JORY NASH

Jory Nash (Jor-ee Nash) is an award-winning singer-songwriter and storyteller who blends folk, jazz, blues, pop, and soul into a distinctive and original stew of sound. Over his career, he has released nine critically acclaimed albums, including The Many Hats of Jory Nash, which was nominated for two 2015 Canadian Folk Music Awards. His 2009 album, New Blue Day, was named Penguin Eggs Magazine Critic’s Choice Album of the Year and earned a Canadian Folk Music Award nomination for Best Producer. He is also a past winner of the OCFF Songs From The Heart Award.

After stepping away from music in 2019, Nash is making his return in 2025 with his 10th album, The Light Still Shines On The Main, co-produced with longtime friend Chris Stringer (The Wooden Sky, Elliott Brood, Timber Timbre, Megan Bonnell, Holly McNarland). The road to this record has been anything but easy. In 2019, Nash experienced a breakdown that led him to quit music, facing depression and financial struggles. The pandemic compounded these struggles, and in early 2021, his partner, Brittany, was diagnosed with multiple cancers, beginning an intensive journey through chemotherapy and surgeries. That summer, a fire damaged their Toronto rental, prompting a move to Cobourg, ON, where Brittany could focus on recovery and their young son could start kindergarten. “This album is about coming through the darkness,” says Nash. “It’s about hope, resilience, loss, and finding beauty in new beginnings.”

Nash has served as Artistic Director of the Shelter Valley Folk Festival and co-founded The Way We Feel, a beloved, long-running annual concert that celebrated the music of Gordon Lightfoot for over 20 years. He has held board positions with multiple folk music organizations, including Vice-President of the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals (now Folk Music Ontario) and the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance (NERFA).

A multi-instrumentalist on acoustic guitar, piano and banjo, Nash’s warm, unique voice draws listeners into his thoughtful lyrics and intricate melodies. His music is regularly heard on CBC Radio, SiriusXM, BBC, Stingray Digital, and on college and NPR stations across North America. He has toured extensively in Canada and the U.S., performing at folk festivals, house concerts, folk clubs and theatres, with appearances at Summerfolk, Mariposa, Home County, Stewart Park, Eaglewood, Shelter Valley, Hillside, Blue Skies, Live From The Rock, Winterfolk, and more.

His songs have appeared in the feature film Moon Point and the documentary 30 Ghosts, and have been covered by Juno-nominated jazz singer Lori Cullen. Offstage, Nash has a hat collection numbering in the hundreds and remains a long-suffering fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

150 WORDS:

Jory Nash (Jor-ee Nash) is an award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter and storyteller whose music blends folk, jazz, blues, pop, and soul. He has released nine acclaimed albums, with The Many Hats of Jory Nash earning two 2015 Canadian Folk Music Award nominations, and New Blue Day named Penguin Eggs Magazine Critic’s Choice Album of the Year.

After stepping away from music in 2019 due to depression and financial struggles, Nash returns in 2025 with his 10th album, The Light Still Shines On The Main, co-produced with Chris Stringer. The road back was marked by profound challenges, including his partner Brittany’s cancer diagnosis in 2021, a house fire, and a family move to Cobourg, ON.

“This album is about coming through the darkness,” says Nash. “It’s about hope, resilience, loss, and finding beauty in new beginnings.”

His warm, distinctive voice and intricate songwriting have earned him loyal audiences across Canada, the U.S., and abroad.

 

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT JORY NASH:

Jory Nash has played Mariposa Folk Festival a number of times. His unique voice, great songwriting and engaging stage presence make him a wonderful performer. On top of that, he's versatile and accommodating. You can throw him into any workshop and he'll have both his fellow performers and the audience wrapped around his finger. He is the consummate festival performer.  -  Mike Hill, past Artistic Director, Mariposa Folk Festival

When Jory Nash is on stage, you just want to listen and be with him in his music!  A real treat to have Jory play Blue Skies Music Festival.      Julia Phillips, past Artistic Director, Blue Skies Music Festival

Whether solo or with his band Jory puts on a terrific show. He’s smart and funny and always puts out 100% - our audience loved him.     Al Rankin, Rankin Productions, Live Wire Music Series

Jory not only has the ability to capture an audience's attention, but is able to weave his songs in a manner that allows the listener to become immersed in his music.   Arnie Ivsins, Artistic Director, Barrie Folk Society

Every one of the house concert hosts LOVED Jory Nash on the last Home Routes tour this past April! Engaging show, well written songs, dynamic melodies and arrangements, a totally professional and friendly attitude and I wouldn't hesitate to send you out again in the future.  Tim Osmond, Home Routes Artistic Director

It has been my great pleasure to have presented Jory Nash to enthusiastic, sold out audiences at Hugh's Room and The Vital Spark Folk Club on numerous occasions and to have included him in the lineup of The Eaglewood Folk Festival. Indeed, I like to present Jory at every opportunity I can. Not only is he a superb singer/songwriter and an hilariously brilliant storyteller who captives his audiences completely, he is also one of the best self promoters I know. I highly recommend Jory to any club or festival in search of truly creative and original talent.    Holmes Hooke, former Hugh’s Room booker

Jory,  thank you for the music. Your live show is a perfect mix of stories and songs and the audience loved you! Masterful storytelling with rich segues into brilliant and captivating songs. A Jory Nash live show is a joy to experience! It's always a complete stage show - thoughtful, brilliant songs punctuated with clever and entertaining stories. The recordings are brilliant but Jory gives it all on stage.  Liz Scott, Presenter/Festival AD

What an amazing show you gave! Thanks again!   Michael Griffin, Owner, Broadway Music, Orangeville