CHRIS MCKHOOL
Chris is a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal recipient for his work creating community through music, producing, composing and playing violin with BILLBOARD-charting Sultans of String, with CDs earning three JUNO Award nominations and six Canadian Folk Music Awards out of eleven nominations. He has also composed, recorded and performed with diverse artists including Béla Fleck, Nikki Yanofsky, Jesse Cook, Paddy Moloney and the Chieftains, Alex Cuba, Richard Bona, Crystal Shawanda and Ken Whiteley. In his role as producer, McKhool has won Producer of the Year in the Canadian Folk Music Awards, and the Independent Music Awards.
Chris is also a JUNO nominated, CFMA winning children’s entertainer with three Parent’s Choice Awards, and created the world’s largest bicycle bell orchestra at Yonge-Dundas Square!
SUSAN BAKER
Susan has been involved with Riverdale Share since its early days and has had the role of Artistic Director and Co-Producer for the past 20. She had received both a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and a Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal for her work in the community. In real-life Susan is a real estate agent and specializes in the east end. After a lifetime in Riverdale, she now lives on the Island and volunteers with the Art Galley at the Riviera and the Spadina Fort York Community Cares Foodbank.
3x JUNO nominees and 6x CFMA winners Sultans of String create “Energetic and exciting music from a band with talent to burn!” (Maverick Magazine UK). Thrilling their audiences with their genre-hopping passport of Celtic reels, flamenco, Django-jazz, Arabic and Cuban rhythms, Sultans of String celebrate musical fusion and human creativity with warmth and virtuosity. Fiery violin dances with rumba-flamenco guitar, while bass lays down unstoppable grooves. Acoustic strings meet with electronic wizardry to create layers and depth of sound, while world rhythms excite audiences to their feet with the irresistible need to dance.
Equally at home in a festival, concert hall, or club, the Sultans have gigged at JUNOfest, NYC’s legendary Birdland, and London’s Trafalgar Square. They have played live on CBC’s Canada Live, BBC-TV, Irish National Radio, and SiriusXM in Washington DC, and will be collaborating with luminaries including Ken Whiteley, Amanda Martinez, Aviva Chernick and more at Hugh’s Room Live on December 21!
Juno nominees and winners of the Canadian Folk Music Award for Vocal Group of the Year, Amanda Walther and Sheila Carabine of Dala write and sing in harmony best described as angelic. They have released six albums and toured extensively across North America, opening for artists such as Tom Cochrane, Chantal Kreviazuk and Stuart McLean of the CBC’s Vinyl Café. “Dala seem bound for a loftier place where substance stands equal to style.” The Irish Times
No stranger to Canadian and International audiences, Russell deCarle is recognized as the lead singer and a founding member of award-winning multi-platinum country-roots group Prairie Oyster. For over a decade, he has concentrated on his solo career, and has released four recordings, the most recent being The End of the Road.
Riverdale residents all (but one), Jen Schaffer and the Shiners hail from Toronto via Montreal, Welland and the UK! They are purveyors of original soulful folkrock music with lush harmonies and heavy bass.
Jen Schaffer is the lead singer, songwriter and acoustic guitarist. Longtime musician, since her days growing up in Montreal, Jen came to songwriting via a stint as a public defender in the Appalachian foothills of Ohio, where she gained a love of alt-country music and a heightened social conscience. Her self-penned works, speak of love, struggle and injustice and are sharply focused through the lens of her own life journey.
The Shiners include Simon Law drummer, keyboardist, background vocalist and producer, who is also a two-time Grammy winner and original member of UK collective, Soul II Soul, and songwriter of their hit, Back to Life. John Teshima, arranger electric and acoustic guitar, bass, keyboards and background harmonies. Dorothy Hwang, mandolin, keyboards, percussion and background harmonies. Hideki Kumagai is on bass. And occasional Shiner is Emmanuel Szeptycki, Jen’s offspring and violinist, who contributes guitar, vocals and fiddle to the band when not a Concordia University music student.
Recording and releasing music since 2009, the band’s latest release from October 7, 2024 is the single, The Rift, available where all music is digitally sold and streamed.
Mia and John Sheard
Mia Sheard is a Riverdale-based singer and psychotherapist. She has released four albums of her own material, and has been touring as a singer with Classic Albums Live for the past 17 years. Mia also hosts an annual Joni Mitchell tribute at Hugh’s Room. She is thrilled to be performing with her brother John this year at the Riverdale Share Concert.
