Where to find us: 5432 Dalhart Road NWCalgary, AB Canada
Since 1972, the home of folk music and the favourite venue of artists from all over the world between September and April has been Calgary Folk Club.
John Wort Hannam January 26 2018
Jory Nash March 23 2018
Harris, Greenway and Jencks November 10 2017
Carter Felker September 15 2017
The Ennis Sisters October 13 2017
Nancy Laberge February 23 2018
Erin Costelo April 06 2018
Lion Bear Fox October 27 2017
The Wardens February 09 2018
Kevin Bennett September 29
Red Moon Road March 23 2018
Valdy October 27, 2017
Prohibition Hall featuring Steve Pineo January 26 2018
Perla Batalla March 09 2018
Billy Crockett March 09 2018
Jason Macdonald October 24 2017
Young 'uns November 24 2017
Chris Ronald October 13 2017
Hot Club of Cowtown April 06 2018
The Travelling Mabels January 12 2018
Fortunate Ones September 15 2017
James Keelaghan February 09, 2018
Ellis Paul January 12 2018
Gabrielle Papillon September 29 2017
September 15
Fortunate Ones LISTEN
LISTEN
Calling all fans of tight, folk-pop duo harmonies and the best of that irresistible Canadian East Coast sound. Based in Newfoundland, Fortunate Ones are Andrew James O’Brien (vocals, guitar) and Catherine Allan (vocals, piano, accordion). Their 2015 debut CD, The Bliss, seamlessly unites their energy and signature, emotive vocals with layered, imaginative production by Daniel Ledwell. With three Canadian Folk Music Awards nominations to date and a burgeoning audience courtesy of solid support from CBC Radio 2, their first CFC appearance is a fortunate occasion for us and the perfect way to kick off our 46th season.
Carter Felker LISTEN
A quintessential Alberta voice who was raised in Grand Prairie and Brooks, Carter Felker tells direct, honest stories in songs that chronicle the lives of hardscrabble Albertans who don’t get to exercise stock options. With the release of his debut, full-length CD Everyday Life last year and an appearance at the Calgary Folk Music Festival, 2016 was a breakout year for an emerging local talent to watch and be heard.
September 29
Kevin Bennett LISTEN
A legend on the Australian East Coast music scene, Kevin Bennett is best known as co-founder and songwriter/guitarist of the acclaimed Australian roots-alt-country rock band The Flood, which Kevin Welch compared to a Formula One race car after calling on them to back him on an Australian tour. Kevin’s songs chronicle the contemporary Australian scene, where he’s come from and where he’s going. Recipient of numerous Golden Guitar Awards in Australia, Kevin’s discovery of his Aboriginal heritage in 2005 opened new artistic and personal horizons for him. The leader of several other band projects in Australia, this rare solo performance, his first in Canada, promises to be a show you won’t want to miss.
Gabrielle Papillon LISTEN
Melancholy melodies and layered, lush harmonies are the hallmarks of Gabrielle Papillon’s beautiful sonic tapestries. Her fourth album, “Little Bug,” was nominated for a 2013 ECMA for Folk Recording of the year and three Music Nova Scotia Awards, while her fifth and latest offering, “The Tempest of Old,” has been described as dark, orchestral, defiant and rife with a purposeful swampy, gothic underpinning. Are you intrigued yet?
October 13
Born and raised in a musical Newfoundland family, the Ennis Sisters (Maureen, Teresa and Karen) grew up listening to Irish Newfoundland radio shows when their parents weren’t making music of their own. The Ennis Sisters returned to their roots on their album Stages, after having picked up numerous accolades for a string of eight albums from 1997-2012, including a JUNO, a SOCAN Award, and multiple East Coast Music Awards. As Maureen says in explaining how their music and homeland come together in shaping their identity, “there is definitely a ruggedness and a tenacity that comes with being from a place like Newfoundland.” Settle back and let their buttery, uplifting harmonies transport you to the Rock.
