Featured Artists

The Town of East Gwillimbury (EG) recognizes local artists for their work. Please submit a Virtual Art Display Application Form if you would like to showcase your talent on the Town's website!

If you know of an artist or artistic group who you think should be recognized, nominate them to be a Featured Artist.

Music

Grammy Nominated

5x Juno Award Winner

Inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame May 15, 2025

Michael Hanson

Michael Hanson was the founder, drummer, songwriter, and a pivotal original member of the Capitol EMI Records band GLASS TIGER from 1985 to 1990. He moved on from EMI / Screen Gems and was signed to Warner/Chappell Music Publishing as a staff songwriter in 1990. He then ultimately became a renowned Canadian Songwriter/Producer, and continues to receive a number of music industry awards and accolades worldwide. With 5 Juno Awards, multiple songwriting awards, Gold and Platinum Record sales and a Grammy Nomination, he is considered to be among the elite as a songwriting hook specialist and as a pop-rock / Indie Songwriter & Producer - residing and working in his LOGIC based digital studio in Sharon, Ontario.

As well as programming midi with the latest software, writing and recording for new artists, he is currently creating soundtracks for feature film and documentaries as well as some custom music branding for websites and corporations. Producing and co-writing for new and established Artists remains the focus. Altravox Studios continues to supply a rare 'one-stop-shop' for Songwriting, Recording, Production and additional follow-up on global music release platforms through the newly established Radar Love Records - which offers distribution and social media assistance & guidance.

Michael has released a brand new single and video "Holding Hope," on Friday, May 23, as a tribute to the Town where it all began: Sharon, Ontario, in East Gwillimbury.

"Being recognized by the Hall of Fame is a career-defining moment," says Hanson. "But releasing this song - about the very place that shaped me - makes it even more special." 

Written and recorded in his home studio, Altravox Studios, just steps from the historic Sharon Temple, "Holding Hope" was inspired by the unveiling of a sculpture of the same name in Children of Peace Park. The sculpture honours the Children of Peace, a visionary group of early settlers who created a utopian community rooted in democracy, cooperation, and hope. To view the video, visit: "Holding Hope". 

Michael Hanson pledges the proceeds of his new song to support our $8 million dollar campaign "Reimagining the Sharon Museum and Gardens!" Check out "Holding Hope" on the Sharon Museum and Gardens main page.