Boreal, the Canadian folk trio of Tannis Slimmon, Katherine Wheatley, and Angie Nussey, is excited to announce the release of their new single, “Shepherd of the Road.” This tender-yet-powerful track showcases their signature harmonies and storytelling. It was inspired by a compassionate truck driver who shepherded Angie home through a treacherous snowstorm, the very night she joined the band. And like the other songs on their album, its theme celebrates the winter. As they prepare for their upcoming tour, fans can grab physical copies of their album, Winterbirds, exclusively at live shows, while the digital version will be rolled out over the following months. Join Boreal this November/December as they bring in Canada’s coldest, darkest and most magical season with laughter, warmth and light.

Boreal, the magical Canadian folk trio comprised of Tannis Slimmon, Katherine Wheatley and Angie Nussey, is set to captivate audiences once more with their upcoming album, Winterbirds, releasing in November 2024. Known for their spellbinding harmonies and heartfelt storytelling, Boreal’s show “Songs for the Snowy Season” has been a beloved winter tradition since their formation in 2006.

Their latest single, “Shepherd of the Road,” is a tender-yet-powerful track that showcases Boreal’s signature harmonies and storytelling. It was inspired by a compassionate truck driver who shepherded Angie home through a treacherous snowstorm, the very night she joined the band. 

With the digital release of Winterbirds unfolding over the coming months, fans can catch the magic live at concerts where physical copies will be exclusively available. The album features a thoughtfully curated mix of original winter-themed songs, including a special cover of Gordon Lightfoot’s “Song for a Winter’s Night.” Each piece dances between soulful connection and playful musicality, making the album flow with joyful intensity and celebration.

As they gear up for their Winterbirds CD release tour, Boreal warmly invites fans to experience their delightful on-stage chemistry. The trio promises a night filled with laughter, camaraderie, and heart-felt moments that make their performances truly special. 

Check out their tour page for dates and ticket info.

Boreal, the enchanting Canadian folk trio comprised of Tannis Slimmon, Katherine Wheatley and Angie Nussey, has a special way of weaving warmth and connection into their music. Since their formation in 2006, Boreal’s “Songs for the Snowy Season” show has become a beloved winter tradition, captivating audiences with their spellbinding harmonies and heartfelt storytelling.

This winter, the trio invites you to experience their latest single, “Shepherd of the Road.” This tender-yet-powerful track highlights their signature harmonies and intricate musicality. Inspired by a real-life experience, “Shepherd of the Road” recounts the story of a truck driver who guided Angie home during a fierce snowstorm on the night she joined the band. It was the first song she wrote for Boreal and beautifully captures a central theme of Canada’s harsh winters: the kindness and resourcefulness of strangers who lend a helping hand in our times of need.

As they prepare for the release of their upcoming album, Winterbirds, in November 2024, fans can look forward to an unfolding digital release over the coming months. For those attending their concerts, exclusive physical copies will be available, allowing fans to connect with the music in a tangible way. The album features a thoughtfully curated selection of original winter-themed songs, including a heartfelt cover of Gordon Lightfoot’s “Song for a Winter’s Night.” Each piece radiates warmth and reflects the beauty of the season, inviting listeners to cozy up and embrace the joy that winter can bring.

Boreal shines during the winter months with their beloved show, “Songs for the Snowy Season,” which celebrates the magic of Canada’s coldest months. When the weather warms, they transition to their “Songs of Renewal” show, filling the stage with sunshine and heartwarming melodies. Their vocal and musical prowess is bound to delight music lovers everywhere but what truly distinguishes the trio is the profound trust and friendship they share, both onstage and off. Audiences are enveloped in the wave of respect and genuine enthusiasm each band member has for one another, fostering a warm and inviting atmosphere that enriches every performance. This camaraderie shines through, making each show a unique and unforgettable experience.

