Events

Foothills Bluegrass Music Society

Timeline Summary: 2021-2024

2024 Events

John Wort Hannam

Our Proud Sponsors

Event Information:

John Wort Hannam

Event Information

Date: Friday, January 26, 2023

Event Starts: 4:00 PM
Dinner Starts: 6:30 PM

Location: FESTIVAL HALL in Inglewood, SE Calgary, Alberta, T2G 0W6 CA.

Ticket: https://www.showpass.com/john-wort-hannam-fbms/

https://www.johnworthannam.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@JohnWortHannamMusic
https://www.facebook.com/johnworthannammusic/
https://www.instagram.com/johnworthannam/

Cost: $25.00 for Members
$30.00 for Non-Members
Free for youth under 16 years old

Foothills Bluegrass Music Society presents John Wort Hannam live at Festival Hall in Inglewood (1215 10 Ave SE, Calgary AB)! Join us Friday, January 26, 2024, doors at 7:00PM, show at 7:30PM. This is our first ever show at Festival Hall and we hope you will enjoy this intimate and centrally located venue, also please note we have changed our ticketing service to showpass.com for 2024. In 2001, roots/folk musician John Wort Hannam quit his teaching job and spent 10 months depleting his savings while sat at his kitchen table, wearing a lucky hat, writing his first ten songs. Eighteen years later, with a few feathers in that lucky hat that include a JUNO nomination and a Canadian Folk Music Award for Best Album of the Year, he’s got a new energy fuelled by a new band, a new sound, and a ton of new songs.

Event Information

You're cordially invited to the annual FBMS Christmas Potluck and Concert!

Featuring the Bix Mix Boys and Magnolia Buckskin!

Date: Saturday, December 16, 2023

Event Starts: 4:00 PM

Dinner Starts: 6:30 PM

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA)

Price:
$10.00 for Members

Event Details

Join us for our Annual Christmas Potluck and Concert doors (and maybe some pre dinner jams!) at 4:00 PM on December 16, 2023 at the Irish Cultural Centre, 6452 35 Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta. We will be serving dinner at 6:30 PM (including your very own lovingly prepared contributions!) with performances from some Alberta favourites, The Bix Mix Boys and Magnolia Buckskin! Tickets are $20 for members with a portion donated to North East Family Connections Food Pantry (and c'mon… in this day and age that's not bad for a turkey dinner… even if you do have to bring your own lime jello marshmallow cottage cheese surprise…) and can be purchased at the link below:
Purchase your tickets for the Christmas Potluck and Concert

And before we finish with that a quick reminder our Annual General Meeting is fast approaching and will take place prior to our concert presentation of The Lonesome Ace Stringband. We expect this show to be a sell-out. If you attend the AGM and wish to attend the concert as well, we are offering a discounted ticket price of $15.00. Just follow the purchase a ticket link and use the promo code AGM2023 on Eventbrite. Rising costs and a smaller membership mean we can no longer afford to offer entrance to the concert at no cost. There is no charge to attend just the AGM.

Purchase your tickets for The Lonesome Ace Stringband
If you need to update your membership prior to the meeting please click the link below.
Sign Up or Renew Your Membership for 2024 Here
But now.. back to the Potluck…

More than ten years ago, each member of The Bix Mix Boys had met over various jams and festivals in different bands throughout Alberta. Opportunity struck when a number of those bands dissolved, and late night jams lead to the formation of a new band. Wanting to respect the roots of bluegrass, they chose the name The Bix Mix Boys after one of the biscuit products from the Martha White flour company - Martha White is known for sponsoring bluegrass acts such as Flatt and Scruggs, Hot Rize and Rhonda Vincent (just to name a few).They have always focused on producing the highest quality of music possible, both vocally and instrumentally. While keeping the tradition of bluegrass alive, they want to bring their unique, Canadian interpretation to the genre. At the same time, they've always wanted put on an entertaining show - with a humourous twist in between numbers.

They've entrenched themselves into the Edmonton and Calgary bluegrass scene and consider themselves ambassadors of bluegrass music to Alberta and Canada.

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, accordian and bass. The three songwriters back each other up with arrangements that are both refreshing and poignant.

You're cordially invited to the annual FBMS Christmas Potluck and Concert!

Featuring the Bix Mix Boys and Magnolia Buckskin!

Our Proud Sponsors

Past Events:

The Annual FBMS Christmas Potluck & Concert

Event Information

Date: Saturday, December 16, 2023

Event Starts: 4:00 PM
Dinner Starts: 6:30 PM

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA).

Ticket: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/fbms-christmas-potluck-and-concert-tickets-754387020887?aff=oddtdtcreator

Cost: $20 for members with a portion donated to North East Family Connections Food Pantry

And before we finish with that a quick reminder our Annual General Meeting is fast approaching and will take place prior to our concert presentation of The Lonesome Ace String band. We expect this show to be a sell-out. If you attend the AGM and wish to attend the concert as well, we are offering a discounted ticket price of $15.00. Just follow the purchase a ticket link and use the promo code AGM2023 on Eventbrite. Rising costs and a smaller membership mean we can no longer afford to offer entrance to the concert at no cost. There is no charge to attend just the AGM.

Event Information

You're cordially invited to the annual FBMS Christmas Potluck and Concert!

Featuring the Bix Mix Boys and Magnolia Buckskin!

Date: Saturday, December 16, 2023

Event Starts: 4:00 PM

Dinner Starts: 6:30 PM

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA)

Price:
$10.00 for Members

Event Details

Join us for our Annual Christmas Potluck and Concert doors (and maybe some pre dinner jams!) at 4:00 PM on December 16, 2023 at the Irish Cultural Centre, 6452 35 Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta. We will be serving dinner at 6:30 PM (including your very own lovingly prepared contributions!) with performances from some Alberta favourites, The Bix Mix Boys and Magnolia Buckskin! Tickets are $20 for members with a portion donated to North East Family Connections Food Pantry (and c'mon… in this day and age that's not bad for a turkey dinner… even if you do have to bring your own lime jello marshmallow cottage cheese surprise…) and can be purchased at the link below:
Purchase your tickets for the Christmas Potluck and Concert

More than ten years ago, each member of The Bix Mix Boys had met over various jams and festivals in different bands throughout Alberta. Opportunity struck when a number of those bands dissolved, and late night jams lead to the formation of a new band. Wanting to respect the roots of bluegrass, they chose the name The Bix Mix Boys after one of the biscuit products from the Martha White flour company - Martha White is known for sponsoring bluegrass acts such as Flatt and Scruggs, Hot Rize and Rhonda Vincent (just to name a few).They have always focused on producing the highest quality of music possible, both vocally and instrumentally. While keeping the tradition of bluegrass alive, they want to bring their unique, Canadian interpretation to the genre. At the same time, they've always wanted put on an entertaining show - with a humourous twist in between numbers.

They've entrenched themselves into the Edmonton and Calgary bluegrass scene and consider themselves ambassadors of bluegrass music to Alberta and Canada.

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, accordian and bass. The three songwriters back each other up with arrangements that are both refreshing and poignant.

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

LONESOME ACE STRINGBAND

Our Proud Sponsors

Artist/Bands Bios

Masters of their trade,The Lonesome Ace Stringband bring grit, skill and abandon to Americana music, bridging old-time, bluegrass and folk traditions into a seamless hybrid of original material that is at once fresh and timeless.

Instrumentation alone sets the trio’s sound apart: consisting simply of fiddle (John Showman), clawhammer banjo (Chris Coole), and upright bass (Max Malone), the band moves freely between a sound so commanding it doesn’t seem like it should be coming from a stringband, to a sparse fragility that draws the listener closer.

Now with more than a decade of group music-making under their belts, they’re releasing their fifth album, a feisty and mighty collection of all-original material titled ‘Try To Make It Fly’ (released October 13, 2023).

They have become festival favourites at Rockygrass, Celtic Connections, Winnipeg Folk Festival, Merlefest and regularly tour the USA, UK, Germany and, of course, Canada.

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

Back Porch Swing

Our Proud Sponsors

Event Information

Back Porch Swing

Date: Saturday, October 21, 2023

Doors Open: 7:00 PM
Show Starts:
7:30 PM

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA)

Ticket: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/fbms-present-back-porch-swing-tickets-730899990547?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxNgHlwCgi29aQs45BSQKIA
https://www.facebook.com/jimandpennymalmberg/

Price:
$15.00 Members
$20.00 Non-members
Free for youth under 16 years old

Artist/Bands Bios

Fresh off of their performance at Blueberry Music Festival this summer, FBMS presents our good friends Back Porch Swing! Live at 7:30PM Saturday October 21, 2023 at the Irish Cultural Centre!

Back Porch Swing serves up their own special blend of stringband music - a shot of bluegrass, a dash of swing, a pinch of country, a splash of humour.

Original and old favourite songs served up on guitar (Penny Malmberg), mandolin (Jim Malmberg), fiddle (Cam Neufeld), and bass (Kevin Jacobson) with Penny and Jim on vocals.

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

FBMS Fall BBQ and Band Scramble!

Our Proud Sponsors

Event Information

FBMS Fall BBQ and Band Scramble!

Date: Saturday, September 23, 2023

Event Starts: 3:00 PM

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA)

Price:
FREE for Members
$10.00 Non-members

Event Details

For our first event of the year, we would like to invite to a BBQ and Band Scramble. We will get started at 3pm on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at the Irish Cultural Center. The Millarville General Store will be providing burger and hot dogs. After the Band Scramble there will be an open jam.For the Band Scramble bring your instrument and we’ll split into impromptu bands and give a one song performance! Imagine ‘Lost Path’ or 'The Crooked Prospectors', the possibilities abound…

The cost is FREE for members and $10 for non-members at the door. You can renew your membership at the door! If you are not a member, we encourage you to come out and buy your 2024 membership and, as a bonus, enjoy the member pricing right away on all upcoming 2023 concerts! If you don't want to wait:

Sign Up or Renew Your Membership for 2024 Here

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

The Humbuddies

Our Proud Sponsors

Artist/Bands Bios

FBMS presents An Evening with The Humbuddies! June 1, 2023 our regular Thursday Jam at the Irish Cultural Centre will be replaced with a special performance and harmony singing workshop by the Humbuddies. Ticket cost will be collected at the door and donated to the North East Family Connections (nefcs.ca). Please reserve your spot here, we are only making 50 tickets available for this exclusive event.

In brother harmony style, this father and son duo will sing you through the evolution of acoustic music, from early country, through bluegrass and swing to contemporary folk. They’ll have you tapping your toes, wiping your tears and singing along.

On the father end, Bill Humby, grew up awash in music, singing along with Grandma by the piano and playing trumpet duets with his father Howard. The journey flowed along through a mix of the choirs, musicals, and bands before eventually cascading into the world of harmony driven bluegrass some 20 years ago. Pre-Humbuddies, Bill was lead singer and guitarist for the western Canadian bluegrass band, Nomad Jones.

Bill is very proud to share his love of music his son Nico Laroche-Humby. From his first instrument, the fiddle, evolving on to bass, vocals and mandolin, Nico has developed into an accomplished touring musician, recording artist and songwriter. He has toured the world with bands such as Jeff Scoggins and Colorado and the Greg Blake Band. Nico was a founding member of Nomad Jones and currently plays in Happy Trails, Prospector.

Along with performing, both Bill and Nico have been involved with teaching in various camps such as NimbleFingers Bluegrass and Old-Time Workshop and the Northern Lights Bluegrass and Old-Time Camp.

The duo recently finished recording their first album at The Chamber in Nanaimo. “Humbelievable” is a collection of classic songs and originals, which they feature in their live performances. Covid was the catalyst for this project. As touring and performing shut down, writing and recording became the best available musical outlet. The duo penned 6 original songs and picked 7 others that span the breadth of their musical repertoire, giving a true flavour of the musical journey the Humbuddies take you on.

The Humbuddies are:
Bill Humby, Nanaimo, BC on acoustic guitar and lead and harmony vocals Nico Laroche-Humby, Edmonton AB on mandolin, fiddle, bass and lead and harmony vocals

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

The Local Group

Our Proud Sponsors

Artist/Bands Bios

FBMS presents The Local Group! Live at 7:30PM Saturday May 13, 2023 at the Irish Cultural Centre!Taking their name from the cluster of galaxies containing the Milky Way, The Local Group plays music of astronomical proportions. With their most recent album (Produced by Clayton Linthicum of Kacy & Clayton) released in June of 2022 via Grey Records, this young Saskatoon-based quartet puts their own unique spin on hard-driving traditional bluegrass, while seamlessly blending in their original songs and their passion for country, Celtic, and Canadiana. Featuring mandolin, bluegrass banjo, flatpicking guitar, and upright bass, The Local Group showcases hot instrumental picking, tight 3-part harmonies, surprising arrangements, and an entertaining energy. Their show has been described as “tight and charmingly zany” and is guaranteed to take you out of this world!
Gigging regularly across the prairies for five years, they have played most everywhere you can imagine. From festivals like Blueberry Bluegrass Festival, Shady Grove, Northern Lights Bluegrass Festival and the Saskatchewan Jazz Festival to opening for Corb Lund in small town Cadillac, they have entertained at just about any kind of show you can think of. House concerts, dive bars, schools, theatres, weddings and old-time dances (guitar player Elliot Dillabough moonlights as a square dance caller) are all familiar territory for this traveling band.

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

The Unfaithful Servants

Our Proud Sponsors

Event Information

Artist/Bands Bios

The Unfaithful Servants have quickly gained a reputation in Western Canada as a must-see act. With an original and exciting approach to acoustic music, the group serves up explosive instrumentals, compelling story-telling and high-powered vocals. As Kelly Nakatsuka (Islands Folk Festival, CBC host) describes "The Unfaithful Servants are one of the most exciting bands from Vancouver Island in some time…gorgeous harmonies and fine song writing, beautiful instrumental interplay and some seriously rippin' solos".

American born mandolinist Jesse Cobb could be described as a virtuoso on his instrument. He is a founding member of the critically acclaimed bluegrass group The Infamous String Dusters and with that group he received a Grammy nomination for one of his original compositions. Jesse has recorded and performed with Bela Fleck, Lee Anne Womack, Dirks Bentley, Jim Lauderdale, John Cowan and many others. He’s held a residency at the historic stage of The Grand Old Opry and has toured the world. His exceptional talent is widely recognized in the bluegrass world and he is an innovator of the instrument.

Dylan Stone has warmed up stages for the likes of Keith Urban, EVERLAST and Alejandro Escovedo. An interesting and storied career has led him to perform with musical heavies including Robert Randolf and Colin James. An honest musician who plays and sings from the heart, Dylan is a restless songwriter who is constantly pursuing new songs, sounds and collaborations.

