2023 Performers List
Alvin MooreFingerstyle Guitarist Alvin Moore plays instrumental Celtic, Bluegrass, Spanish, Jazz, Pop and music from around the world. He performs at folk clubs, corporate events, festivals and weddings.
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BalladeersThe Balladeers are Rosaleen Gregory (voice and guitar), Dave Gregory (clarinet), and John Leeder (banjo and octave mandolin). Every year we showcase traditional British ballads from the two CDs - Sheath and Knife and Serpent's Knee - made by Rosaleen in 2012 with John Leeder and Derek Lofthouse. This year we are offering songs about magic and mystery ("Thomas the Rhymer"), domestic violence ("The Trumpeter of Fyvie"), star-crossed lovers ("The Lass of Lochroyan"), and resourceful women ("The Baffled Knight"). Traditional ballads are not archaic: their themes are often all too relevant. But their haunting melodies and powerful language are unique. Come and see for yourself in the Lower Schoolhouse at 1.45 p.m.
New website at: http://rosaleengregory.weebly.com/ |
Balzac Kitchen String BandWe are an eclectic group of musicians who meet weekly to jam for the joy of it and who delight in playing in venues to entertain others.
We provide a blend of Celtic, Old Time, Traditional Western, and Folk Music. Our membership includes, (but is not limited to) the following people: Pam Bazinet- Musical Director, fiddle, and vocals Kathy Van Der Reiden- fiddle and mandolin Thelma Cameron- fiddle Ken Grandia- fiddle David Hongisto- fiddle, bass, guitar and vocals Kay Carver- vocals and guitar David Hanley –vocals and guitar Bob Crabb – vocals and guitar Bill Watson- vocals, banjo, and penny whistle, Dean Sandham- Host, banjo |
Barry LuftBarry Luft's singing has woven rich, colourful threads into the fabric of folk-style music in Alberta for more than fifty years.Barry presents Canadian, British and American songs and ballads with instrumental accompaniment or acappella arrangements. Good times leave good memories. However, to this day Barry claims he's not able to read music well enough to hurt his playing www.BarryLuft.com
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Bob ChartierBob Chartier, a true late bloomer, started singing in the sixties… his age not the famous decade. He found his buried voice at age 60 and for the past dozen years he sings every day, has written over 150 songs and has performed in venues such as the Ness Creek Bluegrass and Old Tyme Festival and the Water Valley Music Festival. He was one of the founders of the Music Mile project that saw a music district formed in the heart of Calgary. (musicmile.ca) He founded and hosts the Songwriters in the Round at the Gravity Café on the Music Mile in Inglewood. He has a number of impromptu music accomplices, who try to make him look good… Bob is a singer songwriter and performs many of his own songs as well as a variety of Roots/Americana type cover songs. He has done well in both the ATB songwriters and the Ship and Anchor songwriter contests (came in fourth in 2019) He is partial to gospel but stops at taking up a collection…
Bob can be reached at [email protected] |
Calgary Burns Club ChoirThe Singers, who are all members of the Calgary Burns Club, started in 1994 to provide entertainment to Club members at their regular meetings. The initial focus was to sing the songs of Robert Burns and other traditional songs of Scotland, and while that focus remains, the singers also now sing a variety of other types of song which will entertain our listeners. In addition to our Club functions, the singers also provide entertainment at seniors' residences, health care facilities, and other varied functions and venues in Calgary and the surrounding area. The highlight of the group was participation in the Edinburgh Military Tattoo in 2009, the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns. To date, the group has put out 7 CD's, details of which are available on the Calgary Burns Club website, and every Saturday morning, practice sessions are held at the Danish Canadian Club. The group recently returned from a successful trip to Scotland where our participation in the Kirkcudbright Tattoo and six other concert venues in Glasgow, Ayrshire and Dumfries was very warmly received.
