ATHABASCA – The Heartwood Folk Club’s spring season of the Heartwood Live performances is here, and music fans from all walks of life will have something to look forward to.
The local club, which has been slowly shifting away from their strictly-folk roots, is bringing a strong slate of Canadian musical talent to the stage. From the opening minutes of Sue Foley’s set to the last note Over the Moon will play two months later, Athabascans will be treated to some of the best bands the country has to offer.
“We’re getting away from the folk in the name; anybody under 40, you say folk to them and they look at you sideways,” said artistic director Charlie DeShane.
“I’ve been trying to bring in acts that are either up-and-coming or have been hanging in the back that we couldn’t get before cause of budgets.”
Foley’s March 8 performance will be the first live show hosted by the club since November 2024, and the 2025 nominee for Traditional Blues Album will be bringing her guitar to town with songs from her newest album One Guitar Woman.
“She’s highly reclaimed, a very amazing musician. She was at Alberta Showcase as well this year and she’ll blow your doors off, that girl,” said DeShane.
Many of the acts Heartwood has been bringing through Athabasca have been in collaboration with neighbouring groups in the northeast section of Alberta, including the New Moon Folk Club out of Edmonton. DeShane said the partnerships allow bigger acts to reach the area without driving the cost up for locals.
Six days after Foley gets things started, a beloved Canadian comedy trio brings some levity to the Nancy Appleby Theatre, all the way from Kingston, Ont.
“We’ve been asking people about different things they would like to see and the Arrogant Worms came up quite often, I don’t even know how many times,” said DeShane.
The March 14 show will feature some of the band's classics, but also their uniquely Canadian brand of humour and songwriting that has kept them touring across the country for 30 years.
Following the Worms is a band many Athabascans saw — and loved — at the 2024 Magnificent River Rats festival. Rum Ragged will be back in town April 2 all the way from Newfoundland, bringing with them their signature take on traditional tunes from the Rock, with a modern twist.
“It was absolutely mind-boggling when they played the River Rats,” said Frederic Minville, the festivals director. “Four-part harmonies, live and on-stage; it’s a traditional act that’s top tier in Canada. I think they’re going to be household names in five- to 10 years. They’re going to be undeniable.”
Rum Ragged was a huge hit when they played last summer, but DeShane said they’ve been booked to play at the theatre for a while now. Despite the repeat appearance, he said it’s a great opportunity for anyone who missed the show to come out and watch, or, enjoy the “good old Newfie hoedown” for a second time.
Last but certainly not least, a new act comprised of two old hands will be bringing their acoustic melodies to the stage before the curtain falls for one last time.
Over the Moon, a 2022 Juno Award Nominee for Best Traditional Album, is a new project from the Traveling Mables Suzanne Levesque and Craig Bignell. The duo highlight the sounds and stories of Southern Alberta’s ranching communities through two-part harmonies. DeShane has known Levesque for decades, and said the opportunity to bring her to Athabasca was a welcome one.
“They’re a beautiful combo of harmony and musicianship. When I saw them, I walked right up afterward and said you guys should come to Athabasca,” he said.
As always, concessions for all four shows will be handled by community groups, with all funds from the intermission snacks going to their cause. This season, Athabasca Cares, the Edwin Parr Sr. High rugby team, the Athabasca Dance Society and the Friends of Athabasca Fire and Rescue Society will all be raising funds through tasty treats.
As always, tickets are available at Value Drug Mart, Whispering Hills Fuels, and Athabasca Health Foods. This season, tickets can also be purchased through Eventbrite, although online fees apply.
A seasons pass will run $100 for all four shows, and advance tickets for single shows are available for $30. Tickets can be bought at the door for $35, and anyone 16 or younger gets in for free.
