Market Square Music

Amanda Braam & The Paper Cranes

Blending heart-wrenching folk sincerity, jazz-influenced harmony, and catchy pop melodies, Amanda Braam & The Paper Cranes deliver a dynamic and emotional live experience. Based in Waterloo, Amanda is known for her striking vocals and intricate guitar work, joined by bandmates Fiona Sinclair, Lenny Muth, and Simon Dawes. Together, they bring rich instrumentation and powerful three-part harmonies to stages across Ontario.

York Street Thought Process

Folk duo Jaron Camp and Rachael Frankruyter combine storytelling and improvisation in a playful, engaging performance style. Following appearances at major Canadian folk festivals, they continue to build momentum with new music, including their recent single Dignity and an upcoming third album.

Marcus Nance and Adrean Farrugia

Acclaimed vocalist Marcus Nance joins celebrated pianist and composer Adrean Farrugia for an unforgettable collaboration. A two-time Dora Award winner and JUNO nominee, Nance has performed with the Stratford Festival and on Broadway, while Farrugia is internationally recognized as one of Canada’s leading jazz pianists and composers.

Kolton Stewart

Actor and musician Kolton Stewart brings his original music to Market Square. A Stratford Festival alumnus, he has appeared in productions such as The Music Man and RENT, and on screen in Heated Rivalry, Locke & Key, and My Life With the Walter Boys.

Thurston Tynkkynen

Stratford-based singer-songwriter Thurston Tynkkynen blends acoustic folk with experimental and alternative influences. With three albums released to date, his music offers a mix of personal storytelling and genre-spanning creativity.

The Young Novelists

Closing the series, this acclaimed folk duo is known for their seamless harmonies and evocative songwriting. Their latest album, These Dark Canyons, received a 2026 JUNO nomination for Contemporary Roots Album, continuing their tradition of critically recognized work.