artist Dann Downes

For over twenty years Dann has written and performed in the roots/americana tradition. He calls his music “moody, contemporary mountain music” and describes his genre as “Northamericana.” He has been a Galaxie Rising Star finalist (NB) a regional finalist (NB) of the International Blues Challenge.

A sought-after accompanist, Dann has played with many Canadian roots musicians. Whether fingerpicking driving rhythms on his National guitar and his home-made “DannTone” cigarbox guitar or “romping the rockabilly” with his backing band the Migrant Workers, Dann's brand of "Northamericana" songs have been called spooky cool, authentic, and timeless. His haunting vocals been compared to Ian Tyson, Lennie Gallant, and the Travelling Wilburys.

Building on a reputation as a member of the band The Shaggy Dogs, roots duo Heckman-Downes, guitarist with Jay Semko, Babette Heyward, Mike Biggar and others, Dann began a solo career in 2009.

His first solo record was released in 2011 and garnered Music New Brunswick award nominations for folk recording and male artist of the year.

Dann’s Discography includes: “One Runs at Midnight” (The Shaggy Dogs), “A Very Vintage Christmas” (one Song with Heckman Downes, 2009), “Saint John 225 A Celebration in Song” (one Song, 2010), Mike Biggar’s “The Season” (2010),  “New Wolf at the Door” (2011) and the digital single “Mary Had a Baby” (2011).