IOWA TO ONTARIO 2026…featuring River Glen, Blaklava, Jesse Corrigan, and Dave Snider!
NOTE: KIDS: $5 at the door!
Come one, come all to River’s annual showcase of musical talent from his home state of Iowa. For this year’s tour River is featuring his sister, Maple Flo, and her husband, David, for a special all-ages performance at Heartwood Hall in Owen Sound. The show will begin with offerings of original folk music from local songwriters Dave Snider and Jesse Corrigan, then listeners will be treated to a performance of fiery folk tunes from Albania, Macedonia, and Serbia, as Blaklava takes the stage. This Balkan music group was born out of the lava fields of Hawaii and is composed of members from Iowa AND Ontario, so they’re just a perfect addition to the Iowa to Ontario legacy. To close out the evening, River will be joined by Maple and David to deliver a flashy and heartfelt performance of River’s original folk-pop songs, along with wonderings about the times and how we got here, and some stories from River’s travels as a full-time touring musician since he departed Ontario in the fall of 2023. This is sure to be an evening of nourishment for any music lover’s soul, and all are welcome, so please spread the word because River only comes to town once a year. See you there!
RIVER GLEN (Iowa/the road)
River was born at home in Dubuque, Iowa, was homeschooled by his parents, and grew up playing music in their family band, The One Hat Band. River creates poignant folk-pop and sings with a powerful, dexterous voice. His lyricism is evocative, intellectual, and cleverly rhythmic. River’s songs and performances have “somethin to say” and they’re also just darn tasty! A natural entertainer, helping to create a sense of connection. Creative af. More at www.RiverGlenMusic.com
BLAKLAVA (Hawaii/Owen Sound)
Blaklava serves up fiery Balkan folk tunes forged in the lava fields of Hawaii. With soaring string harmonies, staccato trumpet blasts, and a rhythm section of accordion & upright bass, they bring the late-night village party with them. Sometimes joyful, sometimes melancholy; always irresistibly alive. More at www.instagram.com/blaklava_hawaii
JESSE CORRIGAN (West Grey County)
Jesse Corrigan is a folk musician and singer-songwriter born in Toronto, Ontario. With a passion for music from a young age, Jesse began playing the guitar at the age of 10 when he asked his mom to teach him a few chords on the nylon string guitar she had lying around. An A chord, D chord and E chord later he knew “Amazing Grace” and there was no turning back. He has always been drawn to the narrative style of folk music and incorporates this into his own songwriting, often adding a touch of humour and lyrical wit. Throughout his career, Jesse has played at various venues and festivals across Canada and has had the opportunity to share the stage with some of Canada’s finest musicians. More at
https://jessecorrigan.bandcamp.com/album/ten-old-songs
DAVE SNIDER (Owen Sound)