Since the group was founded in 2017, The Unfaithful Servants have been continuously pushing forward the limits of traditional music and consistently delivering exciting & engaging concert performances.

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

Murfitt & Main

Our Proud Sponsors

Event Information

Murfitt & Main

Date: Saturday, March 18, 2023

Doors Open: 7:00 PM
Show Starts:
7:30 PM

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA)

Ticket: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/murfitt-and-main-tickets-528033160397?aff=ebdssbonlinesearch

www.murfittandmain.com
www.instagram.com/murfittandmain/

Price:
$20 Members
$25 Non-members
Free for youth under 16 years old

Artist/Bands Bios

Warren Murfitt and Kate Main are songwriters with influences in Roots, Country and Bluegrass music.

They have played together for well over a decade, their harmonies come easy, as does the stage banter, humour and story telling! Their music has brought them many great gigs including the Vancouver Folk Music Festival, Harmony Arts Festival, Shady Grove Festival, Home Routes Tours, Winnipeg Crankie Fest, as well as many independent tours and local Vancouver, BC and Alberta gigs.

By way of a resume, they currently have four albums of original material, Little Bit Gone (2019), Rust and Bone (2015), Lonesome Curve (2012), Nineteen56 (2009) under their belts, and their fifth recording (produced and recorded by Tim Hearsey) is due for release Spring 2023.

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

Open Mic Night with The Lost Prospectors

Our Proud Sponsors

Event Information

Open Mic Night with The Lost Prospectors

Date: Saturday, February 11, 2023

Doors Open: 7:00 PM
Show Starts:
7:30 PM

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA)

Tickets: $5.00 only available at the door.

Event Details

Calling all pickers (and grinners, too) - the Foothills Bluegrass music society is proud to present our Annual Open Mic Night!

Come on down to Hickey's Place Pub (downstairs in the Irish Cultural Centre - 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, AB) for a night of cold drinks and hot tunes!

Enjoy a performance from The Lost Prospectors to start the night, then if you're feeling inspired you can hop on stage to take a turn yourself. Whether you're a veteran performer, a first-timer, or you'd just like to relax and enjoy the melodies, there's something for everyone down at the pub!

Open Mic Guidelines

Sign up for the open mic in advance via email (info@foothillsbluegrass.com) or at the pub.

We would like to keep it “Bluegrassy” so here are some guidelines:

  • One to three songs (depending on how many people show up!)
  • Besides your voices, only acoustic stringed instruments are allowed.
  • We prefer groups over solo performances (The Lost Prospectors  are there to back you up if you wish!)
  • Feel free to ask anyone else who is there to join you - in fact, it's encouraged!

If you have any questions or concerns regarding these events please email info@foothillsbluegrass.com

Artist/Bands Bios

The Lost Prospectors are five country gentlemen panning the rivers of song in search of bluegrass gold! Featuring the combined talents of Brian Fukushima, Bill Jackson, PJ Hanley, Tim Babey, and David Woodman, these pickers have wandered the musical wilderness and returned with only the most tuneful nuggets of classic and contemporary bluegrass for your listening pleasure!

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present two of Southern Alberta’s finest:

Southern Alberta Bluegrass Concert

Our Proud Sponsors

Concert Information

Southern Alberta Bluegrass Concert

Allan & Arnell and Crooked Path
Part of our mandate is to promote and preserve Bluegrass music in Southern Alberta. Come out and support our local band.

Date: Friday, January 20, 2023

Doors Open: 7:00 PM
Concert: 7:30 PM

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA).

Ticket: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/
allan-arnell-and-crooked-path-concert-tickets-500827557707


Website: www.murfittandmain.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/murfittandmain/
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_MFdPkPplo
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Baw8yM4MzSc

Price: $20 Members
$25 Non-Members

Artist/Bands Bios

Based out of Calgary Alberta,Crooked Path is a 5-piece band that enjoys blending the sweet sounds of three (3) and four (4) part harmonies with traditional bluegrass instruments. the band is composed of; Al Lamonaca, ripping up the banjo, and Boh Woodward, rock-solid on the upright bass; both seasoned musicians who have been active in the bluegrass scene for many years, Amber-Lynn Yourk, our newest member, adds her own distinctive flavour on the mandolin, Maureen Woodward brings her steady rhythm on the guitar and last, but not least, one of the most sought after musicians in the area, Cédric Blary on the clarinet.

Alberta musicians Jane Allan & Lance Arnell can play a song that will bring back a memory, inspire an adventure and warm your spirits.

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

Annual Christmas Potluck & Concert

Our Proud Sponsors

Event Information

Annual Christmas Potluck & Concert

Date: Saturday, December 10, 2022

Doors Open: 5:00 PM
Dinner Starts:
6:00 PM
Concert:
7:30 PM
Jamming after the concert.

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA).

Cost: Donation (Local Charity. Read below)

Event Details

We are very pleased to announce that we will be holding a Christmas potluck dinner on Saturday December 10 at the Irish Cultural Centre. In the past this has been one of our most fun social events, and we sure have missed it over the past couple of years.

Potluck - As in years past, the club is providing the basics, turkey and dressing, potatoes and gravy, and cranberry sauce. We ask the members to use the following guidelines when deciding what to contribute:

If your last name begins with;
A – H desserts
I – Q appies
R – Z side dishes
There will be plates, etc. provided.

Donation - Christmas is often a difficult time for some, and even more so recently with the rising cost of living on top of a couple of years of Covid.  This year’s event will be admission by donation. We are asking you to pay what you can, and in addition bring a non-perishable food item. We would appreciate donations of $10 or more, but again, pay what you can.

Concert - Jarred Albright and Friends

Concert Details

We are very excited to have Jarred Albright, with some of his friends, as our entertainment. All of you who know or follow Jarred will know by now that he has just released a Christmas Album and I am sure we will get a taste of this along with more great music.

Check out Jarred’s Christmas Album kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/ projects/jarredalbright/jarred-albrights-christmas-album?ref=user_menu

Doors will open at 5 with dinner at 6 and music at 7:30. If there is time there will be jamming after the concert so bring your instruments and join in Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA).

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

Doggone Brothers & Friends and The Foothills Bluegrass Society Annual General Meeting

Ticket Sales: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/
doggone-brothers-and-friends-tickets-461855551387

Event Information

Doggone Brothers & Friends and The Foothills Bluegrass Society Annual General Meeting

Date: Saturday, November 26, 2022

AGM Meeting Time: 6:00 PM
Doors Open for Concert:7:00 PM
Concert: 7:30 PM

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA).

Ticket: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/
doggone-brothers-and-friends-tickets-461855551387

Event Details

Hi all, we are very proud to present the Doggone Brothers & Friends in Concert Saturday November 26th 2022.

The Annual General Meeting of the Foothills Bluegrass Music Society will be at 6:00 PM and followed by the Concert at 7:30 PM (Irish Cultural Centre at 6452 35th Avenue NW, Calgary, AB)

Your attendance at the AGM is much appreciated.

We welcome new ideas on how we can continuously improve our society and shape our future vision.

We will be discussing our past year and what we have in mind for the future.

There will be several board positions up for election and reports on the financial health of the Society.

Artist/Bands Bios

The Doggone Brothers are a dynamic duo slinging bluegrass with a dash of old country and a side of old-time music throughout their set of original, traditional, and cover tunes. Homey, approachable, irreverent, and uplifting are all words that describe the Doggone Brothers well. Both seasoned musicians in their own right, Clayton Parsons (guitar and banjo) and Mike Hepher (Mandolin, Octave Mando, Guitar) have a natural chemistry on stage that is infectious and approachable. They are sure to entertain as they duel back and forth with their respective axes—carving a unique sonic experience into any traditional set.

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

Halloween Square Dancing

Ticket Sales: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/halloween-square-dance-live-caller-and-band-tickets-432325777037

Concert Information

Halloween Square Dancing

Date: Saturday, October 29, 2022

Time: Door open at 7:00 PM - Show starts at 7:30 PM

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA).

Ticket: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/halloween-square-dance-live-caller-and-band-tickets-432325777037

Price: $20 Members for Advanced tickets and $25 at the door
$25 Non-Members

Event Details

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present a live Square Dancing event featuring caller Leslie Gotfrit and The Single Ladies String Band Rhonda Shippy, Chelsea Sleep, and Michelle Bohning from Canmore.

Whether you are a seasoned square dancer, first timer, or just would like to come and watch, this event is going to be a blast.

It is Halloween, so feel free to dress up. You may even win a prize.

The attendance is capped at 80 people and we are expecting a sell out. So get your tickets in advance.

$20 Members for Advanced tickets
$25 at the door$25 Non-Members

Saturday, October 29th 2022

Doors open at 7:00pm, Show starts at 7:30pm.

Calgary Irish Cultural Center , 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA).

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

The Slocan Ramblers

Ticket Sales:   https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/241194056917

Concert Information

The Slocan Ramblers

Date: Saturday, March 26, 2022

Time: Show starts at 7:30 PM

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA).

Ticket: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/241194056917

Artist/Bands Bios

The Slocan Ramblers (2020 IBMA Momentum Band of the Year Award Winner & 2019 Juno Award Nominee) are Canada’s bluegrass band to watch. Rooted in tradition, fearlessly creative and possessing a bold, dynamic sound, The Slocans have become a leading light of today’s acoustic music scene. With a reputation for energetic live shows, impeccable musicianship and an uncanny ability to convert anyone within earshot into a lifelong fan, The Slocans have been winning over audiences from Merlefest to RockyGrass and everywhere in between.

On their much-anticipated album Queen City Jubilee (2019 Juno Award Nominee for Traditional Roots Album of the Year), The Slocans showcase their unique blend of bluegrass, old-time and folk with deep song-writing, lightning fast instrumentals and sawdust-thick vocals. With their trademark raucous energy, this album presents The Slocan Ramblers at the top of their game – writing and playing tunes to keep you up all night. This is roots music without pretension, music to make you feel something – say hello to your new favourite band.

The Slocan Ramblers are:

Frank Evans: Banjo/Vocals
Adrian Gross: Mandolin
Darryl Poulsen: Guitar/Vocals
With Charles James: Bass/Vocals

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

Open Mic with Al LaMonaca & The Other Guys

Concert Information

Open Mic with Al LaMonaca & The Other Guys

Date: Saturday, February 19, 2022

Time: Door open at 7:00 PM - Show starts at 7:30 PM

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA).

Concert Details

​Pub Night and Open Mic

Hi All,

We are very excited to host our annual Open Mic Night.

Anyone is welcome to sign up.  Experience is not a requirement.

However, we would like to keep it “Bluegrassy” so here are some rules:

1. One-three songs depending on how many people show up
2. Besides your voices, only acoustic stringed instruments are allowed
3. We prefer groups over solo performances (JA and the Other Guys are there to back you up if you wish)
4. Feel free to ask anyone else who is there to join you.

Details: Saturday Feb 19 in the Hickey’s Place Pub, downstairs at the Irish Cultural Society, 6452 35 Ave NW, door at 7:00, performance by JA and the Other guys at 7:30 followed by open mic.

Cost $5 at the door. REP covid regulation in force. Please have QR proof of vaccination and ID ready. Sign up in advance at info@foothillsbluegrass.com or at the Pub.

Artist/Bands Bios

Al LaMonaca

A Calgary-born musician and a mainstay of the Calgary bluegrass scene for decades. Al has been playing guitar, banjo and dobro in bluegrass bands, duos and trios; Stray Dawgs, Rock Bottom, Hothouse Bluegrass Band (opened for Alison Krauss in Calgary) and Wheatland County (kicked off the very first Edmonton Folk Festival in 1978) to name a few.

Jarred Albright

Having played the violin since he was seven years old and making music his focus ever since he started playing classical music but switched to the fiddle style learning Celtic, folk, old-tyme, and bluegrass before entering post-secondary to pursue jazz performance there.

In 2012 he and Ben Plotnick were awarded the 10k20 grant from Rawlco radio and their bluegrass duo recorded the self-titled CD Rye & Fairy Tales, to much acclaim.

Erik Smistad

Erik Smistad is a Calgary-based multi-instrumentalist, an active song writer, arranger, session musician, performer and music teacher since 2010. Erik is known for his ability to play any style of music, but he is especially active in the bluegrass, progressive rock, soul and alternative rock genres.

Event:

Foothills Bluegrass Music Society
Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting of the Foothills Bluegrass Music Society will be held, as previously advised, on Sunday, November 28 at 2PM at the Calgary Irish Culture Centre.

What to Expect - We expect this meeting will take about an hour and a half.  We plan to report on our activity over the past two years, our financial situation, and what are planning for the next year.  Your attendance and participation is greatly appreciated.

Board Positions - There will be an election of officers and board members.  We are especially looking for a Secretary as this position is currently vacant, and a Treasurer as our current Treasurer has advised she would like to step down. We are also open to having new members at large, especially if you have experience in such things as social media promotion.  If you are an organizer and/or a jump and get it done kind of person, and are computer savvy we will find a place for you.

Covid - As per all events at the ICS you must have proof of vaccination and ID with you to attend the meeting. Alberta proof of vaccine records can be obtain here. The QR code greatly simplifies the process for admittance at the door.

Look forward to seeing you there.

Eric Holt President

Doors open at 1:45 pm, AGM starts at 2:00 PM
Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA).

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

John Reischman & The Jaybirds

Ticket Sales:   https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/john-reischman-and-the-jaybirds-in-concert-tickets-182910599527

Our Sponsors

Concert Information

John Reischman & The Jaybirds

Date: Saturday, October 30, 2021

Time: Doors Open at 7:00 PM - Show starts at 7:30

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA).

Ticket: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/john-reischman-and-the-jaybirds-in-concert-tickets-182910599527

Price: $25 Members
$30 Non-Members

Artist/Bands Bios

Like the powerful mandolinist and composer at its helm, John Reischman and the Jaybirds fashion a stylish take on bluegrass that seamlessly blends original songs and instrumentals with Appalachian old-time music for a truly unique band sound. Now in their 20th year, with seven acclaimed albums and two Juno nominations, the Jaybirds are simultaneously innovative and unadorned, sophisticated and stripped-down, happily old-fashioned and 21st-century contemporary.

Los Angeles, CA-based guitarist Patrick Sauber joined the Jaybirds in 2017.

Chilliwack, BC-based Trisha Gagnon is portrayed by Sing Out! as “one of the most versatile” and “irresistible” lead vocalists in bluegrass.

Spokane, WA-based Greg Spatz is hailed as a “world-class bluegrass fiddler” by Fiddler Magazine.

Covid Restrictions

The following restrictions will apply to patrons of the concert as well as volunteers.