We sing to backing music which is played and recorded by our musician Henry Cairney. |
Called By The SeaWhether they’re singing a traditional song from the British Isles or a modern song that sounds like it could be trad, Called By the Sea brings life to all their music through energetic vocals and engaging instrumentation. Doug Baker (guitars, vocals) and Michael Pollock (mandolins, concertina, violin, vocals) are skilled musicians who have been part of the Calgary music scene for many years in a variety of groups (Twisted Roots, Tessitura, Diminished Fifth, Sunday Nite Band). They tell fascinating musical stories that will make you tap your feet, sing and laugh along.
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Carolyn HarleyCarolyn Harley is a prolific songwriter from Calgary. She will be performing with her new trio.
The Carolyn Harley Trio has charming hubby Joe on bass and multi instrumentalist Steve Goodchild on a wonderful mix of instruments and harmony. Carolyn’s set will include songs and stories from her adventures in Ireland and the Maritimes. Website: carolynharley.com |
Celtic RoutesLethbridge-based Celtic Routes have been delighting audiences throughout southern Alberta for the last 5 years, with their own brand of Celtic music, songs and stories. First performing at Water Valley in 2019, Celtic Routes are thrilled to return to this premier Celtic Festival in 2022!
Consisting of Darlene Waldie on accordion, Anna Linville on fiddle and vocals, Arturo Tejeda Torres on guitar and John King on guitar and vocals, Celtic Routes take pride in their own interpretations of Irish, Scottish and East Coast music. Their brand of high energy, handclapping, toe-tapping, and sometimes heart-tugging shows is their way of sharing the rich culture of Celtic music with the community! The story of Celtic Routes can be found on their website: www.celticroutes.band Celtic Routes can be contacted at: [email protected] |
Christie SimmonsChristie J. Simmons is a Calgary-based singer/songwriter whose diverse musical experience stretches from renaissance recorders and bagpipes to Appalachian banjo. Playing alongside multi-instrumentalist Steve Goodchild (banjo, bouzouki, cittern, dobro, guitars, mandolin…), Helen Goodchild (fiddle, keyboard), and bassist, Rob McConnell Christie’s original acoustic offerings are prairie Celtic with a little country, traditional folk with a twist of Americana… Judy Collins and Joni Mitchell. This Calgary-based group offers up fine harmonies, feisty arrangements, passionate performances, and an array of thoughtful, compelling, originals.
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Cochrane Pipe BandCochrane Pipe Band was formed in 1999 and wears the Ancient Cochrane Tartan. We are a recreational pipe and drum band made up of people of all skill levels. With membership drawn from the Kananaskis / Cochrane / Calgary corridor and surrounding communities, we participate in a range of parades and other community events every year. In formally-judged highland games competitions, we currently compete at a Grade 5 level.
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David Foster Dave Foster has been playing Appalachian Dulcimer for a number of years. Tunes and songs can be plucked or chorded, generally in the keys of D and G, and this gives them a different sound and feel from that of a guitar.
Sing-a-longs at elementary schools were always fun, especially silly action and participation songs – songs the children wouldn’t get in music class. |
David GregoryCome and listen to a beautiful mix of Irish, Scottish and Newfoundland songs, as well as one or two of Dave’s own composition.
Dave will be supported by his partner, traditional folk singer Rosaleen Gregory. He will play Irish and Scottish slow airs, and, for contrast, an old blues from the Depression era. |
Dean JarveyDean is is an experienced and dynamic performer, and he will bring his usual up-beat twist to some celtic classics. Dean uses a looping pedal and backing tracks to be a one-man band with an emphasis on audience participation. Come ready to sing, clap, and dance along! He is a veteran of many bands and choirs, and he co-hosts the Varsity Community Association Open Stage nights.
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Derek LofthouseNorthumbrian small pipes and hurdy-gurdy.
Playing a selection of popular tunes from the french and northumbrian folk traditions. |
David MorrisseyDuring the pandemic I almost gave up the banjo altogether. It can be a very frustrating instrument and I’m sure I was thinking too much. I tried lots of different ways to find enjoyment in playing it again.
