Performers

Hailing from Calgary, Amy began her music career around campfires, at block parties, and in church choir. Knowing a career in music is no guarantee, Amy decided to practice other trades, but her passion for music prevailed, leading her to collaborations with Moby and opening for April Wine, Farmer’s Daughter, and Chris Cummings. Amy has an instinctive ability to craft stories into song and deliver them with sincerity and passion, all qualities that make her an undeniable Canadian talent.

​Amy “wowed” Canada with her appearance on CTV “The Launch” in 2018. This opened up industry doors as she was quickly signed by both a booking agency and management company.  In March 2019 Amy performed at the prestigious Canadian Screen Awards in Toronto.

Born in Golden, British Columbia, and raised in central Alberta, Barry Westerlund was brought up on the music of Hank Williams Sr., George Jones, and Johnny Cash. This influence is readily apparent in Barry’s Debut Album ‘Every Five Minutes’ as they serve as an undercurrent to his honest straight forward musical style. Barry now pulls inspiration from an ever growing range of musical influences. A lot of whom come from his own backyard in Edmonton, Alberta, as well as coast to coast in Canada’s folk music scene.

It’s not an Oats and Notes without BB and the Backsliders! This year they’ll be on stage Saturday at 1:00pm.

The Backsliders have been together for over 4 decades and performed at every WO&N plus backed up many artists at the festival. This year’s performance is a memorial to Bill Sylvester who we sadly lost last August. Bill was the last founding member playing with the band. Saxophonist Dan McDonald is the last remaining original member and played with Bill for over 40 years. Jake Buckley is an amazing local singer songwriter who has fronted the band since 2016. Bob Walker on Bass and Howard Bergeron on guitar are amazing local musicians that have been with the band for the last several years. Dean Pierno local famous drummer is graciously filling in for Bill. Let’s celebrate our friend Bill Sylvester!

BILL DURST featuring Jack Richardson Hall of Fame members Bill Durst and his writing partner, bassist Joe DeAngelis of the pioneering classic Canadian rock band Thundermug..

Always an audience favorite, Bill Durst has long been compared to the best guitar  player/singer/entertainers anywhere in the world. Bill has written and recorded over 100 songs on ten albums including seven charted Canadian radio hits. After the early success of his band Thundermug in North America and Europe, Bill was acclaimed as one of the top songwriters in Canada, signing with CBS (now Sony) Publishing, and releasing his first two solo albums in 1984 and 1989.

David James and Big River are often described as one of the most authentic Johnny Cash tribute shows touring today. Thousands of fans agree with those reviews, as they routinely sell out shows in venues large and small across Canada and the U.S.

James and his band look and sound like the legacy of the Man in Black, and when they step on stage, they live it. From the way Cash holds his guitar to the way he talks to his audience, the legendary musician lives again when James steps to the mike and says, “Hello – I’m almost Johnny Cash.”

David James is proud to introduce his new portrayal of Country Music Hall of Fame artist Waylon Jennings.

Pairing Cash and Waylon is a natural fit, as they were best of friends and work together throughout their careers.

They recorded an album and notably performed along side Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson as part of the super group The Highwaymen.

Together they invoke the sounds and image of another era, accurately recreating that classic sound, OUTLAW COUNTRY.

David Unsworth is a singer-songwriter based out of Edmonton, Alberta. He combines intricate lyricism with rhythmic guitar, soaring vocals and a loop station to create personal, thought provoking songs, while still giving listeners a reason to dance. His latest project I Still Don’t Know What I’ve Lost released on June 17, 2022.

Having performed at events like the Canmore Folk Music Festival and the Edmonton International Fringe Festival, David captivates audiences with his effervescent stage presence and introspective lyricism. His music has been played on CBC Radio, and local radio stations like MIX 107, CKUA and CJSR. His unique ‘one-man-band’ sound was recognized by CBC Music producer Del Cowie during the 2017 CBC Searchlight Competition. More recently he won the adult division of the 2018 K-Days Talent Search, and in 2019, completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz and Contemporary Music from MacEwan University.

