Chris McKhool Celebrates 30 Years Of Family Music With New Single, Little Leaf

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best arts and entertainment magazine UK“, celebrate 30 years of Chris McKhool’s eco-inspired family music with his new single “Little Leaf,” a vibrant, JUNO-nominated track from his upcoming album, featuring Sultans of String and a children’s chorus, spreading joy and environmental connection.

Little Leaf

JUNO-nominated artist and 3x Parent’s Choice Award winner Chris McKhool marks his 30th anniversary of creating music for families with the release of his vibrant new single, “Little Leaf.” The title track from his upcoming family album—his first since the Canadian Folk Music Award-winning and JUNO-nominated FiddleFire! 17 years ago—“Little Leaf” is a heartfelt ode to community, nature, and connection.

Inspired by McKhool’s long-time collaborator, Ojibway Elder Dr. Duke Redbird, the song draws from Redbird’s poems Little Leaf and Sparrow. The song’s message underscores the interconnectedness of all living beings, a theme central to McKhool’s work as a champion of environmentalism and community-building through music.

“Little Leaf” features McKhool’s bandmates from the 3x JUNO-nominated, 6x Canadian Folk Music Award-winning global groove band Sultans of String, with lush backing vocals by Rebecca Campbell and a children’s chorus. Produced in Dolby Atmos by McKhool, Sultans guitarist Kevin Laliberté, and Grammy/JUNO Award-winner John ‘Beetle’ Bailey, the track is accompanied by a stunning single-take music video shot on an iPhone in Algonquin Park’s lush forests.

Chris McKhool

A celebrated figure in Canadian children’s music, McKhool has reached over 1 million kids through live performances on platforms like YTV’s Treehouse, TVO’s Crawlspace, Mr. Dressup, CITY-TV, and CBC. Hailed as a “Children’s musical star” (National Post) and “Canada’s greatest eco-troubadour for young people” (Mississauga Living Arts Centre), McKhool’s joyful songs and exotic world instruments have captivated audiences for three decades. His accolades include a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, induction into the Burlington Performing Arts Centre Hall of Fame, and Burlington’s Key to the City, awarded in 2025 for his community-building efforts through music.

McKhool’s environmental advocacy shines in initiatives like the World’s Largest Bicycle Bell Orchestra at Yonge-Dundas Square, where over 800 participants rang bells for sustainability. His interactive concerts go beyond the 3 R’s (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), inspiring kids to connect with nature through global percussion, dance, and songs about caring for the planet.

McKhool’s illustrious career includes a 2009 JUNO nomination for Best Children’s Album, multiple Canadian Folk Music Awards, and recent honors like the 2024 Merilaïnen Music Awards Indigenous Ally of the Year and 2022 Dr. Duke Redbird Lifetime Achievement Award. His work continues to inspire, proving music can foster connection, environmental stewardship, and joy for all ages.

Tour

The “Little Leaf” release coincides with a 2026 concert tour across Ontario, blending musical performance, environmental education, and fun. Audiences can expect interactive shows where kids join McKhool on stage, playing global percussion and singing about sustainability. The tour kicks off January 26-28 at Flato Markham Theatre, with stops in Oakville, Toronto, Haliburton, Deep River, and northern Ontario communities like Sioux Lookout, Dryden, and Atikokan through May 5.

TICKET DETAILS:  https://fiddlefire.com

Key 2026 Tour Dates:

Jan 26 – Flato Markham Theatre **

Jan 27 – Flato Markham Theatre **
Jan 28 – Flato Markham Theatre **
Jan 29 – Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts **

Mar 6 – 6:00 pm – Kingston Road United Church, Toronto
Apr 12 – 2:00 pm – Razzamataz Kids’ Shows, Haliburton
Apr 13 – THEOP, Mackenzie Community School – Deep River **
Apr 22 – 6:00 pm –  Iroquois Falls Arts Council – Boyle Community Auditorium

Apr 23 – 6:30 pm – Kirkland Lake Entertainment Series – Northern College Auditorium
Apr 24 – 6:30 pm – Pied Piper Kidshow, Classic TheatreCobalt
Apr 26 – 2:00 pm – Over the Rainbow – Korah Collegiate HS, Sault Ste Marie
Apr 28 – Geraldton Children’s Series – Our Lady of Fatima School, Longlac **
Apr 29 – Geraldton Children’s Series – Geraldton High School,  Geraldton **
Apr 30 – 6:30 pm – Kids Kaleidoscope – Sioux North High School, Sioux Lookout
May 1 – 6:30 pm – Dryden Youth Entertainment Series – Dryden Regional Cultural Centre
May 3 – 11:00 am – Sunday Smiles Family Entertainment Series – St John Paul II School, Kenora
May 4 – 6:30 pm – Kids and Company – Townshend Theatre, Fort Frances
May 5 – 6:30 pm – Atikokan Children’s Entertainment Series – St Patrick’s School, Atikokan

** Education Shows for students and teachers

Find more from Chris McKhool now:

Chris’ Website: https://fiddlefire.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChrisMcKhoolFamilyMusic/ 

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/spotifykidsmusic 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChrisMcKhool 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mckhool/ 

TikTok: https://twitter.com/chrismckhool 

X: https://twitter.com/chrismckhool 

Duke’s Website: https://dukeredbird.ca   

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dredbird