Great folk music in an intimate setting at Irish Mountain

Saturday, January 30, 2010
Wendell Ferguson and Katherine Wheatley embrace us with the fun and joy that make their shows so special. Heartbreaks and comedy and spirit. They are adored!

Saturday, November 28, 2009
Dala, sweet and glorious. So much beauty on stage, so much joy in the audience. They are grace and heart and talent, and they radiate a joyful love of music. They are absolutely adored....

Saturday, November 14, 2009
Jane's Party rocks the room with catchy melodies and snappy little tunes, and they capture our hearts with their love of playing. Lots of fun! Genuine musical energy!

Saturday, September 26, 2009
Another lovely evening, rich and full and wonderful. The Marigolds -- Suzie Vinnick, Caitlin Hanford and Gwen Swick -- put together a perfect show.

Monday, August 3, 2009
It's an evening of songs with Matt Anderson -- a young performer who blows us away with a powerful energy, high notes and stellar guitar playing. It's full on entertainment!

Click on the photo below to see a short video of the evening.

Friday, June 19, 2009
Brent Titcomb and his son Liam wrap us up in their musical arms for an evening of love and friendship and warmth, and the sweet sounds will linger with the audience for a long time. It's beautiful and special and pure.

Sunday, May 10, 2009
It's a Mother's Day brunch with the hard-working Ken Hamm entertaining us with his blues and stories and music, and the afternoon brings singing along and joining in and lots of fun. A wonderful gift of music for all the moms!

Saturday, March 28, 2009
Earth Hour turns this concert into a special unplugged acoustic evening - cafe tables and candles and the sweet sweet sounds of Madison Violet. Beautiful.

Thursday, March 12, 2009
Colin Linden rocks the house with his raucous blues - delicate tender songs and stompin' loud tune make it special nights filled with fun - what a joy to have Colin return!

Friday, February 27, 2009
Take three great musicians and put them together and get a lot of magic happening! It's an evening of soulful songs - textured, inspired and unique.

Saturday, December 6, 2008
Kerri and Caroline and Susan are more than good and more than lovely as they enchant a room full of appreciative guests. Fun banter, sweet harmonies… and their final song brings people to their collective knees. Not soon forgotten, what a night!

Saturday, November 15, 2008
Steve Poltz - The Return. Fun and wacky and unpredictable. Sensitive and sweet and melodic. Welcome back!

Saturday, October 18, 2008
Kevin Breit works his musical magic for the audience, fingers flying and instruments on fire. An evening of creative songs, textured with the sweet sounds of Russell Boswell on stand-up bass. Impressive and amazing. (Photo courtesy James Dean Photography)

Friday, August 22, 2008
Another outdoor concert on a beautiful summer evening with Steve Poltz. He performs a show filled with tenderness and wild stories and crazy fun moments and it's entirely memorable - he'll be back!

Wednesday, July 9, 2008
One of the fastest rising stars graces the outdoor stage and it is sweet - relaxed and fun and perfect. It's an evening to unwind and kick back, and Justin Nozuka's songs fill the woods with heart and beautiful melodies.

Friday, June 6, 2008
Toronto singer-songwriters Peter Katz and Rob Szabo provide an evening of sweet music to keep everyone engaged, happy, entertained and relaxed - what a beautiful way to spend a sultry summer evening in June.

Friday, April 25, 2008
Brian MacMillan and Lori Cullen entertain everyone with their music, combining mellow tunes and upbeat songs and all kinds of music with their beautiful presence. And there's something really sweet happening in the room when people join in on the songs. Niiiiiice.

Friday, February 22, 2008
The concert with Brock Zeman on Friday night is absolutely outstanding – you know the kind of evening where your stomach hurts from laughing so hard for so long, and the energy in the room is electric, and everyone is participating in a dynamic experience? It's one of those unforgettable nights!

Friday, January 11, 2008
Yet another sweet evening with The Undesirables. They give us the best they have, and it makes for a heavenly experience. Energy, depth, tears, many laughs. We're touched by the songs. Brilliant and beautiful.

Friday, January 11, 2008
The raw energy of The Undesirables show lasts for days within the walls of the house after this concert! New songs, familiar songs, laughter, tears - powerful and emotive. Absolutely ... delicious.

Saturday, December 8, 2007
Bob Egan warms the audience with his stories and songs, life experiences and musical journeys. It's a treat to sit back and experience an evening with such an engaging and skilled musician.

