You may already know Hannah Shira Naiman — from a square dance she called at a local hall, a community singing circle, or a children’s music camp where she handed a kid their first taste of traditional song.
She lives here. She has been quietly, steadily building something in this community for years. And on May 21, 2026, at Trinity United Church, she marks a pivotal new chapter in her artistic life: the release of Love & Labour, her debut collaborative album with renowned Ontario fiddler and singer, Nathan Smith. This is Hannah stepping fully into a new professional project — and launching it right here, in front of the community that knows her best. The evening also features fellow Muskoka musicians Todd & Robyn as the opening act.
About the Album
Love & Labour, set for release on May 15th, is born from an unexpected moment: late one rainy night on a dark Northern Ontario highway, a serious collision left Hannah and Nathan shaken but unscathed. Remarkably, the two went on to perform a full weekend of shows, dances, and workshops. On the drive home, the decision was made — it was time to make a record together.
The result is eleven tracks weaving original songs, fiddle/banjo tunes, contemporary covers, and traditional repertoire, unified by acoustic instrumentation and close, parallel harmonies rooted in Appalachian and old-time music. Notably, the final track of the album, “Younger Days,” is an emotional tribute to one of Huntsville’s beloved youths, and Hannah’s former co-worker, Blake Quinlan.
About Hannah & Nathan
Huntsville knows Hannah Shira Naiman. She’s led square dances that filled local halls with laughter and movement, run community singing programs that brought voices together across generations, and introduced children to the living tradition of folk music and dance through camps and school workshops right here in Muskoka. Music, for Hannah, has never been confined to a stage — it’s something she plants in the community around her.
Now, with Love & Labour, she is claiming something new: a formal duo project, a proper studio record, a bold artistic statement. This is a pivot — a professional musician who has given so much to her community now asking that community to witness
something she has made for herself. It is a big deal, and it deserves to be celebrated as one.
That same spirit of generosity and rootedness carries directly into Love & Labour. Hannah was awarded Traditional Singer of the Year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards in 2017 and was nominated for the same award in 2024. Her collaborator, Nathan Smith, and his band, The Barrel Boys, received CFMA nominations for Vocal Group of the Year in 2021 and 2026.
“Hannah and Nathan are two of the finest acoustic musicians on the scene. Tight harmonies, inspired playing. Their deep love of traditional music shines in their original compositions. Truly worth a listen.”
— James Keelaghan, Artistic Director, Summerfolk
Opening Act: Todd & Robyn
Simple songs for a simple life — that’s the guiding principle behind Todd & Robyn, a husband-and-wife duo based in Bracebridge, Ontario. Since settling in Muskoka in 2021, they’ve become an active and beloved part of the region’s music scene, steadily growing their presence through intimate performances and honest songwriting.
Their debut EP, Off the Floor — recorded live off the floor in Gravenhurst with Robert Currie at Currie’s Music — is available on all streaming platforms.
Show Details
Date: Thursday, May 21, 2026
Venue: Trinity United Church, Huntsville, ON
Doors: 7:00 PM
Showtime: 7:30 PM
Opening Act: Todd & Robyn
Tickets: $25 in advance · $30 at the door, $15 youth
Advance tickets HERE.
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