In March of this year I decided to stop thinking too much, relax, play and see what would happen, and I liked it. I decided to throw myself into the fire and see how a solo banjo gig would go. Hopefully this show will reflect the new possibilities I found for myself onthe banjo. |
Doug BriggsDoug Briggs, Greg Perrott, and Michel Savard have been playing music together for decades. Doug is a long-time lover of folk music. He started volunteering at the Calgary Folk Club on the day he turned 18. Greg is a founding member of the notorious Calgary punk band Supersift and also acted as a mentor and sound recording engineer for many young punk bands once upon a time. Mitch is an artist extraordinaire. You may have seen him at an open-mic at the Ironwood or other venues where he brings his one-of-a-kind energy to the stage. We are united by our common love of Celtic music, old and new, and we are excited to be part of the Water Valley Celtic Festival this year!
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Eric CoyleScots Traditional ,Glasgow street songs and Burns poetry, visiting Seniors homes and enjoying doing it, many thanks, cheers.
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Fine TraditionsFine Traditions is a duo playing East Coast pub music in the Calgary area. Singer James Thurgood, originally from Nova Scotia, began performing at a young age, and never stopped. He accompanies himself on guitar, with harmonica, and occasionally scrapes out a tune on the fiddle. Percussionist Ray Kenny began playing drums professionally at age 15, with his father’s dance band in St. John’s, Newfoundland, and has been going strong ever since. In Fine Traditions, he plays cajon, bones, and, if pressed, the ugly stick, as well as singing a song or two. Together, they’re looking forward to showing you a good time!
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Gan AinmPlaying traditional music from the British Isles, Western Europe and Quebec, Gan Ainm are: Karen Pollock – flute, Kathleen Pepers – harp, Doug Baker – guitar, Chris Gregg – fiddle, mandolin and northumbrian small pipes, Michael Pollock – fiddle, Derek Lofthouse – hurdy-gurdy, accordian, northumbrian small pipes, and border pipes.
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Get ReelHailing from the East Coast of De Winton and the North Shores of Calgary, our crew will explore a lively set of songs and tunes from the Maritimes, Folk and other Celtic traditions. We’ve regularly performed at venues in Calgary, and all the way from High River to Water Valley. Get Reel is Doug Wagner (vocals, bodhran, guitar and fiddle) and Greg Black (vocals, guitar, electric bass and octave mandolin).
When the fog is just right you can hear almost hear the waves, smell the ocean, and see the shipwrecks. |
Great GreyCalvin has always been writing music, even as a young kid. He found his home in hardcore/metal bands as a youth and young adult, but he always had his own acoustic songs going on in the background. He moved back and forth from Australia with his wife over the course of a few years, all the while piecing songs together. He drew inspiration from life, death, faith, and the epic mountain landscapes of his Canadian home. Once he and his family had settled more permanently in Cochrane, he enlisted best friend Jason, his sister Charity, and his wife, Loren, to jam some songs out and The Great Grey was born.
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Hazel Grey Hazel Grey is an acoustic musical duo based in Calgary, Alberta. Often mistaken for time-travellers due to their...unconventional attire, Peter and Josanna have been playing and touring together for over two decades, performing throughout much of the U.S. and Canada. Using diverse range of instrumentation, they bring their original music and fresh takes on classic tunes to various audiences and social gatherings ranging from festivals to house concerts, pubs to coffee shops, grade schools to seniors' homes, as well as social clubs, church gatherings, and a variety of other community events. They are also fond of hats, old keys, and copious amounts of coffee.
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Hither and YonHither and Yon is an instrumental Celtic music trio forged out of a united passion for music and collective Celtic roots. Based out of Mountainview and Red Deer Counties, Hither and Yon offer a musical experience with an equal mix of traditional and contemporary Celtic melodies. Hither and Yon will lift your heart and spirit with the perfect combination folk and modern flair!
Members include Caroline Miller (whistle, percussion), Joanna Ritchie (cello), and Christina Crouch (piano, accordion) |
Horizon RidgeStorytellers in song, Horizon Ridge is a group of fine multi-instrumentalists and seasoned singers known for their intuitive tight harmonies and polished a cappella singing. Based in Calgary, Alberta, band members Helen and Steve Goodchild, Peter May and Dianne Quinton have played festivals, music clubs, gala events, and concerts in Canada, the US and the UK, drawing musical inspiration from their roots and journeys near and far.
