Past Performing Artists

Mike Tanner - Past Host

Mike played Host at Riverdale Share for 10 years. He sings and plays guitar with local stalwarts the Circumstantialists, regularly rehabbing the dregs of last century’s pop catalogue. He is the City of Toronto’s Music Sector Development Officer. @abbottheleme

Jim Cuddy

Long-time Riverdale resident, Jim Cuddy, has written songs that have become indelible in the soundtrack of Canadian lives for over 35 years. With the release of his fourth solo album, Constellation, he adds ten songs to that extraordinary songbook. As one of the founding members and creative forces behind Blue Rodeo, Cuddy has received nearly every accolade Canada can bestow upon a musician, from the Order of Canada and induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, to countless JUNO Awards and a Star on Canada’s Walk of Fame. Behind it all, is a simple devotion to his craft as a songwriter, which remains Cuddy’s tireless pursuit after more than three decadesjimcuddy.com

Lorraine Segato

For the past 40 years Lorraine Segato has fueled an impressive artistic career that’s produced some excellent and edgy cultural work. Her extensive experience as Singer- Songwriter, Artistic Director, Filmmaker, and Social Justice Ambassador makes Segato one of Canada’s iconic recording artists and respected cultural commentators. Since the release of her CD Invincible Decency, she has also curated a Cultural Artifact Exhibit entitled QSW- The Rebel Zoneand is presently working on a new podcast series called Smolder. //www.lorrainesegato.com

Whitehorse

Since their debut, JUNO Award winning duo Whitehorse has evolved from magnetic folk duo to full-blown rock band. In truth, Whitehorse is never fully either one or the other, but an ever-evolving creative partnership that challenges both artists to explore new instrumental and lyrical terrain with each project. This fall, Whitehorse returns to the early days of electric blues with new songs from The Northern South Vol. 2, the second instalment of the band’s deep dive into 1950s/1960s blues. The Northern South Vol. 2 will be released in full in January 2019. whitehorsemusic.ca 

Riverdale residents all, they are purveyors of original soulful folkrock music with lush harmonies and heavy bass. Jen Schaffer is the lead singer, songwriter and acoustic guitarist. Simon Law is the band’s drummer, keyboardist, background vocalist and producer; Astrid Foster is on bass and sweet background harmonies; John Teshima plays guitar, both electric and acoustic, keyboards and adds background harmonies; Jonathan Marks contributes violin, viola and mandolin as well as background harmonies. 

Mia Sheard

Mia Sheard is a Riverdale-based singer and psychotherapist. She performs with Classic Albums Live, has hosted a Joni Mitchell tribute at Hugh’s Room for the past 10 years (pre-pandemic), and has released four albums of her own material. She is thrilled to be part of Riverdale Share again this year.

Suzy Wilde is an award-winning musical theatre composer, songwriter, arranger, and performer. She grew up singing funny songs with her mom, Nancy White, and has since performed with many local bands including Flashlight Radio, Stonefox, Dirty Dishes, and Wannabe, A Spice Girls Tribute ( in her spot-on portrayal of “Posh Spice”).

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

Dirty Dishes

Dirty Dishes is a boot-stomping’, harmony-driven roots-trio featuring Suzy Wilde, Lisa Olafson and Alison Porter. They’ve got mud on their boots and cowgirl crinolines, with a little bit of charm and a whole lotta sass. For over a decade, they’ve been breaking hearts and soothing souls at clubs, fairs, festivals and events across Canada. They are currently at home in Toronto recording their fourth album at Canterbury Studios. dirty-dishes.ca

Shella with Tim Bovaconti

The duo behind the band, Stella Panacci and Shelley Hamilton, blend country, roots, psychedelic pop and soul, with gorgeous vocal harmonies and melodies that pleasingly linger in the mind. In collaboration with one consummate guitar player, producer and fellow east ender, Tim Bovaconti, they recently released their debut album with an impressive kick-off party at The Hideout here in Toronto.

Shakura S'Aida​

Shakura S’Aida has performed at festivals in Dubai, Australia, Rwanda, and Russia, and acted in TV shows such as Schitt’s Creek and Lost Girl. This consummate entertainer has been thrilling audiences for years with her scorching vocal style and uncanny ability to deliver powerful original songs. Shakura richly demonstrates the multiculturalism that Canada prides itself on. shakurasaida.com

Tim Bovaconti with Patrick Allcock

Tim is a multi-instrumentalist performer, producer, and musical director with Toronto studio Tim’s Garage. He has been a fixture on the Canadian music scene for years, having backed up artists such as Ron Sexsmith, Kim Stockwood, Leonard Cohen, Kevin Hearn (Barenaked Ladies), Ray Davies, Rodriguez, and many more. This past summer Tim toured with Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings. He has a new album of his own coming out before the end of the year titled, “Again” @timbovaconti @timsgaragerecording

Patrick is a multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter who has been playing and recording music since the 1980s. Over the years he’s contributed to a number of compilation and tribute albums and has written an original score for an award-winning documentary. Currently, Patrick can be seen and heard on Toronto stages with the Tim Bovaconti Band and is also planning a special showcase performance of songs from his most recent release, ‘Where I Used To Be’. 