Chris Ronald
Based in Vancouver after emigrating from England in 2002, Chris Ronald, who counts Ralph McTell as an influence, has been described as “Canadian folk with British roots.” His 2014 release,Timeline, garnered a nomination at the 2014 Canadian Folk Music Awards. Chris merges a strong tenor with storytelling, guitar, harmonica and ukulele in his captivating live performances. His new album, Fragments, is scheduled for release in 2017 on Borealis Records.
October 27
Valdy, has been part of the fabric of Canadian pop and folk music for over 40 years. A man with a thousand friends, from Newfoundland to Vancouver Island to Texas to New Zealand, he's a singer, guitarist and songwriter who catches the small but telling moments that make up life. Remembered for Play Me a Rock and Roll Song, his bitter-sweet memory of finding himself, a relaxed and amiable story-teller, facing a rambunctious audience at the Aldergrove Rock Festival circa 1968, Valdy has sold almost half a million copies of his 13 albums, has two Juno Awards (Folk Singer of the Year and Folk Entertainer of the Year), a total of seven Juno nominations and four Gold albums to his credit. Valdy received the Order of Canada in 2011.
Lion Bear Fox
Christopher Arruda (the lion), Cory Woodward (the bear) and Ryan McMahon (the fox) joined forces and soaring harmonies to form their eponymous alt-folk man-band in 2012. Listen to how this West Coast-based trio blend their distinct, equally powerful voices to kindle passion and a magic that’s greater than the sum of three parts on their self-titled, full length debut CD Lion Bear Fox (2017).
November 10
Beloved favourites of the CFC Greg Greenway and Joe Jencks (co-founders of Brother Sun) pool their talents with Reggie Harris for a limited number of dates to share songs that will touch your heart and lift your soul. Performer, lecturer and cultural ambassador, Reggie is an innovative guitarist, fearlessly creative vocalist and engaging storyteller whose 40-year career dedicated to social justice combines spirituals, rock, and roots with moving, original songs. Originally from Richmond, VA, Greg is a product of the Boston folk music scene, and has released eight solo CDs in addition to his seven-year stint with Brother Sun, whose last two CDs were #1 in their respective years on the Folk DJ list. Joe is an 18-year veteran of the international folk circuit and is based in Chicago. Merging conservatory training with his Irish roots and working-class upbringing, Joe has penned such timeless songs as Lady of The Harbor. MarySue Twohy of SIRIUS XM Radio said that his new album, Poets, Philosopher, Workers & Wanderers: “tells our stories, his story, and the untold stories, as an American folk master can—with heart and unfettered perfection. Add this one to the folk canon!”
November 24
BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards “Best Group” recipients in 2015 and 2016, The Young'uns have a raft of awards to go along with the adoring, international fan base they have rapidly accumulated in a few short years. Pitch-perfect, a capella harmonies, razor-sharp banter and an uncanny knack for blending traditional themes with social commentary in live shows that draw rave reviews, these Durham County natives are making moving, relevant music as they bring tears and smiles to a new generation of folk audiences in the UK, US and beyond. With songs that provoke, inspire and beguile, their new, eagerly-waited release, Strangers (2017), promises to propel them to new heights.
Jason Macdonald
The close-knit community of Gabarus Lake, Cape Breton is home and the source of inspiration for Jason MacDonald’s engaging stories and authentic songs. His third CD, Got a Ways to Go (2012), conjures up vivid images of the lobster fishing life, salty coastlines and the tall, Maritime tales he knows, loves and lives so well.
January 12
Ellis Paul
National treasure. Honorary citizen of Okemah, OK, Woody Guthrie’s home town. Honorary doctorate bestowed by the University of Maine. Critical acclaim that includes 15 Boston Music Awards alone. Nineteen albums since 1993. 200 shows a year for the past 20 years. Ellis Paul checks all those boxes and many, many more. “I’ve got a car with over 475,000 miles on it, and it's my third road vehicle,” he says. “I’m gonna write and play until I’m gone.” No doubt he will. Then there’s his songwriting. Hard core fans know all about comparisons to the likes of Dylan and Springsteen. They also know the comparisons are not hype. Nora Guthrie simply says that Ellis is “one of our best human compasses.” Chasing Beauty (2017) is his stunning new release; and this show will mark Ellis’s second CFC appearance.