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Irish Cultural Society ChoirIn November 1992 a group of Irish Immigrants and their Canadian friends formed the Irish Cultural Society of Calgary choir. Thirty-one years later this welcoming group of singers regularly rehearse on Wednesday night at the Irish Cultural Society Hall in Bowness. The Choir performs and entertains at multiple venues in and around Calgary, ICS Christmas Concert, St. Patrick Day events, nursing homes, senior residences, folk clubs, ProArts Noon series at Church of the Redeemer, Music at Noon at Varsity and Water Valley Celtic festival. This is an amazing venue to share our Celtic Heritage.
We are delighted to be back out singing for live audiences. We are happy to be here again, to sing for you and we hope you will sing along or tap your feet to our program. Joe Massey conducts the choir and arranges the set programs while Leslie O’Loughlin (piano) and Greg Black (guitar) Doug Wagner (fiddle) Tony Hogan (bodhran) Joe Massey (whistle) provide accompaniment for this amazing, fun-loving, joyful choir. Choir Members
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Jeff StocktonHe has performed nationally and internationally. An award winning recording artist, he has released 2 illustrated books, and 6 full albums of his work with song and story:
“The Honey Roads” - Brand new album inspired by the Honeybee. ”Between two Lights" - Instrumental and vocal music “Once Upon A Midwinter” - An award winning storytelling recording 'Beneath the Boughs' - Instrumental music for harp,cello and violin 'Wisdom of the Woods' - An award winning storytelling recording. 'Sacred Ground' - Instrumental and vocal music Jeff's website can be found at http://www.jeffstockton.ca |
Kathy Pepers (Celtic Harp)More than a decade ago Kathy fell in love with the Celtic harp and Celtic music. Since then she's appeared at various concerts and clubs in the Calgary area, both on her own or along with Celtic bands - The Jig's Up and currently with Gan Ainm, and she's had the great pleasures of playing with folk/Celtic artists Maggi Christl and Barry Luft.
Kathy always tries to sneak Celtic music into any programme she plays, so particularly adores the Water Valley festival for the chance to put the much-deserved spotlight on Celtic music. YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@KathyPepers |
Kerby ChorusWhen their director, Alison Demeter, asked the members of the Kerby Chorus if they wanted to perform at the Water Valley Celtic Music Festival, the answer was a resounding, “Yes!” What began last September as a rather timid group of people who wanted to sing, is now an enthusiastic 21-member, fun-loving group of people who enjoy singing, exploring unique musical arrangements… and each other’s company!
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Leanne LightfootSinger/songwriter Leanne Lightfoot, and multi-instrumentalist, Lucinda Warnock, have teamed up to bring you a mixture of original tunes. Peppered with delicate harmonies, tin whistle, bodhran and accordion, let the songs take you on a wistful, often haunting, musical escape.
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LilybelleLilybelle is sisters Kate (guitar, violin, voice), Jessica (violin, voice) and Victoria Pereversoff (piano, voice). Born and raised near Cremona, Alberta, the sisters have been singing and playing music together for all of their lives. All three have been trained as classical musicians on their instruments. Victoria studied piano at the University of Victoria. Both Kate and Jessica completed music degrees on the East Coast. Their love of folk music has grown and developed over the years. Kate and Jessica are past members of local group Seven Fiddlesworth, with Jessica later going on to join the Calgary Fiddlers. Their sets will consist of lively fiddle tunes, traditional folk songs, and a few originals.
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Magnolia Buckskin TrioFeaturing gorgeous three part harmonies with a range of instrumentation, Magnolia Buckskin bring their years of friendship, humour and love of music to the stage, telling stories that evoke a panorama of human experiences. Kathy Cook, Natasha Sayer and Corry Ulan draw upon their prairie roots, delivering a blend of indie bluegrass, folk, and acoustic pop music on guitar, banjo, mandolin, accordion and bass. The three songwriters back each other up with arrangements that are both refreshing and poignant.
