In 1971, 18 year old Roy Forbes left Dawson Creek for the bright lights of Vancouver. His songwriting, singing and guitar playing landed him immediate attention. From the early days of coffee houses and opening slots with artists like John Lee Hooker, Supertramp, Earl Scruggs and Santana to headlining large venues & major folk festivals, Roy has developed into one of Canada's best loved acoustic performers. We are excited to present Roy in an 'up close and personal' setting to help him celebrate his four decades in the music industry.

Shades of Springsteen, Knopfler and Dave Matthews there may be - but Martyn Joseph stands in his own light, built on a reputation for giving what thousands have described as the best live music experience of their lives. The Welsh singer/songwriter has been in demand on both sides of the Atlantic for over two decades with his uncanny fusion of material - feisty, pull no punches big issue numbers alongside stripped bare love songs.

Jez Lowe has built an enviable reputation as a songwriter and performer in the world of acoustic music, and as a recognized musical ambassador for his native North East England, with more than a dozen albums and countless live performances around the world over the last twenty years. Jez has been nominated as Folksinger of the Year at the BBC Folk Awards, and received the Indie-Acoustic Award for Best Lyrics.

A prize-winning songwriter and performer, John Wort Hannam comes from a long line of people who make a living using their hands. John carries on the tradition by making his living writing songs and playing music. His 2009 album, Queen's Hotel, received both Juno and Western Canadian Music Award nominations. NLFC is pleased to help John release his latest CD Brambles and Thorns.

Living 2,500 miles apart and working in different musical worlds aren't circumstances that make for convenient collaboration, but Doug Cox and Betty Soo's friendship and musical respect were immediate. With two voices, a guitar and dobro, Across the Borderline gathers different places and sounds: low and high, north and south, hope and heartbreak. After seeing the crowd's response at a couple of festivals this summer, we know you are in for a treat.

Jenny Allen has been described as dynamic folk rock, with a twist of rootsy blues; sensual, frank and fearless; top notch songwriter, always outstanding vocals. Jenny has previously performed at NLFC both solo and with The Fates. Tracing influences from Tin Pan Alley to swamp rock, from hootenanny to honky tonk, Leslie Alexander's songs about old flames and fresh blood will take you to all the beautiful and terrifying places she's been. We are honoured to be hosting part of Jenny and Leslie's Dirty Laundry CD tour.

Tim Buckley's performance was so well received last season that we invited him back, this time with his trio. Be prepared for an evening of well-honed harmonies and the rockin' sounds of electric guitar. Whether performing at a folk club, pub, backyard or festival, Buckley continues to impress audiences with his ear-catching songwriting and his eye-catching performance. Buckley has proven himself to be a rising star on the Western Canadian roots music scene.

As individual songwriters, T.A. (Tom) Wilson and Stewart MacDougall have crafted some of the all-time best country and folk songs ever to come out of the Canadian Prairies - that you likely have never heard. In a wonderful paced evening of entertainment, be prepared for an unforgettable opportunity to hear their songs and more. Joining them will be Byron Myhre, a second generation fiddle champion and bluegrass fiddler, and Keith Burgess on upright bass and producer of Songs from the Northern Range.

"Scott Cook has distilled his travels into songs powered by a sharp eye for imagery, a healthy dose of humanity, and that unforgettable voice, that at the same time intones the rigors of the road and the most comfortable couch you have ever slept on." (David Francey)
In 2008, Braden Gates became the Alberta fiddle champion at just 16 years of age. In 2009 and 2010, he was first runner up and in 2011 he once again claimed the prize. Whether it's a hard driving fiddle tune, a political protest song, or a pull at your heartstrings ballad, Braden in live performance is unforgettable.
Edmonton's sweetheart, Jessica Heine, moved to Yellowknife in 2011 and quickly established herself in the music scene. Jessica's passion is folk music and storytelling through song. In 2010, she was commissioned to write a song for Tourism Jasper and now "Give me Jasper" is used in ads for the national park.

Freewheeling, fierce, sentimental and sexy, Headwater has earned its reputation as one of the finest acoustic roots groups the old-fashioned way - they work their asses off.
Formed in 2001, the group has logged thousands of kilometres in Western Canada. With driving rhythms, adventurous steel guitar and mandolin solos, and beautiful harmonies, they found fans fast. A first time performance at the club, we are proud to be introducing this group to Edmonton.

Edmonton favourite Chris Trapper returns to the NLFC following a very successful concert in February 2011. His ability to craft songs that are elegant and accessible is evident throughout his deep discography. There is a smart, honest quality to his lyrics. Chris' music can best be described as lyrically driven roots-pop with a knack for telling everyday stories filled with extra-ordinary characters. Chris can boast multiple high profile film placements and TV shows. His songwriting collaborations with Great Big Sea have earned him two prestigious SOCAN awards.

Hillary's Ride for Mental Health was established as a society to encourage conversation about depression, suicide and other mental health issues affecting youth and young adults. A team of three cyclists will ride from Victoria, BC, to St. John's, NL, in 2013, presenting concerts and other events to bring together communities that support local and regional mental health organizations. This concert is to raise awareness, but also funds, to enable the ride to go ahead.