Friday, November 2, 2007
Opening with Corin Raymond, Jonathan Byrd captures the audience quickly and maintains the attention throughout his sets, capturing snippets in time with astute perceptions delivered in song. So many stories, so many characters!

Friday, October 19, 2007
Unfortunately we miss this concert, but from all accounts it's a gentle and sweet evening from Penny Lang, Canada's first lady of folk. Kind of like sitting around a campfire relaxing in the musical atmosphere.

Saturday, May 5, 2007
An evening of deliciously rich music – mellow and soothing and comfortable – kind of like sinking into an easy chair. Accompanied by the equally charismatic and masterful Steve Briggs of The Bebop Cowboys, Russell deCarle treats the audience to original sultry ballads and vintage country standards. Gently… mesmerizing.

Saturday, April 21, 2007
Just a week before winning the prestigious 2007 Chris Austin Songwriting Contest, John and Michele Law grace the stage of Irish Mountain for a night of exquisite bluegrass melodies, tender country songs and snappy lyrics delivered with passion and heart. Lots of fun, and nice to have the Laws back before their move to Nashville.

Friday, April 6, 2007
Irish-born Andy White makes Australia home, so he has the distinction of being the only non-Canadian to play the series – passionate and sensitive songwriting delivered with grace. The audience listens, relaxes and even learns - and experiences a wonderful evening of music.

Saturday, March 31, 2007
What a pleasure to host one of my favourite songwriters. Each song captures the feelings and moments of everyday life, so it's a joy to sit back and take in the stories and their charming characters. Accompanied by the extraordinarily capable Darcy Yates and Christine Bougie, Greg Hobbs leaves the audience thoroughly entertained.

Saturday, February 17, 2007
Who can capture an audience better than these two?! The Undesireables – Sean Cotton and Corin Raymond – bring characters to life with textured and visual images, taking us through lives and tales and situations with an animated energy – making for a uniquely sensory experience for a satisfied audience. Aaaaaah …

Saturday, January 27, 2007
Pure grace. Thats the evening of music with Anne Lindsay and Jason Fowler. They make the songs dance and drift and settle into our hearts, filling us up with music, each note finding a place within us on an especially poignant evening. It's beautiful.

Friday, November 17, 2006
What’s not to love about these two?! Back to back special evenings of delicious blues, delivered with genuine passion and warmth. Stellar concerts, lots of fun, and a true honour to share an authentic musical experience with Rick Fines and Suzie Vinnick.

Saturday, September 16, 2006
Beautiful and melodic, Winnipeg’s Jodie Borlé’s sweet musical presence fills the room with heartfelt ballads, jazz standards and pop songs. Making a return visit, Mark Reeves brings a high energy, textured set and feverish guitar playing, adding to a complete evening of music for the Irish Mountain audience. Something for everyone to enjoy!

Thursday, September 7, 2006
Jeremy Fisher – Hamilton-raised and British Columbia based. A bare-footed Jeremy Fisher enthrals the audience with his acoustic-pop sounds, brilliant lyrics and funky rhythms, entertaining with stories of cycling across the country three times, busking on the streets, and doing his own thing. It's an absolute thrill to host this talented young musician.

Friday, June 16, 2006
One of Nova Scotia’s quietly beguiling musicians has the audience’s undivided attention with skilful songwriting and stories. The audience is treated to a joyous and intimate performance from beginning to end, from Stompin’ Tom to the Prince of Pictou and everywhere in between. It's a deeply touching evening.

Friday, June 2, 2006
Aaaaaah, Valdy. The quintessential musician. Powerfully entertaining, engaging and full of musical spirit. It's a soulful night from one of Canada’s most beloved musicians and already an Irish Mountain favourite.

Sunday, May 21, 2006

Sunday, March 26, 2006
It's a thrill to host the most talented Luke Doucet and to introduce him to the Irish Mountain crowd. He holds the audience rapt in musical wonderment, song after song, with gentle and touching stories and sweet humour. What a joy to experience!

Saturday, February 18, 2006
Sheila and Amanda experience a ferocious Grey County storm, and stay to entertain appreciative audiences for two nights. Their harmonies are delicate, the songs sometimes profound and sometimes light, and these talented young women exude charm, wit and brilliance. What a beautiful treat for a wintry evening.

Saturday, January 14, 2006
When a musician begins the evening with an instrumental piece written for his son, you know you’re in for a treat from a warm and giving soul. With Dave Celia’s outstanding musical gifts and Joan Besen’s endearing presence, the audience experiences another evening of beautiful, rich sounds and connections.

