Chris White is an accomplished singer, guitarist, songwriter, activist and performer. The Nova Scotian musician comes from a family of Canadian music greats. His aunt is none other than Portia White, who has been dubbed a person of “national historic significance”. His father, Bill White, was also musically inclined and was an exceptional composer and chorale leader.

Growing up, he was a part of a vocal quartet led by his father, getting his inspiration from a young age. His charismatic stage presence has made him a popular entertainer. White has released three albums with original songs including I’m a Poet… and I’m Aware of It, Inner Voice, and Music All Around. Not only has he impacted Canadian music through his own folk stylings, but he helped move the genre forward by co-founding the Ottawa Folk Festival in 1993. He served as the Artistic Director for 16 years and created participatory choir’s, ukulele-building workshops, and musical instrument “petting zoos” during his tenure. White has also worked with Spirit of Rasputin’s Arts Society and Writer’s Bloc; they organize annual music events in Ottawa. He is also a teacher at Algonquin College.

White, alongside fellow Nova Scotian musicians Shelley Hamilton and George Elliott Clarke, work together to raise awareness of the Afro-Metis community of the east coast. They created the Afro-Metis organization and released album, The Afrometis Constitution, with songs looking at the Black, Native, and Scotian roots.

White hosts music programs including Canadian Spaces, Canada’s longest running folk music radio show, and Special Blend. He continues to create music events for various organizations and directs various singing groups. He was awarded the Helen Verger Award (2012) for his “significant, sustained contributions to Canadian folk music”.

Awards:

• Helen Verger Award (2012)
• Inducted into the “Order of Folk”