2024 Performers List
updated regularly
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Airdrie Scots Pipes and Drums

The Airdrie Scots are a non competing band.  We are always accepting new members. We perform in Parades, at festivals, for events, and we host an annual Robbie Burns events.

We are branching out from being a strictly traditional parade band Pipe Band.  We are adding to our skills and repertoire so that we could be more like the Red Hot Chili Pipers.   We have openings for people who play, Trumpet, Sax, Trombone, Guitar and Keyboard towards this end (bagpipe rock).

As well, we are looking to augment our tunes similar to the Scottish Regiments in Scotland where they have Brass and Reed instruments as well.

Alison Demeter

Singer, songwriter, storyteller. Western, Celtic, folk. Calgary based performer Alison Demeter is grateful for the opportunity to connect and celebrate her Scottish, English and Irish ancestry in story and song once again.  

​http://www.reverbnation.com/alisondemeter

Alvin Moore

Fingerstyle 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.

Balzac Kitchen String Band

We 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 Luft

Barry 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

The Big Trio

The BIG Trio is a side project of three members of the long-time, Edmonton based Celtara. Steven Bell (B), Andreas Illig (I) and Bonnie Gregory (G) play an eclectic mix of Celtic music and bring vocals, fiddle, guitar, piano and accordion into the fray. These three seasoned performers are making their trio debut at this year’s Water Valley Celtic Festival.

Brian Volke

Brian 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]

Caledonian Gaelic Choir

Calgary Burns Club Choir

The 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 Sea

​Whether 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.

Carolyn Harley & Friends

​​Carolyn is an established Calgary singer/songwriter!
Her Celtic set will include humour, history and harmony.
Working with hubby Joe Harley on bass; multi-instrumentalist Steve Goodchild; and multi -talented Lucinda Warnock, Carolyn is excited to present her original songs with these talented musicians. Take a quick trip to Ireland and the Maritimes!

Celtic Routes

Lethbridge-based Celtic Routes are excited to be returning to the Water Valley Celtic Music Festival in 2024! 
From our humble beginnings in 2017 as an Irish ballad duo with 2 guitars, Celtic Routes  (www.celticroutes.band) have added fiddle, flutes, whistles, pipes, bodhran, spoons and strong vocals and harmonies to our ever-increasing repertoire of Irish, Scottish, East Coast and (now) Cornish music songs and stories. We love researching the stories behind the songs and songwriters, as well as the history behind the music, and sharing these stories as part of our performances.
We have delighted audiences, large and small throughout Southern Alberta from Crowsnest Pass to Medicine Hat and Cardston to Red Deer at festivals, cultural events, clubs, pubs and private functions, celebrating our Celtic music, songs, and stories. Water Valley Celtic Music Festival is an annual highlight for us, and we can’t wait to see everyone again this year!

Chartier and Checora

Bob 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]
​

Chris Gregg

Chris Gregg is originally from Northern England and is going to share some music and songs from that part of the world. He will be joined by Seamus O’Donnell on bodhran. 

Christie Simmons

Christie J. Simmons is a Calgary-based singer/songwriter whose original acoustic offerings are prairie Celtic with a little country, traditional folk with a twist of Americana… Judy Collins and Joni Mitchell. Playing alongside multi-instrumentalist Steve Goodchild (banjo, bouzouki, cittern, dobro, guitars, mandolin…), Helen Goodchild (fiddle, keyboard), and bassist, Rob McConnell, this group offers up fine harmonies, feisty arrangements, passionate performances, and an array of thoughtful, compelling, originals. 

Coastal Craic

Cochrane Pipe Band

Wearing the Ancient Cochrane tartan, Cochrane Pipe Band was formed in 1999 as a recreational Scottish pipe and drum band.  Comprising people of all skill levels, membership is drawn from the Kananaskis/Cochrane/Calgary corridor and surrounding communities.  The Band participates in numerous parades and other events throughout the year to promote an appreciation and enjoyment of traditional highland music.  
 