Saturday, December 3, 2005
Inspiring, energetic, touching and funny .... Irish Mountain is blessed with the Michael Johnston experience! We're charmed by the songs, captivated by his presence and stirred by the love. And The Grandmother is a moving and beautiful highlight to a perfect evening.

Friday, November 11, 2005
Our bonus musician Brian Byrne performs a fabulous opening set, capturing attention with his versatile voice and engaging lyrics. It's an absolute delight to host him as he finalizes his solo CD – watch for more Brian Byrne!

Justin Rutledge – mellow, soulful, and poignant – earns our attention with his music and keeps it with his charming stage presence (“I’ve been working on my banter”) right up to the Jelly Bean sing-along with hand-outs and a creative Sun Down finale.

Sunday, October 2, 2005
Mark Reeves enthralls the Irish Mountain crowd with a return performance and quickly makes a genuine connection with everyone. There are songs of yearning and agonizing heartbreak balanced with sultry ballads and lively gospel tunes, and the ever-so-original version of ‘The Bearcat’ will be etched in memories for a long time! His humour, raw talent and authenticity are appreciated by everyone and make for a wonderfully entertaining and fulfilling evening.

Saturday, August 13, 2005
Owen Sound student Amanda Gillies opens for a huge crowd and takes our breath away with her beautiful music. Then, joined by brilliant and accomplished musicians Rob Lamothe on guitar and dad Brent on percussion, Liam takes to the stage and blows us away with his tunes and captivating stage presence. We all relax in the woods like there's no place we’d rather be this night. It's an incredibly warm and special performance. Check out the blog at www.liamtitcomb.com and www.roblamothe.com for photos of the concert, and listen for more Liam songs on the radio. He’s a natural star!

Sunday, June 19, 2005
The weather is beautiful for a concert among the maples with Christine and her fellow musicians. Leanne Zacharias warms us with her haunting cello, and we're treated to a set by John K Samson and Jason Tait from The Weakerthans (listen for their song “Aside” in Wedding Crashers). Christine follows with her unique and lilting songs, taking in the quiet of the woods to entertain the Irish Mountain crowd. The fun continues around the campfire as the Winnipeg musicians hang out after their performance.

Saturday, March 12, 2005
On a clear and starry evening, Stephen Fearing ventures to Irish Mountain to enthrall the audience with his storytelling and heartfelt lyrics. We journey with him across Canada, into our past and into the lives of others, and then immerse ourselves in the richness of life through his music. Stephen’s gentle humour and effortless guitar work are a pure joy to experience, up close and intimate.

Friday, January 28, 2005
It doesn't take long for the audience to recognize that they are part of something very special on Irish Mountain as Jory Nash and Jason Fowler keep the audience mesmerized from the first song to the very last notes. Soft and sweet, warm and melodious, humorous and witty, inspiring and awesome - a wondrous evening from two phenomenally talented musicians.

Saturday, November 20, 2004
It's a night of raw blues, presented with heart and soul by a performer who lives the music. Michael Pickett’s powerful songs and rhythms, interspersed with stories and history, fill the room. With three guitars, rack harmonicas and rich vocals, Michael shows us the depth of the blues. It's a smokin’ acoustic evening!

Saturday, October 2, 2004
What a powerful evening from a musician whose fingers are on fire! Lots of energy, original instrumental music and even some cover tunes for the Fred-heads in the crowd from Joël Fafard. An engaging show from a creative performer.

Thursday, July 8, 2004
It's an outdoor concert of distinction under the giant blue tarp in the woods, with Taught by Pat opening for Easily Amused. Armed with two acoustic guitars and two uniquely distinct voices, Keith MacPherson and Renee Lamoureux as Easily Amused intrigue us with their original lyrics and captivating stories set to song. Folk, rock, pop intertwine and leave the audience relaxed on a beautiful evening outdoors.

Friday, March 26, 2004
The Wailin’ Jennys give an impressive performance, from their opening song "One Voice" to the touching encore "Parting Glass". The harmonies are exquisite and the songs compelling, leaving the Irish Mountain audience filled with admiration for this talented trio. Nicki, Cara and Ruth provide warmth for a chilly night, and fond memories of their performance remain.

Friday, January 23, 2004
Katherine Wheatley and Wendell Ferguson return to Irish Mountain (does this make them our house band?!) to offer an evening of beautiful music. It's obvious that the musicians enjoy their time on stage, performing in front of a large and appreciative audience, some of whom haven't seen Wendell and Katherine perform before. There's much laughter, there are some tears, and there's great admiration for two of the best in the business. It's a magical evening!

