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
“I will never forget the moment that I first saw Maja Bannerman onstage. Everything stood still. She is a true original. Magical, mystical and fun. Her new album captures the unique spirit of Maja.”
“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. 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
-
SAULT STE. MARIE
JULY 17 & 18, 2026
RUSTY & MAJA
ROTARYFEST
Clergue Park
Bay Street
Sault Ste. Marie, ON
FRIDAY: Blues Stage 7:30PM
SATURDAY: Main Stage 12:00PM
-
WAWA MUSIC FESTIVAL
JULY 23 - 26, 2026
THURSDAY, JULY 23 @ 6PM
THIS IS ANNE ~ Older & Wiser ~
At The Lady Dunn Health Centre
FRIDAY, JULY 24 @ 9PM
MAJA PERFORMS SONGS FROM WHAT A WORLD!
At the LEGION
SATURDAY, JULY 25 @ 1:50PM
MAJA on The Kids’ Stage
For Festival Details
Visit: wawamusicfestival.com
-
NIAGARA
SATURDAY, AUGUST 1 @ 8PM
RUSTY & MAJA
CHOCOLATES, ETC
100 Welland Avenue, St. Catharines
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26
RUSTY & MAJA
NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE LEGION
410 King Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
See link below to RUSTY & MAJA website
I’m thrilled to have recent video footage filmed in the wonderful Vintage Venture venue in Niagara Falls, Canada by Pick 22 Presents. Enjoy!