1. As per the requirements of the venue, the Irish Cultural Centre, and per the City of Calgary by-law and Provincial regulations, we will be following REP protocol:

All  persons 12 years of age and older entering the venue must show proof of two vaccinations, ie: their vaccination card, as well and acceptable ID, or proof of a privately paid negative PCR or rapid test with-in 72 hours of service, or Documentation of a medical exemption.

Mandatory Masking is required when moving in the centre.

2. The performing artists have additionally requested that all patrons, volunteers, and any others in the venue be masked during the performance.

An exception will be made to accommodate those patrons who wish to take advantage of the available bar service.  There will be a designated area near the bar at the rear of the hall where patrons may enjoy a beverage with seating where they can be unmasked.

By attending this Foothills Bluegrass Music Society live event you are voluntarily assuming all risks related to Covid 19, including exposure and contracting Covid 19.

Further you agree to hold harmless Foothills Bluegrass Music Society and the Irish Cultural Society, their volunteers, directors, contractors and/or artists from liability for any damages, loss or injury related to Covid 19 including exposure to and contracting Covid 19.

Failure to comply with the Foothills Bluegrass Music Society’s or the Irish Cultural Society’s Covid 19 and /or other safety protocols and those of the City of Calgary and/or Alberta Health Services will result in a warning and/or removal from the event at the discretion of the event organizers.  Refunds will not be made to anyone removed for failing to comply with Covid 19 protocols.

Doors open at 7:00 and the concert will begin at 7:30.  There will be no admission to the building after 7:45.

Tickets are available online and will be available at the door as well up to the available seating capacity.

Note that these protocols may be amended due to changes mandated by the City of Calgary or Alberta Health Services.  Should there be sufficient reason the event may also be cancelled, with appropriate refunds.

We will be limiting ticket sales to reduce the risk of transmission.

And if you're wondering about the 2023 Annual General Meeting, stay tuned for an update early next week.

You're cordially invited to the annual FBMS Christmas Potluck and Concert!

Featuring the Bix Mix Boys and Magnolia Buckskin!

Our Proud Sponsors

Upcoming Event:

The Annual FBMS Christmas Potluck & Concert

Event Information

Date: Saturday, December 16, 2023

Event Starts: 4:00 PM
Dinner Starts: 6:30 PM

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA).

Ticket: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/fbms-christmas-potluck-and-concert-tickets-754387020887?aff=oddtdtcreator

Cost: $20 for members with a portion donated to North East Family Connections Food Pantry

And before we finish with that a quick reminder our Annual General Meeting is fast approaching and will take place prior to our concert presentation of The Lonesome Ace String band. We expect this show to be a sell-out. If you attend the AGM and wish to attend the concert as well, we are offering a discounted ticket price of $15.00. Just follow the purchase a ticket link and use the promo code AGM2023 on Eventbrite. Rising costs and a smaller membership mean we can no longer afford to offer entrance to the concert at no cost. There is no charge to attend just the AGM.

Event Information

You're cordially invited to the annual FBMS Christmas Potluck and Concert!

Featuring the Bix Mix Boys and Magnolia Buckskin!

Date: Saturday, December 16, 2023

Event Starts: 4:00 PM

Dinner Starts: 6:30 PM

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA)

Price:
$10.00 for Members

Event Details

Join us for our Annual Christmas Potluck and Concert doors (and maybe some pre dinner jams!) at 4:00 PM on December 16, 2023 at the Irish Cultural Centre, 6452 35 Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta. We will be serving dinner at 6:30 PM (including your very own lovingly prepared contributions!) with performances from some Alberta favourites, The Bix Mix Boys and Magnolia Buckskin! Tickets are $20 for members with a portion donated to North East Family Connections Food Pantry (and c'mon… in this day and age that's not bad for a turkey dinner… even if you do have to bring your own lime jello marshmallow cottage cheese surprise…) and can be purchased at the link below:
Purchase your tickets for the Christmas Potluck and Concert

And before we finish with that a quick reminder our Annual General Meeting is fast approaching and will take place prior to our concert presentation of The Lonesome Ace Stringband. We expect this show to be a sell-out. If you attend the AGM and wish to attend the concert as well, we are offering a discounted ticket price of $15.00. Just follow the purchase a ticket link and use the promo code AGM2023 on Eventbrite. Rising costs and a smaller membership mean we can no longer afford to offer entrance to the concert at no cost. There is no charge to attend just the AGM.

Purchase your tickets for The Lonesome Ace Stringband
If you need to update your membership prior to the meeting please click the link below.
Sign Up or Renew Your Membership for 2024 Here
But now.. back to the Potluck…

More than ten years ago, each member of The Bix Mix Boys had met over various jams and festivals in different bands throughout Alberta. Opportunity struck when a number of those bands dissolved, and late night jams lead to the formation of a new band. Wanting to respect the roots of bluegrass, they chose the name The Bix Mix Boys after one of the biscuit products from the Martha White flour company - Martha White is known for sponsoring bluegrass acts such as Flatt and Scruggs, Hot Rize and Rhonda Vincent (just to name a few).They have always focused on producing the highest quality of music possible, both vocally and instrumentally. While keeping the tradition of bluegrass alive, they want to bring their unique, Canadian interpretation to the genre. At the same time, they've always wanted put on an entertaining show - with a humourous twist in between numbers.

They've entrenched themselves into the Edmonton and Calgary bluegrass scene and consider themselves ambassadors of bluegrass music to Alberta and Canada.

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, accordian and bass. The three songwriters back each other up with arrangements that are both refreshing and poignant.

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

LONESOME ACE STRINGBAND

Our Proud Sponsors

Artist/Bands Bios

Masters of their trade,The Lonesome Ace Stringband bring grit, skill and abandon to Americana music, bridging old-time, bluegrass and folk traditions into a seamless hybrid of original material that is at once fresh and timeless.

Instrumentation alone sets the trio’s sound apart: consisting simply of fiddle (John Showman), clawhammer banjo (Chris Coole), and upright bass (Max Malone), the band moves freely between a sound so commanding it doesn’t seem like it should be coming from a stringband, to a sparse fragility that draws the listener closer.

Now with more than a decade of group music-making under their belts, they’re releasing their fifth album, a feisty and mighty collection of all-original material titled ‘Try To Make It Fly’ (released October 13, 2023).

They have become festival favourites at Rockygrass, Celtic Connections, Winnipeg Folk Festival, Merlefest and regularly tour the USA, UK, Germany and, of course, Canada.

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

Back Porch Swing

Our Proud Sponsors

Event Information

Back Porch Swing

Date: Saturday, October 21, 2023

Doors Open: 7:00 PM
Show Starts:
7:30 PM

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA)

Ticket: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/fbms-present-back-porch-swing-tickets-730899990547?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxNgHlwCgi29aQs45BSQKIA
https://www.facebook.com/jimandpennymalmberg/

Price:
$15.00 Members
$20.00 Non-members
Free for youth under 16 years old

Artist/Bands Bios

Fresh off of their performance at Blueberry Music Festival this summer, FBMS presents our good friends Back Porch Swing! Live at 7:30PM Saturday October 21, 2023 at the Irish Cultural Centre!

Back Porch Swing serves up their own special blend of stringband music - a shot of bluegrass, a dash of swing, a pinch of country, a splash of humour.

Original and old favourite songs served up on guitar (Penny Malmberg), mandolin (Jim Malmberg), fiddle (Cam Neufeld), and bass (Kevin Jacobson) with Penny and Jim on vocals.

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

FBMS Fall BBQ and Band Scramble!

Our Proud Sponsors

Event Information

FBMS Fall BBQ and Band Scramble!

Date: Saturday, September 23, 2023

Event Starts: 3:00 PM

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA)

Price:
FREE for Members
$10.00 Non-members

Event Details

For our first event of the year, we would like to invite to a BBQ and Band Scramble. We will get started at 3pm on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at the Irish Cultural Center. The Millarville General Store will be providing burger and hot dogs. After the Band Scramble there will be an open jam.For the Band Scramble bring your instrument and we’ll split into impromptu bands and give a one song performance! Imagine ‘Lost Path’ or 'The Crooked Prospectors', the possibilities abound…

The cost is FREE for members and $10 for non-members at the door. You can renew your membership at the door! If you are not a member, we encourage you to come out and buy your 2024 membership and, as a bonus, enjoy the member pricing right away on all upcoming 2023 concerts! If you don't want to wait:

Sign Up or Renew Your Membership for 2024 Here

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

The Humbuddies

Our Proud Sponsors

Artist/Bands Bios

FBMS presents An Evening with The Humbuddies! June 1, 2023 our regular Thursday Jam at the Irish Cultural Centre will be replaced with a special performance and harmony singing workshop by the Humbuddies. Ticket cost will be collected at the door and donated to the North East Family Connections (nefcs.ca). Please reserve your spot here, we are only making 50 tickets available for this exclusive event.

In brother harmony style, this father and son duo will sing you through the evolution of acoustic music, from early country, through bluegrass and swing to contemporary folk. They’ll have you tapping your toes, wiping your tears and singing along.

On the father end, Bill Humby, grew up awash in music, singing along with Grandma by the piano and playing trumpet duets with his father Howard. The journey flowed along through a mix of the choirs, musicals, and bands before eventually cascading into the world of harmony driven bluegrass some 20 years ago. Pre-Humbuddies, Bill was lead singer and guitarist for the western Canadian bluegrass band, Nomad Jones.

Bill is very proud to share his love of music his son Nico Laroche-Humby. From his first instrument, the fiddle, evolving on to bass, vocals and mandolin, Nico has developed into an accomplished touring musician, recording artist and songwriter. He has toured the world with bands such as Jeff Scoggins and Colorado and the Greg Blake Band. Nico was a founding member of Nomad Jones and currently plays in Happy Trails, Prospector.

Along with performing, both Bill and Nico have been involved with teaching in various camps such as NimbleFingers Bluegrass and Old-Time Workshop and the Northern Lights Bluegrass and Old-Time Camp.

The duo recently finished recording their first album at The Chamber in Nanaimo. “Humbelievable” is a collection of classic songs and originals, which they feature in their live performances. Covid was the catalyst for this project. As touring and performing shut down, writing and recording became the best available musical outlet. The duo penned 6 original songs and picked 7 others that span the breadth of their musical repertoire, giving a true flavour of the musical journey the Humbuddies take you on.

The Humbuddies are:
Bill Humby, Nanaimo, BC on acoustic guitar and lead and harmony vocals Nico Laroche-Humby, Edmonton AB on mandolin, fiddle, bass and lead and harmony vocals

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

The Local Group

Our Proud Sponsors

Artist/Bands Bios

FBMS presents The Local Group! Live at 7:30PM Saturday May 13, 2023 at the Irish Cultural Centre!Taking their name from the cluster of galaxies containing the Milky Way, The Local Group plays music of astronomical proportions. With their most recent album (Produced by Clayton Linthicum of Kacy & Clayton) released in June of 2022 via Grey Records, this young Saskatoon-based quartet puts their own unique spin on hard-driving traditional bluegrass, while seamlessly blending in their original songs and their passion for country, Celtic, and Canadiana. Featuring mandolin, bluegrass banjo, flatpicking guitar, and upright bass, The Local Group showcases hot instrumental picking, tight 3-part harmonies, surprising arrangements, and an entertaining energy. Their show has been described as “tight and charmingly zany” and is guaranteed to take you out of this world!
Gigging regularly across the prairies for five years, they have played most everywhere you can imagine. From festivals like Blueberry Bluegrass Festival, Shady Grove, Northern Lights Bluegrass Festival and the Saskatchewan Jazz Festival to opening for Corb Lund in small town Cadillac, they have entertained at just about any kind of show you can think of. House concerts, dive bars, schools, theatres, weddings and old-time dances (guitar player Elliot Dillabough moonlights as a square dance caller) are all familiar territory for this traveling band.

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

The Unfaithful Servants

Our Proud Sponsors

Event Information

Artist/Bands Bios

The Unfaithful Servants have quickly gained a reputation in Western Canada as a must-see act. With an original and exciting approach to acoustic music, the group serves up explosive instrumentals, compelling story-telling and high-powered vocals. As Kelly Nakatsuka (Islands Folk Festival, CBC host) describes "The Unfaithful Servants are one of the most exciting bands from Vancouver Island in some time…gorgeous harmonies and fine song writing, beautiful instrumental interplay and some seriously rippin' solos".

American born mandolinist Jesse Cobb could be described as a virtuoso on his instrument. He is a founding member of the critically acclaimed bluegrass group The Infamous String Dusters and with that group he received a Grammy nomination for one of his original compositions. Jesse has recorded and performed with Bela Fleck, Lee Anne Womack, Dirks Bentley, Jim Lauderdale, John Cowan and many others. He’s held a residency at the historic stage of The Grand Old Opry and has toured the world. His exceptional talent is widely recognized in the bluegrass world and he is an innovator of the instrument.

Dylan Stone has warmed up stages for the likes of Keith Urban, EVERLAST and Alejandro Escovedo. An interesting and storied career has led him to perform with musical heavies including Robert Randolf and Colin James. An honest musician who plays and sings from the heart, Dylan is a restless songwriter who is constantly pursuing new songs, sounds and collaborations.

Since the group was founded in 2017, The Unfaithful Servants have been continuously pushing forward the limits of traditional music and consistently delivering exciting & engaging concert performances.

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

Murfitt & Main

Our Proud Sponsors

Event Information

Murfitt & Main

Date: Saturday, March 18, 2023

Doors Open: 7:00 PM
Show Starts:
7:30 PM

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA)

Ticket: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/murfitt-and-main-tickets-528033160397?aff=ebdssbonlinesearch

www.murfittandmain.com
www.instagram.com/murfittandmain/

Price:
$20 Members
$25 Non-members
Free for youth under 16 years old

Artist/Bands Bios

Warren Murfitt and Kate Main are songwriters with influences in Roots, Country and Bluegrass music.

They have played together for well over a decade, their harmonies come easy, as does the stage banter, humour and story telling! Their music has brought them many great gigs including the Vancouver Folk Music Festival, Harmony Arts Festival, Shady Grove Festival, Home Routes Tours, Winnipeg Crankie Fest, as well as many independent tours and local Vancouver, BC and Alberta gigs.

By way of a resume, they currently have four albums of original material, Little Bit Gone (2019), Rust and Bone (2015), Lonesome Curve (2012), Nineteen56 (2009) under their belts, and their fifth recording (produced and recorded by Tim Hearsey) is due for release Spring 2023.

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

Open Mic Night with The Lost Prospectors

Our Proud Sponsors

Event Information

Open Mic Night with The Lost Prospectors

Date: Saturday, February 11, 2023

Doors Open: 7:00 PM
Show Starts:
7:30 PM

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA)

Tickets: $5.00 only available at the door.

Event Details

Calling all pickers (and grinners, too) - the Foothills Bluegrass music society is proud to present our Annual Open Mic Night!