The band is led by Pipe Major J.P. Searle and Drum Sergeant Rick Deans.  Rick is also the group’s greybeard, having been a founding member of the band when it was formed 25 years ago.

Cretaceous Landsmen

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.

Dennis McMaster

Denis McMaster was a regular at Water Valley for many years with the band Kilkenny and for the last couple of years has performed solo playing a selection of jigs, reels and slow airs on the keyboard. He has also discovered that an accordion is lighter to carry around than a keyboard and if he keeps practicing might include a tune or two on accordion. ​

Derek Lofthouse

Northumbrian small pipes and hurdy-gurdy.
Playing a selection of popular tunes from the french and northumbrian folk traditions.

​​Doug Briggs

​Doug 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!

The Drowsy Maggies with Dave Settles

Hailing 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.

Duzzy Penny

I grew up in rural Nova Scotia,  and somewhere between the surf and sky started writing songs.
I was in some form of banded miscreants since high school, until commuting out West nearly ten years ago.
Though Celtic music became an early love of mine, I don't think much about style or genre when writing. The song will usually take me somewhere if I close my eyes and trust it to lead. The best ones force you to stop everything until they're satisfied. 
I got the stage name "Duzzy" following an overheard conversation while drumming in church one morning...
 "He also plays guitar and harmonica "
"Does he?"
"And he sings and writes his own songs"
"Does he?"
I laughed to myself, and it was great.
I love music, and love to play. I guess that's enough.

Eric Coyle

Scots Traditional ,Glasgow street songs and Burns poetry, visiting Seniors homes and enjoying doing it, many thanks, cheers.

Fiddle Friends

We are a group of musicians who met through our association with the Prairie Mountain Fiddlers, FAMI Camps, and Irish sessions at pubs in Calgary. We love to jam together and enjoy playing Irish and Scottish tunes on fiddle, keyboard, guitar, bass, whistle, bodhran, and mandolin. Music is our passion and has brought us together. In alphabetical order, our names are: Maureen Bell, Carol Boyer, Bonnie Cox, Barbara Francis, Bryan Francis, JJ Janzen, Wayne Kelly, Alana Macguire, Sheila McCauley, Lynne McCron, Carol McKenzie, Robert Newton, Joelle Sheppard.
Slainte Mhath! 

Fromage Chaud

FROMAGE CHAUD, is a duo featuring Linda Kitchin and Darcy North.  Linda is a dazzling string player, playing the mandolin, violin and guitar as well as sings.  Darcy is a virtuoso accordion musician and together they are an excellent choice for any event.

This duo has already had a number of interesting performances:  playing at the Beakerhead Festival at the Centre for the Performing Arts, The Water Valley Celtic Music Festival, The Chinese Downtown Street Festival, various clubs and cafes, numerous private parties, corporate events, weddings, and other venues where they can showcase their incredible repertoire of world beat, dance, jazz, and blues.

Linda and Darcy have known each other for many years, playing together in “Take the Oy Train” and “Sheer Musica”. This where they decided to form “Fromage Chaud” in 2012. Linda has played in “Stealth”, a Celtic band, “Roots and Boots”, a country folk and western band, “The Amazing Kitchin Band” and “Conor’s Revenge” both which were Folk-Celtic fusion bands. Darcy has worked in“Dance Calgary’s Orquestra Libertango” and “Arthur Lapp’s German Knights” 

Here you’ll find the talent, versatility charm and one great show. ​

Gan Aimn

Playing 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.

​​George Campbell & Wayne Corner

George and Wayne, long term music buddies, have played small concert halls, art galleries, festivals, and café’s over the years. This year we will sing about Death (in the Church), Celtic Love (Schoolhouse Basement) and Bluesy Love (Chamber Tent). Sometimes these topics may combine. Good string music, ‘interesting’ perspectives, tapping feet.

Get Reel

Hailing 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.
​

Goodchild and Luft

Steve Goodchild & Barry Luft have over a hundred years of combined exprience as performing musicians and singing story tellers. They present both traditional and contemporary songs as well as instrumental tunes.
With an array of differert instruments at their disposal, Goodchild & Luft warn audiences to be prepared to have minds calmed, hearts uplifted, and funny bones tickled! Play on, lads.

