Toronto Songwriting School presents Muse or Monster IV – an evening of song and songcraft. Hosted by Murray Foster, Muse or Monster will include two sets of music.

The first set will showcase talented up-and-coming performers from Toronto Songwriting School and Seneca College‘s Independent Music Production and Independent Songwriting programs including: Yvanne Dandan, Connor Duncan, Cory Feigan, Matthew Kelly, and John Mahler.

The second set will feature four established songwriters performing songs in the round and discussing their influences and craft including:

Barry Canning

Originally from Newfoundland, Barry Canning is a multiple East Coast Music Award nominee and a recipient of the prestigious Arts Council of Newfoundland and Labrador Artist of the Year award. He has been on the road for over 20 years, has opened for international acts such as Bryan Adams and America, and has hosted the Juno Songwriters Circle with Ron Sexsmith on his right, and Daniel Lanois on his left. His last album, “Last Man Standing” garnered great success on the east coast, winning both album and song of the year at the Music Newfoundland and Labrador Music awards.

Annabelle Chvostek

Annabelle Chvostek is a Juno nominated singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist based out of Toronto and Montreal. Americana, UK has described her as an artist “whose talent is so exceptional that [she is able] to explore and master any musical genre she wishes”.

Shawna Caspi

Shawna Caspi sings of love, travel, home, and heart, distilling each experience into a series of vibrant snapshots, coloured with humour and grace and arranged with care and craft. Her latest release, Apartments for Lovers, is a solo guitar and voice album that showcases her rich voice and remarkable fingerstyle guitar technique.

Chris Patterson

Born in Kingston, Ontario, Chris Patterson is a singer, songwriter, musician, screenwriter, actor and human. He is one-third of The Arrogant Worms, Canada’s most successful musical comedy group. He is also a solo artist who celebrated the release of his first solo album for kids called Small Potatoes in 2009.