J O A N N A M O O N
B i o g r a p h y
Originally from Québec, Joanna is inspired by a range of outstanding flamenco artists from Spain. She creates a unique musical sound that is both personal and refined. A woman from the north, marrying wild, warm and sensual Andalusian and Cuban rhythms to her French and Spanish lyrics. After having explored many musical avenues, including folk and progressive rock, Joanna discovered her own path and today her art is an expression of a musical sphere that has always fascinated her.
With a new band and new project, the fiery singer presents original material and sings classic songs by Marina Heredia, La Macanita, Niña Pastori and many others in her own singular style. The new project features all-star musicians, Nicolas Hernandez, flamenco guitar (Jesse Cook, Esmeralda Enrique), Scott Kemp, upright bass (Elizabeth Sheppard, Métis Fiddler Quartet) and Rosendo Chendy León Arocha, percussion (Jesse Cook, Sultans of String, Dominic Mancuso).
In 2009, with the help of the Arts Council of Ontario, Joanna produced her first album “Vagabunda”. Collaborations on this project included the unique accordion stylings of Jaro Czerwinec (Cowboy Junkies, Gordon Downie) and the soulful flamenco guitar of Nicolas Hernandez, producer and guest musician.
Joanna also presents “French World Café”, an interactive workshop for students of French Immersion, Core and regular classes. Joanna's French World Café is held in schools, festivals and summer camps and has also been a regular feature at Lula Lounge in Toronto since 2009. Joanna has worked as an ‘Artist in Residence’ in Toronto schools with the Conseil Scolaire de District Centre Sud. In 2013, she received her Artist-Educator Certificate after completing the Toronto Royal Conservatory Artist Educator Foundations Course sponsored by the Ontario Arts Council.
Notable Performances:
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National Arts Centre (Ottawa)
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Yonge & Dundas Square (Toronto)
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Harbourfront Centre (Toronto)
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A Small World Music presentation at Lula Lounge (Toronto)
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Coup de Coeur Francophone (Toronto)
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Lula World Festival 2010-2011(Toronto)
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Word on the Street at Queen's Park 2010-1011(Toronto)
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Toronto Convention Centre for CUPW
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Performance aboard the Artic Sunrise one of Greenpeace ships while in Canada
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Nuit Blanche (Toronto)
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La Fête de la Musique (Toronto)
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Salsa on St. Clair Street Festival (Toronto)
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Kensington Pedestrian Sundays (Toronto)
Nominations:
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Honourable Mention : Songs of the Heart Competition, Ontario Council of Folk Festivals, Toronto (2009)
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Nomination: Best author-composer and best performer, Gala Trille Or, Ottawa (2011)
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Selected as performer for the Syli d'Or showcase: Organised by Festival Nuit d'Afrique, Montréal (2011)
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Selected for the CWM Canadian World Music Catalog: Toronto (2011)
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Nomination - Meilleur spectacle / Best Performance, Gala des prix Trille Or, Ottawa (2009)