We aim to create an intimate, unplugged artist experience for music lovers, artists and aspiring artists. In the age of AI, let’s keep the art of songwriting alive.” — Shakura S’Aida

TICKET INFORMATION

Whether you’re looking to catch a single show or make the most of the festival with multiple performances, we’ve made it easy to plan your experience. Explore individual ticket prices below, or take advantage of our special weekend package for extra savings.

Ticket Price List
Carole Pope – General Admission Seating: $39 (plus fees + taxes)
Songwriters Circle – General Admission Seating: $39 (plus fees + taxes)
Allison Russell – General Admission Seating: $55 (plus fees + taxes)

Weekend Package: Buy a package for any 2 or more shows, and receive an additional 20% off your tickets!

Shakura S’Aida, acclaimed Americana roots soul singer/songwriter and Schitt’s Creek recurring actor, has thrilled global audiences in 31 countries with her exciting and dynamic showmanship.

The Summerfolk Festival has raved about the Toronto, Canada-based S’Aida’s “engaging, vivacious and exciting” performing style and her uncanny ability “to touch your soul,” while Donna Grantis (Prince, 3rd Eye Girl), her longtime co-producer and co-writer, praises the Brooklyn-born, Swiss-raised, three-time Juno Award nomineeas a “powerhouse vocalist whose artistic vision continually inspires me. Her captivating live shows bring people together to celebrate life and love.”

With four albums under her belt, Shakura S’Aida’s musical mission of unity is integral and through Shakura S’Aida Presents audiences and music creators are given the opportunity to explore and expand their relationships to music and community. “Music is a great connector,” says the 2024 recipient of the prestigious SOCAN Foundation’s “Her Music” Award. “I use it to uplift and remind people that they’re not alone; that we’re all community.”

Blending her soulful vocals with elevated harmony, Lala Noel has lent her voice, and rhythm guitar playing to a number of both local and international acts, including the likes of Aysanabee, Patrick Watson, Alessia Cara, July Talk, Zaki Ibrahim, Rich Aucoin,

The Queer Songbook Orchestra and Melbourne based rock band Kingswood. The young artist’s debut solo album “Edible Flowers” was released under her given name Kyla Charter, in the Spring of 2022 with support from the Ontario Arts Council and was welcomed into rotation nationally on CBC Radio, in addition to being a featured artist at the Toronto International Jazz Festival, Mariposa Folk Festival, Hillside Festival and more.

Noel also found time to perform and arrange vocals on Shakura Saida’s 2023 Juno award nominated “Hold On To Love”, Aysanabee’s 2023 Juno award nominated “Watin”, and has most recently co-written and co-produced on 2024 Juno award winning Alternative Album of the year “Here and Now”.

Keelaghan has spent decades weaving the past into melody — and in doing so, he’s become one of the genre’s most respected torchbearers. With his lilting baritone and rhythmic guitar work, Keelaghan creates songs that aren’t just heard — they’re felt. His music pulses with a kind of moral gravity, an undercurrent of justice and remembrance. He’s not afraid to explore the darker corners of the Canadian psyche, or to shine a light on injustice, both forgotten and ongoing

It’s the cinematic quality of his songs that sets Keelaghan apart. His work reads like history rendered in sepia, sung with both reverence and rebellion. It’s no surprise that he often draws comparisons to narrative giants like Stan Rogers or Gordon Lightfoot — but his voice, both literal and metaphorical, is distinctly his own.

Miss Emily is an 8th generation Prince Edward County born Soul-Blues-Americana singer/songwriter who recently celebrated her 21st year as a full-time artist.

A JUNO-nominee and International Songwriting Competition Winner, she recently received her third Female Vocalist of the Year win at the Maple Blues Awards. Emily loves connecting with audiences and being a mom.

