Awards:
2019 - Audience Choice Award : Hamilton Fringe Festival "Diamond in the Rough"
2019 - Readers Choice Nominee : Best Live Theatre
Chasing Shadows Productions
2017 - Best of Venue : Hamilton Theatre Incorporated "Swingin' in St. John's" Hamilton Fringe Festival
2016 - Hamilton Music Awards Nominee : Contemporary Folk Recording "Chasing Shadows"
2008 - Sudbury's Musical Playground - Grand Prize Winner (Best Children's Song) : "Swords & Dinosaurs"
Songwriter.
Guitarist.
Entertainer.
Will Gillespie is a songwriter, guitarist and entertainer living in Hamilton, Ontario. He has been described as an ever-evolving musical chameleon, the classic singer-songwriter, creating music without limitations on style or genre.
Originally from South Porcupine, northern Ontario, Will is known for his eclectic songwriting, evocative guitar playing and entertaining live show. Will Gillespie is also the author, composer and director of the award-winning musicals “Swingin’ in St. John’s” “Diamond in the Rough” and "MINE! True Stories and Legends of the Porcupine Gold Rush."
"Will Gillespie is a one-of-a-kind, finger-picking, old-time crooning, genuine songwriter you absolutely MUST see perform"
- (Matt Thompson, The Stormalongs)
"the soul of a modern folk jazz troubadour...songs unfurl in the unadorned, unhurried way that is the mark of a true master artist..."
- (Colin Gibson, Audio Reckoning)
"His music has the ability to speak deeply to absolutely ANYBODY"
- (Jeremy Brazeau, Cambrian College)
"From songwriter to crooner and cabaret man to power pop genius, Will Gillespie is always evolving his artistry"
- (Paul Loewenberg, Former Artistic Director, Northern Lights Festival Boreal)
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Press Quotes
2008 - Northern Lights Festival Boreal Meltdown Winner
2008 - Northern Ontario Music Development Program Recipient
2020 - Hamilton Arts Awards Nominee : Theatre (Emerging)
2021 - Platinum Winner : Community Votes Hamilton :
Best in Theatre : Chasing Shadows Productions
2008 - FACTOR Demo Award