Irish-Canadians have shaped a large part of Canadian culture. This St. Patrick’s Day, discover their unique history and music, including the Irish Rovers and Ryan’s Fancy. Sláinte! To your health!

Read More »

Music historian Gary Cristall explores the wonderful world of Asian-Canadian music, from the lightning fast erhu showpiece, “Galloping Horses” to music inspired by the Silk Road.

Read More »

Music historian Gary Cristall explores the history and music of a segregated, ignored, and later, demolished, community in Nova Scotia.

Read More »

Music historian Gary Cristall explores the music history of emancipation songs, from “Follow the Drinking Gourd” to “Let My People Go.”

Read More »

With winter upon us, settle in and hibernate with these Canadian songs all about the most Canadian of seasons – winter!

Read More »

On Robert Service’s birthday, we explore the history behind his classic song, “The Cremation of Sam McGee,” and discover that truth is stranger than fiction!

Read More »

“Who are those masked men and why are they creeping into my house?!” The troupe may very well be mummers mumming, a playful medieval performance that lives on today.

Read More »

This Chanukah, Gary Cristall reflects on growing up Jewish in Toronto, the meaning of Chanukah, and the immense musical contributions of Ruth Rubin.

Read More »

For Remembrance Day, we present a sample of songs from the First World War, each presenting a different aspect of war.

Read More »

Get ready for some spooky Canadian tunes about zombies, ghosts, monsters and a supergroup collaboration that asks, “Do They Know It’s Halloween?”

Read More »

May is Asian Heritage Month! Music historian Gary Cristall explores taiko drumming, a musical form that he asserts has transcended its origins to become distinctly Canadian!

Read More »

Gary Cristall celebrates Police Week with a critical look at police brutality throughout history and an exploration of the songs inspired by it.

Read More »

Music historian Gary Cristall explores the roots of May Day and the music of the labour movement that fought hard and strong for the eight-hour work day.

Read More »

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Titanic’s sinking, music historian Gary Cristall expores the history of shipwreck songs, from a legend about boxer Jack Johnson to a heroic toast!

Read More »

For Black History Month, we’re highlighting the Nathaniel Dett Chorale, the first choir in Canada to actively promote Afrocentric music. Discover its history and music after the jump!

Read More »