Jeff Bonner & the Tractorgrease Folk
Jeff Bonner – Folk Artist, Producer & Multimedia Storyteller
Folky songwriter, independent film documentarian, and self-described "musical entrepreneur," Jeff Bonner is the creative force behind Canadian roots outfit Tractorgrease, Bonner fluidly transitions between performing on stage to the studio , recording and filming the gritty, poetic, and beautifully unpolished spirit of the Canadiana folk music scene.
The Evolution of The Tractorgrease Folk
At the core of his personal musical journey is The Tractorgrease Folk. Backed by a rotating collective of seasoned roots musicians, Bonner writes and records story tellin’ folk songs with a baritone voice inspired by Stompin’ Tom, Dr. Hook , John Prine and Crash Test Dummies.
Tractorgrease Folk is gearing up to drop its highly anticipated fourth studio album, Fishy Headlines, this upcoming Fall 2026. True to Bonner's signature style, the new release promises a fresh collection of rootsy musical snapshots drawn straight from the heart of his Canadian travels. Live performances are where the Tractorgrease Folk comes alive with colourful stories and foot stompin’ sing-alongs.
“What a great show the TractorGrease lads performed at Thomasina’s in Princeton Wednesday night! The audience were entertained to the fullest - enjoying every song and story with toe tapping enthusiasm. Hope to have them back again soon, meanwhile ‘safe travels’” Bob Long -Princeton BC
There is nothing quite like Jeff’s easy going nature to set a lively and welcoming tone to a magical evening. Melvyn (artist) - Winlaw BC
Creative Alliances and Musical Friends
Bonner’s open creative door makes him a steady presence on stage and in the studio. He has written and recorded with artists Ridley Bent, Cameron Latimer, Relic’s Jetboat and many more. Hosting open mics, songwriting circles and backing up artists live, he’s been everywhere man!
Bonner also maintains a long-standing musical alliance with boundary-pushing spoken-word artist and musician C.R. Avery, lending his guitar and bass chops to multiple projects—most notably engineering and recording Avery’s immersive studio album, Edgewood Underwater and playing the legendary East Van Abbey Cabarets shows.
When he hits the pavement, Bonner pairs up with roots singer-songwriter Jay Gavin for their spirited acoustic touring project, "The Hippie and the Biker," while continuing to anchor "Songwriters Unite," a collaborative showcase bringing independent artists together to swap songs and raw behind-the-scenes stories on a single stage.
Capturing the Grind and the Groove on Film
For Bonner, the camera is as natural an instrument as the guitar. His defining film project, One More Song, goes behind the scenes of his own musical ecosystem to document the raw reality of running an independent music business. The film dives deep into the daily grind, passion, and community behind the iconic Tractorgrease studio and its legendary live music venue, the Tractorgrease Cafe. To bring this story to life, Bonner teamed up with filmmaker and editor Chris Fassbender, who told the story of 25 years of musical adventures.
One More Song anchors a diverse, acclaimed filmmaking resume.
Bonner’s visual storytelling has chronicled some of the most celebrated corners of Canadian music history, including work on Barney Bentall’s Grand Cariboo Opry, the live concert by 5440: This Is Here, This Is Now, and the legendary, award-nominated Steve Dawson project Mississippi Sheiks Tribute Concert DVD.
Film Projects
Recording Projects
Short Bio
Jeff Bonner is a songwriter, producer, filmmaker, and the driving force behind Chilliwack’s independent roots hub, Tractorgrease. Known for his gritty, narrative-driven songwriting. With a big baritone voice and songs inspired by John Prine and Stompin’ Tom, his performances are full of footstompin’ sing alongs and visual storytelling
He has built a vibrant legacy collaborating on stage and in the studio with heavyweights like C.R. Avery (engineering Edgewood Underwater) and co-writing tracks with roots-country artist Ridley Bent.
When he isn’t touring with Jay Gavin in their project "The Hippie and the Biker" or hosting "Songwriters Unite," Bonner is behind the console or the camera lens. His acclaimed film One More Song (edited by Chris Fassbender) beautifully documents the beautiful chaos of running the Tractorgrease studio and venue café. Backed by a rotating collective of seasoned roots musicians, his personal project Tractorgrease Folk has released four studio albums and is currently gearing up for the highly anticipated release of their fifth record, Fishy Headlines, dropping this Fall.
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