Boreal’s story began when Katherine, Tannis, and Jude Vadala came together with a vision to kickstart the winter season with excitement. What started as a small tour quickly blossomed into a cherished annual tradition, leading to their 2014 album, Winter’s Welcome. After Jude lovingly retired in 2019, Angie Nussey joined the group, bringing a fresh perspective and unique flair to the ensemble.

The challenges of 2020 taught Boreal the importance of adaptability. Embracing the circumstances, they recorded remotely and released Katherine’s poignant song, “Snow Falls Down,” alongside a beautifully arranged version of Angie’s “Warm Hands.” This experience not only showcased their resilience but also strengthened their creative bond, allowing them to continue sharing their music even during difficult times.

As they embark on their long-awaited Winterbirds CD release tour this November, Boreal is eager to share their music and stories with both old and new fans. Each concert is more than just a performance; it’s an opportunity to create lasting memories filled with laughter and camaraderie.

Join Boreal this winter for an unforgettable musical celebration!

Click here to visit Boreal’s tour page for shows and ticket info

Click here to see their video for their latest single “Shepherd of the Road”

KATHERINE WHEATLEY grew up, number 4 of 6 kids, in Parry Sound, Ontario. Acoustic roots with catchy melodies, arresting vocals, great guitar playing, lyrics that get you and that you get – these are all things that have been written over and over again about her music. She sings truth, bravely, and in detail. Katherine has won awards for composition, arranging and songwriting. In addition to touring across Canada, the U.S. and Europe as a solo singer/songwriter, Katherine is a member of the Toronto band “Betty and The Bobs” and plays regularly in the hilarious and moving duo “Wendell and Wheat”. She has written and recorded over 200 songs with kids through her Youthsongs program and is in high demand for her innovative songwriting and music workshops. Katherine works as a singer and zodiac driver on board The MS Expedition as it plies the seas of Antarctica and the Norwegian Arctic. www.katherinewheatley.com

“Wheatley, sporting a beautiful voice and heady guitar work, brought the house down with her stunningly intimate musical meanderings. Her voice and guitar work drew the crowd in from the moment she started to sing. Her witty repartee gave these songs a footing from whence to fly. And fly she did!” —THE EXAMINER, Peterborough, ON

TANNIS SLIMMON grew up in a large musical family on a farm in Manitoba and moved to Guelph, Ontario in 1980 where she soon became known on the Canadian music scene as a member of the critically acclaimed Bird Sisters. Her exceptional voice “full of gentle grace and unobtrusive dignity” (Penguin Eggs) can be heard on over 100 albums including those by Willie P. Bennett, Valdy, David Francey and Rheostatics. Tannis is the 2020 recipient of the prestigious Estelle Klein Award, Ontario’s highest folk honour.  In 2008 she was honoured with the Contemporary Vocalist of the Year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards for “Lucky Blue”. www.tannis.ca

ANGIE NUSSEY is an award-winning Canadian recording artist and producer from Orillia, Ontario. Since 1999, she has released six full-length albums and won over 15 industry awards for songwriting, vocals, and performance. She is probably best known for her emotional, philosophical and at times autobiographical ballads, but she doesn’t miss an opportunity to poke fun at everyday situations and the human condition, not to mention herself. In 2021, Angie began releasing her solo project, “I Have No Idea What I’m Doing”, which is a collection of autobiographical songs and stories released on a monthly basis. Angie is downright funny and a moving, beautiful musician.www.angienussey.com

“Her command of the stage and her rapport with her audience was nothing short of masterful. Nussey’s songs are both powerful and entertaining and I for one would go to a festival just to see her.” – Heather Bishop, CM, OM, LLD(Hon)

• Lillian Wauthier (Artistic Director – Acoustic Harvest, Toronto, ON) 

• George Scott (Songwriter’s Showcase Presenter, Alliston and Beeton, ON)

• John Payne (Artistic Director – Tour de Fort, Fort Francis, ON)

• Ginny Clements (Innisfil Live Music, Innisfil, ON)