Ken Dunn’s music "sneaks into you feet, heart, and soul."        - No Depression, The Roots Music Journal

Ken writes, performs, and records with the intention of promoting peace, social, and environmental justice. Alternatively light-hearted and pensive, contemporary, yet infused with tradition, this is music focused on positive human values, with diversity and inclusivity at its core.

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REVISITING WONDROUS BEAUTY 

It's been an eventful winter, navigating the nomadic lifestyle with my family in our camper van, traversing the diverse landscapes of America. While I've occasionally performed at small venues, I've primarily taken a break from live shows, a hiatus that's proven both rejuvenating and enriching. This period has allowed me to rediscover some of my earlier compositions, many of which had faded into the recesses of my memory. One of the downsides of crafting hundreds of songs over the span of several decades, I suppose. 

One rainy afternoon a few days ago, in Burnaby, B.C., I found myself revisiting a particular tune - the title track from my 2017 album, "Wondrous Beauty." I hope you enjoy it, and may your day be filled with wonder and beauty as well.

NEW REVIEW FROM SWEDEN FOR ANTHOLOGY VOLUME 2 

Well I must say that I am humbled by this latest review. Many thanks to Tom Arvidsson at Thirsty Boots in Sweden. Of course, it's in Swedish, but the English translation is further down.
In a nutshell: "There is a clarity and a conviction in Canadian Ken Dunn's music. Most songwriters would be proud to have such a strong treasure of songs to choose from. Ken has a big heart for peace and justice and he writes his songs with a firm belief that love and understanding can save the world". Let's hope so !!

FINDING HARMONY IN ADVERSITY: A MUSICAL JOURNEY OF RECOVERY AND CREATIVITY 

Greetings, music enthusiasts! It's been an eventful summer, culminating in a unique twist of fate. Just as I wrapped up my Ontario tour, a curveball came my way in the form of a Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) injury, sidelining me for what seems like an eternity. However, as luck would have it, I find myself convalescing in the sunny embrace of Florida, turning an unexpected hiatus into a period of reflection and creative exploration.

Amidst the challenges of recovery, I've discovered a silver lining that has allowed me to delve into creative projects I've long yearned to pursue. One such endeavor involves harnessing the power of new Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to breathe new life into the production of video for my recorded material. These tools have opened up a realm of possibilities, and I've been diligently working on a series of videos for some of my compositions.

Today, I'm excited to share with you one of these creations – a video for my instrumental tune, "Dance of the Winter Fairies", which was recently re-released on Anthology, Volume 2. The enchanting melodies and visual elements come together in a symphony, capturing the essence of this magical piece. I hope it brings a touch of warmth to those in the northern climes, a reminder that even in the coldest of winters, music has the power to kindle the spirit. 

As the year winds down, my focus on these creative projects becomes a beacon of positivity. It's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the ability to find inspiration even in challenging times. While I eagerly anticipate my return to live performances in the new year, I invite you to join me on this digital journey.

Thank you for your continued support and encouragement. Your positive energy fuels my recovery and propels me forward. Here's to the healing power of music and the promise of a new chapter in the coming year. Until then, stay tuned for more musical adventures and, hopefully, a swift return to the stage. Wishing you warmth and creativity wherever you are.

Yours in melody, Ken
 

THANK YOU ONTARIO !! 


Dear friends and music enthusiasts,

What an enchanting musical summer it has been, touring the beautiful province of Ontario, from the vibrant city of Ottawa to my charming home town of Windsor, and all the incredible points in between. From the Folk Music Ontario conference in London to the unforgettable moments spent with my talented friends Doug MacArthur and Ian Tamblyn in Quebec, this journey has truly been an experience I will always cherish.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who graced my shows with your presence, your energy, and your love for music. Your support means the world to me, and it's what keeps the melodies flowing.

A special shout-out to Anna for her unwavering support, and for backing me up on several occasions, sharing in the magic of the music and the road. Your presence has been a blessing.

As we wrap up this incredible musical summer, I look back with a heart full of appreciation and forward with anticipation for more musical adventures to come. Time for a little R & R. Thank you for being a part of this journey, and let's keep the music alive.

With immense gratitude, Ken 🎶✨🚐

#MagicalMusicalSummer #OntarioTour #FolkMusicOntario #MusicalJourney #Gratitude #MusicCommunity #SupportLocalArtists #AnnaAppreciation #RoadAdventures #KenDunnMusic #SummerMemories 🎶✨🚐

FREEWHEELIN' ON CFMU 93.3 FM  

 

It sure was great to be back on Jim Marino's FREEWHEELIN' FOLK SHOW. Jim has been broadcasting the finest folk music around for the past 29 years on Hamilton, Ontario's CFMU 93.3 FM at McMaster University.

You can listen to the entire interview, as well as my live performance, and some tunes from ANTHOLOGY, VOLUME 2 by clicking on this link: https://kendunnmusic.com/track/3496179/cfmu-july-2023

 

SO GREAT TO BE BACK TOURING IN ONTARIO  

As much as I love wandering across this continent playing music, it is always a special treat coming home to my home province of Ontario. As June begins to wind down, I would like to express my gratitude for the continuing support of fans, venues, and media, as I close in on the half way mark of this wonderful summer tour. Please check my upcoming shows as the tour continues until October. Hope to see you soon. And don’t forget, I would love to perform a house concert in your home town. As a special treat, Anna may continue to join me on several future dates 🎶💕 Stay tuned!