Storyteller/musician Rita di Ghent is a Montreal Jazz Festival “Prix de Jazz” Nominee and a two-time “Jazz Vocalist of the Year” Nominee (National Jazz Awards). Her groundbreaking and original CD “The Birth of Sprawl” put Rita on the map.

Critics hailed her as “Electrifying…extraordinarily compelling” (South China Post) and “…one of the most interesting singers of the contemporary era…” (New York Times). di Ghent’s sophomore outing, “Sprawl Indigo”, was listed in Canada’s top 15 new jazz albums of the year, featuring more of di Ghent’s stunning, poetic and rapier observations of inner-city life.

With a voice like “gravel on silk”, Brampton-born songwriter AHI (pronounced “eye”) has learned to balance his instrument’s power across a colourful landscape of tightly-crafted lyrics, driving rhythms and catchy melodies, propelling him to the forefront of the contemporary Folk/Roots scene.

Beyond charting on Billboard, Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon, AHI has delivered captivating performances on CBS & NPR, earned 2 JUNO nominations and a Polaris Prize nod, garnered over 100 Million streams, and landed international tours with Mandy Moore and Milow, establishing AHI as one of Canada’s most exciting new voices.

Ammoye is a unique multidimensional vocalist raised in Reggae. Hailing from Clarendon, Jamaica, now residing in Toronto, Canada, this 7X Juno Award nominee is consistently invited to perform at high-profile events and festivals. With catchy melodies she reveals her buttery vocal range and an insatiable character. She is easily cast as one of Canada’s best Reggae-fusion vocalists and considered by many music tastemakers as Canadian Reggae’s “Next Big Thing”.

At Mundial Montreal 2022, Ammoye was awarded the prestigious Rideau Award. This honour is awarded by attending presenters, giving one exceptional artist the opportunity to showcase at the upcoming Rideau Conference (2023 in Quebec City). Ammoye also won the Kilimanjaro Music Awards (KMA) in 2022 for best music video for “On The Dock”, and in 2024 she was awarded the inaugural Reggae North Female Vocalist of the Year.

KC Roberts is a Toronto songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist blending soul, funk, rock, and folk into music that grooves as deeply as it tells stories.

As leader of KC Roberts & The Live Revolution, he’s released eight albums, toured internationally, and shared stages with icons like Rihanna, Lettuce, and Jimmy Cliff.

SHAKURA S’AIDA: Shakura S’Aida, acclaimed Americana roots soul singer/songwriter and Schitt’s Creek recurring actor, has thrilled global audiences in 31 countries with her exciting and dynamic showmanship.

The Summerfolk Festival has raved about the Toronto, Canada-based S’Aida’s “engaging, vivacious and exciting” performing style and her uncanny ability “to touch your soul,” while Donna Grantis (Prince, 3rd Eye Girl), her longtime co-producer and co-writer, praises the Brooklyn-born, Swiss-raised, three-time Juno Award nomineeas a “powerhouse vocalist whose artistic vision continually inspires me. Her captivating live shows bring people together to celebrate life and love.”

With four albums under her belt, Shakura S’Aida’s musical mission of unity is integral and through Shakura S’Aida Presents audiences and music creators are given the opportunity to explore and expand their relationships to music and community. “Music is a great connector,” says the 2024 recipient of the prestigious SOCAN Foundation’s “Her Music” Award. “I use it to uplift and remind people that they’re not alone; that we’re all community.”
LALA NOEL: Blending her soulful vocals with elevated harmony, Lala Noel has lent her voice, and rhythm guitar playing to a number of both local and international acts, including the likes of Aysanabee, Patrick Watson, Alessia Cara, July Talk, Zaki Ibrahim, Rich Aucoin,

The Queer Songbook Orchestra and Melbourne based rock band Kingswood. The young artist’s debut solo album “Edible Flowers” was released under her given name Kyla Charter, in the Spring of 2022 with support from the Ontario Arts Council and was welcomed into rotation nationally on CBC Radio, in addition to being a featured artist at the Toronto International Jazz Festival, Mariposa Folk Festival, Hillside Festival and more.