Come on down to Hickey's Place Pub (downstairs in the Irish Cultural Centre - 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, AB) for a night of cold drinks and hot tunes!

Enjoy a performance from The Lost Prospectors to start the night, then if you're feeling inspired you can hop on stage to take a turn yourself. Whether you're a veteran performer, a first-timer, or you'd just like to relax and enjoy the melodies, there's something for everyone down at the pub!

Open Mic Guidelines

Sign up for the open mic in advance via email (info@foothillsbluegrass.com) or at the pub.

We would like to keep it “Bluegrassy” so here are some guidelines:

  • One to three songs (depending on how many people show up!)
  • Besides your voices, only acoustic stringed instruments are allowed.
  • We prefer groups over solo performances (The Lost Prospectors  are there to back you up if you wish!)
  • Feel free to ask anyone else who is there to join you - in fact, it's encouraged!

If you have any questions or concerns regarding these events please email info@foothillsbluegrass.com

Artist/Bands Bios

The Lost Prospectors are five country gentlemen panning the rivers of song in search of bluegrass gold! Featuring the combined talents of Brian Fukushima, Bill Jackson, PJ Hanley, Tim Babey, and David Woodman, these pickers have wandered the musical wilderness and returned with only the most tuneful nuggets of classic and contemporary bluegrass for your listening pleasure!

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present two of Southern Alberta’s finest:

Southern Alberta Bluegrass Concert

Our Proud Sponsors

Concert Information

Southern Alberta Bluegrass Concert

Allan & Arnell and Crooked Path
Part of our mandate is to promote and preserve Bluegrass music in Southern Alberta. Come out and support our local band.

Date: Friday, January 20, 2023

Doors Open: 7:00 PM
Concert: 7:30 PM

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA).

Ticket: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/
allan-arnell-and-crooked-path-concert-tickets-500827557707


Website: www.murfittandmain.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/murfittandmain/
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_MFdPkPplo
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Baw8yM4MzSc

Price: $20 Members
$25 Non-Members

Artist/Bands Bios

Based out of Calgary Alberta,Crooked Path is a 5-piece band that enjoys blending the sweet sounds of three (3) and four (4) part harmonies with traditional bluegrass instruments. the band is composed of; Al Lamonaca, ripping up the banjo, and Boh Woodward, rock-solid on the upright bass; both seasoned musicians who have been active in the bluegrass scene for many years, Amber-Lynn Yourk, our newest member, adds her own distinctive flavour on the mandolin, Maureen Woodward brings her steady rhythm on the guitar and last, but not least, one of the most sought after musicians in the area, Cédric Blary on the clarinet.

Alberta musicians Jane Allan & Lance Arnell can play a song that will bring back a memory, inspire an adventure and warm your spirits.

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

Annual Christmas Potluck & Concert

Our Proud Sponsors

Event Information

Annual Christmas Potluck & Concert

Date: Saturday, December 10, 2022

Doors Open: 5:00 PM
Dinner Starts:
6:00 PM
Concert:
7:30 PM
Jamming after the concert.

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA).

Cost: Donation (Local Charity. Read below)

Event Details

We are very pleased to announce that we will be holding a Christmas potluck dinner on Saturday December 10 at the Irish Cultural Centre. In the past this has been one of our most fun social events, and we sure have missed it over the past couple of years.

Potluck - As in years past, the club is providing the basics, turkey and dressing, potatoes and gravy, and cranberry sauce. We ask the members to use the following guidelines when deciding what to contribute:

If your last name begins with;
A – H desserts
I – Q appies
R – Z side dishes
There will be plates, etc. provided.

Donation - Christmas is often a difficult time for some, and even more so recently with the rising cost of living on top of a couple of years of Covid.  This year’s event will be admission by donation. We are asking you to pay what you can, and in addition bring a non-perishable food item. We would appreciate donations of $10 or more, but again, pay what you can.

Concert - Jarred Albright and Friends

Concert Details

We are very excited to have Jarred Albright, with some of his friends, as our entertainment. All of you who know or follow Jarred will know by now that he has just released a Christmas Album and I am sure we will get a taste of this along with more great music.

Check out Jarred’s Christmas Album kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/ projects/jarredalbright/jarred-albrights-christmas-album?ref=user_menu

Doors will open at 5 with dinner at 6 and music at 7:30. If there is time there will be jamming after the concert so bring your instruments and join in Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA).

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

Doggone Brothers & Friends and The Foothills Bluegrass Society Annual General Meeting

Ticket Sales: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/
doggone-brothers-and-friends-tickets-461855551387

Event Information

Doggone Brothers & Friends and The Foothills Bluegrass Society Annual General Meeting

Date: Saturday, November 26, 2022

AGM Meeting Time: 6:00 PM
Doors Open for Concert:7:00 PM
Concert: 7:30 PM

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA).

Ticket: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/
doggone-brothers-and-friends-tickets-461855551387

Event Details

Hi all, we are very proud to present the Doggone Brothers & Friends in Concert Saturday November 26th 2022.

The Annual General Meeting of the Foothills Bluegrass Music Society will be at 6:00 PM and followed by the Concert at 7:30 PM (Irish Cultural Centre at 6452 35th Avenue NW, Calgary, AB)

Your attendance at the AGM is much appreciated.

We welcome new ideas on how we can continuously improve our society and shape our future vision.

We will be discussing our past year and what we have in mind for the future.

There will be several board positions up for election and reports on the financial health of the Society.

Artist/Bands Bios

The Doggone Brothers are a dynamic duo slinging bluegrass with a dash of old country and a side of old-time music throughout their set of original, traditional, and cover tunes. Homey, approachable, irreverent, and uplifting are all words that describe the Doggone Brothers well. Both seasoned musicians in their own right, Clayton Parsons (guitar and banjo) and Mike Hepher (Mandolin, Octave Mando, Guitar) have a natural chemistry on stage that is infectious and approachable. They are sure to entertain as they duel back and forth with their respective axes—carving a unique sonic experience into any traditional set.

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

Halloween Square Dancing

Ticket Sales: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/halloween-square-dance-live-caller-and-band-tickets-432325777037

Concert Information

Halloween Square Dancing

Date: Saturday, October 29, 2022

Time: Door open at 7:00 PM - Show starts at 7:30 PM

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA).

Ticket: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/halloween-square-dance-live-caller-and-band-tickets-432325777037

Price: $20 Members for Advanced tickets and $25 at the door
$25 Non-Members

Event Details

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present a live Square Dancing event featuring caller Leslie Gotfrit and The Single Ladies String Band Rhonda Shippy, Chelsea Sleep, and Michelle Bohning from Canmore.

Whether you are a seasoned square dancer, first timer, or just would like to come and watch, this event is going to be a blast.

It is Halloween, so feel free to dress up. You may even win a prize.

The attendance is capped at 80 people and we are expecting a sell out. So get your tickets in advance.

$20 Members for Advanced tickets
$25 at the door$25 Non-Members

Saturday, October 29th 2022

Doors open at 7:00pm, Show starts at 7:30pm.

Calgary Irish Cultural Center , 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA).

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

The Slocan Ramblers

Ticket Sales:   https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/241194056917

Concert Information

The Slocan Ramblers

Date: Saturday, March 26, 2022

Time: Show starts at 7:30 PM

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA).

Ticket: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/241194056917

Artist/Bands Bios

The Slocan Ramblers (2020 IBMA Momentum Band of the Year Award Winner & 2019 Juno Award Nominee) are Canada’s bluegrass band to watch. Rooted in tradition, fearlessly creative and possessing a bold, dynamic sound, The Slocans have become a leading light of today’s acoustic music scene. With a reputation for energetic live shows, impeccable musicianship and an uncanny ability to convert anyone within earshot into a lifelong fan, The Slocans have been winning over audiences from Merlefest to RockyGrass and everywhere in between.

On their much-anticipated album Queen City Jubilee (2019 Juno Award Nominee for Traditional Roots Album of the Year), The Slocans showcase their unique blend of bluegrass, old-time and folk with deep song-writing, lightning fast instrumentals and sawdust-thick vocals. With their trademark raucous energy, this album presents The Slocan Ramblers at the top of their game – writing and playing tunes to keep you up all night. This is roots music without pretension, music to make you feel something – say hello to your new favourite band.

The Slocan Ramblers are:

Frank Evans: Banjo/Vocals
Adrian Gross: Mandolin
Darryl Poulsen: Guitar/Vocals
With Charles James: Bass/Vocals

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

Open Mic with Al LaMonaca & The Other Guys

Concert Information

Open Mic with Al LaMonaca & The Other Guys

Date: Saturday, February 19, 2022

Time: Door open at 7:00 PM - Show starts at 7:30 PM

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA).

Concert Details

​Pub Night and Open Mic

Hi All,

We are very excited to host our annual Open Mic Night.

Anyone is welcome to sign up.  Experience is not a requirement.

However, we would like to keep it “Bluegrassy” so here are some rules:

1. One-three songs depending on how many people show up
2. Besides your voices, only acoustic stringed instruments are allowed
3. We prefer groups over solo performances (JA and the Other Guys are there to back you up if you wish)
4. Feel free to ask anyone else who is there to join you.

Details: Saturday Feb 19 in the Hickey’s Place Pub, downstairs at the Irish Cultural Society, 6452 35 Ave NW, door at 7:00, performance by JA and the Other guys at 7:30 followed by open mic.

Cost $5 at the door. REP covid regulation in force. Please have QR proof of vaccination and ID ready. Sign up in advance at info@foothillsbluegrass.com or at the Pub.

Artist/Bands Bios

Al LaMonaca

A Calgary-born musician and a mainstay of the Calgary bluegrass scene for decades. Al has been playing guitar, banjo and dobro in bluegrass bands, duos and trios; Stray Dawgs, Rock Bottom, Hothouse Bluegrass Band (opened for Alison Krauss in Calgary) and Wheatland County (kicked off the very first Edmonton Folk Festival in 1978) to name a few.

Jarred Albright

Having played the violin since he was seven years old and making music his focus ever since he started playing classical music but switched to the fiddle style learning Celtic, folk, old-tyme, and bluegrass before entering post-secondary to pursue jazz performance there.

In 2012 he and Ben Plotnick were awarded the 10k20 grant from Rawlco radio and their bluegrass duo recorded the self-titled CD Rye & Fairy Tales, to much acclaim.

Erik Smistad

Erik Smistad is a Calgary-based multi-instrumentalist, an active song writer, arranger, session musician, performer and music teacher since 2010. Erik is known for his ability to play any style of music, but he is especially active in the bluegrass, progressive rock, soul and alternative rock genres.

Event:

Foothills Bluegrass Music Society
Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting of the Foothills Bluegrass Music Society will be held, as previously advised, on Sunday, November 28 at 2PM at the Calgary Irish Culture Centre.

What to Expect - We expect this meeting will take about an hour and a half.  We plan to report on our activity over the past two years, our financial situation, and what are planning for the next year.  Your attendance and participation is greatly appreciated.

Board Positions - There will be an election of officers and board members.  We are especially looking for a Secretary as this position is currently vacant, and a Treasurer as our current Treasurer has advised she would like to step down. We are also open to having new members at large, especially if you have experience in such things as social media promotion.  If you are an organizer and/or a jump and get it done kind of person, and are computer savvy we will find a place for you.

Covid - As per all events at the ICS you must have proof of vaccination and ID with you to attend the meeting. Alberta proof of vaccine records can be obtain here. The QR code greatly simplifies the process for admittance at the door.

Look forward to seeing you there.

Eric Holt President

Doors open at 1:45 pm, AGM starts at 2:00 PM
Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA).

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

John Reischman & The Jaybirds

Ticket Sales:   https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/john-reischman-and-the-jaybirds-in-concert-tickets-182910599527

Our Sponsors

Concert Information

John Reischman & The Jaybirds

Date: Saturday, October 30, 2021

Time: Doors Open at 7:00 PM - Show starts at 7:30

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA).

Ticket: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/john-reischman-and-the-jaybirds-in-concert-tickets-182910599527

Price: $25 Members
$30 Non-Members

Artist/Bands Bios

Like the powerful mandolinist and composer at its helm, John Reischman and the Jaybirds fashion a stylish take on bluegrass that seamlessly blends original songs and instrumentals with Appalachian old-time music for a truly unique band sound. Now in their 20th year, with seven acclaimed albums and two Juno nominations, the Jaybirds are simultaneously innovative and unadorned, sophisticated and stripped-down, happily old-fashioned and 21st-century contemporary.

Los Angeles, CA-based guitarist Patrick Sauber joined the Jaybirds in 2017.

Chilliwack, BC-based Trisha Gagnon is portrayed by Sing Out! as “one of the most versatile” and “irresistible” lead vocalists in bluegrass.

Spokane, WA-based Greg Spatz is hailed as a “world-class bluegrass fiddler” by Fiddler Magazine.

Covid Restrictions

The following restrictions will apply to patrons of the concert as well as volunteers.

1. As per the requirements of the venue, the Irish Cultural Centre, and per the City of Calgary by-law and Provincial regulations, we will be following REP protocol:

All  persons 12 years of age and older entering the venue must show proof of two vaccinations, ie: their vaccination card, as well and acceptable ID, or proof of a privately paid negative PCR or rapid test with-in 72 hours of service, or Documentation of a medical exemption.

Mandatory Masking is required when moving in the centre.

2. The performing artists have additionally requested that all patrons, volunteers, and any others in the venue be masked during the performance.

An exception will be made to accommodate those patrons who wish to take advantage of the available bar service.  There will be a designated area near the bar at the rear of the hall where patrons may enjoy a beverage with seating where they can be unmasked.

By attending this Foothills Bluegrass Music Society live event you are voluntarily assuming all risks related to Covid 19, including exposure and contracting Covid 19.

Further you agree to hold harmless Foothills Bluegrass Music Society and the Irish Cultural Society, their volunteers, directors, contractors and/or artists from liability for any damages, loss or injury related to Covid 19 including exposure to and contracting Covid 19.

Failure to comply with the Foothills Bluegrass Music Society’s or the Irish Cultural Society’s Covid 19 and /or other safety protocols and those of the City of Calgary and/or Alberta Health Services will result in a warning and/or removal from the event at the discretion of the event organizers.  Refunds will not be made to anyone removed for failing to comply with Covid 19 protocols.

Doors open at 7:00 and the concert will begin at 7:30.  There will be no admission to the building after 7:45.

Tickets are available online and will be available at the door as well up to the available seating capacity.

Note that these protocols may be amended due to changes mandated by the City of Calgary or Alberta Health Services.  Should there be sufficient reason the event may also be cancelled, with appropriate refunds.

We will be limiting ticket sales to reduce the risk of transmission.

