Entertainer Extraordinaire

A fixture on the local music scene, Leamington-based singer-songwriter Dale Butler, known locally as “The Dale”, has been making music in Essex County in South-Western Ontario for over forty years.

Dale Butler got his start in music when his parents gave him his first guitar. He played in a folk band during high school and while at college, in London Ontario, in the 80s, he became involved in the local coffee house music scene revolving around Smales Pace Coffee House. He also played London’s wonderful Home County Music & Art Festival (formerly Home County Folk Festival).

Returning to Essex County, Dale became a well-known music store employee and later a long-time proprietor, before leaving the business to concentrate on his music.

A passionate songwriter, Dale Butler has released six albums of original music. His latest album “A Songwriter’s Journey” was released in August 2016, to coincide with his appearance at the 3rd Kingsville Folk Music Festival. While performing at Kingsville, Dale has shared the stage and tunes with fabulous artists like Valdy, J.P.Cormier & Ron Hynes.

Dale is comfortable playing a house concert, fair or festival, but is also known for his inspiring senior home and church fundraiser performances. He also hosts Dale’s Friday Coffee House (formerly known as the Last Friday Coffee House), a Leamington musical institution that is now entering its 12th season. It takes place monthly at The Bank Theatre in Leamington and helps nurture the careers of young and new performers.

Dale is also known for his creative folk festival workshop, in which he shows his young participants how to play a guitar in two minutes, even if they’ve never held a guitar before! A hold over from his days as a music store proprietor in Leamington.

Dale Butler was also a founding father of the Essex Kent Bluegrass Old Time & Folk Music Association.