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 later years, 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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Maja is a butterscotch surprise. A storyteller in a tent. I can relax.”
“Maja is a masterclass in live performance. Riveting, captivating, a true original talent.”
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | What a World! | 3:17 |
| 2 | Bellevue Park | 4:31 |
| 3 | The Big Mystery | 2:40 |
| 4 | Red Rock | 3:28 |
| 5 | Dreamer’s World | 2:57 |
| 6 | Via Satellite | 3:26 |
| 7 | Hero in Civilian Clothes | 4:05 |
| 8 | Stand on Guard | 3:10 |
| 9 | Stars Are Getting Closer | 3:49 |
| 10 | Moonlighting | 3:59 |
| 11 | Buttons | 3:27 |
| 12 | Good Quaker Girl | 3:29 |
| 13 | Seattle | 3:05 |
| 14 | Hey Ho | 3:44 |
| 15 | Ahoy! | 5:17 |
PERFORMANCE EVENTS
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TORONTO
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2025
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
-
NIAGARA
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17
CABARET NIAGARA presents
A HOLIDAY CABARET
with RUSTY & MAJA
~ Featuring Guests ~
Brandon Agnew, Bob Bieler, Cristina Soto, Tony & Veronica, Mike Lynch, Christine Nicholson, Rita Visser, Cilest Atkinson, Rachel Clark
~ The Band ~
Rusty McCarthy, Steve Goldberger, Dave Norris & Sandra Marynissen
MAHTAY CAFE & LOUNGE
241 St.Paul Street
St. Catharines
DOOR: 7PM SHOW: 7:30PM
Pay As You Are Able
-
NIAGARA
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2026
THIS IS ANNE
~ Older & Wiser ~
With music by Rusty McCarthy
CITY OF ST. CATHARINES
OLDER ADULT CENTRE
80 Dunlop Drive, St.Catharines
LUNCH: 12:00
SHOW: 1:00PM
Details to follow