John Wort Hannam

Our Proud Sponsors

Event Information:

John Wort Hannam

Event Information

Date: Friday, January 26, 2023

Event Starts: 4:00 PM
Dinner Starts: 6:30 PM

Location: FESTIVAL HALL in Inglewood, SE Calgary, Alberta, T2G 0W6 CA.

Ticket: https://www.showpass.com/john-wort-hannam-fbms/

https://www.johnworthannam.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@JohnWortHannamMusic
https://www.facebook.com/johnworthannammusic/
https://www.instagram.com/johnworthannam/

Cost: $25.00 for Members
$30.00 for Non-Members
Free for youth under 16 years old

Foothills Bluegrass Music Society presents John Wort Hannam live at Festival Hall in Inglewood (1215 10 Ave SE, Calgary AB)! Join us Friday, January 26, 2024, doors at 7:00PM, show at 7:30PM. This is our first ever show at Festival Hall and we hope you will enjoy this intimate and centrally located venue, also please note we have changed our ticketing service to showpass.com for 2024. In 2001, roots/folk musician John Wort Hannam quit his teaching job and spent 10 months depleting his savings while sat at his kitchen table, wearing a lucky hat, writing his first ten songs. Eighteen years later, with a few feathers in that lucky hat that include a JUNO nomination and a Canadian Folk Music Award for Best Album of the Year, he’s got a new energy fuelled by a new band, a new sound, and a ton of new songs.

Event Information

You're cordially invited to the annual FBMS Christmas Potluck and Concert!

Featuring the Bix Mix Boys and Magnolia Buckskin!

Date: Saturday, December 16, 2023

Event Starts: 4:00 PM

Dinner Starts: 6:30 PM

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA)

Price:
$10.00 for Members

Event Details

Join us for our Annual Christmas Potluck and Concert doors (and maybe some pre dinner jams!) at 4:00 PM on December 16, 2023 at the Irish Cultural Centre, 6452 35 Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta. We will be serving dinner at 6:30 PM (including your very own lovingly prepared contributions!) with performances from some Alberta favourites, The Bix Mix Boys and Magnolia Buckskin! Tickets are $20 for members with a portion donated to North East Family Connections Food Pantry (and c'mon… in this day and age that's not bad for a turkey dinner… even if you do have to bring your own lime jello marshmallow cottage cheese surprise…) and can be purchased at the link below:
Purchase your tickets for the Christmas Potluck and Concert

And before we finish with that a quick reminder our Annual General Meeting is fast approaching and will take place prior to our concert presentation of The Lonesome Ace Stringband. We expect this show to be a sell-out. If you attend the AGM and wish to attend the concert as well, we are offering a discounted ticket price of $15.00. Just follow the purchase a ticket link and use the promo code AGM2023 on Eventbrite. Rising costs and a smaller membership mean we can no longer afford to offer entrance to the concert at no cost. There is no charge to attend just the AGM.

Purchase your tickets for The Lonesome Ace Stringband
If you need to update your membership prior to the meeting please click the link below.
Sign Up or Renew Your Membership for 2024 Here
But now.. back to the Potluck…

More than ten years ago, each member of The Bix Mix Boys had met over various jams and festivals in different bands throughout Alberta. Opportunity struck when a number of those bands dissolved, and late night jams lead to the formation of a new band. Wanting to respect the roots of bluegrass, they chose the name The Bix Mix Boys after one of the biscuit products from the Martha White flour company - Martha White is known for sponsoring bluegrass acts such as Flatt and Scruggs, Hot Rize and Rhonda Vincent (just to name a few).They have always focused on producing the highest quality of music possible, both vocally and instrumentally. While keeping the tradition of bluegrass alive, they want to bring their unique, Canadian interpretation to the genre. At the same time, they've always wanted put on an entertaining show - with a humourous twist in between numbers.

They've entrenched themselves into the Edmonton and Calgary bluegrass scene and consider themselves ambassadors of bluegrass music to Alberta and Canada.

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, accordian and bass. The three songwriters back each other up with arrangements that are both refreshing and poignant.

You're cordially invited to the annual FBMS Christmas Potluck and Concert!

Featuring the Bix Mix Boys and Magnolia Buckskin!

Our Proud Sponsors

Past Events:

The Annual FBMS Christmas Potluck & Concert

Event Information

Date: Saturday, December 16, 2023

Event Starts: 4:00 PM
Dinner Starts: 6:30 PM

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA).

Ticket: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/fbms-christmas-potluck-and-concert-tickets-754387020887?aff=oddtdtcreator

Cost: $20 for members with a portion donated to North East Family Connections Food Pantry

And before we finish with that a quick reminder our Annual General Meeting is fast approaching and will take place prior to our concert presentation of The Lonesome Ace String band. We expect this show to be a sell-out. If you attend the AGM and wish to attend the concert as well, we are offering a discounted ticket price of $15.00. Just follow the purchase a ticket link and use the promo code AGM2023 on Eventbrite. Rising costs and a smaller membership mean we can no longer afford to offer entrance to the concert at no cost. There is no charge to attend just the AGM.

Event Information

You're cordially invited to the annual FBMS Christmas Potluck and Concert!

Featuring the Bix Mix Boys and Magnolia Buckskin!

Date: Saturday, December 16, 2023

Event Starts: 4:00 PM

Dinner Starts: 6:30 PM

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA)

Price:
$10.00 for Members

Event Details

Join us for our Annual Christmas Potluck and Concert doors (and maybe some pre dinner jams!) at 4:00 PM on December 16, 2023 at the Irish Cultural Centre, 6452 35 Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta. We will be serving dinner at 6:30 PM (including your very own lovingly prepared contributions!) with performances from some Alberta favourites, The Bix Mix Boys and Magnolia Buckskin! Tickets are $20 for members with a portion donated to North East Family Connections Food Pantry (and c'mon… in this day and age that's not bad for a turkey dinner… even if you do have to bring your own lime jello marshmallow cottage cheese surprise…) and can be purchased at the link below:
Purchase your tickets for the Christmas Potluck and Concert

More than ten years ago, each member of The Bix Mix Boys had met over various jams and festivals in different bands throughout Alberta. Opportunity struck when a number of those bands dissolved, and late night jams lead to the formation of a new band. Wanting to respect the roots of bluegrass, they chose the name The Bix Mix Boys after one of the biscuit products from the Martha White flour company - Martha White is known for sponsoring bluegrass acts such as Flatt and Scruggs, Hot Rize and Rhonda Vincent (just to name a few).They have always focused on producing the highest quality of music possible, both vocally and instrumentally. While keeping the tradition of bluegrass alive, they want to bring their unique, Canadian interpretation to the genre. At the same time, they've always wanted put on an entertaining show - with a humourous twist in between numbers.

They've entrenched themselves into the Edmonton and Calgary bluegrass scene and consider themselves ambassadors of bluegrass music to Alberta and Canada.

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, accordian and bass. The three songwriters back each other up with arrangements that are both refreshing and poignant.

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

LONESOME ACE STRINGBAND

Our Proud Sponsors

Artist/Bands Bios

Masters of their trade,The Lonesome Ace Stringband bring grit, skill and abandon to Americana music, bridging old-time, bluegrass and folk traditions into a seamless hybrid of original material that is at once fresh and timeless.

Instrumentation alone sets the trio’s sound apart: consisting simply of fiddle (John Showman), clawhammer banjo (Chris Coole), and upright bass (Max Malone), the band moves freely between a sound so commanding it doesn’t seem like it should be coming from a stringband, to a sparse fragility that draws the listener closer.

Now with more than a decade of group music-making under their belts, they’re releasing their fifth album, a feisty and mighty collection of all-original material titled ‘Try To Make It Fly’ (released October 13, 2023).

They have become festival favourites at Rockygrass, Celtic Connections, Winnipeg Folk Festival, Merlefest and regularly tour the USA, UK, Germany and, of course, Canada.

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

Back Porch Swing

Our Proud Sponsors

Event Information

Back Porch Swing

Date: Saturday, October 21, 2023

Doors Open: 7:00 PM
Show Starts:
7:30 PM

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA)

Ticket: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/fbms-present-back-porch-swing-tickets-730899990547?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxNgHlwCgi29aQs45BSQKIA
https://www.facebook.com/jimandpennymalmberg/

Price:
$15.00 Members
$20.00 Non-members
Free for youth under 16 years old

Artist/Bands Bios

Fresh off of their performance at Blueberry Music Festival this summer, FBMS presents our good friends Back Porch Swing! Live at 7:30PM Saturday October 21, 2023 at the Irish Cultural Centre!

Back Porch Swing serves up their own special blend of stringband music - a shot of bluegrass, a dash of swing, a pinch of country, a splash of humour.

Original and old favourite songs served up on guitar (Penny Malmberg), mandolin (Jim Malmberg), fiddle (Cam Neufeld), and bass (Kevin Jacobson) with Penny and Jim on vocals.

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

FBMS Fall BBQ and Band Scramble!

Our Proud Sponsors

Event Information

FBMS Fall BBQ and Band Scramble!

Date: Saturday, September 23, 2023

Event Starts: 3:00 PM

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA)

Price:
FREE for Members
$10.00 Non-members

Event Details

For our first event of the year, we would like to invite to a BBQ and Band Scramble. We will get started at 3pm on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at the Irish Cultural Center. The Millarville General Store will be providing burger and hot dogs. After the Band Scramble there will be an open jam.For the Band Scramble bring your instrument and we’ll split into impromptu bands and give a one song performance! Imagine ‘Lost Path’ or 'The Crooked Prospectors', the possibilities abound…

The cost is FREE for members and $10 for non-members at the door. You can renew your membership at the door! If you are not a member, we encourage you to come out and buy your 2024 membership and, as a bonus, enjoy the member pricing right away on all upcoming 2023 concerts! If you don't want to wait:

Sign Up or Renew Your Membership for 2024 Here

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

The Humbuddies

Our Proud Sponsors

Artist/Bands Bios

FBMS presents An Evening with The Humbuddies! June 1, 2023 our regular Thursday Jam at the Irish Cultural Centre will be replaced with a special performance and harmony singing workshop by the Humbuddies. Ticket cost will be collected at the door and donated to the North East Family Connections (nefcs.ca). Please reserve your spot here, we are only making 50 tickets available for this exclusive event.

In brother harmony style, this father and son duo will sing you through the evolution of acoustic music, from early country, through bluegrass and swing to contemporary folk. They’ll have you tapping your toes, wiping your tears and singing along.

On the father end, Bill Humby, grew up awash in music, singing along with Grandma by the piano and playing trumpet duets with his father Howard. The journey flowed along through a mix of the choirs, musicals, and bands before eventually cascading into the world of harmony driven bluegrass some 20 years ago. Pre-Humbuddies, Bill was lead singer and guitarist for the western Canadian bluegrass band, Nomad Jones.

Bill is very proud to share his love of music his son Nico Laroche-Humby. From his first instrument, the fiddle, evolving on to bass, vocals and mandolin, Nico has developed into an accomplished touring musician, recording artist and songwriter. He has toured the world with bands such as Jeff Scoggins and Colorado and the Greg Blake Band. Nico was a founding member of Nomad Jones and currently plays in Happy Trails, Prospector.

Along with performing, both Bill and Nico have been involved with teaching in various camps such as NimbleFingers Bluegrass and Old-Time Workshop and the Northern Lights Bluegrass and Old-Time Camp.

The duo recently finished recording their first album at The Chamber in Nanaimo. “Humbelievable” is a collection of classic songs and originals, which they feature in their live performances. Covid was the catalyst for this project. As touring and performing shut down, writing and recording became the best available musical outlet. The duo penned 6 original songs and picked 7 others that span the breadth of their musical repertoire, giving a true flavour of the musical journey the Humbuddies take you on.

The Humbuddies are:
Bill Humby, Nanaimo, BC on acoustic guitar and lead and harmony vocals Nico Laroche-Humby, Edmonton AB on mandolin, fiddle, bass and lead and harmony vocals

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

The Local Group

Our Proud Sponsors

Artist/Bands Bios

FBMS presents The Local Group! Live at 7:30PM Saturday May 13, 2023 at the Irish Cultural Centre!Taking their name from the cluster of galaxies containing the Milky Way, The Local Group plays music of astronomical proportions. With their most recent album (Produced by Clayton Linthicum of Kacy & Clayton) released in June of 2022 via Grey Records, this young Saskatoon-based quartet puts their own unique spin on hard-driving traditional bluegrass, while seamlessly blending in their original songs and their passion for country, Celtic, and Canadiana. Featuring mandolin, bluegrass banjo, flatpicking guitar, and upright bass, The Local Group showcases hot instrumental picking, tight 3-part harmonies, surprising arrangements, and an entertaining energy. Their show has been described as “tight and charmingly zany” and is guaranteed to take you out of this world!
Gigging regularly across the prairies for five years, they have played most everywhere you can imagine. From festivals like Blueberry Bluegrass Festival, Shady Grove, Northern Lights Bluegrass Festival and the Saskatchewan Jazz Festival to opening for Corb Lund in small town Cadillac, they have entertained at just about any kind of show you can think of. House concerts, dive bars, schools, theatres, weddings and old-time dances (guitar player Elliot Dillabough moonlights as a square dance caller) are all familiar territory for this traveling band.

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

The Unfaithful Servants

Our Proud Sponsors

Event Information

Artist/Bands Bios

The Unfaithful Servants have quickly gained a reputation in Western Canada as a must-see act. With an original and exciting approach to acoustic music, the group serves up explosive instrumentals, compelling story-telling and high-powered vocals. As Kelly Nakatsuka (Islands Folk Festival, CBC host) describes "The Unfaithful Servants are one of the most exciting bands from Vancouver Island in some time…gorgeous harmonies and fine song writing, beautiful instrumental interplay and some seriously rippin' solos".

American born mandolinist Jesse Cobb could be described as a virtuoso on his instrument. He is a founding member of the critically acclaimed bluegrass group The Infamous String Dusters and with that group he received a Grammy nomination for one of his original compositions. Jesse has recorded and performed with Bela Fleck, Lee Anne Womack, Dirks Bentley, Jim Lauderdale, John Cowan and many others. He’s held a residency at the historic stage of The Grand Old Opry and has toured the world. His exceptional talent is widely recognized in the bluegrass world and he is an innovator of the instrument.

Dylan Stone has warmed up stages for the likes of Keith Urban, EVERLAST and Alejandro Escovedo. An interesting and storied career has led him to perform with musical heavies including Robert Randolf and Colin James. An honest musician who plays and sings from the heart, Dylan is a restless songwriter who is constantly pursuing new songs, sounds and collaborations.

Since the group was founded in 2017, The Unfaithful Servants have been continuously pushing forward the limits of traditional music and consistently delivering exciting & engaging concert performances.

