Spencer Shewen
Artistic Director of the Mariposa Folk Festival in Orillia, Ontario, Spencer Shewen has been bringing exceptional music to audiences for more than twenty years. Before Mariposa, he held leadership roles at Riverfest Elora and the Hillside Festival, two major events on the Canadian folk scene.
Mariposa, a folk icon
Founded in 1961 in Orillia, the Mariposa Folk Festival is one of Canada's most iconic folk festivals. It takes place at Tudhope Park, on the shores of Lake Couchiching, and has sold out edition after edition. Spencer Shewen has been its Artistic Director since 2023; he crafted the 2026 edition under the theme “Sounds Like Home”.
Twenty years of live music
For more than twenty years, Spencer Shewen has been bringing exceptional music and unforgettable live experiences to audiences across Canada. He served as Executive Director and Creative Director of Riverfest Elora (2014–2026), helping grow it into one of Ontario's most respected boutique music events, and held leadership roles at the Hillside Festival. He is also Programming Manager at Noisemaker Presents.
Delegate at Mundial Montréal 2026
Spencer Shewen is an official delegate of the 16th edition of Mundial Montréal, the global gathering for global music, held November 17–21, 2026 in Montreal. His presence among the 2026 edition's delegates places his organization within the festival's professional exchanges.
Highlights
- Mariposa Folk Festival — Artistic Director since 2023 (Orillia, Ontario)
- Riverfest Elora — Executive Director and Creative Director (2014–2026)
- Hillside Festival — leadership roles
- Noisemaker Presents — Programming Manager
Public contacts and links
Official website — Mariposa Folk Festival: mariposafolk.com
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