Chris McKhool
About the Artist
Chris McKhool, one of Canada’s most beloved musicians for children and families, continues a three-decade mission of creating joyful, inclusive music that gets kids moving while sparking genuine curiosity about the natural world.
Chris’ credentials speak to a career built on both artistry and impact. A Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal recipient, two-time JUNO nominee, and multiple Canadian Folk Music Award winner, he has performed for more than a million children across North America and has appeared on Mr. Dressup, YTV’s Treehouse, and CBC. Little Leaf, his most recent full length album, earned him a 2026 JUNO nomination for Children’s Album of the Year, following an earlier nomination for FiddleFire!, and the momentum from that recognition helped fuel a 50-show Canadian tour.
Known to many as Canada’s greatest eco-troubadour for young people, Chris has spent three decades using world instruments and heartfelt songwriting to bring cultures and generations together on stage, dancing, learning, and discovering just how alive the natural world can feel through music. He is joined on stage by his spectacular friends from Sultans of String, including Kevin Laliberté on guitar and Saskia Tomkins on the ancient nyckelharpa.
Artist's Programs
Curriculum Links
Learning Themes: Belonging and Contributing (OE29): Demonstrating an understanding of the natural world and the need to care for and respect the environment. (K – 2016) Strand C – Creating and Presenting C1. Creating and Performing: Apply the creative process to create and perform music for a variety of purposes, using the elements and techniques of music. (C1.1 – Grades 1–6; C1.2 – Grades 1 & 3) C2. Reflecting, Responding, and Analysing: Apply the critical analysis process to communicate feelings, ideas, and understandings in response to music and musical experiences. (C2.1 – Grade 2 & Grades 4–6; C2.2 – Grade 3) C3. Exploring Forms and Cultural Contexts: Demonstrate an understanding of a variety of musical genres and styles from the past and present, and their social/community contexts. (C3.1 – Grade 1 & Grades 4–6; C3.2 – Grade 2) Cross Curricular Connections Kindergarten Demonstrating Literacy and Mathematics Behaviour (OE14): Communicate observations and ideas about the natural environment through music, rhythm, and movement. (K – 2016) Science and Technology Grade 1: Life Systems – Needs and Characteristics of Living Things (Strand B) B1.1 – Assess the impacts of human activities on air, water, and living things, and identify personal actions that help maintain a healthy environment. B2.2 – Identify basic needs of living things (plants, animals, humans), including air, water, food, and shelter. Grade 2: Earth and Space Systems – Air and Water in the Environment (Strand E) E1.1 – Assess the impact of human activities on air and water quality and propose personal actions to reduce pollution. E2.3 – Describe ways in which living things depend on air and water to survive. Grade 3: Life Systems – Growth and Changes in Plants (Strand B) B1.1 – Assess ways in which plants are important to humans and other living things. Grade 4: Life Systems – Habitats and Communities (Strand B) B1.1 – Analyze the positive and negative impacts of human activities on habitats and communities and evaluate personal and local actions to protect natural spaces. B2.1 – Describe structural adaptations that allow plants and animals to survive in specific habitats. Grade 6: Life Systems – Biodiversity (Strand B) B1.1 – Assess the human impact on biodiversity.
Artistic Disciplines
Music
Diversity
Culturally Diverse
Age
Junior Kindergarten, Senior Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6
Language Proficiency
English
Chris McKhool in action
Video Gallery