Blair Packham

On any given day, Blair Packham could be co-writing a song for his next album, or singing songs on a ship above the Arctic Circle, or playing a show on Camden Street in Dublin, or in Toronto co-hosting his radio show on Newstalk 1010, or teaching a class in songwriting at Seneca College, or leading a session at SongStudio – his annual songwriting workshop at the Royal Conservatory of Music. In the 80s, he was best known as the lead singer for The Jitters, the power pop band that enjoyed Top Ten success in Canada. Thirty years later, Blair’s songs are still heard on the radio from coast-to-coast. He’s a natural storyteller, and like his songs, his stories are often funny, and sometimes heartbreaking. Blair treasures his time on stage, whether solo or with his acoustic trio, The Impossible Dream. Currently, Blair is planning the band’s debut album, and working on new recordings of some very interesting collaborations. blairpackham.com

Mika Haensel

Mika is a Grade 10 student at Rosedale Heights School of the Arts. He has performed in several musicals including, Secret Garden, Newsies, Matilda, Musicman, Urinetown, SpongeBob, Legally Blonde, and is currently in rehearsal for a production of Freaky Friday, with Mainstage Theatre Company. He is thrilled to be performing alongside such amazing artists to support local charities in our community.

Arlene Bishop

Following the creation of the live album ‘Together Tonight’, performing songwriter Arlene Bishop is working on a new secret project. The beloved live album released in 2018 featured her Spirit of Adventure vorchestra of 31 live singers and a crack band. Joining her on stage for Riverdale Share are: Yawd Sylvester, Jane Harbury, Joanne Ingrassia, Beverly Kreller, Howard Druckman and Nanci Jandrisits. Arlene’s new secret project will combine her signature dark songs, funny banter, deep wit, and big heart, with the humble – yet totally attainable – goal of saving the world. arlenebishop.com

SHAK SHAK

Following the creation of the live album ‘Together Tonight’, performing songwriter Arlene Bishop is working on a new secret project. The beloved live album released in 2018 featured her Spirit of Adventure vorchestra of 31 live singers and a crack band. Joining her on stage for Riverdale Share are: Yawd Sylvester, Jane Harbury, Joanne Ingrassia, Beverly Kreller, Howard Druckman and Nanci Jandrisits. Arlene’s new secret project will combine her signature dark songs, funny banter, deep wit, and big heart, with the humble – yet totally attainable – goal of saving the world. 

The Withrow Junior Choir​

Comprised of 35 students from Grades 4 to 6, the Withrow Junior Choir has a long and rich history of excellence in performance at Kiwanis and the TDSB’s annual concert at Massey Hall. More importantly to us, we perform with our other school ensembles, raise money for Regent Park School of Music by participating in Music Monday, and share our music with the patients at Bridgepoint Hospital. We love to sing – we work hard – and we are devoted to giving back to our community.

The Eastview Children's Dance Group

The Eastview Children’s Dance Group was formed in 1996. Their instructor, Du Li, was a professional dancer and leading member of her troupe in her hometown (Shaanxi, China). Our young performers are between the ages of 4 and 8 and most have been training since they were 4 years old. They embody the spirit of Chinese folk dancing, captivating audiences with their traditional costumes and vibrant energy.

Torrent Productions

Torrent Productions is a professional east-end theatre company dedicated to creating, developing and producing musical theatre for the whole family. They produce a popular, annual, holiday pantomime at the Royal Canadian Legion 1/42 on Coxwell at Gerrard for their community. The 3rd Annual Panto, CINDERELLA – A Merry Magical Pantomime, is running from December 21stto 30th. #cinderellaatgerrardandcoxwella #gerrardandcoxwell #EastEndLove #Ilovepanto  www.torrentproductions.com

Past Riverdale Share Band Members

Russ Boswell - Bass​​

Russ Boswell has toured extensively with David Wilcox, Corey Hart, Colm Wilkinson, Seals and Crofts, Ian Thomas, Marc Jordan, The Parachute Club, Holly Cole and many more. He can be heard on numerous recordings including: Serena Ryder, David Wilcox, Corey Hart, Charlie Major, The Rankin Family, Russell deCarle, Harry Manx,  Colm Wilkinson to name a few. Theatre credits include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Hair!, Rent, Hairspray, Dirty Dancing, Rock of Ages and Kinky Boots. Russ is a fixture of the Riverdale Share Concert, having missed only two shows in its full 26-year history. //www.russboswell.com

Danny Greenspoon - Guitar

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. //www.theaudiotruck.com

Wendell Ferguson - Guitar​

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. //www.wendellferguson.com.