Photo: Scott Woodhouse

Photo: Scott Woodhouse

Saturday, November 15, 2003
Trevor Mills opens the evening with his creative and unique songs, quickly captivating the audience with compelling lyrics and melodies. Trevor stays on stage and adeptly backs up Alfie Smith, who wows the audience with his rich and textured voice. This is a bluesman with heart! Trevor and Alfie leave the audience asking for more and the evening is over too soon.

Thursday, April 10, 2003
Suzie Vinnick impresses us with her sweet voice and delightful melodies. She treats the audience to an evening of blues, pop, and rock, from original tunes to Led Zeppelin covers. It's a special evening from a truly warm and incredibly talented woman.

The pictures are from next morning's "sugaring off".

Note: Suzie was recently selected as the Maple Blues Awards "Female Vocalist of the Year"

Sunday, February 9, 2003
Mark has us listening, laughing, and yes, singing along.

His songs and stories are captivating... his voice and guitar playing are stirring. And some of the subject matter... well, apparently he's considered renaming one of the songs on his current CD to "The Sex Song".

Friday, November 15, 2002
A fine group of music lovers come out on a cool November night to enjoy an evening of laughs and songs.

Young Ariel Nadler, accompanied by her mom Nora on piano, opens the evening by entertaining us with some lovely tunes. Ariel's voice is clear and sweet, and it's a joy to sit back and watch this 11-year-old sing with such poise and confidence!

Connie Kaldor starts her set with advice that all of us could heed ... Relax! (?!) It sets the tone for the rest of the concert, as Connie entertains us with her music and humour. There are lots of laughs, some tears, and banter with the audience. With Bill Gossage as back-up and harmonies, Connie proves why she has been in the business of writing and performing for over 20 years. It is a most memorable show!

Sunday, September 1, 2002
John and Michele Law entertain the Irish Mountain crowd with their tight harmonies and clear voices. With Michele on bass and John on guitar and mandolin, they showed us the best of their songwriting and talents. Matt Smith joins in like a veteran on a variety of instruments, despite the fact that this is only his second gig with The Laws.

The jamming carries on into the wee hours, and picks up again in the morning before breakfast on the deck on a glorious fall morning.

The Laws tour Australia in January and February and will return to Canada for more tours. Keep listening for them!

Thursday, June 20, 2002
The concert is great. First, we're entertained by the very talented Tyler Wagler, who opens the evening with stellar guitar work and vocals, as he performs his original songs. This is someone to watch out for in the future!

And what can I say about David Francey and Dave Clarke. They have us captivated with the first song, and hold our attention throughout the evening. Heartfelt lyrics, poignant storytelling and awe-inspiring guitar playing move us to laughter and tears. We sing along (and David compliments us on our work), and people snap up David's Juno-award-winning CD. A delightful evening, and Dave, David and his wife Beth enjoy meeting the Irish Mountain group.

Friday, January 18, 2002
The Rick Fines Trio put on an excellent show! The sell-out crowd enjoys an evening of blues at its best, with Rick's wonderful adaptations of blues songs and captivating originals. The talents of Rob and Richard don't go unnoticed, either. They performers are relaxed and personable, mingling with the audience and signing CDs at intermission, honky-tonking on our piano after the sets, and even inviting Rich in on a little jam.

Meaford's Edmund Baxter opens with some beautiful classical guitar. He has us enthralled with his flawless playing. (Edmund teaches guitar in the Meaford/Owen Sound area, and gets rave reviews.) A memorable evening for everyone!

Wednesday, October 17, 2001
Our first sell out! The show is packed, with 55 people gathering to hear Eileen McGann and David K. It's a wonderful performance and Eileen has such a pure voice ...wow!

Tuesday, June 5, 2001
By now, Rich has built a small riser, and the "bonus room" has taken on the look of a real performance venue. The sound is great, too, with the high cathedral ceilings. This time, we welcome Aengus Finnan and Jory Nash, two powerful young singer- songwriters, who capture everyone's attention with their powerful voices and lyrics.

Saturday, April 14, 2001
A little nervously, but with great excitement, we hold our first concert, featuring Katherine Wheatley and Wendell Ferguson. It's amazing... lots of great music... and humor. Local -- and getting-noticed-all-over -- boy Joel Morelli also plays a wonderful set.

We'll add artist links and pictures from upcoming shows as they happen. Better yet, come and see for yourself!