John Sheard is a Toronto pianist, producer and composer. He has worked with Art Garfunkel, Rita MacNeil, Ian Tyson, Dan Hill, Rita Coolidge, Olivia Newton-John, Mary-Margaret O’Hara, Celine Dion, Willie P. Bennett, David Wilcox, The Guess Who, Buster Poindexter, Rough Trade, and many others. John was music director for Stuart McLean’s Vinyl Cafe touring show from 1997–2015 and has released 8 solo piano recordings.
Daniel Schmidt
Daniel is a 16 year old singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who primarily plays folk-rock and country. Based in Toronto, right here in Riverdale, he is inspired by the likes of Steve Earle, John Prine, Neil Young and Jason Aldean. Daniel recently performed at the Summerfolk music festival in Owen Sound as a Youth Discoveries winner. He is very excited to perform at Riverdale Share having been an attendee, volunteer and performer on stage with his elementary school choir back in the day. Find Daniel on Instagram and YouTube @danielschmidtmusic.
Teddy Hawkins
Currently celebrating 50 years in the music biz. Singer, drummer, recording artiste, raconteur, bon vivant. Good ol country, rockabilly, jazz, blues and Hawaiian music! Currently with Thelonious Hank, Danny Marks Combo, The Hulagoons, Root Down Organ Trio.
TRAINWRECK is East Toronto’s favourite party band, and recent winner of the Judge’s Choice at Govfest 2023 Battle of the Bands. Fronted by Rick Miller, TRAINWRECK’s been rolling between Montreal and Toronto for over a decade, playing bars, festivals, private parties, fundraisers, corporate and community events. We aim to delight and surprise with every song – a ‘wrecking’ good time! Featuring Miller (vocals, guitar & harmonica), Pete Gray (keys), Don Macdonald (bass, guitar & banjo), Tait Sala (bass), Mark Franco (drums), Robin Vaughan (lead guitar & tenor sax), Stephanie Baptist (vocals & percussion), Karen Dalton (alto sax), Victoria Wickett (trumpet), and Emerson Berglund (trombone).
The Daniel-Raums
Oskar and Eero are thrilled to be appearing at Riverdale Share for the fourth time. The Daniel-Raum family band started during the pandemic when Rosie, Oskar, and Eero joined their parents and sister Roxanne to put on front porch concerts, which became a highlight of the summer for family and neighbours alike. Oskar and Eero are multi-instrumentalists and play in many styles from classical to blues. They study at the Taylor Academy (RCM) and Humber College respectively. During the last couple of years, Oskar and Eero were excited to be engaged for several street parties, the Frankland BooBash, the Toronto BluesFest, Summer Music in the Garden, as well as regular appearances at the Artful Dodger Pub under the mentorship of the magnificent Steve Briggs from Kitchen Music Studios.
Rebecca Campbell
Rebecca Campbell is a freelance singer, musician, songwriter, choral arranger, live event producer, arts worker and activist. She plays Stella guitar, percussion, harmonica, and melodica. But mostly, she sings. She is an interpreter and a collaborator, creating music in multiple genres, up front and backup, on stage and behind the scenes. She began her career in Ottawa, and has called Toronto home since 1996. She has performed alongside countless individuals and ensembles for four decades, on stages large and tiny, across Canada, the US, and the world. Her voice has graced the big and small screen, her choral arrangements have been sung by choirs across the world, and she has sung on over 150 recordings.
Showcasing our youngest ballerinas at Riverdale Share, we are so proud to be a part of this important concert. Artists’ Play delivers fun, high quality training in dance and circus for all ages in the Riverdale, Leslieville communities. Whether you want recreational or a more professional stream we have it all. Our sister company SkyDancers Entertainment provides entertainment across the GTA at weddings, corporate events and works closely with the Toronto Botanical Gardens to provide seasonal full length productions.
Kristin is Owner and Co-Director (with partner Steve) of Kitchen Music Studios, a small but vibrant music school in Riverdale. When she manages to escape the studio, Kristin is also a singer, performing and recording with local Toronto musicians, and has also been known to lead many a sing-along, especially in the month of December. One of her favourite projects that she has developed recently is a community choir (Kitchen Music Voices), whom she absolutely loves to sing with every Thursday night.
Kristin is a passionate mom to her two adult children, Cameron and Duncan (also veteran Riverdale Share volunteers and performers), who serve as a constant source of joy and inspiration in her life.
