Ashkenaz Festival: Emilyn Stam and John David Williams

Brunch Reservation Required: Please note that all events at Free Times Café require reservations for brunch and seating begins between 30-60 minutes before each performance time. To make reservations please call 416-967-1078 or email freetimescafe@rogers.com Accordion and clarinet duo Emilyn Stam and John David Williams have shared their passion for traditional musics since 2011 with audiences across Canada and Europe. Avid folk dancers themselves, Emilyn and John bring playful and nuanced grooves to their favourite traditional klezmer tunes. As a duo they have released four acclaimed albums, including a collection of old Dutch melodies from the 1700s, and an album of traditional folk dance music from Central France. They are members of the Canadian Folk Award Winning quartet Vinta, and they also received a CFMA nomination for their 2020 album Honeywood. Alongside their performances, Emilyn and John are event organizers and community builders. They are some of the primary organizers of Balfolk (Western European Social Dance) in Canada, and have created the first Canadian festival dedicated to music and dance from western Europe: The Big Branch Festival.