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MoondogsAn unapologetic love of music is what brought this acoustic trio together. With their unique blend of popular and original tunes, expect be drawn across country on a musical journey down prairie roads as well as an encounter with memory lane.
It’s the simple joy of sharing in the human experience that Ed Toews (guitar, violin), Audrey Gross (guitar, mandolin) and Bob Etcheverry (Bass) wish to share with the listener. |
My Son TedThey used to be called “Tir Na Nog”. Then, in 2014, with the release of the album ‘Carmel’s Parlour’, they unveiled a new name with an expanded, ever evolving sound. Melding Calypso with Ceilidh and Roots with Rock, My Son Ted (named after a Clancy Brothers song) is led by Singer/guitarist Brian Volke. The band continues to feature Christie Simmons on vocals, whistles and guitar, Colin Peters on fiddles and vocals, Shawn Kingston on vocals and guitar, RJ McConnell on bass and Brad Uphill on percussion.
Discography: Home Again (as Tir Na Nog) 2003 Carmel’s Parlour 2014 Contact: Brian Volke [email protected] |
NWMP BandThe North West Mounted Police were created after Confederation to police the frontier territories of the Canadian West! The NWMP ended the whiskey trade in the west and the violence that came with it! The NWMP Commemorative band is celebrating 150 years this year! A small tradition group playing celtic and period repertoire.
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Rosaleen GregoryRosaleen is looking forward to another amazing festival where she can share more traditional songs from a far-ranging repertoire. Two from Scotland, two from Ireland, two from England, and a well-known song from Pete Seeger to round out the set. Voice, guitar and clarinet: 1 p.m. at the Lower Schoolhouse.
New website at: http://rosaleengregory.weebly.com/ |
ShellackybookiesThe Shellackybookies are the hosts of the Open Irish Traditional Session held every Thursday at the Calgary Irish Cultural Society. Initially, the group was started in a basement by three friends back in 2018 and aptly named The Shellackybookies by the term given to a small snail in South East Ireland due to the speed at which the three beginners played. Since the slow beginnings, the session has grown from strength to strength, and on any Thursday night at the ICS, you could find 15-plus musicians with a variety of instruments and skill levels enjoying a truly open Irish Traditional Session. The main focus of the group is to create a welcoming and fun environment for anyone that wants to play Irish Traditional Music and we hope to create the same environment in Water Valley.
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SilkstoneWith roots firmly in the industrial, mining & maritime heartlands of North-east England, duo Helen & Steve Goodchild - "Silkstone" - present traditional and traditional-style stories-in-song, arranged for Bouzar, Cittern, Fiddle, Guitars, Mandolin, Mandocello and two fine voices. Silkstone have performed in coffee-houses, folk clubs and festivals from Alberta to Amsterdam; Calgary to Kenya and Springbank to Sarawak, Malaysia and are delighted to return to Water Valley.
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Six by SixSix by Six plays old folk, pop, country and celtic music. Love those Irish and Scottish songs, not to mention the Beatles, Johnny Cash and the Everly Brothers. Rick's on bass, Brian's on guitar, Carol plays guitar and sings - well, actually, everyone sings. You will too. www.sixbysix.ca
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Slainte Social Club |
Suzi MartinSuzi is a local musician who has been playing music and singing for over 30 years. She sings to all ages, but today her set is child-friendly. Bring along your little ones and your own inner child for some feel-good, interactive music, including some originals and well-known tunes. Suzi's band, Patchwork Yak is about to release their first album. Suzi teaches music to all ages and can be reached at [email protected] or through www.patchworkyak.com.
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Sypher's Cove BandSyphers Cove is a Celtic group from Rocky Mountain House with some members from New Brunswick. They play Celtic and some pop with harmonies and have performed in Alberta and the Maritimes. They have attended the Water Valley Festival for about 10 years.
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The Drowsy MaggiesHailing from across the pond, the Drowsy Maggies are made up of Emilie Kirwan (fiddle), Nicola McLaughlin (button accordion, banjo, guitar, bodhran, whistle), and Ciara Lane (vocals, guitar, bodhran). Their performances feature upbeat traditional Irish tunes inspired heavily by fiddler Emilie’s West Clare style of playing and Nicola’s energetic flair on the button accordion. Irish folk songs also feature in their repertoire, with Ciara Lane offering stripped-back acoustic versions of some of Ireland’s most beloved folk classics.