Tony Nolasco
Tony Nolasco’s first influence in the music business came in 1962 when he heard Little Stevie Wonder. In 1966, after stepping foot into Yorkville Village at age 16, his musical journey with McKenna Mendelson Mainline took him to England and a record deal with Liberty/United Artists, sharing the bill with Jimi Hendrix in Amsterdam and the likes of Rod Steward, Jeff Beck and John Lee Hooker back in North America. A close friendship with a talented musician named James Ambrose Johnson…aka Rick James, took another turn and Mr. Nolasco put a project together that took Rick to Motown Records in 1978. Tony and Rick put together the Mary Jane Girls in 1982. An all girl group whose inaugural album was a tremendously successful international hit!
Tony’s earliest influence came full circle with him meeting and spending time with Stevie Wonder in Los Angeles. Receiving gold records from the Record Industry of America and an American Music Award from Dick Clark are highlights in Tony’s career that speak for themselves.
Frankland School Choir
The Frankland Choir is made up of students in Grades 4–6 who love to sing. The choir will also be performing at the winter concert at Frankland Community School. The choir is led by guest director, Tom Roedding, and supported by Frankland’s music teacher, Maggie Kalt.
Sproai
In case you are wondering, it’s pronounced “Spree”. Spraoi is a collection of musicians who create a unique blend of traditional Irish/Canadian and European sounds. The band is brought together through the sessions at Noonan’s Irish Pub on a Thursday night. Their alter ego the “Cabbagetown Ceili Band”play wedding ceilis and dances. Spraoi continues to bring the best of the Irish tradition to Canadian audiences.
Santa Claus and the Elves
In 31 years, Santa hasn’t missed a Riverdale Share Concert and we’ve already confirmed that he will be here again this year! He claims it’s his very favourite event and he always makes time to drop into the Big Carro,to stock up on organic food he can’t find at the North Pole, Treasure Island Toys for any missing items, and Cinespace to make sure they are working on new Christmas movies! Its not too late to send him a note at Dear Santa.
The Riverdale Share Band
Tom is back once again with the goal of providing new arrangements for each act. “It’s a pleasure to be a part of such a wonderful creative team, not to mention the fantastically high calibre of each of the musicians involved”. Tom has 3 solo CDs of orchestrated instrumentals including a new collection titled “Better Leighton than Never!”
Steve has played in the Riverdale Share band for many years and joined the artistic team in 2004. He is an accomplished freelance guitar player and founding member of the western swing band the Bebop Cowboys Swing-a-Billy Orchestra. As a music instructor, he is the Director of Kitchen Music Studios in Riverdale with his partner Kristin, in addition to teaching at Seneca@York. He has been featured as “Best Guitar Instructor” in Toronto Life Magazine and has released two instructional CDs.
Rhythm Section
Victor Bateman - Bass
Bassist Victor Bateman has been actively involved in music in Toronto since 1981. He currently plays with Canadian music icon Murray McLauchlan, as well as the songwriter supergroup Lunch at Allen’s. When not touring Canada he plays with blues artist Sugar Brown, faux Hawaiian ensemble The Hulagoons, and anyone else who asks. Occasionally he leads The Victor Bateman Trio, a band that expertly blends jazz, blues, country and improvised music in an entertaining fashion. He’s very happy to be doing Riverdale Share this year and would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas.
Rob Gusevs - Piano
Rob Gusevs has had the opportunity to play keyboards in a variety of musical settings over the course of the last 5 decades including live work, studio recording and theatre work. Having spent time on the road and recorded with artists as diverse as Kelly Jay (remember Crowbar),Shawne Jackson, Domenic Troiano, BB Gabor, The Arrows, Bruce Cockburn,Banda Brava, Manteca, The Men from U.N.C.L.E, Long John Baldry, The Last Waltz, David Clayton-Thomas,and shared the stage with others like Tom Scott,Dave Valentin,Tito Puente, Paul Butterfield, Wavey Gravy(of Woodstock fame), Hennie Becker, and members Bill Payne and Ritchie Hayward of Little Feat he’s had a bit of a mashup of influences from R&R to R&B with more than a spattering of Pop, Latin and a few left turns to boot. Being involved in the pit with a number of Mirvish productions ranging from Tommy, Mama Mia, We Will Rock You, The Rat Pack and Dirty Dancing, as well as having recorded with a number of artists over the last half century, has brought him to this point and looking forward to more fun making music.
Bruce is the one constant in all the years of The Share House Band. At the time of the first Share concert Bruce was a full time member of award winning country band Prairie Oyster, as well as playing with Mary Margaret O’Hara, Corey Hart, Tom Cochrane, Allana Myles and many more. Bruce now also spends his time running Cherry Jam Rehearsal Studios and PRB his company that provides rental equipment to musicians.