His razor-sharp songwriting and agility with a loop station has earned David comparisons to the likes of Sting and Ed Sheeran. David blends the long-held traditions of folk storytelling with the rhythmic sensibilities of pop and alternative music, creating a sound that sticks in your head, while still delivering meaningful lyrics.

The sweet Americana-inspired folk songs and dreamy harmonies of Jeff Stuart (The Hearts) and Lindsay Pratt (Party Jacket, Twin Peaks) have been known to persuade a tear or two from audiences on occasion. It’s anyone’s guess as to whether that’s because of their lovely music, or because of Pratt’s mischievously charming ‘stand-up’ style stage banter, where she often makes Stuart the object of her playful ridicule. Either way, bring some Kleenex!

Jack de Keyzer, guitarist, singer, song writer and producer performs his high energy original  blues, rock and soul charged music across Canada and the world in a career that is still going strong after 50 years.

De Keyzer’s music is steeped in Chicago blues, London England’s blues rock, Detroit’s Motown, Muscle Shoals’ deep soul, Memphis’ rock and roll, and Philadelphia’s funky soul jazz . De Keyzer knows first hand as he has played with many first generation pioneers of these sounds and styles, Bo Diddley, Otis Rush, Etta James, King Biscuit Boy and Ronnie Hawkins to name a few.

Don’t miss one of Canada’s premiere blues guitarists and his top notch band as they perform selections from  de Keyzer’s award winning (2X Juno, 7X Maple Blues) catalogue, along with favourite cover songs.

John Wort Hannam has been on his roots-fueled troubadour journey for two decades, spinning song writing gold from the chaff of the lives he has encountered and those within his fertile imagination. Twenty two years into his career, he shows no sign of slowing down.  He’s gaining both momentum and a wider audience, winning two 2023 Canadian Folk Music Awards for Solo Artist of the Year and Contemporary Album of the Year. Add to this, two of the finest Canadian instrumentalists – Scott Duncan on fiddle (The Wardens, Barrage) and Jason Valleau on upright bass (The PolyJesters,  Blake Reid Band) – and you have the John Wort Hannam Trio.  With their three-part harmonies and intricate playing, it’s easy to see why audiences and critics alike hear something special in this trio’s narrative, lyrically driven performance.

Ken Stead already has a firm foothold in the Canadian roots community, having graced the grassy stages and sessions of Edmonton Folk Fest, Canmore Folk Fest, and North Country Fair, as well as rowdier venues like Main Stage Big Valley Jamboree, the Calgary Stampede Coke Stage and Wild Mountain Festival. Whether playing solo, or with his 5 piece band, Ken Stead makes every room feel like home. A generous demeanor, a delicate wit, and an empathetic understanding of audiences of all shapes, his performances are as true and honest as the songs themselves.

Produced by Winston Hauschild (Hannah Georgas, Hey Ocean), and mixed by Canadian legend Howie Beck (Barenaked Ladies, Feist, Walk Off The Earth), Civil War is an earnest portrait of the domestic, the conflicts present in the everyday, and how one’s struggle with themselves and their own faults bleed into their relationships with others, how that mirrors the larger political climate. Throughout the record, Stead grapples with his firm belief that peace begins with the individual. “Trouble” is a song that combines roots rock with 80’s synth danceability.  With the grit and strength in Ken’s voice, he captures the moment you realize you’re in some sort of trouble, but knowing that trouble is exactly what you’re looking for.  Tracks like “I’m Done Trying” are strong and self-critical, pining to understand the other with empathy and the earned conviction of its power-chords.  “Why You Afraid Of The Dark” is a roots/soul song tackling the fear of facing the hard times with soulful piano, groovy rhythms, and a hook that will having you singing along.

You might not recognize Leo Martinez, but if you’ve ever wandered around Edmonton’s downtown core past a certain point or found yourself perusing the Old Strathcona Farmer’s Market there’s a good chance you’ll recognize his voice.

With a set that includes chill-inducing renditions of Nathaniel Rateliff’s S.O.B. and Bob Marley’s No Woman, No Cry, Martinez’s voice has gathered music-loving crowds outside River City Revival and Cask & Barrel throughout the summer. And regular trips to the first-come, first-serve farmer’s market have led to gigs around the city, helping the singer-songwriter establish himself as one of Edmonton’s hardest-working musicians.