The Great Grey

​Calvin 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.   

The Haymakers

The 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. ​​

Horizon Ridge

​Storytellers 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.

​Tunes that always have a story to tell.

​Irish Cultural Society Choir

In November 1992 a group of Irish Immigrants and their Canadian friends formed the Irish Cultural Society of Calgary choir. Over thirty years later this welcoming group of singers regularly rehearse on Wednesday night at 7.00 pm in 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. These are amazing venues to share our Celtic Heritage.
We love singing for live audiences. We delight in seeing members of the audience enjoying our music and song especially when they sing along or tap their 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.
Please come along and check us out for one evening and if we are for you all you need is a membership in the Irish Cultural Society to join the choir. We have over 40 members at present.

Please contact Maureen at [email protected] or Joe at [email protected] for more information.
Choir Members
​Donna Adams
Gord Bedingfield
Greg Black
Patricia Boutiller
Mary Brennan
Michelle Caird
Shayle Cullan
Ken Cheryba
Breda Cooke
Lorna Curran
Bernadette Deeb
Jim Dunne​
​Linda Flanagan
Fred Goldsmith
Linda Hartley
Mike Hartney
Catherine Hogan
Tony Hogan
Maureen Hutchens
Kim Keough
Edel Larkin
​Joe Massey
Kay Massey
Pat McCullagh
Bonnie Murphy
Kim Nickel
Leslie O’Loughlin
Laurin Olson
Lynda Price
Doug Wagner
Brian Weldon

Irish Cultural Society Musicians

This group of musicians take Irish music lessons every Saturday morning at the Irish cultural centre in Bowness. They are taught by the Irish fiddler, Emilie Kirwan from County Clare.
They share the love of Irish traditional music and hope that you enjoy their first performance at Watervalley. 
Members
Emilie Kirwan
Derick Perry
Nicola McLoughlin
Leslie O Loughlin
Jon Storry
Alanna MacGurry
Saachi Deshpande
George Huang
Peter Thurston
Catherine Nesmith
Janice Fennell
Caroline Alton

James Thurgood & John Corbett

​James Thurgood will be playing harmonica, accompanied by John Corbett on guitar.   Originally from Nova Scotia, James grew up hearing fiddle-tunes played on the piano by his mother, and on harmonica by his father.  As well, his Prince Edward Island grandfather played harmonica, while his Cape Breton grandfather played fiddle – all of which is to say that James came by it honestly, at least.  Starting on harmonica around age five, James began by working out song melodies, then the familiar fiddle-tunes, and eventually the unfamiliar tunes, and has continued, in fits and starts, to this day.  
John Corbett started out in Toronto, with accordion as his first instrument.  He had taken up guitar by the time he was a teenager, when he fell under the musical (and other) influences of a crowd of young Nova Scotian migrants (John’s dad: “You’re even starting to talk like them!!”), not to mention a large and musical neighbouring family from the Isle of Lewis.  He’s been honing his guitar chops for decades, and does a bang-up job of back-up for the tunes.  John and James look forward to showing you what they’ve been working on.

Jeff Stockton - Celtic Harp

He 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

Joanna Drummond

Alberta-based singer-songwriter, Joanna Drummond, embodies classic folk music through a deeply rooted tapestry of human stories. Her music seamlessly intertwines bluegrass-meets-Americana guitar playing with lyrics that sound as if they were dipped in poetry.

With a foundation in opera, Joanna's voice is not only powerful but sweet in melodic richness. Drawing inspiration from folk legends like Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon, Ani DiFranco and Amelia Curran, she blends grace & authenticity, creating a sound that's both timeless & refreshing.
She has released two albums, “Workshop” and “Songs for Mother's Day,” two singles, and is currently working on her third studio album.

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 Chorus

​When 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! 

Lilybelle

Lilybelle 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.

