Maja Bannerman

Writer ~ Singer ~ Poet
Performing Artist

Maja Bannerman is a published Canadian writer, singer, and performing artist based in the Niagara region. She first gained recognition in the 1980s as one of the pioneering artists who transformed the cultural and artistic landscape of Queen Street West in Toronto.

Since then, she has toured across Canada, presenting her unique blend of music, spoken word, and theatrical performances, both as a solo artist and in collaboration with others.

Maja has created THIS IS ANNE ~ Older & Wiser ~, a portrayal as Anne Shirley Blythe (of Anne of Green Gables fame), in her 60s, looking back on her life.

Maja’s partner, composer and guitarist, Rusty McCarthy, provides live music throughout this intimate show. Rusty & Maja also present ongoing shows as a duo and host Cabaret Niagara in St. Catharines.

ACCLAIMS

Maja Bannerman is a mother of Canadian Spoken Word. As a performance artist and a performance poet, she helped to usher in the contemporary spoken word revolution.
— Lillian Allen (Toronto Poet Laureate)
Quirky, irrepressible, constantly surprising …she is as beautiful as she was, she sings as brilliantly, and her theatrical, witty persona remains the same. What a wonderful afternoon, what a joyful record! [Signs of Life] She is an artist not to be missed.
— Richard Flohil ~ Writer & Forever Music Enthusiast; Former Promoter, Publicist, Manager & More
Singer/poet Maja Bannerman is one of the founders of the ‘Queen Street artist’ identity - slightly eccentric, conversant in multi-media art forms and daring in presentation.
— NOW Magazine
Maja is a butterscotch surprise. A storyteller in a tent. I can relax.
— Jane Siberry
Album Cover of What a World by Maja Bannerman

NEW ALBUM

WHAT A WORLD

This collection of songs embodies the best of Maja’s intentions—the attempt to maintain an unswerving gaze upon the world, with all its struggles, while simultaneously expressing her deep love of people and life.

Some of these songs were written at an earlier time when the world seemed less strained than it is now. Delving into social and political concerns has always been part of Maja’s creative output - whether in songs, poems or monologues. Now that the state of the planet has tipped even more on its axis, there is an urgency to release WHAT A WORLD and Maja hopes this album offers you both comfort and courage.

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AVAILABLE ON https://majabannerman.bandcamp.com

# Title Duration
1What a World!3:17
2Bellevue Park4:31
3The Big Mystery2:40
4Red Rock3:28
5Dreamer’s World2:57
6Via Satellite3:26
7Hero in Civilian Clothes4:05
8Stand on Guard3:10
9Stars Are Getting Closer3:49
10Moonlighting3:59
11Buttons3:27
12Good Quaker Girl3:29
13Seattle3:05
14Hey Ho3:44
15Ahoy!5:17

Album Launch Events

  • St Catharines

    SUNDAY, JUNE 15

    Mahtay Cafe & Lounge
    241 St. Paul

    DOORS OPEN: 3:00PM
    SHOWTIME: 3:30PM

    ADMISSION: $20
    includes CD or Download Card

    ~~
    With Musicians

    Rusty McCarthy, Steve Goldberger, Brandon Agnew, Beth Bartley and Neva Tesolin

  • Toronto

    SUNDAY, JUNE 29

    Tranzac Club ~ Living Room
    246 Brunswick Avenue

    DOORS OPEN: 1:30PM
    SHOWS: 2PM & 4PM (SAME SET)

    ADMISSION: $20
    includes CD or DOWNLOAD CARD

    ~~
    With Musicians

    Rusty McCarthy, Doug Wilde, Steve Goldberger and Brandon Agnew

  • Northern Ontario

    Sault Ste. Marie
    SUNDAY, JULY 20
    3pm - 5pm

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    Wawa Music Festival
    JULY 25- 27

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    Manitoulin Island
    THURSDAY, JULY 31

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    Details to follow.