Patrick Hornsby - Piano

Patrick lives in Riverdale with his wife Karen and son Dexter.  He works as a teacher for the TDSB and teaches private piano lessons at his home.  He has performed at the Montreal, Ottawa and Halifax jazz festivals and has recorded for CBC Maritimes. Today he is also replaces Steve Briggs as bandleader while Steve tours with Quartet.

Bruce Moffett - Drums​

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. //cherryjamrehearsal.co

John Sheard - Piano

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.

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.

Scott Marshall - Saxophone​

Toronto–based saxophonist, composer, and arranger Scott Marshall is highly sought-after for his skills within the jazz community, film and television world, and Toronto music scene. Scott’s compositions have been featured on his own releases: The Scott Marshall Trio Face It, The Scott Marshall Quartet Nine Moments of Time and Vignettes. He also co-produced and arranged all the music for singer Lyne Tremblay’s CD Break and Enter. In addition to recording he has performed with a lengthy and diverse list of accomplished musicians including: Norah Jones, Johnny Mathus, The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Shuffle Demons, and the Juno-winning big-band NOJO, not to mention Wynton Marsalis stopping by to sit in with his quartet.  scottdouglasmarshall.com

Gord Meyers – 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.

Kevin Turcotte – Trumpet

Kevin has played on more than one hundred recordings over the last twenty years. From the Barenaked Ladies, Bruce Cockburn, Mr. Something Something, Planet Earth, Great Uncles of the Revolution, Jayme Stone, The Sicilian Jazz Project and Ricochet. He is a long-time member of Rob McConnell and the Boss Brass, the Barry Elmes Quintet featuring Ed Bickert and Time Warp. A past teacher of the University of Toronto Jazz Degree program he is now teaching at York University. www.canadianjazzarchive.org/en/musicians/kevin-turcotte.html

Zach Smith – Trombone

Zach Smith is a trombonist, low brass doubler and electric bassist based in Toronto. Zach studied at the University of Toronto, graduating with a Bachelor’s of Music in Jazz Performance (honours). He now enjoys an active freelance career, in addition to being a performing member of bands Big Smoke Brass and KC Roberts & the Live Revolution. Zach also enjoys working as a music instructor, teaching students in a variety of settings.

Jonathan Marks - Violin​

Jonathan Marks is a classically-trained violinist and a founding member of the Club Django Sextet of Toronto.  “He’s a little young to pass for violin legend Stephane Grappelli, but Jonathan Marks has a good handle on how to swing and how to deliver sweet melodies” (Geoff Chapman, Toronto Star).  Jonathan performs regularly with several groups in Toronto, playing styles which include traditional jazz, musette,and folk/roots. Today he’ll also being play with Jen Schaffer and the Shiners. jonathonmarks.com

Anne Lindsay - Violin​

Award-winning violinist Anne Lindsay has established herself as one of the most engaging and versatile instrumentalists in Canada, adapting her unique violin/fiddle style to the eclectic sounds and musical languages of this country’s rich cultural texture. In addition to being an artist in her own right, she has also performed with The Chieftains, Led Zeppelin, Roger Daltry, Jim Cuddy, Dionne Warwick and Natalie McMaster among many others. She is also an accomplished composer and arranger for documentary film, stage, CDs and radio / TV.

Shelley Coppersmith - Violin

Since 1970s Shelley has toured/recorded on fiddle/violin, mandolins, guitar and vocals with such artists as Sylvia Tyson, Tamarack/Alex Sinclair, Cameron Family Singers, Donné Roberts, Kyp Harness, Mr Rick’s Tin Pan Jazz Band, Michelle Rumball among many others. She can most recently be found performing in and around the city with Chris Staig and The Marquee Players.

Aaron Dell -Violin

Aaron has been studying classical violin since the age of 10. He graduated from Wexford Collegiate School for the Arts in 2012 and was involved in the school band all four years. He has studied with the RCM up to level 9 in piano and 10 in violin. Currently Aaron is in his graduating year at Ryerson’s Theatre Performance Production program.




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