Fiddler Emilie Kirwan is from Ballynacally in County Clare. Emilie spent some time studying at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the University of Limerick where she received a MA in Irish Traditional Music Performance. Martin Hayes and Siobhan Peoples were two of her instructors. Emilie regularly performs, teaches, and hosts Irish music sessions in Calgary. Multi-instrumentalist Nicola McLaughlin learned Traditional Irish Music through the Coventry branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (in the UK). Nicola’s enthusiasm for Irish music brings a wonderful energy to Irish traditional music sessions across Calgary. Lastly, vocalist and guitar/bodhran player Ciara Lane hails from Dundalk, Co. Louth, and grew up in a house where trad music, the Dubliners, the Clancy Brothers, Christy Moore, and Mary Black were all household staples. She is self-taught on the guitar and her vocal style is influenced by the softer tones of Christy Moore, Sinead O’Connor, and Dolores O’Riordan. |
The HaymakersThe Haymakers are a Rocky Mountain House Celtic group that have been performing since 2002. They sing east coast style with harmonies and have performed in Alberta and Saskatchewan. They have attended the Watervalley festival for about 15 years.
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The Lost ProspectorsThe Lost Prospectors are five country gentlemen panning the rivers of song in search of bluegrass gold! Featuring the combined talents of Brian Fukushima, Bill Jackson, PJ Hanley, Tim Babey, and David Woodman, these pickers have wandered the musical wilderness and returned with only the most tuneful nuggets of classic and contemporary bluegrass for your listening pleasure!
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The MaybeesThe MayBees is a group of friends and family from Calgary/Okotoks and Langdon who love making music. This year we May have 2 performers or Maybe 10. We will definitely have fiddles, guitar and vocals. We May have ukuleles and Maybe an autoharp. We will certainly have rhythm instruments. There May be rain and Maybe some sun, whatever the weather we are sure to have fun. Performers: Beverly and Evan Halstead, Laura Jones, Heather and Timothy Cameron, Treena, Evelyn and Jaqueline Robertson, and Samantha Chen.
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The Oak TrioThe Oak Trio is Dave Morrissey, Dan Mills and Emilie Kirwan.
Hosts of the former Oak Tree session in Calgary, Dave, Dan and Emilie are fixtures of the Calgary traditional Irish music scene. Blending traditional dance music with a modern, energetic approach and a pint of good humour, the Oak Trio delivers a lively and entertaining show. They can be seen playing every Sunday at 4pm at St James Corner in Calgary. |
The ProjectThe Project is an acoustic blues and roots music trio; featuring George Campbell, Wayne Corner & James Blench. We play old string music that has great stories and deep grooves; we like to involve the audience in singing; we sing strongly ourselves; and we play well together.
Our concerts are a gumbo of songs about love, natural disasters, the occasional hanging, hope and despair. Just like life, but with more foot tapping. For the Festival we will focus on love in its many forms, some of them Celtic. |
The Red Porch RamblersWith a passion for that down home, front porch sound, The Red Porch Ramblers combine their vocal and multi-instrument talents to play traditional folk music from around the world. The fiddle, guitar, mandolin, Celtic whistle, banjo, and Cajun accordion all have a seat at the musical table for the tunes the RPR’s love to play. When RPR members Randy Sawatzky, Dave, and Charlotte Poulsom are not writing new tunes, or jamming on Dave’s red front porch, you might catch them at an open mic or jamming in a park in the area.
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the sweet colleensAfter journeying through bluegrass, folk and old-time music, the sweet colleens have gotten in bed together to delve into their Celtic roots. Susan Green (guitar/mandolin/fiddle), Susan Jones (bass/guitar) and Colleen Lecocq (banjo/guitar) share a passion for songs with a good story and lots of room to explore the sheer joy of making and sharing music.