Born and raised in the Canadian prairies of Alberta, Edmonton singer-songwriter Lily Monaghan never fails to leave a lasting impression with her warm, unique tone and hypnotizing presence.Her recognizable velvety voice starkly contrasts yet beautifully complements the delicate acoustic guitar, easily emotionally connecting with her audience through her signature biographical original songs and conversation – stopping melodies.  Fusing together elements of folk, pop, and country; Monaghan released her debut EP (“Introspection”) in February of 2023, subsequently earning her spotlight artist features on keystone media outlets such as CBC, CKUT (Toronto), Roots Music Canada, and the Edmonton Journal. 

Lily’s mission is to create heartfelt, meaningful, and emotional music that her listeners will connect to. With a deep passion for songwriting, Monaghan creates an intimate and emotional musical experience that audiences are sure to remember. Some noteworthy performances include Winnipeg Folk Fest (2023), JUNOfest (2023), and the Government of Canada’s Canadian Citizenship Ceremony (2023). With her skills consistently evolving, Lily is constantly raising the bar and will continue to share her art and expand within the music community. Seizing any opportunity to create music, Monaghan draws inspiration from many songwriters including Chris Stapleton, Hozier, and Stevie Nicks.

LONGTIME COMPANION is the duo of Jody Shenkarek and Gavin Dunn. Longtime music collaborators from Edmonton Alberta. Gavin and Jody were roommates in the mid nineties. After hearing Jody singing in her closet for half a year. Gavin was integral in getting Jody to believe her songs were better off shared. Together they formed a duo that went on to grow into Jody and the Mill creek boys. For the last 20 years they have played Jodys songs with a list of outstanding musicians. Currently the full band goes by the moniker Jody Shenkarek and hot Kindlin’. Jody and Gavin revel in the chance to revisit their duo form and get back to the basics.

Lucas Chaisson is a performing artist, songwriter, session musician and producer based in Edmonton, AB. Lucas began performing around Western Canada as a child and released two albums to critical acclaim before his 18th birthday. Since moving to Edmonton from Cochrane, AB in 2013, Lucas has released two more well-received recordings. Telling Time (2015) was produced by Juno and Grammy Award winning producer Colin Linden at House of Blues in Nashville, TN. After the success of Telling Time, Lucas decided to take on more creative control for his 2020 release Most True Thing. This most recent recording was produced by Chaisson and recorded/mixed by Juno nominated engineer Scott Franchuk at The Audio Department in Edmonton. This collaboration produced Lucas’s most fully realized effort to date, with performances from some of Canada’s finest musicians (Joey Landreth, Grant Siemens, John Showman), as well as Lucas’s touring band.

When not performing or recording his own project, Lucas is a sought after session musician and producer. He is an active member of celebrated Canadian acts Altameda and Lucette. His skills on the guitar and bass have also afforded him opportunities to accompany artists like Rosina Cove, Dennis Bouwman, Wyatt Easterling on a more casual basis. In 2021 he produced the debut album for Edmonton band Swear By The Moon, which he also played guitar on.

Currently Lucas is working on recording two different projects on which he is the primary songwriter and producer, finishing guitars on Lucette’s upcoming album – produced by Matt Pence, and gearing up for a busy summer of touring in Canada, Europe and The United States with Altameda. No matter which of his many hats he chooses to wear on a given day, Lucas has proved himself to be an artist that is in it for the long-haul and a fixture in the Canadian music community.

When you hear Megan Paige, you can’t help but have that same feeling as watching a prairie sunset on a warm summer evening. Her crisp vocals are velvety and heartfelt, laced with emotion, but audacious and dynamic. Strongly influenced by powerful rock-country voices of the 1990s, Megan’s ability to walk the line between Gen Z and Millenial musical tastes drives her profound sense of connection with her audience when she entertains.

