“I am a songwriting journeyman. Whether my songs are flavoured with folk, celtic, country or pop influences, my goal is to write music from the soul.” David Leask Originally from Edinburgh, Scotland, David is a powerful performing songwriter, who has built an artistic bridge between the influences of his birthplace and the fresh possibilities of his adopted Canadian home to produce three critically-acclaimed CD's and numerous international songwriting awards. Songwriters Magazine called David, "the most consistent Canadian songwriting competition winner." In 2004, David was awarded the Mississauga Established Performing Artist of the Year, an honour won previously by Oscar Peterson and Rik Emmett. A seasoned and commanding performer, David has played close to 2000 gigs since moving to Canada in 1992. His soaring vocals and driving guitar, whether accompanied by accordian and fiddle or electric guitar and double bass, always delivers a high energy performance of original and contemporary songs within a broad repertoire of roots/pop/americana and Celtic music. Sharing the stage with such artists as the Waterboys, Barra MacNeil's, Natalie MacMaster, Valdy and Bruce Guthro, Leask has charmed audiences across the country with his powerful performances in word and song. PERFORMANCE REVIEWS "At our Canada Day celebrations where attendance reached in excess of 25,000 people, I was really impressed with David’s ability to translate his songs with such energy. He proved to me that his show reaches many audiences and keeps them wanting more.” Joe Novak, Programming Manager, Mel Lastman Square, Toronto "David is awesome. His songwriting is beautiful and in concert he is able to tell stories which draw the audience into the web he is spinning. He is articulate about many topics which means his songs attract a wide ranging audience." Allyson Macdonald, Stonecroft Folk, House Concert Series "David Leask and sideman Justin Abedin enthralled us all with two forty minutes sets filled with songs of life, love and everyday events. David's voice is so smooth and both he and Justin can play mean guitars. It is so amazing when such a full sound comes out of just two players." Suzy Miller, Presenter, Lighthouse Festival Theatre, Port Dover "I was so impressed with David’s songwriting and great vocals. At our event, he was a fantastic singer and songwriter. We will definitely have him back in the future." John Donald, Director-Entertainment, Dauphin’s Countryfest SONGWRITING AWARDS 2011 - 1st Place USA Songwriting Competition Comedy Category - "Infomaniac" 2011 - Runner-up in the John Lennon 70th Birthday Song Contest - "Everybody Sing" 2009 - 1st Place OCFF Songs From The Heart Winner - "While I Still Breathe" 2009 - Top Ten Finalist Toronto Song Contest - "The Toronto We Know" 2009 1st Place Unisong Song Contest - "Freedom By The Barrel" 2007 1st Place OCFF Songs from the Heart Political Category- "Freedom By The Barrel" 2007 1st Place in the International Songwriting Competition - "Strong in Broken Places", 2006 Finalist in the John Lennon Song Contest - "Undo" 2005: 1st Place in the International Songwriting Competition & OCFF Songs From The Heart - “The Honey I Want”, Blues Category 2004: 1st Place in the NSAI Single Song Showdown - “You Can Cry” 2003: 1st & 2nd Place in the Unisong Song Contest - “Five Minutes” & “You Can Cry” 2003: 1st place in the Quinte Spirit Songwriting Contest - “Halfway to Heaven” PREVIOUS PERFORMANCES National Arts Centre Ottawa, ON. The Rose Theatre Brampton, ON. Nathan Phillips Square Summer Concert Toronto, ON. Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts Oakville, ON Hammerson Hall, Living Arts Centre Mississauga, ON. Canada Day, Mel Lastman Square Toront, ON. Sean O' Sullivan Theatre, St. Catharines, ON. Engineered Air Theatre Calgary, AB. West End Cultural Centre Winnipeg, MB. Empress Theatre Fort Macleod, AB. Summerfolk Festival Owen Sound, ON. Live From The Rock Folk Festival Red Rock, ON