The Georgian Bay Folk Society has announced the finalists in its Road to Summerfolk: Youth Discovery series. Musical acts between the ages of 14 and 22 competed at preliminary showcases in Owen Sound and Kitchener earlier this month where a panel of judges awarded 11 acts a place in the finale showcase to be held April 24th at the Harmony Centre in Owen Sound. The acts range in size and style from solo singer-songwriters on pianos, ukuleles, and guitars to a six piece band complete with accordion and cello. They are competing for the opportunity to fill one of the five remaining slots on the roster of the 41st Annual Summerfolk Music and Crafts Festival in August.

Summerfolk started the Youth Discovery series in 2007 to give young musicians performance opportunities and the resources they need to develop as professional artists. Almost ten years later, veterans of the program have won awards through Folk Music Ontario and launched musical careers that have seen them tour across the province and return to Summerfolk stages as full-fledged professionals.

The finale begins at 1pm, admission is by donation, and all ages are welcome.

The eleven acts competing for a spot at Summerfolk41 include:

· Cassie DeSilva (Orillia, ON) www.cassiedasilva.com/

· Madison Galloway (Fergus, ON) www.madisongalloway.com

· Clarissa Fortin (Port Elgin, ON)

· Brontae Hunter (Stratford, ON) www.brontaehunter.weebly.com

· Marshall Veroni (Owen Sound, ON) www.cbcmusicsearchlight.ca/entries/70204

· The Lifers (Guelph, ON) www.thelifersmusic.com

· Shanti & Vale (Barrie, ON) https://www.facebook.com/shantiandvale/timeline

· Jimmy Pearson (Toronto, ON) www.music.cbc.ca/#!/artists/Jimmy-Pearson

· John Muirhead (London, ON) www.facebook.com/johnmuirheadmusic

· Jake Feeney (Toronto, ON) www.facebook.com/jakefeeneymusic/timeline

· Emma Phillips (Fergus, ON) www.facebook.com/emma.hiphillips/?fref=nf

source: media release, Georgian Bay Folk Society