Foothills Bluegrass Music Society

05/27/2026

Have you ever been to the Town of Sundre? It’s so rad and they have a bluegrass festival there July 17-19, 2026 it’s called Shady Grove Bluegrass Festival and it’s also rad, you should go to it! It’s so fun to Explore Sundre!

05/14/2026

05/10/2026

Our old time fiddle workshop and jam hosted by Mary Liv is taking place this Thursday, May14th! Details in the post, hope to see you there!

Hey everybody! Come learn some old time fiddle with !

On Thursday, May 14th we will be hosting an old time fiddle workshop with Olivia at the (we’ll make the green room space available for non-fiddlers to jam in while the workshop’s going on). In this all skills workshop, Liv will focus on old time fiddle techniques. You will work on bowing and droning techniques and learn a tune along the way! Bring any questions you have and Liv will answer them for you. The workshop will be from 7 - 8:30, then we’ll welcome other instruments for a full on old-time jam from 8:30-10!

The cost to participate in the workshop is $10 for members/$15 for non-members - cash only at the door, please! And if fiddle’s not your thing please feel free to stop by at 8:30 and join in the old time jam free of charge (there will be a donation box set up at the jam and those jammers wishing to contribute a small amount to help us continue presenting this type of programming are encouraged to do so).

From your 1996 Ford Ranger to the old love letters your ex hid, there are stories that need to be told. Independent, femme folk singer Mary Liv based out of Saskatoon creates relatable songs from real life. Her song, “In The Ground”, won the SOCAN Young Canadian Songwriter Award (2025). Inspired by the song-writing of artists such as Roger Miller and Abigail Lapell, Liv sings a blend of high-energy country songs as well as more femme-folk, protest songs. As a multi-instrumentalist with deep roots in Canadian fiddle and country music, Liv draws melodies and phrasing from her roots. She has released a traditional fiddle album, Fiddlin Around (2024) as well as an all originals album, Hello There (2025). Touring around the Canadian prairies for the past two years, Liv has played at venues such as The Bassment (SK) as well as festivals such as Ness Creek Music Festival (SK). “Whether I’m singing to coffee shop crowds or to music festival audiences, my music is intended to get everyone dancing,” says Liv.

05/08/2026

05/08/2026

You guys! You’re not gonna flippin believe it! Eli West is coming to Shady Grove 2026! He’s so dang good, grab your early bird tickets now: https://www.showpass.com/2026-shady-grove-bluegrass-music-festival/

Eli West is an American Roots musician from the Pacific Northwest. A multi-instrumental creator of sonic spaces, Eli’s former training as a designer informs a sound that is lush and organic – neither manicured nor overgrown. Evergreen timbres weave among pitches, rhythms and lyrics to become comfortable rooms into which listeners are invited. Lauded by Tim O’Brien as a musician “making music the World needs,” Eli’s reputation as a crafter of considered, toneful environments has fostered collaborations with Bill Frisell, Andrew Marlin, John Reishchman, Julie Fowlis, and many other pillars of the growing Americana movement.

05/08/2026

Go learn fiddle from FBMS Board member Talia Aleksiuk this summer at Northern Lights Bluegrass and Old Tyme Music Festival!

Camp Instructor Spotlight! ✨ Beginner Fiddle ✨

Talia Aleksiuk is a fiddler from Calgary, Alberta. After spending her formative years playing classical violin, Talia fell in love with Southern Alberta's bustling bluegrass and old time music scene and hasn't touched her sheet music since. She plays for the up-and-coming Calgary country band Jaiden Riley & The Crybabies, and can often be found playing for (and dancing in!) square dances throughout the foothills. Talia has also been a Board Member at the Foothills Bluegrass Music Society for several years and has enjoyed being of service to her local musical community, as well as the opportunity to foster relationships with the folks at Northern Lights and other Western Canadian musical organizations. Talia has explored the canons of Canadian & American old time, Métis, bluegrass, and country fiddling, and enjoys picking apart the intricacies of each style to honour their respective traditions.

05/08/2026

Catch FBMS faves The Western Thistles live in Calgary on Saturday, May 30th at Highline Brewing!

05/04/2026

Check out this fun event happening down in Millarville this weekend!

Tickets: https://www.squarebuttehall.com/dance-tickets

05/04/2026

Our FINAL Foothills Bluegrass Slo-Pitch jam of the season, hosted by , will be held Thursday, May 7th, 2026 from 7-10PM at the Irish Cultural Society in Bowness (6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary, AB T3B 1S6). Send us a message for more info or to be added to the email list! Come on down!