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

Murfitt & Main

Our Proud Sponsors

Event Information

Murfitt & Main

Date: Saturday, March 18, 2023

Doors Open: 7:00 PM
Show Starts:
7:30 PM

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA)

Ticket: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/murfitt-and-main-tickets-528033160397?aff=ebdssbonlinesearch

www.murfittandmain.com
www.instagram.com/murfittandmain/

Price:
$20 Members
$25 Non-members
Free for youth under 16 years old

Artist/Bands Bios

Warren Murfitt and Kate Main are songwriters with influences in Roots, Country and Bluegrass music.

They have played together for well over a decade, their harmonies come easy, as does the stage banter, humour and story telling! Their music has brought them many great gigs including the Vancouver Folk Music Festival, Harmony Arts Festival, Shady Grove Festival, Home Routes Tours, Winnipeg Crankie Fest, as well as many independent tours and local Vancouver, BC and Alberta gigs.

By way of a resume, they currently have four albums of original material, Little Bit Gone (2019), Rust and Bone (2015), Lonesome Curve (2012), Nineteen56 (2009) under their belts, and their fifth recording (produced and recorded by Tim Hearsey) is due for release Spring 2023.

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

Open Mic Night with The Lost Prospectors

Our Proud Sponsors

Event Information

Open Mic Night with The Lost Prospectors

Date: Saturday, February 11, 2023

Doors Open: 7:00 PM
Show Starts:
7:30 PM

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA)

Tickets: $5.00 only available at the door.

Event Details

Calling all pickers (and grinners, too) - the Foothills Bluegrass music society is proud to present our Annual Open Mic Night!

Come on down to Hickey's Place Pub (downstairs in the Irish Cultural Centre - 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, AB) for a night of cold drinks and hot tunes!

Enjoy a performance from The Lost Prospectors to start the night, then if you're feeling inspired you can hop on stage to take a turn yourself. Whether you're a veteran performer, a first-timer, or you'd just like to relax and enjoy the melodies, there's something for everyone down at the pub!

Open Mic Guidelines

Sign up for the open mic in advance via email (info@foothillsbluegrass.com) or at the pub.

We would like to keep it “Bluegrassy” so here are some guidelines:

  • One to three songs (depending on how many people show up!)
  • Besides your voices, only acoustic stringed instruments are allowed.
  • We prefer groups over solo performances (The Lost Prospectors  are there to back you up if you wish!)
  • Feel free to ask anyone else who is there to join you - in fact, it's encouraged!

If you have any questions or concerns regarding these events please email info@foothillsbluegrass.com

Artist/Bands Bios

The Lost Prospectors are five country gentlemen panning the rivers of song in search of bluegrass gold! Featuring the combined talents of Brian Fukushima, Bill Jackson, PJ Hanley, Tim Babey, and David Woodman, these pickers have wandered the musical wilderness and returned with only the most tuneful nuggets of classic and contemporary bluegrass for your listening pleasure!

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present two of Southern Alberta’s finest:

Southern Alberta Bluegrass Concert

Our Proud Sponsors

Concert Information

Southern Alberta Bluegrass Concert

Allan & Arnell and Crooked Path
Part of our mandate is to promote and preserve Bluegrass music in Southern Alberta. Come out and support our local band.

Date: Friday, January 20, 2023

Doors Open: 7:00 PM
Concert: 7:30 PM

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA).

Ticket: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/
allan-arnell-and-crooked-path-concert-tickets-500827557707


Website: www.murfittandmain.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/murfittandmain/
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_MFdPkPplo
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Baw8yM4MzSc

Price: $20 Members
$25 Non-Members

Artist/Bands Bios

Based out of Calgary Alberta,Crooked Path is a 5-piece band that enjoys blending the sweet sounds of three (3) and four (4) part harmonies with traditional bluegrass instruments. the band is composed of; Al Lamonaca, ripping up the banjo, and Boh Woodward, rock-solid on the upright bass; both seasoned musicians who have been active in the bluegrass scene for many years, Amber-Lynn Yourk, our newest member, adds her own distinctive flavour on the mandolin, Maureen Woodward brings her steady rhythm on the guitar and last, but not least, one of the most sought after musicians in the area, Cédric Blary on the clarinet.

Alberta musicians Jane Allan & Lance Arnell can play a song that will bring back a memory, inspire an adventure and warm your spirits.

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

Annual Christmas Potluck & Concert

Our Proud Sponsors

Event Information

Annual Christmas Potluck & Concert

Date: Saturday, December 10, 2022

Doors Open: 5:00 PM
Dinner Starts:
6:00 PM
Concert:
7:30 PM
Jamming after the concert.

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA).

Cost: Donation (Local Charity. Read below)

Event Details

We are very pleased to announce that we will be holding a Christmas potluck dinner on Saturday December 10 at the Irish Cultural Centre. In the past this has been one of our most fun social events, and we sure have missed it over the past couple of years.

Potluck - As in years past, the club is providing the basics, turkey and dressing, potatoes and gravy, and cranberry sauce. We ask the members to use the following guidelines when deciding what to contribute:

If your last name begins with;
A – H desserts
I – Q appies
R – Z side dishes
There will be plates, etc. provided.

Donation - Christmas is often a difficult time for some, and even more so recently with the rising cost of living on top of a couple of years of Covid.  This year’s event will be admission by donation. We are asking you to pay what you can, and in addition bring a non-perishable food item. We would appreciate donations of $10 or more, but again, pay what you can.

Concert - Jarred Albright and Friends

Concert Details

We are very excited to have Jarred Albright, with some of his friends, as our entertainment. All of you who know or follow Jarred will know by now that he has just released a Christmas Album and I am sure we will get a taste of this along with more great music.

Check out Jarred’s Christmas Album kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/ projects/jarredalbright/jarred-albrights-christmas-album?ref=user_menu

Doors will open at 5 with dinner at 6 and music at 7:30. If there is time there will be jamming after the concert so bring your instruments and join in Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA).

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

Doggone Brothers & Friends and The Foothills Bluegrass Society Annual General Meeting

Ticket Sales: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/
doggone-brothers-and-friends-tickets-461855551387

Event Information

Doggone Brothers & Friends and The Foothills Bluegrass Society Annual General Meeting

Date: Saturday, November 26, 2022

AGM Meeting Time: 6:00 PM
Doors Open for Concert:7:00 PM
Concert: 7:30 PM

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA).

Ticket: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/
doggone-brothers-and-friends-tickets-461855551387

Event Details

Hi all, we are very proud to present the Doggone Brothers & Friends in Concert Saturday November 26th 2022.

The Annual General Meeting of the Foothills Bluegrass Music Society will be at 6:00 PM and followed by the Concert at 7:30 PM (Irish Cultural Centre at 6452 35th Avenue NW, Calgary, AB)

Your attendance at the AGM is much appreciated.

We welcome new ideas on how we can continuously improve our society and shape our future vision.

We will be discussing our past year and what we have in mind for the future.

There will be several board positions up for election and reports on the financial health of the Society.

Artist/Bands Bios

The Doggone Brothers are a dynamic duo slinging bluegrass with a dash of old country and a side of old-time music throughout their set of original, traditional, and cover tunes. Homey, approachable, irreverent, and uplifting are all words that describe the Doggone Brothers well. Both seasoned musicians in their own right, Clayton Parsons (guitar and banjo) and Mike Hepher (Mandolin, Octave Mando, Guitar) have a natural chemistry on stage that is infectious and approachable. They are sure to entertain as they duel back and forth with their respective axes—carving a unique sonic experience into any traditional set.

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

Halloween Square Dancing

Ticket Sales: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/halloween-square-dance-live-caller-and-band-tickets-432325777037

Concert Information

Halloween Square Dancing

Date: Saturday, October 29, 2022

Time: Door open at 7:00 PM - Show starts at 7:30 PM

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA).

Ticket: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/halloween-square-dance-live-caller-and-band-tickets-432325777037

Price: $20 Members for Advanced tickets and $25 at the door
$25 Non-Members

Event Details

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present a live Square Dancing event featuring caller Leslie Gotfrit and The Single Ladies String Band Rhonda Shippy, Chelsea Sleep, and Michelle Bohning from Canmore.

Whether you are a seasoned square dancer, first timer, or just would like to come and watch, this event is going to be a blast.

It is Halloween, so feel free to dress up. You may even win a prize.

The attendance is capped at 80 people and we are expecting a sell out. So get your tickets in advance.

$20 Members for Advanced tickets
$25 at the door$25 Non-Members

Saturday, October 29th 2022

Doors open at 7:00pm, Show starts at 7:30pm.

Calgary Irish Cultural Center , 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA).

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

The Slocan Ramblers

Ticket Sales:   https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/241194056917

Concert Information

The Slocan Ramblers

Date: Saturday, March 26, 2022

Time: Show starts at 7:30 PM

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA).

Ticket: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/241194056917

Artist/Bands Bios

The Slocan Ramblers (2020 IBMA Momentum Band of the Year Award Winner & 2019 Juno Award Nominee) are Canada’s bluegrass band to watch. Rooted in tradition, fearlessly creative and possessing a bold, dynamic sound, The Slocans have become a leading light of today’s acoustic music scene. With a reputation for energetic live shows, impeccable musicianship and an uncanny ability to convert anyone within earshot into a lifelong fan, The Slocans have been winning over audiences from Merlefest to RockyGrass and everywhere in between.

On their much-anticipated album Queen City Jubilee (2019 Juno Award Nominee for Traditional Roots Album of the Year), The Slocans showcase their unique blend of bluegrass, old-time and folk with deep song-writing, lightning fast instrumentals and sawdust-thick vocals. With their trademark raucous energy, this album presents The Slocan Ramblers at the top of their game – writing and playing tunes to keep you up all night. This is roots music without pretension, music to make you feel something – say hello to your new favourite band.

The Slocan Ramblers are:

Frank Evans: Banjo/Vocals
Adrian Gross: Mandolin
Darryl Poulsen: Guitar/Vocals
With Charles James: Bass/Vocals

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

Open Mic with Al LaMonaca & The Other Guys

Concert Information

Open Mic with Al LaMonaca & The Other Guys

Date: Saturday, February 19, 2022

Time: Door open at 7:00 PM - Show starts at 7:30 PM

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA).

Concert Details

​Pub Night and Open Mic

Hi All,

We are very excited to host our annual Open Mic Night.

Anyone is welcome to sign up.  Experience is not a requirement.

However, we would like to keep it “Bluegrassy” so here are some rules:

1. One-three songs depending on how many people show up
2. Besides your voices, only acoustic stringed instruments are allowed
3. We prefer groups over solo performances (JA and the Other Guys are there to back you up if you wish)
4. Feel free to ask anyone else who is there to join you.

Details: Saturday Feb 19 in the Hickey’s Place Pub, downstairs at the Irish Cultural Society, 6452 35 Ave NW, door at 7:00, performance by JA and the Other guys at 7:30 followed by open mic.

Cost $5 at the door. REP covid regulation in force. Please have QR proof of vaccination and ID ready. Sign up in advance at info@foothillsbluegrass.com or at the Pub.

Artist/Bands Bios

Al LaMonaca

A Calgary-born musician and a mainstay of the Calgary bluegrass scene for decades. Al has been playing guitar, banjo and dobro in bluegrass bands, duos and trios; Stray Dawgs, Rock Bottom, Hothouse Bluegrass Band (opened for Alison Krauss in Calgary) and Wheatland County (kicked off the very first Edmonton Folk Festival in 1978) to name a few.

Jarred Albright

Having played the violin since he was seven years old and making music his focus ever since he started playing classical music but switched to the fiddle style learning Celtic, folk, old-tyme, and bluegrass before entering post-secondary to pursue jazz performance there.

In 2012 he and Ben Plotnick were awarded the 10k20 grant from Rawlco radio and their bluegrass duo recorded the self-titled CD Rye & Fairy Tales, to much acclaim.

Erik Smistad

Erik Smistad is a Calgary-based multi-instrumentalist, an active song writer, arranger, session musician, performer and music teacher since 2010. Erik is known for his ability to play any style of music, but he is especially active in the bluegrass, progressive rock, soul and alternative rock genres.

Event:

Foothills Bluegrass Music Society
Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting of the Foothills Bluegrass Music Society will be held, as previously advised, on Sunday, November 28 at 2PM at the Calgary Irish Culture Centre.

What to Expect - We expect this meeting will take about an hour and a half.  We plan to report on our activity over the past two years, our financial situation, and what are planning for the next year.  Your attendance and participation is greatly appreciated.

Board Positions - There will be an election of officers and board members.  We are especially looking for a Secretary as this position is currently vacant, and a Treasurer as our current Treasurer has advised she would like to step down. We are also open to having new members at large, especially if you have experience in such things as social media promotion.  If you are an organizer and/or a jump and get it done kind of person, and are computer savvy we will find a place for you.

Covid - As per all events at the ICS you must have proof of vaccination and ID with you to attend the meeting. Alberta proof of vaccine records can be obtain here. The QR code greatly simplifies the process for admittance at the door.

Look forward to seeing you there.

Eric Holt President

Doors open at 1:45 pm, AGM starts at 2:00 PM
Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA).

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

John Reischman & The Jaybirds

Ticket Sales:   https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/john-reischman-and-the-jaybirds-in-concert-tickets-182910599527

Our Sponsors

Concert Information

John Reischman & The Jaybirds

Date: Saturday, October 30, 2021

Time: Doors Open at 7:00 PM - Show starts at 7:30

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA).

Ticket: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/john-reischman-and-the-jaybirds-in-concert-tickets-182910599527

Price: $25 Members
$30 Non-Members

Artist/Bands Bios

Like the powerful mandolinist and composer at its helm, John Reischman and the Jaybirds fashion a stylish take on bluegrass that seamlessly blends original songs and instrumentals with Appalachian old-time music for a truly unique band sound. Now in their 20th year, with seven acclaimed albums and two Juno nominations, the Jaybirds are simultaneously innovative and unadorned, sophisticated and stripped-down, happily old-fashioned and 21st-century contemporary.

Los Angeles, CA-based guitarist Patrick Sauber joined the Jaybirds in 2017.

Chilliwack, BC-based Trisha Gagnon is portrayed by Sing Out! as “one of the most versatile” and “irresistible” lead vocalists in bluegrass.

Spokane, WA-based Greg Spatz is hailed as a “world-class bluegrass fiddler” by Fiddler Magazine.

Covid Restrictions

The following restrictions will apply to patrons of the concert as well as volunteers.

1. As per the requirements of the venue, the Irish Cultural Centre, and per the City of Calgary by-law and Provincial regulations, we will be following REP protocol:

All  persons 12 years of age and older entering the venue must show proof of two vaccinations, ie: their vaccination card, as well and acceptable ID, or proof of a privately paid negative PCR or rapid test with-in 72 hours of service, or Documentation of a medical exemption.

