Boreal is the musical collaboration of Tannis Slimmon, Katherine Wheatley and Angie Nussey, three award-winning singer-songwriters whose individual voices blend to create something magical. They are renowned for exquisite harmonies, intricate vocal arrangements, emotionally resonant songwriting, and captivating storytelling.
In the words of David Francey: “Magic happens when these three women combine their wonderful songs and voices on stage. Each brings their own brilliance to the whole… I was transported.”
Boreal first came together in 2006, creating a winter-themed show, “Songs for the Snowy Season”. What started as a small touring project gained a devoted following, expanding into theaters across Ontario. In 2014, they released their album Winter’s Welcome. After founding member Jude Vadala lovingly retired in 2019, Orillia’s powerhouse singer-songwriter Angie Nussey stepped in. The new incarnation of Boreal developed its own special offering, including “Songs of Renewal”, a show that combines sun-loving, moon-watching, finger-snapping, heart-touching and deeply uplifting songs.
With the full release of their new album, Winterbirds, 2025 is a milestone year for the trio. FATEA (UK) has described it as “a gorgeous album whatever the month or weather” and added “the voices and melodies are quite sublime”. It features nine original tracks and a Gordon Lightfoot cover. The album’s first single, Shepherd of the Road, a moving story about a truck driver who helped Angie find her way home during a fierce snowstorm, has earned airplay on radio stations across Canada and internationally. Their animated video, Winterbirds, has gained traction on YouTube, and is beloved, as is the trio, for that exquisite feeling of lift-off we so need in the core of winter.
With a spring tour, summer festivals, their annual November/December tour and four more singles set to be released through the year, Boreal is riding the wind of excitement as Canada’s all-season Winterbirds!