Growing up in small-town-Alberta, Megan was immersed in live music. She has showcased her passion for music on such stages as The Bluebird Cafe, Cook County Saloon, and The Jubilee Auditorium. Paige began by playing for corporate, private and fundraising events, and has gained such momentum in her career to now play at music festivals such as Pigeon Lake Music Festival in Alberta. Diving deeper into the creative process, she has also recorded and released her first single “Best I Never Had” in 2021 which landed a spot on Sirius XM and followed up with three more singles. Her latest single “Yesterday’s Rain” tells a story of heartache, resilience and the journey of healing. As the world is taking notice of Megan, her music has earned a spot in the top 100 of 2022 on the Canadian Indie Country Countdown, and a proud moment for Megan most recently was winning the 2024 Female Entertainer and Vocalist of the Year award at the North American Country Music Association International competition in Nashville.

Michael Bernard Fitzgerald is a Canadian singer/songwriter who has collected an audience of fans across North America drawn to his simple honest words and genuine smile. Having
released 4 full-length albums to date, Fitzgerald has spent his career since 2006 creating music, touring, developing as a songwriter, and connecting with audiences. Fitzgerald’s unique and innovative ideas coupled with his inherent warmth allow him to engage with people in a way that always leaves them meaningfully connected.

After over a decade of working with labels, creating songs with top-tier L.A. songwriters and producers including Jon Levine (Drake, Dua Lipa), Brian West (Maroon 5, K’naan), and Dennis Herring (Ra-Ra Riot, Modest Mouse) on About You, and spending some time in the charts with “I Wanna Make it With You” (2016) and “One Love” (2016), Fitzgerald has finally found himself and a calm, rooted, unfeigned sound at home. A career of touring across Canada and around the world sharing the stage with artists like Bryan Adams, Ben Harper, Dan Mangan, Sam Roberts, Joel Plaskett, and Kings of Leon has brought Michael back to his hometown, Calgary Alberta, to create his newest record Love Valley.

If it was in a small club or larger theatre like the Vogue in Vancouver, the Danforth Music Hall in Toronto, Jack Singer Concert Hall in Calgary, or on the big stages at a festivals like Calgary Folk Festival, Winnipeg Folk Festival, Firefly Festival or Mountain Jam (to name a few) the spirit of honest connection with people has always existed in Fitzgerald’s performances. Today, he knows the value of time spent living in the moment and continues to go forward fostering the experience of connecting one song, one room, one fan at a time.

Mocking Shadows has been entertaining crowds across Canada for over 13 years with their own brand of soul, reggae, blues and R&B. Drawing from their “old school” roots the shadows have developed and incorporated a contemporary sound that has attracted a younger demographic while still maintaining their original “old school”  fan base. The ability of the band to appeal to such a wide demographic has made them one of Western Canada’s more popular festival, corporate and special event bands.

Although the line up has changed significantly over the years, the quality of music, showmanship and creativity has only increased. The result is a strong ever evolving sound that keeps their fans interested and engaged.  The Shadows’ have established a very special niche in the Canadian Music scene.

The line up features a variety of keyboards, full horn section, guitar, bass, drums and up to 6 vocalists. The band plays music festivals, theatres and venues of all styles and genres and have performed and shared stages with some of Canada’s musical elite including performances with: The Tragically Hip, ZZ Top, 54/40, Wide Mouth Mason, Jann Arden, Reba Macintire, Leanne Rimes, Randy Bachman, Lighthouse, Colin James, The Powder Blues Band, Doug & The Slugs, Trooper, Downchild Blues Band, and many others.

Some of the bands proudest achievements include two complete Canadian tours with the legendary BB King, once in 2001 and to prove it was no fluke, again in 2002.

Nanise! ~ Best described as A Deep dimpled, Bourbon sippin, queer accordion poet. Join her down a cool path of true tales & travel with wild hearted twists. It is there where you may run into a couple of characters along the way n’ leave smilin’ miles wide or maybe wondering what the heck just happened. ❣️

The Short Story:

Tirelessly driven, Paris Pick has been busy building her musical empire since 2013. Now a decade later with several promotional tours across Canada, as well as both national and international showcasing under her belt, Pick has successfully managed to carve a niche for herself and earn her title as “Yacht-Pop Princess” with her distinctive voice, bold sense of fashion and uplifting songs about personal growth, life, love and heartache all perfectly weaved together with crunchy-cute fuzz guitar solos and mid-70’s inspired vocal melodies that’ll make you swoon.