Magnolia Buckskin Trio

ACOUSTIC ROOTS TRIO
Kathy Cook | Corry Ulan | Natasha Sayer
Featuring 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.  https://magnoliabuckskin.com

The MayBees

The 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: Laura Jones, Annie and Charles Jones, Beverly and Evan Halstead, Shawna Hammond, Nadine Lothian, Saryn Dhillon and Maybe Heather and Timothy Cameron

Men Folk Singing

Men folk singing!

The Moondogs

​An 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. ​​

Norm Walker

Norm Walker is an eclectic acoustic "story-singer" and song and tune writer who lives in Regina, Saskatchewan.  Original and non-original song themes, include (but are not limited to) urban legends, electrical theory and practice (now retired from a life as an electrician and electrical instructor), the Saskatchewan prairie, gardening, seasons, apostrophe abuse, old literature, politics, community and family.  Writing and playing mandolin tunes is a favorite past-time.  Traditional music influences are omnipresent.  He also sings many old-songs from the days of the 78s and before.  Guitar, mandolin, strum-stick or just "a cappella" voice are the instruments of choice.  His main aims are to help audiences laugh, feel, think, and to be inspired (not necessarily in that order).

Pam and the Boys

Ralph McNeil

The Red Porch Ramblers

With 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.

Scottish Traditional School of Pipers

​Shellackybookies

The 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.   

Silly Songs with Dave

Sign Along with Bob Crabb

Six by Six

Six by Six plays old folk, pop, country and celtic music.  Songs of the sixties, Irish and Scottish favourites, and our original - very original - songs.  Sing along with us.  ww.sixbysix.ca

Slainte Social Club

the sweet colleens

After 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. ​

Sypher's Cove Band

Syphers 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.  

Themselves

Kevin, originally from Scotland and lived in Ireland for several years has picked up a diverse range of musical genres or whatever label you prefer. 

Tom is a home-grown Canadian multi-instrumentalist, singer songwriter, although he prefers playing only one instrument at a time!

Tim Gareau

​A Storyteller at heart, Calgary hometown lad, singer/songwriter Tim Gareau cares deeply for his audience and is compelled to share his musical gift wherever and whenever the opportunity presents itself. Tim crafts hopeful lyrics from real-life experiences and brings them to life with spirited guitar. His songs take listeners on a journey of discovery, which is at times is deep and thought provoking, sometimes wacky and fun…. and always relatable. “Despite the crazy times we live in, if we seek it in our hearts, life is good, there is always hope and an opportunity for joy, peace, and love” says Gareau. This message leaves his listeners feeling swept away, satisfied, and hopeful. Whether Tim is performing solo or is surrounded by fellow musicians, his shows are about authentic connection, creating something joyful, and drawing his audience into the experience. 
Tim’s songs take on many flavours strongly influenced by the folk and rock sounds of the 60s and 70s created by the Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel, Cat Stevens, Van Morrison, and the like. Tim’s latest release “Great Late Bloomer” has become a fast favourite with his friends and followers and is the foundation for his upcoming 2024 ramble through Western Canada

https://www.timgareaumusic.com
​

Trailed By 20 Hounds

Trailed By 20 Hounds, aye.  They’re  an interesting group of musicians that play original and traditional celtic music, but often with a twist. Pete Exner on guitar, Ian Babey on banjo, Bill Innes on bass and Tim Babey on mandolin.  They’ll try their best to be absolutely fascinating. Aye.

The Ukulele Strummers

The Ukulele Strummers is a group that meets weekly at the Highwood Community Hall for a few hours of music.

Our repertoire covers most genres and eras. Several of us take turns leading the group.

​The Waltzing Matildas

The Waltzing Matildas perform an upbeat style of 30's and 40's swing. The duo, comprised of Val Hudson and Jamie Newsom, incorporate strong vocal harmonies and and silly stage banter which makes for an engaging performance. 
​
 www.thewaltzingmatildas.ca
Valerie Hudson - Voice / percussion
Jamie Newsom - Voice / guitar

The Wayfarers

Hailing 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.   ​

The Whoopsie Daisies

​Whoopsie Daisies is a vibrant all-female Celtic and folk band hailing from the picturesque Sundre area. Known for their unique blend of modern songs with traditional arrangements, the group has quickly gained a reputation for their energetic performances and heartfelt melodies.