Noel also found time to perform and arrange vocals on Shakura Saida’s 2023 Juno award nominated “Hold On To Love”, Aysanabee’s 2023 Juno award nominated “Watin”, and has most recently co-written and co-produced on 2024 Juno award winning Alternative Album of the year “Here and Now”.
JAMES KEELAGHAN: Keelaghan has spent decades weaving the past into melody — and in doing so, he’s become one of the genre’s most respected torchbearers. With his lilting baritone and rhythmic guitar work, Keelaghan creates songs that aren’t just heard — they’re felt. His music pulses with a kind of moral gravity, an undercurrent of justice and remembrance. He’s not afraid to explore the darker corners of the Canadian psyche, or to shine a light on injustice, both forgotten and ongoing

It’s the cinematic quality of his songs that sets Keelaghan apart. His work reads like history rendered in sepia, sung with both reverence and rebellion. It’s no surprise that he often draws comparisons to narrative giants like Stan Rogers or Gordon Lightfoot — but his voice, both literal and metaphorical, is distinctly his own.
MISS EMILY: Miss Emily is an 8th generation Prince Edward County born Soul-Blues-Americana singer/songwriter who recently celebrated her 21st year as a full-time artist.

A JUNO-nominee and International Songwriting Competition Winner, she recently received her third Female Vocalist of the Year win at the Maple Blues Awards. Emily loves connecting with audiences and being a mom.
RITA DI GHENT: Storyteller/musician Rita di Ghent is a Montreal Jazz Festival “Prix de Jazz” Nominee and a two-time “Jazz Vocalist of the Year” Nominee (National Jazz Awards). Her groundbreaking and original CD “The Birth of Sprawl” put Rita on the map.

Critics hailed her as “Electrifying…extraordinarily compelling” (South China Post) and “…one of the most interesting singers of the contemporary era…” (New York Times). di Ghent’s sophomore outing, “Sprawl Indigo”, was listed in Canada’s top 15 new jazz albums of the year, featuring more of di Ghent’s stunning, poetic and rapier observations of inner-city life.
AHI: With a voice like “gravel on silk”, Brampton-born songwriter AHI (pronounced “eye”) has learned to balance his instrument’s power across a colourful landscape of tightly-crafted lyrics, driving rhythms and catchy melodies, propelling him to the forefront of the contemporary Folk/Roots scene.

Beyond charting on Billboard, Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon, AHI has delivered captivating performances on CBS & NPR, earned 2 JUNO nominations and a Polaris Prize nod, garnered over 100 Million streams, and landed international tours with Mandy Moore and Milow, establishing AHI as one of Canada’s most exciting new voices.
AMMOYE: Ammoye is a unique multidimensional vocalist raised in Reggae. Hailing from Clarendon, Jamaica, now residing in Toronto, Canada, this 7X Juno Award nominee is consistently invited to perform at high-profile events and festivals. With catchy melodies she reveals her buttery vocal range and an insatiable character. She is easily cast as one of Canada’s best Reggae-fusion vocalists and considered by many music tastemakers as Canadian Reggae’s “Next Big Thing”.

At Mundial Montreal 2022, Ammoye was awarded the prestigious Rideau Award. This honour is awarded by attending presenters, giving one exceptional artist the opportunity to showcase at the upcoming Rideau Conference (2023 in Quebec City). Ammoye also won the Kilimanjaro Music Awards (KMA) in 2022 for best music video for “On The Dock”, and in 2024 she was awarded the inaugural Reggae North Female Vocalist of the Year.
KC ROBERTS: KC Roberts is a Toronto songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist blending soul, funk, rock, and folk into music that grooves as deeply as it tells stories.

As leader of KC Roberts & The Live Revolution, he’s released eight albums, toured internationally, and shared stages with icons like Rihanna, Lettuce, and Jimmy Cliff.