Danny is a multi-platinum, award-winning record producer, recording engineer and guitar player. He has produced over fifty albums, including Great Big Sea, Ian Tyson, Colm Wilkinson, Sophie Milman, Jane Bunnett and Spirit of the West, that have garnered 4 Juno Awards and seven EMCAs. As a guitarist he has performed with Murray McLauchlan, Kate and Anna McGarrigle, Sylvia Tyson and The Great Speckled Bird, and The Romaniacs.
Wendell Ferguson
Wendell Ferguson’s never worked a day in his life. He just plays the guitar. He’s won “Guitar Player of the Year” six years in a row at the Canadian Country Music Awards. His CD; “Wendell Live: The $#!T Hits the Fans” was nominated for the CCMA Album of the Year. His “Menage a Moi” won the 2010 Canadian Folk Music Award for Solo Instrumental. In 2014, Wendell was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame.
Horns
John McLeod - Trumpet
John MacLeod has led a distinguished career spanning 40 years on the Canadian music scene. His first major national and international exposure was as a soloist with Rob McConnell and the Boss Brass, beginning in 1983. His playing can be heard on many Boss Brass albums including 2 Grammy Award winners. As a composer and arranger he has scored music for everything from string quartets up to full symphonic orchestra. His big band arrangements can be found in the repertoires of professional and student groups all over Canada, the U.S.A. Europe and Asia. He has also completed several orchestral projects which he has conducted at Roy Thompson Hall and the famous Carnegie Hall in New York City. John’s big band The Rex Hotel Orchestra has recorded 3 CDs; their debut album OUR FIRST SET was awarded a Juno for the best jazz album of year 2011. John is also active as an educator, teaching at both U of T, and Humber College.
Sean O'Connor - Saxophone
Recognized Canadian saxophonist Sean O’Connor has been sharing the stages in Toronto for some 30 years. A graduate from both York University and Humber College in jazz performance, he currently performs and teaches in the Toronto area and divides his time between Canada and Europe, working with various artists in France. As a freelancer, he has worked with such artists as: Cecil Taylor, Kenny Wheeler, Sam Rivers, Don Bryon, Joe Lovano, Pat La Barbera, Ray Anderson, Trey Anastasio, Ron Sexsmith, Phil Nimmons, Molly Johnson, The Drifters.
Gord Myers - Trombone
Gord has made his living as a freelance trombonist and teacher since 1975. He has worked in numerous theatre orchestras including such productions as Crazy For You, Ragtime, The Lion King, The Producers and Dirty Dancing as well as R&B bands, recording sessions and Jazz Festival stages. He has also enjoyed stints with the Charlottetown and Shaw Festival orchestras. Gord teaches at York University and has enjoyed being a member of the Riverdale Share horn section for many years.
Strings
Anne Lederman - Violin
Fiddle/singer/composer/storyteller/multi-instrumentalist, Anne has done ground-breaking musical work over 40 years, reviving Canadian traditions (including Manitoba Métis music) and creating new ones. A founding member of Muddy York (Canadian Trad), The Flying Bulgar Klezmer Band, Fiddlesong (original), Eh?! (fiddle-based) and Kalimbas-at-Work (Cameroon-Canadian), she has five CDs under her own name and over 50 with other artists/ensembles.
Erika Raum - Violin
Erika Raum is a three time Grammy Award nominated chamber musician, and winner of the Joseph Szigeti International Violin Competition in Budapest. She has performed concertos with orchestras across the country and abroad, including the Toronto, Winnipeg, Vancouver, Calgary and National Arts Centre symphony orchestras. She is on faculty at the Glenn Gould School at the Royal Conservatory as well as the University of Toronto. She lives in Riverdale with composer Omar Daniel, and their children, Rosie, and triplets Roxanne, Oskar, and Eero.
Grace Wride - Violin
American born violinist, Grace Wride, is a sought after musician known for her versatile skills as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral player. Grace has seen great success in
competitions, receiving prizes at Silver State, Bushell, Music Teachers National Association and Nevada Allstate Command Performance Competition. Some previous performance highlights include recitals in the United States and Canada with performances of works by Vitali, Sarasate, and Mozart alongside The Nevada School of the Arts Chamber Orchestra and Henderson Symphony. Grace was later awarded the Grand Prize with the Barber Violin concerto during the Henderson Symphony Young Artist Concerto Competition.
