By the time she began writing her own music in the mid-90s, Maria Dunn was learning to draw deeply on the folk tradition of storytelling through song to honour the resilience and grace of ordinary people, both past and present. Maria’s earlier albums anchor her lyrics in music that melds North American roots with her Scottish-Irish heritage. Maria showcases her keen social awareness and her melodic, unvarnished songs about the lives of working men and women. Gathering, nominated for a 2017 Juno Award and winner of the 2016 Edmonton Music Prize, highlights stories of love of family, community and humanity, that fire our actions to make the world a better place. At the Nick, Maria will be accompanied by Shannon Johnson (vocals, violin) and Jeremiah McDade (vocals, whistles, clarinet) from the Juno Award- winning The McDades. Maria is working with Shannon and Jeremiah on a new CD to be released in spring 2020.

Ken Stead

Known for silencing a room to a whisper, Ken Stead’s new CD, 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 and how that mirrors the larger political climate. Throughout the record, Stead grapples with his firm belief that peace begins with the individual. 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.

Orit Shimoni decided to live out of a suitcase so she could pursue touring and recording with her entire focus. She has been officially ‘on the road’ for nearly nine years, no fixed address. With her recent release of a ninth album, and the tenth on the way, Orit’s songs and performances draw diverse audiences into her profound and universal themes and her storytelling talent. Orit is a truly unique and prolific artist. In a sea of predictable writing and pretty voices, she stands out as a special force with important relatable messages, and a disarming sense of humour.

At 12-years old, Harry Knight has performed around the world and is an accomplished flamenco guitarist. At 8 he took flamenco guitar classes in Spain for 5 weeks. Last year he performed with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. Harry says: “At first I was going to do the drums, when I was 41⁄2 years old, but I decided at the last minute to go with guitar. I like the tone, the culture of the Spanish music, how everyone enjoys it. It’s warm and reallycbright at the same time.” This spring, Harry will record his first CD with former members of Jesse Cook’s band.

She has performed with Magnolia Buckskin, The House Doctors, and The Fallen Angel Band. Her solo debut album When Guinevere Went Under, takes you on a journey through influences and experiences that span the Deep South with the likes of Leadbelly, through Texas blues, strains from the Appalachian Mountains to her early years in French Canada. In her just released album, Middletown, she shares stories with endearing simplicity and emotional depth. Emily engages the listener, her music grips the heart and elevates the soul. Her songs are double edged, unapologetic and a unique sound in the genre of folk/roots.

$30 Advance tickets for ALL of the following 2020 concerts are on sale NOW via  Brown Paper Tickets.

Advance ticket holders are reminded that any season ticket holders who arrive at the Crescent Heights Hall before 7:00 are given preferential admission.

January 11           John Wort Hannam with opening act Emily Triggs.

January 25           Harry Manx with opening act Harry Knight.   SOLD OUT!    

February 8            The Small Glories with opening act Orit Shimoni.

February 22          The Maria Dunn Trio with opening act Ken Stead.

March 7                 Dala with opening act Roger Helfrick.

March 21               Cécile Doo-Kingué with opening act Rob Heath. 

April 4                    The Good Lovelies with opening act  Ian Foster.

Ellen Doty is a soulful Canadian vocalist and songwriter with a world-class voice. Her music incorporates everything from jazz to soul, folk, pop and indie music. Ellen was the recipient of the ‘Outstanding Soloist’ award from the 2013 Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival. A true storyteller whose works are as intimate and as personal as their handwritten lyrics, Ellen’s immense talent for songwriting is only complemented by her stunning vocals. Her new album Come Fall debuted at #1 on the iTunes Jazz chart. Rich, sultry, and sweet, Ellen’s voice draws listeners in and takes them on an unforgettable journey.  Ellen will be accompanied by Devin Hart on keyboard.

Amy Bishop’s voice is a combination of smooth pavement and rough gravel, who charms listeners with her sweet tones yet stuns audiences with the ability to hit any high note. Amy appeared on the inaugural season of CTV’s The Launch where she dazzled all of Canada with her amazing performances. 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 beauty.