Jeanne Truax has been awarded the Peterborough Folk Festival’s Emerging Artist of the Year Award — a milestone she calls “extraordinary” and “beyond special.”
The 22-year-old says music has always been her compass through both joy and hardship.
Truax adds to get this honour is extra special because her brother Nathan receive it years ago.
Now a familiar presence in downtown Peterborough’s live music scene, including regular appearances at Jethro’s Bar + Stage, Truax has carved out a sound inspired by The Beatles and Wanda Jackson — a blend she describes as “high-energy rock ‘n’ roll” rooted in rockabilly and roots traditions.
The Peterborough Folk Festival has presented the Emerging Artist Award annually since 2001 to recognize and support rising local talent. Past recipients include Serena Ryder, Missy Knott of Curve Lake First Nation.
As part of the honour, Truax will be sponsored by the festival to attend the Folk Music Ontario conference in Ottawa this fall. The event offers mentorship, networking, and professional development for up-and-coming artists. “Being a musician is hard work,” she says. “You drive to a lot of gigs and sometimes people don’t like your music and you get rejected. The recognition from Peterborough Folk Festival means so much to me and other artists who are really working hard to make a life of music, because it can be really challenging.”
In addition to the festival award, Truax will receive the inaugural $1,000 PMBA Lynn Morris Memorial Award from the Peterborough Musicians Benevolent Association. The award was created to honour the legacy of Lynn Morris, a passionate supporter of the local music community.
She will take the stage as part of the 36th Annual Peterborough Folk Festival, including opening the kick-off concert headlined by acclaimed Canadian singer-songwriter Basia Bulat. “I’ve listened to her music for years,” says Truax. “Meeting her in person will be such an honour.”
The festival’s kick-off concert takes place Thursday, August 14 at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre.
(Written by: Jordan Mercier with files from Noah Lorusso)