The Travelling Mabels
Eva (Mama Mabel, vocals, guitar), Lana (Purdy Mabel, vocals, guitar), Suzanne (Baby Mabel, vocals, bass) and Keith (Unstable Mabel, piano, accordion) are native Albertans whose reach spans country, folk, three-part harmonies and three generations of women. Their warm, heart-felt sound earned “Group of the Year” honours at the 2011 Association of Country Music in Alberta awards.
January 26
John Wort Hannam
Born in the UK and raised in southern Alberta, John Wort Hannam earned a degree in Native American Studies and taught on reserve in Alberta before becoming a prize-winning songwriter and performer. John is known for his unique take on the dramas of common folk, and for mapping landscapes of the human heart and his beloved Alberta in iconic songs such as Church of the Long Grass. With a keen eye for the quirky and lyrics that evoke the stories behind his songs, John has been nominated for a JUNO, three Western Canadian Music Awards, a North American Folk Alliance Award; and he received the 2010 CFMA Contemporary Album of the Year award. “You’re dead a long time,” John says, “so you better get out and make something beautiful.” We’re welcoming John back for his sixth CFC appearance!
Prohibition Hall featuring Steve Pineo
When Cedric Blary (clarinet) approached local guitar savant Steve Pineo (vocals, six-string banjo) to join him and Derek Stoll (tuba) to play 1920s music for a one-off gig, the resulting chemistry led to a new project that grew with the addition of Jonathan Lewis (violin) and Mark Limacher (piano). Steve describes this music from between the wars as fun chamber jazz, combining original material with arrangements from the great American songbook.
FEBRUARY 09
James Keelaghan
Former Calgary native James Keelaghan has earned acclaim and captivated audiences locally and around the world for decades with his command of narrative song-writing, connecting audiences to Canadian history and to our shared humanity. Songs as beloved and diverse as Kiri’s Piano, Hillcrest Mine and My Skies explain why noted U.S. music critic Dave Marsh characterized Keelaghan as Canada’s finest song-writer. Not afraid to break new musical ground, his collaboration with Oscar Lopez won many new fans for both musicians. James is joined by singer, multi-instrumentalist, Hugh McMillan (Spirit of the West). Join us in welcoming this true hometown hero back to the CFC stage!
The Wardens
Superb musicianship, haunting harmonies and chilling tales from three men who spent their lives in Canada's mountain national parks protecting grizzly bears and rescuing stranded hikers? Check. Since leaving the back country, Ray Schmidt (vocals, upright bass, mandolin), Scott Ward (vocals, fingerstyle guitar) and Bradley Bischoff (vocals, lead and rhythm guitars) have appeared at Folk Alliance International, shared the stage with Blue Rodeo, and released Sleeping Buffalo (2017).
February 23
James Hill and Anne Janelle
Opposites attract. James (ukulele) grew up playing folk, jazz and blues while Anne was a classical cellist. But the pair’s differences became their biggest asset in 2008, when Anne was working on her Master’s degree in cello performance at the University of Ottawa and James was wowing crowds with his ukulele wizardry at festivals across North America. A commission to record a duet track led them to form a duo and to cut True Love Don’t Weep, which earned Traditional Album of the Year honours at the 2009 CFMAs. After side projects to record and tour as solo artists, 2016 marked their return as a duo. “We both came to realize…that the duo is our strongest musical offering”, James says. Prepare for a night of dazzling, intricate, passionate, enchanting music.
Nancy Laberge
With its infectious folk-pop and incisive lyrics, Nancy Laberge’s new album When We Were Friends heralds the arrival of an important Canadian voice. The Calgary-based artist’s second solo outing leaves no doubt that she deserves a national audience. Coming off her previous album, Write From The Heart, Laberge’s extensive journey in creating When We Were Friends began with the heart-wrenching title track. “If words are ingredients to a song, then a song is the dish, the record is the meal and the live show is Thanksgiving dinner.” – Nancy Laberge
February 24
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AM Workshop Sold Out
PM WORKSHOP Sold Out (see below for afternoon time)
James Hill is not only a ukulele virtuoso but also a master teacher of the instrument. Now’s the time to shake up that same-old stuff you’ve been playing. Grab your uke and join us for a morning of musical fun!