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UPCOMING SHOWS

Previous events

PLAY MUSIC ON THE PORCH WORLDWIDE HOUSE CONCERT

Osgoode, Ontario

I will be heading back to Eastern Ontario for a couple of shows, including this outdoor house concert celebrating WORLDWIDE PLAY MUSIC ON THE PORCH DAY in Osgoode, the rural south end of Ottawa with "the singing nurse" - Amy-Lynn Howson and special guest appearance by the duo Gypsy Starfish (Anna Green & Ken Dunn). Although this is a private event, if you would like to attend, please IG @amylynnhowson. Snacks will be provided, and donations accepted! Doors open 6:00pm, music starts @ 7pm.

I will be performing again with Amy-Lynn Howson and April Rick at Vibration Studios in Osgoode the following afternoon 🎶💕😀

KAWARTHA COUNTRY WINES

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Kawartha Country Wines, 2452 County Road 36, Buckhorn, Ontario

This is your invitation to join Ken Dunn and Gypsy Starfish (with Anna Green) for a concert of inspired original folk-oriented tunes along with some classic covers. Sample the vintages, paired with wood fired pizza, kick back and enjoy the vibe at this boutique winery in the heart of the Kawartha Lakes! No cover!

SONGWRITERS IN THE ROUND

Desboro Music Hall, Desboro, Ontario

Featuring KAREN MORAND, KEN DUNN, and GILLIAN NICOLA. Come enjoy a fantastic evening of stories and songs! All three musicians will be on the stage together. Each performer will tell a story and play their song before rotating to the next performer. We’ll have an hour of songs with a half hour break before another set of music. DOORS OPEN: 6:30pm MUSIC STARTS: 7:30pm

$25 + SC

HARBOURSIDE CONCERT SERIES

Harbourside Stage , Lion's Head, Ontario

I am looking forward to performing at this year's Harbourside Concert Series along with Johnny Ballard and Bill Muir. Come celebrate Canada Day in Lion's Head on the beautiful Bruce Peninsula. The Harbourside Stage will see the return of its namesake Concert series in the Summer of 2022. Starting June 17, every Friday night until September 2, music lovers are invited to head down to the Harbourside Stage, near the Lion’s Head Beach Pavilion for 7:00 p.m. Bring a lawn chair, and/or a blanket and enjoy an evening of music with family and friends.

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE SHOWCASE

FOLK MUSIC NOTEBOOK, Bergenfield, New Jersey

I am looking forward to being the featured artist on this edition of Folk Music Notebook's "Artist in Residence Showcase" with Ron Olesko! The show Premieres Friday July 1st, at noon ET with several encore performances over the weekend - Friday at 6pm ET, Saturday at 1am ET and 7amET, and Sunday at 10am and 2pm ET. This allows for airings at decent times for time zones around the world. Listen in at www.FolkMusicNotebook.com & catch the video on the Folk Music Notebook YouTube page - https://youtu.be/tP7FydB4BF4

EXTREME TOUR SHOWCASE

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Zelma Wagonner Performance Hall, Jackson Center For Music, 335 Murfreesboro Pike, Nashville, Tennessee

I am looking forward to performing a showcase for The Extreme Tour, along with fellow musicians Cara-Mel, Aaron Bell, Robert Anthony Band, Angelo Gonzales, The Sun Bodies, Mercedes Nodarse, Prince Lit, Beyond Chaotic, and Sibus. Performances start at 2:55pm and run to 6:15pm. I'll be taking to the stage at 4:15pm. All showcases are open to the public, so if you are in the Nashville area, come cheer us on!

VINEYARD AT EVERGREEN FARM

Evergreen Farm, 4229 Siegrist-Jutte Road, Coldwater, Ohio

After working a year in California, I can attest to the fact that audiences at wine tasting rooms are some of the best! Not sure if that has anything to do with the beverage on hand, or they just appreciate great music, haha! Needless to say, I am looking forward to playing some tunes for the folks at Evergreen!

Vineyard at Evergreen Farm has been a licensed winery since April 2015. However, our experience in wine-making goes back to the time when founder, Chris Dues, was 16, where his journey began by fermenting elderberry's in his parent's basement for a tart tasting concoction to revel with his friends. This journey has continued to making wine with his daughter, co-founder Gina Dues, who has a taste for the artistic and design, spearheading the launch of our tasting room outfitted inside an antique chicken barn.

HEARTWOOD CONCERT HALL

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Heartwood Concert Hall, 939 Second Avenue East, Owen Sound, Ontario

Check out this double bill coming to Owen Sound for a May Day Matinee Performance on Heartwood's Bar Stage! Karen Morand and Ken Dunn In Concert! Doors Open @ 2:30pm, Concert from 3 -5 pm. MERCH SALES TO RED CROSS UKRAINE RELIEF!

Armed with original songs and feisty, powerhouse vocals, Karen Morand delivers soulful roots with gritty gospel on the side.

Ken Dunn's music sneaks into your feet, heart, and soul. His original folk-oriented songs are focused on positive human values, with diversity and inclusivity at their core.

Advance tickets $10 + SC or $15 at the door

Folk Music Ontario (FMO) Spring Sing

ONLINE

Happy Spring! I'm looking forward to playing a few tunes around the virtual campfire with some of my FMO friends! Pull up a chair and sing along at this online event hosted by Leah Morise. Use the ticket link and sign up for free below to let us know if you'd like to play, or would like to watch the fun!

FREE

The Waking Hours

WMNF, Tampa, FL

Many thanks to Craig Huegel, host of "The Waking Hours" for playing my song "Don't Believe".

The Waking Hours draws heavily on modern singer/songwriters, from folk to R&B, rock, and blues, with a special emphasis on artists that might be new to the station’s listeners, music by real musicians, and music with something to say. I like to draw from the music of the 30’s/40’s all the way up to music released the week of the show. Each week, I feature a new CD during the second and third hour that has not yet been widely played and showcase two songs at each of the half hours. I hope to introduce my listeners to musicians who will someday become their new favorite artists.