2023 Performers List
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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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BalladeersRosaleen (voice and guitar), Dave (clarinet) and John (banjo and octave mandolin) are happy to bring you this year’s set of traditional British ballads from the Francis Child collection. We will involve you in a characteristic mix featuring resourceful women, star-crossed lovers, practical jokes which misfire and just plain mayhem. “The Baffled Knight”, “The Trumpeter of Fyvie”, “Sheath and Knife”, “Queen Eleanor’s Confession” and “The Burning of Auchindoon” are all on the two CDs Rosaleen made with John and Derek Lofthouse in 2012, Sheath and Knife and Serpent’s Knee.
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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 |
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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 chartierbob1@gmail.com |
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Brian VolkeBrian 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: tirnanog76@hotmail.com |
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. |
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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 |
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CeltaraCeltara hails from Edmonton, serving up some fine traditional and contemporary Celtic music from all over with fiddle, flute and whistles, accordion and piano, guitar and bouzouki, bodhran, percussion and yummy vocal harmonies! Bonnie Gregory, Tami Cooper, Steve Bell, Andreas Illig and Mark Arnison are delighted to be back in Water Valley to play for y’all! Their three albums, including the most recent, titled "Seven Long Years" are available in the merch tent. Stay well everyone!
www.celtara.com |
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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: info@celticroutes.band |
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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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Colin PetersRoutinely seen at Water Valley as the fiddle player for My Son Ted, Colin debuts a solo project. Colin unleashes his new found love of singing and strumming, joining the very small number of people who have taken up ukulele during the pandemic. Come sing along with a few popular favourites.
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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. |
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David GregoryCome and listen to beautiful traditional melodies from Ireland, Scotland and Newfoundland played on guitar and clarinet, with verses sung by Dave's partner Rosaleen. Set will include "Rosin the Beau," "Carrickfergus," "Farewell to Tarwathie," "Ae Fond Kiss" and "Let Me Fish Off Cape St. Mary's."
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Derek LofthouseNorthumbrian small pipes and hurdy-gurdy.
Playing a selection of popular tunes from the french and northumbrian folk traditions. |
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David Morrissey & Eric MacdonaldEric and Dave have made music together for more than a decade.
They were among the original members of the renowned Oak Tree Tavern session. Their style combines a modern approach with deep roots in the Irish tradition. |
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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. |
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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) |
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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 ChoirCelebrating their 25th year the Irish Cultural Society of Calgary Choir is still enthusiastically singing away, bringing joy everywhere they go performing Celtic and Canadian songs. They have just survived another outstanding St. Patrick's season which along with the sold out Christmas Concert at the ICS Hall is two of many highlights in their year. Adding to their busy schedule of entertaining at retirement homes and seniors residence, which they thoroughly enjoy, they have been invited back to sing at the Pro Arts Noon Series at Cathedral Church of the Redeemer, Calgary on May 29, 2019 and Water Valley Celtic Festival. Along with outstanding musicians, strong leadership and welcoming manner this fun-loving, joyful choir plan to be around for a long time to come
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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 |
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Kathy Pepers (Celtic Harp)More than a decade ago Kathy Pepers fell in love with the Celtic harp and Celtic music. Since then she's appeared at various concerts and clubs, both on her own or along with the Celtic band, The Jig's Up, and has had the great pleasure of playing with folk/Celtic artists Maggie Crystal and Barry Luft. Her greatest joy is sharing beautiful music and (hopefully!) bringing a little sense of peace.
More than a decade ago Kathy Pepers fell in love with the Celtic harp and Celtic music. Since then she's appeared at various concerts and clubs, both on her own or along with the Celtic band, The Jig's Up, and has had the great pleasure of playing with folk/Celtic artists Maggie Crystal and Barry Luft. Her greatest joy is sharing beautiful music and hopefully bringing a little sense of peace. www.celticharpandpiano.com |
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Kevin FrielOriginally from west of Scotland via Ireland before crossing the pond and settling in Calgary.. An 'eclectic mix of songs, ranging from Scots/Irish to Folk.
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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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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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May Contain Alcohol"You won't want to miss THESE three guys!!!! Seasoned musicians here for their FOURTH appearance, playing celtic, country, and sing-a-long tunes that are guaranteed to have you clapping, singing, and tapping your toes!!! Guitar, mandolin, and percussion. SUPERB vocals, featuring Pat O'Hare!
A MUST SEE!!!! Band Members: Pat O'Hare (lead vocals/guitar) Art Price (cajon) Don Olness (mandolin) Gus Johnson (electric bass) |
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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. |
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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 tirnanog76@hotmail.com |
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Nora MaidmanNora plays a number of instruments including mandolin, octave mandolin and flute as well as singing. She will be playing and singing a variety of Celtic songs as well as one or two original compositions.
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Rosaleen GregoryRosaleen is looking forward to sharing from her repertoire of Celtic and English traditional songs in a new venue, Papa Luigi’s excellent Italian restaurant, starting with a Canadian version of an old British story-song of jealousy and murder, “Young Hunting”, and progressing via two Irish songs, one Scottish and one English to an Irish goodbye with “The Parting Glass”. Some unaccompanied singing, some guitar, and partner Dave’s clarinet – a varied tribute to our joint British ancestry.
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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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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 martin_suzi@yahoo.ca or through www.patchworkyak.com.
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Sypher's Cove BandSyphers Cove is also 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 also attended the Watervalley Festival for a few years.
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The HaymakersThe Haymakers are a Rocky Mountain House Celtic group that have performed for about 18 years. 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 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. |
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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 |
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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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Trailed By 20 HoundsThis band of merry minstrels, brought together by fate, united by music, and forever to be seeking the perfect haggis are Ian Babey on banjo, Boh Woodward on guitar, Tim Babey on mandolin and Bill Innes on bass. Join us for a creative romp through the celtic fields of green!
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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. |
