Reference Letter

November 14, 2006

Item: Letter of Support of Songwriter ANA MIURA

Greetings, fair reader! My name is Jory Nash; I am an award-winning, Toronto-based independent singer-songwriter with 5 CDs under my belt . I am also a recently retired board member of both the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals and The ArtsCan Circle. I currently administer the OCFF Songs From The Heart (SFTH) songwriting contest, which is sponsored by CBC Galaxie Folk/Roots.

The SFTH attracts about 500 submissions each year from songwriters all across Ontario. The caliber of entries is wonderfully high, and to be chosen winner of the contest is considered high acclaim among Ontario songwriters. The winner of the 2006 Overall English Award (there is also an Overall French winner) was a young woman named ANA MIURA. I have long been a fan of Ana’s music, and couldn’t have been happier when this year’s judges chose her song He Swallows Whiskey over all other entries.

Ana’s music is melodically driven, complex in arrangement yet entirely accessible. Her melodies are strong, hummable and instantly likeable. She also demonstrates a growing presence as a performer. As part of the SFTH awards, each winner is invited to perform their song to a crowd of Artistic Directors, artists, journalists, etc. I watched Ana command the room and strike a delicate balance between performing artistry and introspection. Were I a booker I would strongly consider hiring Ana for my festival or concert series.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me via e-mail at: jory@jorynash.com

Cheers!

Jory Nash

SFTH Administrator