The Long Story:

Coming in at just over five feet in height, Paris Pick is the definition of short and sweet. But looks can be deceiving. Over the years, a lot of people have been fooled by Picks size and composure to be completely knocked out by both fierce and heartfelt performances that reveal a voice far bigger than the vessel it’s held in.

The honesty of Pick’s lyrical delivery makes listeners feel as if they’re being let in on a secret as they’re swept away by her expressive mix of optimism and frustration, sensuality and sensitivity. Together, Pick and her listeners share in the constant war between self-confidence and insecurity that her music exposes. Tuning into Pick’s music is like being gently pat on the back while you scream out in anguish the unheard truths of an old lover. Love, loss and redemption served up hot. Heartbreak has never felt so good.

Paris cites contemporary artists such as Mac Demarco, Brittany Howard, and Bahamas as inspirations, while her soulful pop style and vocal bravura recalls the sounds of Hall and Oates in their heyday. “Imagine the Eagles, but with more fem-power and funk” says Pick.

Currently Pick is working on her third full length record “Third Time’s a Charm” with Yukon based producer Jordy Walker at Stackwall Sound which was partially funded by Government of Yukon with hopes of release in 2024.

At this time, Pick resides in the beautiful Kootenay region of British Columbia in Nelson, BC where she recently completed her first year of the Music & Technology program at Selkirk College in 2023.

About “The Pricks”

“The Pricks” add flavor to Pick’s original repertoire with tasteful 70’s inspired back-up vocals, disciplined electric guitar parts, and hot grooves provided by a super funky rhythm section. Depending on the occasion, the Pricks come full force with horn section and keys.

The band name “The Pricks” is less of a reflection on Pick’s band members themselves, but more so a reflection of some of Pick’s past lovers.

Ridley Bent is a Western Canadian, Country and Western, singer songwriter.  A veteran of the Canadian highways, Ridley has six studio albums of material to draw from and  another on the horizon.  His unique delivery and storytelling has kept him busy playing folk festivals everywhere this side of the St Laurence.  One of his most requested songs ‘Nine Inch Nails’ was judged by a panel that included George Jones as Country song of the year in 2008. Whether  performing with his mind blowing sidekick guitar slinger Chris Dunn, or performing solo, Ridley Bent’s smooth charm and extremely well penned songs will captivate you.  We are so glad to have the unique and talented Ridley Bent on our roster!

Alone in this Crowd is the title of Russell deCarle’s third album; it feels like the soundtrack of a movie in the days just before they invented Technicolor.

And, even more than his two previous albums, it may surprise those who remember deCarle as the lead vocalist and bassist of the iconic Canadian country roots band Prairie Oyster. He is no stranger to awards and accolades — his “Oyster years” were rewarded with six Juno Awards, more than a dozen Canadian Country Music Awards and enough gold and platinum records and #1 singles to fill a living room wall.

The truth is, though, that Prairie Oyster was always more than a “country” band, and deCarle’s warm, burnished and intimate voice has always honoured an eclectic range of songs.

With its release in 2022, “Be Alright!”, was the first album to debut at #1 on the CKUA Top 30 Chart. The Edmonton based singer has “…vocals that emanate…an air of melancholy. Roy Orbison, with a dash of Chris Isaak and a pinch of gospel-era Elvis Presley are the knee-jerk comparisons, as Volkov sings like a man out of time.” (The Edmonton Journal). Sammy has also released a country duets album with Dana Wylie (“The Day Had To Come”) and he has been booked to perform at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival for two consecutive years.

Shaela Miller’s spent over a decade in Alberta country, and no doubt, her Joan Jett vibe, songwriting chops, and outstanding vocal tone could have put her on a number of paths, but she’s never bowed to the constant, overwrought attention-seeking bombast so common to today’s country radio.

