Show Notes
In this week's episode, we chat to Mark Steiner, founder of GigSalad. We get into his path through the music industry, from working as a booking agent to creating GigSalad. Drawing from his experience on the booking side, Mark shares insight into how talent gets matched with opportunities, what bookers are really looking for, and what actually makes artists stand out when it comes to getting booked. We also talk about creativity and ADHD, and how understanding the way you work can become a real advantage in a career that demands consistency and self-direction. It’s a grounded, honest look at the realities behind getting booked—and what it takes to build something that lasts. Find Mark Steiner on Instagram and be sure to check out GigSalad - listeners can enjoy 25% off any paid GigSalad membership by using the promo code FOLK25.
About Mark Steiner Mark Andrew Steiner is the co-founder and CEO of GigSalad, the leading online marketplace that connects event planners with performers, entertainers, and service professionals across the United States and Canada. Since launching GigSalad in 2007, Mark has driven the company’s vision, business strategy, and customer‑first ethos, transforming a simple talent directory into a vibrant platform used by millions of event hosts and thousands of creative professionals nationwide.Before GigSalad, Mark spent more than three decades in the entertainment industry, beginning as an actor and film craft services provider and later founding and growing his own talent agency that represented hundreds of artists for major events, concerts, and cultural institutions. Mark’s entrepreneurial journey reflects his passion for empowering artists and service providers, backed by his commitment to innovation, strategic partnerships, and building a team culture rooted in practical creativity. He also earned recognition with the Goodwill Games Peace Prize for developing an educational product promoting racial equality among children.
______________ Tune in to the latest episodes of Refolkus, featuring latest music releases from Folk Canada members and Refolkus guests, now broadcasting on CKCU FM 93.1 in Ottawa, CKUW 95.9 FM in Winnipeg and CFBX 92.5 FM in Kamloops. Presented by Folk Canada Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac Artwork by Jaymie Karn
More from Refolkus
In this episode, we sit down with Chris White, recipient of the 2026 Estelle Klein Lifetime Achievement Award. Chris takes us through his lifelong journey in folk music, from growing up in a musical family and discovering the power of community singing to co-founding the Ottawa Folk Festival and helping create opportunities for artists through Home Routes. We talk about his work in radio with Canadian Spaces, the importance of festivals as spaces for connection and participation, and his ongoing work bringing people together through music. On behalf of Folk Canada, congratulations to Chris White on this well deserved award! Connect with Chris on Facebook and find his music on Bandcamp. About Chris White Based in Ottawa, Chris White was born in Toronto into a musical family with Nova Scotian roots that combine Black, White and Indigenous heritage. As a child, he sang in a sibling vocal quartet and participated in a neighbourhood choir led by his father. His mother played the piano and was a major fan of Canadian folk songs. A songwriter and guitar player, Chris has released three albums of original songs that are sometimes humorous and sometimes touching. He is known for his engaging stage presence and his ability to get audiences to sing along enthusiastically!
In this episode, our guest host, Treasa Levasseur, chats with William Prince, acclaimed Canadian singer-songwriter and performer.
In this episode, we sit down with Emy Stantcheva, Executive Director of MusicOntario. Emy shares practical advice on export readiness, developing a clear market strategy, preparing for conferences, and making meaningful industry connections. We also explore effective pitching, creative promotional materials, and the importance of following up and maintaining relationships after events. It's an informative conversation on navigating industry conferences and export missions not to be missed! Become a member of MusicOntario, sign up for their newsletter and follow them on Instagram. Also be sure to check out Make it Music for more national focused opportunities and follow them on Instagram. About Emy Stantcheva Emy Stantcheva is Executive Director of MusicOntario, the provincial Music Industry Association (MIA) dedicated to supporting the music industry in Ontario through outreach programs and opportunity creation. Since joining MusicOntario in 2013, Emy oversees all aspects of its operations and programming, fulfilling the association’s mission to bridge gaps for emerging artists and entrepreneurs through professional development, access to resources, showcasing, and networking. Emy comes from a robust background of event and festival management, music grantwriting, publicity, marketing, media, freelance copywriting, and artist management.
We’re shaking things up this episode! Our host, Rosalyn Dennett, takes a turn in the guest seat for a candid conversation hosted by Ann MacKeigan. Rosalyn shares stories from her early musical influences, what makes a great musical collaboration, and the role that community and storytelling have played throughout her career. We also talk about her journey as the Executive Director of Folk Canada and some exciting information about the upcoming Folk Canada Conference taking place in Hamilton, Ontario from October 14-18th, 2026. Visit Folk Canada to register for the 2026 Folk Canada Conference, become a Folk Canada member and connect with the organization by following them on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. About Rosalyn Dennett Rosalyn joined Folk Canada as Executive Director in April 2022, bringing with her a wealth of experience in the music industry and non-profit organizations through her roles at the Canadian Federation of Musicians, the Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA), Music Canada, the Canadian Live Music Association (CLMA), and MusicOntario. She cut her teeth in the music industry as a musician, performing with artists such as Ken Whiteley, Kaia Kater, Fred Penner, and Oh My Darling. Rosalyn currently sits on the executive board of Folk Alliance International, and has previously served on the board of directors of Folk Music Ontario (2017-2021) and the Travelling Musicians Union AFM Local 1000 (2018-2020).
In this episode we chat with Tania Joy, the Co-founder and Executive Director/Artistic Director of Springtide Music Festival in Uxbridge, Ontario. Tania shares the story behind building a community-driven music festival from the ground up, and what she’s learned about supporting local artists, developing audiences, and creating meaningful partnerships along the way. We also explore the idea of slow touring, building genuine relationships with artists, and practical advice for anyone looking to start a grassroots festival of their own. Don’t miss next year’s Springtide Music Festival happening July 10th-12th, 2027. For more information on Springtide, tickets and on their year-round concert series, visit their website and follow them on Instagram. About Tania Joy Folk-Roots artist Tania Joy is the Co-founder, Executive Director/Artistic Director of Springtide Music Festival, a non-profit organization led by a volunteer team of business leaders and local musicians which draws over 70 acts to various venues from breweries and bistros to bookstores and clothing shops in historic downtown Uxbridge, northeast of Toronto. Springtide recognizes that live music venues in small cities and rural towns serve as a vivacious cultural hub for their communities and is committed to creating a platform to support and celebrate local talent, while fostering performance opportunities that introduce Canadian artists outside of the region to new audiences. ______________ Tune in to the latest episodes of Refolkus, featuring latest music releases from Folk Canada members and Refolkus guests, now broadcasting on CKCU FM 93.1 in Ottawa, CKUW 95.9 FM in Winnipeg and CFBX 92.5 FM in Kamloops.