Have you heard C, F and G7 one too many times? Like an old, reliable pickup truck these three chords will get the job done... but like an old, reliable pickup truck they could do with a little TLC. A paint job, maybe? Or a new set of tires? In this all-levels Workshop James shows you how to breathe fresh life into these beloved workhorse chords. "Jambalaya" will never be the same! Bring your instrument as this workshop is meant for all types and tunings of ukulele (baritone, soprano, concert, tenor).
My Baritone Ukulele is ready to go to school! How about your Uke?
WORKSHOP LOCATION
March 09
Billy Crockett
Billy Crockett is a prolific songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer and creative director of Blue Rock Studio in the hill country of Wimberley, TX. This state-of-the-art audio and video recording studio, which doubles as a live-streaming concert venue, has attracted such A-list artists as Lyle Lovett, Sarah Jarosz and the late Jesse Winchester. Billy’s work has won praise from Rolling Stone and American Songwriter magazine, which said of his twelfth and latest album Rabbit Hole (2016): “this is great record making from a man who has made great records for a long time.”
Perla Batalla
Perla Batalla is a Grammy®-nominated singer-songwriter based in LA best known internationally for her stint as a back-up singer for Leonard Cohen, who encouraged her to launch a solo career that to date has yielded seven albums as well as film and television features. Comfortable in both English and Spanish and proud of her mestiza heritage, Perla’s mission to honour her roots and expose young audiences to music and the Spanish language is reflected in her outreach activities in poor communities in the US. She is the recipient of the United Nation’s Earth Charter Award for “extraordinary devotion to social and economic justice” and the Premio Fronterizo Award for “healing work in the world.”
March 23
Red Moon Road
A Winnipeg trio formed in 2012, Daniel Jordan (vocals, guitar, mandolin), Sheena Rattai (vocals, percussion, keys) and Daniel Péloquin-Hopfner (vocals, guitar, banjo, mandolin, keys) paid their dues on house concert and festival circuits before their breakout third album Sorrows and Glories (2015) began turning heads locally and internationally. The album features polished, innovative instrumental work, finely-crafted songwriting and Sheena’s spine-tingling vocals. Their live shows are a mélange of tightly choreographed Canadiana, musical savoir faire, witty repartee and impeccable three-part harmonies. Redefining contemporary Canadian folk music and having fun in the process? All in a night’s work for Red Moon Road, who are back for their second CFC appearance.
Jory Nash
Award-winning singer-songwriter and storyteller, Jory Nash (vocals, guitar, piano, banjo) blends folk, jazz, blues, pop and soul into original, critically acclaimed albums, most recently The Many Hats of Jory Nash (2015). New Blue Day (2009) was named Album of the Year by Penguin Eggs magazine and earned a CFMA nomination. He tours North America regularly, playing the folk circuit in all its permutations. But please. Be kind. Jory has a hat collection and is a Leafs fan.
April 06
Hot Club of Cowtown
Since forming in the late 1990s, the Hot Club of Cowtown’s star keeps ascending thanks to jaw-dropping virtuosity and unforgettable live shows. The Hot Club weaves disparate styles together, setting up camp “at that crossroads where country meets jazz and chases the blues away” (The Independent), and remaining “conscious always that above all else, the music is for dancing and an old-fashioned good time” (New York Times). With a fan base in the UK and a dedicated, worldwide cult following (what other band has played Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia and Oman?), they have also opened on tours for Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan. Say howdy to Elana James (fiddle), Whit Smith (guitar) and Jake Erwin (upright bass) on their return to Calgary!
Erin Costelo
Who knew that the broken man on a Halifax pier would one day have to move over to make room for the electrifying soul grooves and prodigious talent of Erin Costelo? Producer, songwriter, arranger and vocalist with a voice to die for, Erin’s astonishing breakout album, Down Below, The Status Quo (2016), which features all that, a string quartet, and more, netted no fewer than eight Nova Scotia Music Award nominations.
Belle Plaine
Map to Calgary Folk Club