Together, the Whoopsie Daisies create a musical experience that is both timeless and contemporary, celebrating the rich heritage of Celtic and folk music while bringing their own modern twist to the genre. Their performances are a joyful celebration of music and friendship, captivating audiences with their infectious energy and undeniable talent.

Will Quan

Will 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 debuted his first full length album “Perennials”. A 10 song solo album that featured just a guitar, vocals and a harmonica. In 2021 “She’s Still Dancing” a 4 song EP was recorded in Will’s basement during the Covid Pandemic which needless to say was a cry for help to stay creative during this period of uncertainty.  
Recently released in May 2024 is a new 7 track album "No End To Being Hopeful".  

Check out all the albums on Bandcamp through this link:   www.flowinglikewater.com

Woodland Air

Woodland Air is a dynamic female musical duo known for their enchanting blend of folk and modern Celtic folk music. Consisting of Christina on the accordion and Caroline on whistle and percussion, Woodland Air captivates listeners with  rich, melodic soundscapes and timeless, evocative tunes that always have a story to tell.
Water Valley Performers 2024
100+ Performances
8 venues
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Community Hall
Balzac Kitchen Party Stringband 
Tim Gareau
Cochrane Pipe Band
Douglas Briggs
Waltzing Matildas
Fromage Chaud
Celtic Routes
Airdrie Scots Pipes and Drums 
Christie Simmons
Horizon Ridge
Carolyn Harley & Friends
The Great Grey
Sweet Colleens
Haymakers
Sypher’s Cove

Settle In Stage
Douglas Briggs
Duzzy Penney
Joanna Drummond
Fromage Chaud
Eric Coyle
Scottish Traditional School of Pipers
Slainte Social Club
Brian Volke
Themselves
Haymakers
Sypher's Cove
Magnolia Buckskin
Carolyn Harley & Friends
Lilybelle
The Great Grey

Chamber Tent
Wayfarers
David Foster
Silly Songs with Dave
Sing Along with Bob Crabb
Ukelele Strummers
Whoopsie Daisies
Balzac Kitchen 
Woodland Air
Ralph McNeil
Pam and the Boys
Celtic Routes
George Campbell & Wayne Corner
Tim Gareau

WVCA Tent
The MayBees
Alvin Moore
James Thurgood & John Corbett
Fiddle Friends
Alison Demeter
Jeff Stockton - Celtic Harp
Trailed by 20 Hounds
Joanna Drummond
Celtic Routes
Waltzing Matildas
The Moondogs
Calgary Burns Club Singers

School Tent
Fromage Chaud
Wayfarers
Themselves
Thurgood and Corbett
Irish Cultural Society Musicians
Big Dream
Denis McMaster
Big Dream

Upper Schoolhouse
Jeff Stockton - Celtic Harp
The MayBees
Kerby Chorus
Gan Aimn
Caledonian Gaelic Choir
Irish Cultural Society Choir
Magnolia Buckskin
Barry Luft
Calgary Burns Club Choir
Coastal Craic
Lilybelle
Get Reel
Big Dream
Goodchild and Luft

Lower Schoolhouse
Red Porch Ramblers
Chris Gregg
Denis McMaster
Will Quan
Norm Walker
Sweet Colleens
Themselves
Drowsy Maggies with Dave Settles
George Campbell & Wayne Corner
Six by Six
Alvin Moore
Chartier and Checora
Coastal Craic
Duzzy Penney

The Chapel
Will Quan
Kathy Pepers - Celtic Harp
Norm Walker
Irish Cultural Choir
Derek Lofthouse
Men Folk Singing
George Campbell/Wayne Corner
Called by the Sea
Sweet Colleens
Red Porch Ramblers
Chartier and Checora
Six by Six
The Moondogs
Cretaceous Landsmen
Shellackybookies

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