Juno-nominated artist Dayna Manning has been an internationally renowned and award-winning recording and touring artist for over 25 years. She released her first album with EMI Canada and Nettwerk Music Group in 1997. Since then she has written and recorded four solo albums and three with the acclaimed folk trio Trent Severn. 

Dayna recently received the Stratford, Ontario Woman of the Year award for her work with youth in her community, and was nominated for Producer of the Year at the 2021 Canadian Folk Music Awards for her work on her latest album “Morning Light”. Her celebrated video for her song, “You You You" won the 2021 London Forest City Music Award for Video of the Year. She performs yearly at the internationally renowned Stratford Festival Theatre.

Dayna’s first book “Many Moons: A Songwriter’s Memoir” includes a forward by Col. Chris Hadfield, and was listed as one of the best books of the season by Canadian Living Magazine upon its release by Blue Moon Publishers in 2019. The accompanying soundtrack is a greatest hits of Dayna’s works. 

Dayna is a community arts leader, mentor, singer/songwriter, producer, engineer, and author. She now resides primarily in Kentville, Nova Scotia, and part-time in Stratford, Ontario. She has it all; an unmistakable voice, compelling songwriting, and fingerpicking skills that are rarely rivaled. Ask anyone who has seen Manning perform, she is simply mesmerizing. 

Dayna is known for weaving history and storytelling in her work, including tributes with Canadian ties to The Band’s Richard Manuel; Father Goose himself, Bill Lishman; and may be known most for her beloved tribute to the snow day, "O Snow". In 2011, upon an inspirational request, she penned her popular song, “ Freedom” as an ode to the Canadian Forces Snowbirds.  

“Manning exemplifies the very best that Canadian Folk music can be. Her cool, clear voice along with her insightful songs represent a history of Canadian musical art that goes back to the early ’60s and sounds just as vital today.”
- Terry McManus, Music Industry Arts - Fanshaw College