Juno-nominated artist Dayna 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.
A modern renaissance artist, Manning was recently nominated for the 2021 Canadian Folk Music Awards "Producer of the Year" for her seventh album, “Morning Light” which features chamber-folk arrangements by Stratford Festival alumnus Ben Bolt-Martin for cello, flute, French horn, and violin. The celebrated, "Stratford centric" video for first single, "You You You" won the 2021 London Forest City Music Award for Video of the Year.
Manning 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’s storied twenty-five-year career includes recording collaborations with Sean Ono Lennon, Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Melanie Doane, and Ian Tamblyn to name a few. Her touring performances include Lilith Fair, collaborations with Spirit of the West, and tour support for both Burton Cummings and Joe Cocker.
In 2019 Manning released her first book, “Many Moons: A Songwriter’s Memoir”, a chronological memoir through song. The book 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.
Manning has it all; an unmistakeable voice, compelling songwriting, and fingerpicking skills that are rarely rivaled. Ask anyone who has seen Manning perform, she is simply mesmerizing.
When not working on her career as a singer/songwriter, Dayna leads the “Folk Army”, a private music instruction academy in Stratford Ontario. The Folk Army’s mission is to empower young girls to make a positive change in their communities through music, leadership, creativity, and positive self-esteem.
