In this week's episode of ReFolkUs, we chat with Leonard Podolak, the Co-Artistic/Executive Director of Home Routes/Chemin Chez Nous, Canada’s pioneering house concert circuit.

In this episode, Leonard delves into the origins of Home Routes, sharing how the concept came to life. He explores the unique charm of house concerts, highlighting their ability to provide artists with intimate access to audiences and how they bring incredible music to culturally underserved communities. Leonard also gives us a glimpse into what it's like to host a show through Home Routes as well as the experience from the artist's perspective. Additionally, he discusses the organization's pivot during the pandemic and what is on the horizon for the future of Home Routes.

Interested in hosting a show through Home Routes? Fill out the form here.
Apply to perform on a Home Routes tour here.

Find Home Routes/Chemin Chez Nous online:

Instagram

Website

About Leonard Podolak

Leonard Podolak has been working in the folk music business since 1995. With his bands, Scruj MacDuhk and The Duhks, he is a 5 time Juno and 2 time Grammy nominee, taking home each trophy once. He is known for his melodic but very rhythmic style of playing clawhammer banjo. Since 2016 he has been the Co-Executive Director of Home Routes/Chemin Chez Nous, Canada’s pioneering House Concert Circuit. This organization is a part of a group of Organizations founded by his parents, the late Mitch Podolak and Ava Kobrinsky. These include The West End Cultural Centre, The Winnipeg International Children’s Festival, and the Folk Festivals in Winnipeg, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, and The Stan Rogers Folk Festival in Canso NS. Leonard along with Co-ED/AD Cathy Crawford, who is also the operations manager of the mission folk festival are bringing new energy with the aim of taking Home Routes out of the woodwork and into the mainstream.

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Tune in to the latest episodes of the ReFolkUs Podcast, featuring the latest releases from Folk Music Ontario members as well as some of our special guests, now broadcasting on CKCU FM 93.1.

Presented by Folk Music Ontario

Hosted by Rosalyn Dennett

Produced by Kayla Nezon and Rosalyn Dennett

Mixed by Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin

Theme music “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac

Artwork by Jaymie Karn