The Starfires, Spacious Ambient Folk

The Starfires are a Toronto institution – for almost 20 years, they have been playing their unique blend of space, ambient, folk and improvised rock music. Formed in 2008 by bassist Michael Kaler, the band has included close to 25 of Toronto’s most interesting musicians: the current lineup includes Chris Cawthray (drums), Arnd Jurgensen (guitar), Paul Newman (sax), Jamie Thompson (flute), Ben Walker (mandolin), and Andy Yue (keyboards). The Starfires have done residencies at the Tranzac and at Somewhere There (RIP!) and played the Toronto Jazz Fest: during the Covid lockdown, they performed regularly in a front yard on St. Clarens Avenue. They’ve released several albums, with another one on the way. Wherever they play, their music is exploratory, joyous, and relaxing all at once

Michael Kaler (bass),

Chris Cawthray (drums),

Arnd Jurgensen (guitar),

Andy Yue (keyboards),

Ben Z Walker (mandolin),

Paul Newman (saxophone),

Jamie Thompson (flute)