Mandatory Masking is required when moving in the centre.

2. The performing artists have additionally requested that all patrons, volunteers, and any others in the venue be masked during the performance.

An exception will be made to accommodate those patrons who wish to take advantage of the available bar service.  There will be a designated area near the bar at the rear of the hall where patrons may enjoy a beverage with seating where they can be unmasked.

By attending this Foothills Bluegrass Music Society live event you are voluntarily assuming all risks related to Covid 19, including exposure and contracting Covid 19.

Further you agree to hold harmless Foothills Bluegrass Music Society and the Irish Cultural Society, their volunteers, directors, contractors and/or artists from liability for any damages, loss or injury related to Covid 19 including exposure to and contracting Covid 19.

Failure to comply with the Foothills Bluegrass Music Society’s or the Irish Cultural Society’s Covid 19 and /or other safety protocols and those of the City of Calgary and/or Alberta Health Services will result in a warning and/or removal from the event at the discretion of the event organizers.  Refunds will not be made to anyone removed for failing to comply with Covid 19 protocols.

Doors open at 7:00 and the concert will begin at 7:30.  There will be no admission to the building after 7:45.

Tickets are available online and will be available at the door as well up to the available seating capacity.

Note that these protocols may be amended due to changes mandated by the City of Calgary or Alberta Health Services.  Should there be sufficient reason the event may also be cancelled, with appropriate refunds.

We will be limiting ticket sales to reduce the risk of transmission.

And if you're wondering about the 2023 Annual General Meeting, stay tuned for an update early next week.

You're cordially invited to the annual FBMS Christmas Potluck and Concert!

Featuring the Bix Mix Boys and Magnolia Buckskin!

Our Proud Sponsors

Upcoming Event:

The Annual FBMS Christmas Potluck & Concert

Event Information

Date: Saturday, December 16, 2023

Event Starts: 4:00 PM
Dinner Starts: 6:30 PM

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA).

Ticket: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/fbms-christmas-potluck-and-concert-tickets-754387020887?aff=oddtdtcreator

Cost: $20 for members with a portion donated to North East Family Connections Food Pantry

And before we finish with that a quick reminder our Annual General Meeting is fast approaching and will take place prior to our concert presentation of The Lonesome Ace String band. We expect this show to be a sell-out. If you attend the AGM and wish to attend the concert as well, we are offering a discounted ticket price of $15.00. Just follow the purchase a ticket link and use the promo code AGM2023 on Eventbrite. Rising costs and a smaller membership mean we can no longer afford to offer entrance to the concert at no cost. There is no charge to attend just the AGM.

Event Information

You're cordially invited to the annual FBMS Christmas Potluck and Concert!

Featuring the Bix Mix Boys and Magnolia Buckskin!

Date: Saturday, December 16, 2023

Event Starts: 4:00 PM

Dinner Starts: 6:30 PM

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA)

Price:
$10.00 for Members

Event Details

Join us for our Annual Christmas Potluck and Concert doors (and maybe some pre dinner jams!) at 4:00 PM on December 16, 2023 at the Irish Cultural Centre, 6452 35 Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta. We will be serving dinner at 6:30 PM (including your very own lovingly prepared contributions!) with performances from some Alberta favourites, The Bix Mix Boys and Magnolia Buckskin! Tickets are $20 for members with a portion donated to North East Family Connections Food Pantry (and c'mon… in this day and age that's not bad for a turkey dinner… even if you do have to bring your own lime jello marshmallow cottage cheese surprise…) and can be purchased at the link below:
Purchase your tickets for the Christmas Potluck and Concert

And before we finish with that a quick reminder our Annual General Meeting is fast approaching and will take place prior to our concert presentation of The Lonesome Ace Stringband. We expect this show to be a sell-out. If you attend the AGM and wish to attend the concert as well, we are offering a discounted ticket price of $15.00. Just follow the purchase a ticket link and use the promo code AGM2023 on Eventbrite. Rising costs and a smaller membership mean we can no longer afford to offer entrance to the concert at no cost. There is no charge to attend just the AGM.

Purchase your tickets for The Lonesome Ace Stringband
If you need to update your membership prior to the meeting please click the link below.
Sign Up or Renew Your Membership for 2024 Here
But now.. back to the Potluck…

More than ten years ago, each member of The Bix Mix Boys had met over various jams and festivals in different bands throughout Alberta. Opportunity struck when a number of those bands dissolved, and late night jams lead to the formation of a new band. Wanting to respect the roots of bluegrass, they chose the name The Bix Mix Boys after one of the biscuit products from the Martha White flour company - Martha White is known for sponsoring bluegrass acts such as Flatt and Scruggs, Hot Rize and Rhonda Vincent (just to name a few).They have always focused on producing the highest quality of music possible, both vocally and instrumentally. While keeping the tradition of bluegrass alive, they want to bring their unique, Canadian interpretation to the genre. At the same time, they've always wanted put on an entertaining show - with a humourous twist in between numbers.

They've entrenched themselves into the Edmonton and Calgary bluegrass scene and consider themselves ambassadors of bluegrass music to Alberta and Canada.

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, accordian and bass. The three songwriters back each other up with arrangements that are both refreshing and poignant.

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

LONESOME ACE STRINGBAND

Our Proud Sponsors

Artist/Bands Bios

Masters of their trade,The Lonesome Ace Stringband bring grit, skill and abandon to Americana music, bridging old-time, bluegrass and folk traditions into a seamless hybrid of original material that is at once fresh and timeless.

Instrumentation alone sets the trio’s sound apart: consisting simply of fiddle (John Showman), clawhammer banjo (Chris Coole), and upright bass (Max Malone), the band moves freely between a sound so commanding it doesn’t seem like it should be coming from a stringband, to a sparse fragility that draws the listener closer.

Now with more than a decade of group music-making under their belts, they’re releasing their fifth album, a feisty and mighty collection of all-original material titled ‘Try To Make It Fly’ (released October 13, 2023).

They have become festival favourites at Rockygrass, Celtic Connections, Winnipeg Folk Festival, Merlefest and regularly tour the USA, UK, Germany and, of course, Canada.

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

Back Porch Swing

Our Proud Sponsors

Event Information

Back Porch Swing

Date: Saturday, October 21, 2023

Doors Open: 7:00 PM
Show Starts:
7:30 PM

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA)

Ticket: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/fbms-present-back-porch-swing-tickets-730899990547?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxNgHlwCgi29aQs45BSQKIA
https://www.facebook.com/jimandpennymalmberg/

Price:
$15.00 Members
$20.00 Non-members
Free for youth under 16 years old

Artist/Bands Bios

Fresh off of their performance at Blueberry Music Festival this summer, FBMS presents our good friends Back Porch Swing! Live at 7:30PM Saturday October 21, 2023 at the Irish Cultural Centre!

Back Porch Swing serves up their own special blend of stringband music - a shot of bluegrass, a dash of swing, a pinch of country, a splash of humour.

Original and old favourite songs served up on guitar (Penny Malmberg), mandolin (Jim Malmberg), fiddle (Cam Neufeld), and bass (Kevin Jacobson) with Penny and Jim on vocals.

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

FBMS Fall BBQ and Band Scramble!

Our Proud Sponsors

Event Information

FBMS Fall BBQ and Band Scramble!

Date: Saturday, September 23, 2023

Event Starts: 3:00 PM

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA)

Price:
FREE for Members
$10.00 Non-members

Event Details

For our first event of the year, we would like to invite to a BBQ and Band Scramble. We will get started at 3pm on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at the Irish Cultural Center. The Millarville General Store will be providing burger and hot dogs. After the Band Scramble there will be an open jam.For the Band Scramble bring your instrument and we’ll split into impromptu bands and give a one song performance! Imagine ‘Lost Path’ or 'The Crooked Prospectors', the possibilities abound…

The cost is FREE for members and $10 for non-members at the door. You can renew your membership at the door! If you are not a member, we encourage you to come out and buy your 2024 membership and, as a bonus, enjoy the member pricing right away on all upcoming 2023 concerts! If you don't want to wait:

Sign Up or Renew Your Membership for 2024 Here

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

The Humbuddies

Our Proud Sponsors

Artist/Bands Bios

FBMS presents An Evening with The Humbuddies! June 1, 2023 our regular Thursday Jam at the Irish Cultural Centre will be replaced with a special performance and harmony singing workshop by the Humbuddies. Ticket cost will be collected at the door and donated to the North East Family Connections (nefcs.ca). Please reserve your spot here, we are only making 50 tickets available for this exclusive event.

In brother harmony style, this father and son duo will sing you through the evolution of acoustic music, from early country, through bluegrass and swing to contemporary folk. They’ll have you tapping your toes, wiping your tears and singing along.

On the father end, Bill Humby, grew up awash in music, singing along with Grandma by the piano and playing trumpet duets with his father Howard. The journey flowed along through a mix of the choirs, musicals, and bands before eventually cascading into the world of harmony driven bluegrass some 20 years ago. Pre-Humbuddies, Bill was lead singer and guitarist for the western Canadian bluegrass band, Nomad Jones.

Bill is very proud to share his love of music his son Nico Laroche-Humby. From his first instrument, the fiddle, evolving on to bass, vocals and mandolin, Nico has developed into an accomplished touring musician, recording artist and songwriter. He has toured the world with bands such as Jeff Scoggins and Colorado and the Greg Blake Band. Nico was a founding member of Nomad Jones and currently plays in Happy Trails, Prospector.

Along with performing, both Bill and Nico have been involved with teaching in various camps such as NimbleFingers Bluegrass and Old-Time Workshop and the Northern Lights Bluegrass and Old-Time Camp.

The duo recently finished recording their first album at The Chamber in Nanaimo. “Humbelievable” is a collection of classic songs and originals, which they feature in their live performances. Covid was the catalyst for this project. As touring and performing shut down, writing and recording became the best available musical outlet. The duo penned 6 original songs and picked 7 others that span the breadth of their musical repertoire, giving a true flavour of the musical journey the Humbuddies take you on.

The Humbuddies are:
Bill Humby, Nanaimo, BC on acoustic guitar and lead and harmony vocals Nico Laroche-Humby, Edmonton AB on mandolin, fiddle, bass and lead and harmony vocals

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

The Local Group

Our Proud Sponsors

Artist/Bands Bios

FBMS presents The Local Group! Live at 7:30PM Saturday May 13, 2023 at the Irish Cultural Centre!Taking their name from the cluster of galaxies containing the Milky Way, The Local Group plays music of astronomical proportions. With their most recent album (Produced by Clayton Linthicum of Kacy & Clayton) released in June of 2022 via Grey Records, this young Saskatoon-based quartet puts their own unique spin on hard-driving traditional bluegrass, while seamlessly blending in their original songs and their passion for country, Celtic, and Canadiana. Featuring mandolin, bluegrass banjo, flatpicking guitar, and upright bass, The Local Group showcases hot instrumental picking, tight 3-part harmonies, surprising arrangements, and an entertaining energy. Their show has been described as “tight and charmingly zany” and is guaranteed to take you out of this world!
Gigging regularly across the prairies for five years, they have played most everywhere you can imagine. From festivals like Blueberry Bluegrass Festival, Shady Grove, Northern Lights Bluegrass Festival and the Saskatchewan Jazz Festival to opening for Corb Lund in small town Cadillac, they have entertained at just about any kind of show you can think of. House concerts, dive bars, schools, theatres, weddings and old-time dances (guitar player Elliot Dillabough moonlights as a square dance caller) are all familiar territory for this traveling band.

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

The Unfaithful Servants

Our Proud Sponsors

Event Information

Artist/Bands Bios

The Unfaithful Servants have quickly gained a reputation in Western Canada as a must-see act. With an original and exciting approach to acoustic music, the group serves up explosive instrumentals, compelling story-telling and high-powered vocals. As Kelly Nakatsuka (Islands Folk Festival, CBC host) describes "The Unfaithful Servants are one of the most exciting bands from Vancouver Island in some time…gorgeous harmonies and fine song writing, beautiful instrumental interplay and some seriously rippin' solos".

American born mandolinist Jesse Cobb could be described as a virtuoso on his instrument. He is a founding member of the critically acclaimed bluegrass group The Infamous String Dusters and with that group he received a Grammy nomination for one of his original compositions. Jesse has recorded and performed with Bela Fleck, Lee Anne Womack, Dirks Bentley, Jim Lauderdale, John Cowan and many others. He’s held a residency at the historic stage of The Grand Old Opry and has toured the world. His exceptional talent is widely recognized in the bluegrass world and he is an innovator of the instrument.

Dylan Stone has warmed up stages for the likes of Keith Urban, EVERLAST and Alejandro Escovedo. An interesting and storied career has led him to perform with musical heavies including Robert Randolf and Colin James. An honest musician who plays and sings from the heart, Dylan is a restless songwriter who is constantly pursuing new songs, sounds and collaborations.

Since the group was founded in 2017, The Unfaithful Servants have been continuously pushing forward the limits of traditional music and consistently delivering exciting & engaging concert performances.

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

Murfitt & Main

Our Proud Sponsors

Event Information

Murfitt & Main

Date: Saturday, March 18, 2023

Doors Open: 7:00 PM
Show Starts:
7:30 PM

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA)

Ticket: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/murfitt-and-main-tickets-528033160397?aff=ebdssbonlinesearch

www.murfittandmain.com
www.instagram.com/murfittandmain/

Price:
$20 Members
$25 Non-members
Free for youth under 16 years old

Artist/Bands Bios

Warren Murfitt and Kate Main are songwriters with influences in Roots, Country and Bluegrass music.

They have played together for well over a decade, their harmonies come easy, as does the stage banter, humour and story telling! Their music has brought them many great gigs including the Vancouver Folk Music Festival, Harmony Arts Festival, Shady Grove Festival, Home Routes Tours, Winnipeg Crankie Fest, as well as many independent tours and local Vancouver, BC and Alberta gigs.

By way of a resume, they currently have four albums of original material, Little Bit Gone (2019), Rust and Bone (2015), Lonesome Curve (2012), Nineteen56 (2009) under their belts, and their fifth recording (produced and recorded by Tim Hearsey) is due for release Spring 2023.

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

Open Mic Night with The Lost Prospectors

Our Proud Sponsors

Event Information

Open Mic Night with The Lost Prospectors

Date: Saturday, February 11, 2023

Doors Open: 7:00 PM
Show Starts:
7:30 PM

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA)

Tickets: $5.00 only available at the door.

Event Details

Calling all pickers (and grinners, too) - the Foothills Bluegrass music society is proud to present our Annual Open Mic Night!