As one of the Canadian prairie underground’s most respected independent artists, Shaela Miller is playing the music she wants to, adding the elements that progress for her vision, while firmly grounded in that go-to sound generation after generation grew up hearing on AM radio in single-cab farm trucks; picked-up shuffles and sweet, yearning songs depicting both the good times and hard times that only get written by someone who’s lived every minute of them. 

Authentic connection / Vulnerable expression

We are a seven piece band of lovers and livers from Edmonton, Alberta. 

Sharing our experience of existence through songs created from a space of healing, living, loving and dreaming. 

swearbythemoon is forever

Tayler Grace is an indie folk musician from Edmonton, AB. She is greatly inspired by artists such as Gregory Alan Isakov and Billie Marten. Her music is a blend of bluegrass and heartfelt folk. This spring, she released a new EP, “Let You Go,” which features other local artists, Eric Yaremko and Bri Huot.

Based in Edmonton, Alberta, The Western Thistles captivate audiences with woody tones and belting harmonies. Formed in 2019, the band was born out of the musical connection between Mark Boer and Bri Huot, who share a deep appreciation for folk, Americana, and outlaw country. United by their love for these genres, they came together to weld their talents for the sake of the song.

As both multi-instrumentalists and songwriters, Mark and Bri channel their lived experiences into their music. Their authentic sound is a reflection of day-to-day living, capturing the essence of life through the lens of traditional folk and old-time country music. Their commitment is not just to play music but to leave an indelible mark on the hearts of those who lend an ear. Creating music is more than a passion; it’s a dedication to the art of storytelling through song.

There are bands for which rock and roll is a lifestyle, and then there are bands for which it is life.

To many, The Weber Brothers are the baddest band in the land. To many others, their story sits like an ancient volume in an old bookstore, dust covered, tucked away behind hundreds of newer, shinier books. Untouched. Waiting to be discovered. Regardless of what side you’re on, there’s an undeniable truth. In the rough and tumble world of rock and roll, The Weber Brothers have been around the block.

Ryan and Sam Weber left their Baltimore, MD home one night as teenagers, with the aim of meeting their idol, rockabilly legend Ronnie Hawkins, and ten hours later showed up at his doorstep. “The Hawk”, the elder statesman of rock whose former protégés (Robbie Robertson, Rick Danko, Levon Helm, Richard Manuel, Garth Hudson) went on to reshape music history as “The Band”, was duly impressed by the pair’s immense raw talent, and promptly invited them to audition for his storied backing band, The Hawks. Mere months later, after surviving the intense musical apprenticeship of his fabled “Rock ‘n’ Roll Boot-camp,” they were in: full-blooded Hawks. By the ages of 18 and 21 they had already performed alongside Kris Kristofferson, Levon Helm, Garth Hudson, Jeff Healey and the Tragically Hip to name a few.

Over the past 18 years they’ve recorded 15 independent albums and toured extensively throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe.

In October 2012 the brothers were invited to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame American Music Masters Tribute to Chuck Berry in Cleveland where they shared the stage with Merle Haggard, Lemmy Kilmister, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, Rick Derringer, Joe Bonamassa, Earl Slick, Steve Jordan and the father of Rock and Roll himself, Chuck Berry.

2016 saw the release of “Before We Arrive: The Story of The Weber Brothers”, a feature length documentary chronicling the pair’s musical journey, which the Toronto Independent Film Festival dubbed “Best Documentary” for 2016.

Also highly regarded for their proficiency as studio musicians, the brothers have recorded on hundreds of outside projects, including work with Gordon Lightfoot, Kris Kristofferson, Ronnie Hawkins and Willie Nelson.

Between their renowned musical ability, high-energy, awe-inspiring performances and lessons learned first hand from rock n’ roll pioneers, a reputation as the “Baddest Band in the Land”, “heroes of this generation” and “the future in the big shoes of the past” now precedes them. Whether it be their unrivaled power as a full rock band, or their undeniable chemistry highlighted in a head-to-head duo performance, The Weber Brothers always deliver.

“If it’s looked at as a passing of the torch or a keeping of the flame, then we’re the guys to do it,” says Ryan Weber.