Maja Bannerman

Writer ~ Singer ~ Poet
Performing Artist

Maja Bannerman is a published Canadian writer, singer, and performing artist based in the Niagara region. She first gained recognition in the 1980s as one of the pioneering artists who transformed the cultural and artistic landscape of Queen Street West in Toronto.

Since then, she has toured across Canada, presenting her unique blend of music, spoken word, and theatrical performances, both as a solo artist and in collaboration with others.

Maja has created THIS IS ANNE ~ Older & Wiser ~, a portrayal as Anne Shirley Blythe (of Anne of Green Gables fame), in her 60s, looking back on her life.

Maja’s partner, composer and guitarist, Rusty McCarthy, provides live music throughout this intimate show. Rusty & Maja also present ongoing shows as a duo and host Cabaret Niagara in St. Catharines.

ACCLAIMS

Maja Bannerman is a mother of Canadian Spoken Word. As a performance artist and a performance poet, she helped to usher in the contemporary spoken word revolution.
— Lillian Allen (Toronto Poet Laureate)
Quirky, irrepressible, constantly surprising …she is as beautiful as she was, she sings as brilliantly, and her theatrical, witty persona remains the same. What a wonderful afternoon, what a joyful record! [Signs of Life] She is an artist not to be missed.
— Richard Flohil ~ Writer & Forever Music Enthusiast; Former Promoter, Publicist, Manager & More
Singer/poet Maja Bannerman is one of the founders of the ‘Queen Street artist’ identity - slightly eccentric, conversant in multi-media art forms and daring in presentation.
— NOW Magazine
Maja is a butterscotch surprise. A storyteller in a tent. I can relax.
— Jane Siberry
Album Cover of What a World by Maja Bannerman

NEW ALBUM

WHAT A WORLD

This collection of songs embodies the best of Maja’s intentions—the attempt to maintain an unswerving gaze upon the world, with all its struggles, while simultaneously expressing her deep love of people and life.

Some of these songs were written at an earlier time when the world seemed less strained than it is now. Delving into social and political concerns has always been part of Maja’s creative output - whether in songs, poems or monologues. Now that the state of the planet has tipped even more on its axis, there is an urgency to release WHAT A WORLD and Maja hopes this album offers you both comfort and courage.

~~

AVAILABLE ON https://majabannerman.bandcamp.com

# Title Duration
1What a World!3:17
2Bellevue Park4:31
3The Big Mystery2:40
4Red Rock3:28
5Dreamer’s World2:57
6Via Satellite3:26
7Hero in Civilian Clothes4:05
8Stand on Guard3:10
9Stars Are Getting Closer3:49
10Moonlighting3:59
11Buttons3:27
12Good Quaker Girl3:29
13Seattle3:05
14Hey Ho3:44
15Ahoy!5:17

PERFORMANCE EVENTS

  • NIAGARA

    SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2025

    TWO SHOWS

    THIS IS ANNE ~ Older & Wiser ~

    RUSTY & MAJA KITCHEN PARTY CABARET

    at The Niagara-on-the-Lake Legion Branch 124

    410 King Street

    DOORS OPEN: 6:30PM SHOW: 7:00PM

    ADMISSION: $20

    Food & Drinks available
    Tickets at the bar or by e-transfer: legion124@gmail.com

    ~~
    With Opening Set of WW1 Songs

    Performed by Rusty McCarthy

  • STRATFORD

    SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2025

    THIS IS ANNE

    ~ Older & Wiser ~

    STRATFORD PERTH MUSEUM

    4275 Huron Road, Line 34
    Stratford, ON N5A 6S6

    SHOW: 2PM

    ADMISSION: $25

    ~~
    With

    Rusty McCarthy

    https://stratfordperthmuseum.yapsody.com/event/index/855969/This-is-Anne-Older-and-Wiser

  • TORONTO

    SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14

    MAJA BANNERMAN

    Queen Street Album Launch

    Performing songs from her new album

    WHAT A WORLD

    with Rusty McCarthy, Doug Wilde, Steve Goldberger and Brandon Agnew

    Opening for

    THE GRIEVOUS ANGELS

    THE HORSESHOE TAVERN

    370 Queen Street West

    SHOW: 3PM

    Tickets $25

    https://www.showclix.com/tickets/TGADEC