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The Waltzing MatildasThe Waltzing Matildas play an up-beat swing style with material from the 20's - 60's. Their strong vocal harmonies and entertaining on stage banter make them a hit with audiences. They perform primarily in the Calgary area at pubs, cafes and senior homes. www.thewaltzingmatildas.ca
Valerie Hudson - Voice / percussion Jamie Newsom - Voice / guitar |
The WayfarersHailing from the Pacific shores to Nova Scotia, The Wayfarers are a group of friends who began playing together at house parties in Calgary and quickly evolved into a small Celtic band. The band members come and go as wayfarers do, but they all share a love of creating unique renditions of folk, Celtic and East Coast music, and the fellowship that comes from making music together. They are excited to be reunited back at the Water Valley Festival, where they had their first debut as a band in 2017.
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Top NotersTop Noters are a group that will feature a talented Harmonica player with piano and drums. This peaceful-sounding group is a wonderful chance to relax and enjoy some music without words!
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Volke and KingstonBrian Volke - Artist (singer/songwriter/painter)
- Father and Grandfather - Educator “I hail from Regina, Saskatchewan and have been playing guitar since the age of nine, and writing songs since age eleven. I trace my musical influences from Johnny Cash and Elvis, through the Beatles and the Monkees, then the Classic rock of Led Zeppelin and the Who. In high school I wanted to play guitar like Pete Townshend but I ended up playing like Bruce Cockburn, or maybe a mixture of the two. Then came many joyous years of playing Celtic music: Irish, Scottish, East Coast and West Coast (Spirit of the West). The best compliment I ever received was: ‘I thought you were a Maritimer!” Discography: Acres of Chrome (Solo) 2021 Carmel’s Parlour (with My Son Ted) 2014 Home Again (with Tir Na Nog) 2003 Website: bvtunes.com Email: [email protected] Shawn Kingston is originally a classical guitarist who studied at the Banff School of Arts and the University of Calgary. During this time, he performed with the Calgary Philharmonic and the Calgary Civic Orchestra. Over the last ten years, he took on a new role in an Irish band with Brian Volke know originally as Tir Na Nog and then renamed My Son Ted. He continues to play with Brian Volke and another artist, Rick Simon, who will be featured at this years Canmore Folk Festival. |
Wander WestCarolyn Scott – Voice, Accordion: Carolyn is a home grown Albertan who has grown up singing and playing piano with her nine brothers and sisters. In recent years she has added accordion and bass to her repertoire.
Tim Scott – Voice, Guitar: Tim has been playing guitar since he was 15. He grew up in Southern Ontario listening to Irish and many other types of music. There was always music in the house as both parents played musical instruments and sang regularly. Alina Khvatova – Violin, Cello: Alina comes from a family of two pianists and a violinist. Having gotten her Master of Performance from McGill she is currently teaching at the Lethbridge Conservatory of Music and playing with the Lethbridge Symphony. Suzie Irvin – Flute, Piccolo:Suzie grew up in a large Italian family where music gave her a lot of joy. Playing music that can touch a person's soul brings her life back into balance. “I am blessed to have found my Wander West family to share that peace with others.” - Suzie Suzie also runs a coffee shop in Lethbridge – Petals, Paws, and Beans as well as a wonderful flower arrangements shop – New Hope YQL Judy Lavigne – Voice, Percussion:Judy grew up in New Brunswick where she was involved in theatre, music and dance. She studied music at Mount Allison University and then continued her studies at McGill. She enjoys teaching at Long and McQuade and operates her studio Ms. Judy’s Music. Judy is so pleased to have found this weekend wonderful group of friends. |
Will QuanWill Quan is a Canadian singer/songwriter out of Calgary, Alberta.
Will’s style of writing songs walks down an ever changing path that tells stories of the human experience filled with struggles, love, loss and hope. In 2017 Will debut his first full length album Perennials. A 10 song album that featured just a guitar, vocals and a harmonica. His latest release titled She’s Still Dancing is more of the same. She’s Still Dancing is a 4 song EP recorded in 2021 from home which was a direct result from the Covid Pandemic which needless to say was a cry for help to stay creative during this period of uncertainty. |