Come on down to Hickey's Place Pub (downstairs in the Irish Cultural Centre - 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, AB) for a night of cold drinks and hot tunes!

Enjoy a performance from The Lost Prospectors to start the night, then if you're feeling inspired you can hop on stage to take a turn yourself. Whether you're a veteran performer, a first-timer, or you'd just like to relax and enjoy the melodies, there's something for everyone down at the pub!

Open Mic Guidelines

Sign up for the open mic in advance via email (info@foothillsbluegrass.com) or at the pub.

We would like to keep it “Bluegrassy” so here are some guidelines:

  • One to three songs (depending on how many people show up!)
  • Besides your voices, only acoustic stringed instruments are allowed.
  • We prefer groups over solo performances (The Lost Prospectors  are there to back you up if you wish!)
  • Feel free to ask anyone else who is there to join you - in fact, it's encouraged!

If you have any questions or concerns regarding these events please email info@foothillsbluegrass.com

Artist/Bands Bios

The Lost Prospectors are five country gentlemen panning the rivers of song in search of bluegrass gold! Featuring the combined talents of Brian Fukushima, Bill Jackson, PJ Hanley, Tim Babey, and David Woodman, these pickers have wandered the musical wilderness and returned with only the most tuneful nuggets of classic and contemporary bluegrass for your listening pleasure!

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present two of Southern Alberta’s finest:

Southern Alberta Bluegrass Concert

Our Proud Sponsors

Concert Information

Southern Alberta Bluegrass Concert

Allan & Arnell and Crooked Path
Part of our mandate is to promote and preserve Bluegrass music in Southern Alberta. Come out and support our local band.

Date: Friday, January 20, 2023

Doors Open: 7:00 PM
Concert: 7:30 PM

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA).

Ticket: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/
allan-arnell-and-crooked-path-concert-tickets-500827557707


Website: www.murfittandmain.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/murfittandmain/
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_MFdPkPplo
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Baw8yM4MzSc

Price: $20 Members
$25 Non-Members

Artist/Bands Bios

Based out of Calgary Alberta,Crooked Path is a 5-piece band that enjoys blending the sweet sounds of three (3) and four (4) part harmonies with traditional bluegrass instruments. the band is composed of; Al Lamonaca, ripping up the banjo, and Boh Woodward, rock-solid on the upright bass; both seasoned musicians who have been active in the bluegrass scene for many years, Amber-Lynn Yourk, our newest member, adds her own distinctive flavour on the mandolin, Maureen Woodward brings her steady rhythm on the guitar and last, but not least, one of the most sought after musicians in the area, Cédric Blary on the clarinet.

Alberta musicians Jane Allan & Lance Arnell can play a song that will bring back a memory, inspire an adventure and warm your spirits.

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

Annual Christmas Potluck & Concert

Our Proud Sponsors

Event Information

Annual Christmas Potluck & Concert

Date: Saturday, December 10, 2022

Doors Open: 5:00 PM
Dinner Starts:
6:00 PM
Concert:
7:30 PM
Jamming after the concert.

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA).

Cost: Donation (Local Charity. Read below)

Event Details

We are very pleased to announce that we will be holding a Christmas potluck dinner on Saturday December 10 at the Irish Cultural Centre. In the past this has been one of our most fun social events, and we sure have missed it over the past couple of years.

Potluck - As in years past, the club is providing the basics, turkey and dressing, potatoes and gravy, and cranberry sauce. We ask the members to use the following guidelines when deciding what to contribute:

If your last name begins with;
A – H desserts
I – Q appies
R – Z side dishes
There will be plates, etc. provided.

Donation - Christmas is often a difficult time for some, and even more so recently with the rising cost of living on top of a couple of years of Covid.  This year’s event will be admission by donation. We are asking you to pay what you can, and in addition bring a non-perishable food item. We would appreciate donations of $10 or more, but again, pay what you can.

Concert - Jarred Albright and Friends

Concert Details

We are very excited to have Jarred Albright, with some of his friends, as our entertainment. All of you who know or follow Jarred will know by now that he has just released a Christmas Album and I am sure we will get a taste of this along with more great music.

Check out Jarred’s Christmas Album kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/ projects/jarredalbright/jarred-albrights-christmas-album?ref=user_menu

Doors will open at 5 with dinner at 6 and music at 7:30. If there is time there will be jamming after the concert so bring your instruments and join in Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA).

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

Doggone Brothers & Friends and The Foothills Bluegrass Society Annual General Meeting

Ticket Sales: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/
doggone-brothers-and-friends-tickets-461855551387

Event Information

Doggone Brothers & Friends and The Foothills Bluegrass Society Annual General Meeting

Date: Saturday, November 26, 2022

AGM Meeting Time: 6:00 PM
Doors Open for Concert:7:00 PM
Concert: 7:30 PM

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA).

Ticket: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/
doggone-brothers-and-friends-tickets-461855551387

Event Details

Hi all, we are very proud to present the Doggone Brothers & Friends in Concert Saturday November 26th 2022.

The Annual General Meeting of the Foothills Bluegrass Music Society will be at 6:00 PM and followed by the Concert at 7:30 PM (Irish Cultural Centre at 6452 35th Avenue NW, Calgary, AB)

Your attendance at the AGM is much appreciated.

We welcome new ideas on how we can continuously improve our society and shape our future vision.

We will be discussing our past year and what we have in mind for the future.

There will be several board positions up for election and reports on the financial health of the Society.

Artist/Bands Bios

The Doggone Brothers are a dynamic duo slinging bluegrass with a dash of old country and a side of old-time music throughout their set of original, traditional, and cover tunes. Homey, approachable, irreverent, and uplifting are all words that describe the Doggone Brothers well. Both seasoned musicians in their own right, Clayton Parsons (guitar and banjo) and Mike Hepher (Mandolin, Octave Mando, Guitar) have a natural chemistry on stage that is infectious and approachable. They are sure to entertain as they duel back and forth with their respective axes—carving a unique sonic experience into any traditional set.

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

Halloween Square Dancing

Ticket Sales: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/halloween-square-dance-live-caller-and-band-tickets-432325777037

Concert Information

Halloween Square Dancing

Date: Saturday, October 29, 2022

Time: Door open at 7:00 PM - Show starts at 7:30 PM

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA).

Ticket: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/halloween-square-dance-live-caller-and-band-tickets-432325777037

Price: $20 Members for Advanced tickets and $25 at the door
$25 Non-Members

Event Details

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present a live Square Dancing event featuring caller Leslie Gotfrit and The Single Ladies String Band Rhonda Shippy, Chelsea Sleep, and Michelle Bohning from Canmore.

Whether you are a seasoned square dancer, first timer, or just would like to come and watch, this event is going to be a blast.

It is Halloween, so feel free to dress up. You may even win a prize.

The attendance is capped at 80 people and we are expecting a sell out. So get your tickets in advance.

$20 Members for Advanced tickets
$25 at the door$25 Non-Members

Saturday, October 29th 2022

Doors open at 7:00pm, Show starts at 7:30pm.

Calgary Irish Cultural Center , 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA).

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

The Slocan Ramblers

Ticket Sales:   https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/241194056917

Concert Information

The Slocan Ramblers

Date: Saturday, March 26, 2022

Time: Show starts at 7:30 PM

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA).

Ticket: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/241194056917

Artist/Bands Bios

The Slocan Ramblers (2020 IBMA Momentum Band of the Year Award Winner & 2019 Juno Award Nominee) are Canada’s bluegrass band to watch. Rooted in tradition, fearlessly creative and possessing a bold, dynamic sound, The Slocans have become a leading light of today’s acoustic music scene. With a reputation for energetic live shows, impeccable musicianship and an uncanny ability to convert anyone within earshot into a lifelong fan, The Slocans have been winning over audiences from Merlefest to RockyGrass and everywhere in between.

On their much-anticipated album Queen City Jubilee (2019 Juno Award Nominee for Traditional Roots Album of the Year), The Slocans showcase their unique blend of bluegrass, old-time and folk with deep song-writing, lightning fast instrumentals and sawdust-thick vocals. With their trademark raucous energy, this album presents The Slocan Ramblers at the top of their game – writing and playing tunes to keep you up all night. This is roots music without pretension, music to make you feel something – say hello to your new favourite band.

The Slocan Ramblers are:

Frank Evans: Banjo/Vocals
Adrian Gross: Mandolin
Darryl Poulsen: Guitar/Vocals
With Charles James: Bass/Vocals

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

Open Mic with Al LaMonaca & The Other Guys

Concert Information

Open Mic with Al LaMonaca & The Other Guys

Date: Saturday, February 19, 2022

Time: Door open at 7:00 PM - Show starts at 7:30 PM

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA).

Concert Details

​Pub Night and Open Mic

Hi All,

We are very excited to host our annual Open Mic Night.

Anyone is welcome to sign up.  Experience is not a requirement.

However, we would like to keep it “Bluegrassy” so here are some rules:

1. One-three songs depending on how many people show up
2. Besides your voices, only acoustic stringed instruments are allowed
3. We prefer groups over solo performances (JA and the Other Guys are there to back you up if you wish)
4. Feel free to ask anyone else who is there to join you.

Details: Saturday Feb 19 in the Hickey’s Place Pub, downstairs at the Irish Cultural Society, 6452 35 Ave NW, door at 7:00, performance by JA and the Other guys at 7:30 followed by open mic.

Cost $5 at the door. REP covid regulation in force. Please have QR proof of vaccination and ID ready. Sign up in advance at info@foothillsbluegrass.com or at the Pub.

Artist/Bands Bios

Al LaMonaca

A Calgary-born musician and a mainstay of the Calgary bluegrass scene for decades. Al has been playing guitar, banjo and dobro in bluegrass bands, duos and trios; Stray Dawgs, Rock Bottom, Hothouse Bluegrass Band (opened for Alison Krauss in Calgary) and Wheatland County (kicked off the very first Edmonton Folk Festival in 1978) to name a few.

Jarred Albright

Having played the violin since he was seven years old and making music his focus ever since he started playing classical music but switched to the fiddle style learning Celtic, folk, old-tyme, and bluegrass before entering post-secondary to pursue jazz performance there.

In 2012 he and Ben Plotnick were awarded the 10k20 grant from Rawlco radio and their bluegrass duo recorded the self-titled CD Rye & Fairy Tales, to much acclaim.

Erik Smistad

Erik Smistad is a Calgary-based multi-instrumentalist, an active song writer, arranger, session musician, performer and music teacher since 2010. Erik is known for his ability to play any style of music, but he is especially active in the bluegrass, progressive rock, soul and alternative rock genres.

Event:

Foothills Bluegrass Music Society
Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting of the Foothills Bluegrass Music Society will be held, as previously advised, on Sunday, November 28 at 2PM at the Calgary Irish Culture Centre.

What to Expect - We expect this meeting will take about an hour and a half.  We plan to report on our activity over the past two years, our financial situation, and what are planning for the next year.  Your attendance and participation is greatly appreciated.

Board Positions - There will be an election of officers and board members.  We are especially looking for a Secretary as this position is currently vacant, and a Treasurer as our current Treasurer has advised she would like to step down. We are also open to having new members at large, especially if you have experience in such things as social media promotion.  If you are an organizer and/or a jump and get it done kind of person, and are computer savvy we will find a place for you.

Covid - As per all events at the ICS you must have proof of vaccination and ID with you to attend the meeting. Alberta proof of vaccine records can be obtain here. The QR code greatly simplifies the process for admittance at the door.

Look forward to seeing you there.

Eric Holt President

Doors open at 1:45 pm, AGM starts at 2:00 PM
Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA).

The Foothills Bluegrass Music Society is proud to present:

John Reischman & The Jaybirds

Ticket Sales:   https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/john-reischman-and-the-jaybirds-in-concert-tickets-182910599527

Our Sponsors

Concert Information

John Reischman & The Jaybirds

Date: Saturday, October 30, 2021

Time: Doors Open at 7:00 PM - Show starts at 7:30

Location: Calgary Irish Cultural Center, 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, Alberta T3B 1S4 (CA).

Ticket: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/john-reischman-and-the-jaybirds-in-concert-tickets-182910599527

Price: $25 Members
$30 Non-Members

Artist/Bands Bios

Like the powerful mandolinist and composer at its helm, John Reischman and the Jaybirds fashion a stylish take on bluegrass that seamlessly blends original songs and instrumentals with Appalachian old-time music for a truly unique band sound. Now in their 20th year, with seven acclaimed albums and two Juno nominations, the Jaybirds are simultaneously innovative and unadorned, sophisticated and stripped-down, happily old-fashioned and 21st-century contemporary.

Los Angeles, CA-based guitarist Patrick Sauber joined the Jaybirds in 2017.

Chilliwack, BC-based Trisha Gagnon is portrayed by Sing Out! as “one of the most versatile” and “irresistible” lead vocalists in bluegrass.

Spokane, WA-based Greg Spatz is hailed as a “world-class bluegrass fiddler” by Fiddler Magazine.

Covid Restrictions

The following restrictions will apply to patrons of the concert as well as volunteers.

1. As per the requirements of the venue, the Irish Cultural Centre, and per the City of Calgary by-law and Provincial regulations, we will be following REP protocol:

All  persons 12 years of age and older entering the venue must show proof of two vaccinations, ie: their vaccination card, as well and acceptable ID, or proof of a privately paid negative PCR or rapid test with-in 72 hours of service, or Documentation of a medical exemption.

Mandatory Masking is required when moving in the centre.

2. The performing artists have additionally requested that all patrons, volunteers, and any others in the venue be masked during the performance.

An exception will be made to accommodate those patrons who wish to take advantage of the available bar service.  There will be a designated area near the bar at the rear of the hall where patrons may enjoy a beverage with seating where they can be unmasked.

By attending this Foothills Bluegrass Music Society live event you are voluntarily assuming all risks related to Covid 19, including exposure and contracting Covid 19.

Further you agree to hold harmless Foothills Bluegrass Music Society and the Irish Cultural Society, their volunteers, directors, contractors and/or artists from liability for any damages, loss or injury related to Covid 19 including exposure to and contracting Covid 19.

Failure to comply with the Foothills Bluegrass Music Society’s or the Irish Cultural Society’s Covid 19 and /or other safety protocols and those of the City of Calgary and/or Alberta Health Services will result in a warning and/or removal from the event at the discretion of the event organizers.  Refunds will not be made to anyone removed for failing to comply with Covid 19 protocols.

Doors open at 7:00 and the concert will begin at 7:30.  There will be no admission to the building after 7:45.

Tickets are available online and will be available at the door as well up to the available seating capacity.

Note that these protocols may be amended due to changes mandated by the City of Calgary or Alberta Health Services.  Should there be sufficient reason the event may also be cancelled, with appropriate refunds.

We will be limiting ticket sales to reduce the risk of transmission.