2025 Music at MERA Spring Series

James Keelaghan with David Woodhead- February 16 -

Seventh Town - March 23 -

Lynn Miles with Keith Glass - April 13 -

The Fugitives - May 4 -

Paul Marleyn and Frédéric Lacroix - May 25 -

 

James Keelaghan

with David Woodhead

Sunday February 16, 2025, 2:00pm

MERA Schoolhouse, McDonald's Corners

Contemporary folk songs, at their very best, offer an insight into the hardships, attitudes, and resolve of characters and events that shape our day-to-day lives. You can dress these songs up in inspired arrangements and intricate instrumentation but, at their very essence, the archetypal folk song is all about stories. Stories and people.” Roddy Campbell musician and Penguin Eggs founder.

This has been James Keelaghan’s guiding star since the beginning of his musical career. From 1987 to the present, with 10 albums and a Juno and CFMA to his credit, James has continued to build and perform a body of work that is literate, relevant and compelling. A mature talent that is truly one of our finest songwriters and seasoned performers. James's most recent album “Second Hand”, nominated or a Juno, proves that his creative instincts are as strong as ever. His generous contributions to the greater contemporary folk scene as a frequent songwriting collaborator and Artistic Director for the Summerfolk Music Festival and (until recently) our own Stewart Park Festival illustrate admirable generosity and commitment to his community.

James will be accompanied on bass by David Woodhead, one of this county’s most experienced, versatile and well respected musicians whose musical CV reaches back to the 1970’s.

Two accomplished musicians in an intimate 60 seat hall. This date has come up suddenly and time is short. Don’t miss this opportunity.

For video and more information CLICK HERE

THIS PERFORMANCE IS SOLD OUT. A waiting list is available at TICKETS PLEASE

The MERA Schoolhouse is located at 974 Dalhousie Concession 9A, McDonald's Corners 
Doors open at 1:30, Music at 2:00
As usual the MERA Cafe will be serving fair trade coffee, tea and delicious baked goods.

Seventh Town

Sunday March 23, 2025, 2:00pm

MERA Schoolhouse, McDonald's Corners

 

Seventh Town is a four-piece Celtic folk band from Prince Edward County. Seventh Town blends traditional Irish, Scottish and Canadian songs and fiddle tunes with fiddle, guitar, double bass and Irish whistles to back up four-part vocal harmonies. The group draws its musical inspiration from traditional and contemporary folk songs, reels, and jigs from Irish, Scottish, and Canadian traditions.
Martin Smit, Trisha Elliott, Meghan Balogh and Fraser Hardman have been playing together for more than a decade. That musical chemistry shines through in Seventh Town’s thoughtful and harmony-driven arrangements of old and new Celtic and folk pieces.

“You can’t understand the talent and hard work that has gone into creating a group like Seventh Town without seeing them live. Their respect for the traditional music they perform really comes through then. As does their uncompromising musicianship, creative approach and flair for showmanship. It’s clear they love what they do - and it’s so much fun to watch.”

- Randy Stewart, Shelter Valley Concert Series

For information and music by Seventh Town CLICK HERE

Tickets are $30 plus fees available at TICKETS PLEASE

The MERA Schoolhouse is located at 974 Dalhousie Concession 9A, McDonald's Corners
Doors open at 1:30, Music at 2:00
As usual the MERA Cafe will be serving fair trade coffee, tea and delicious baked goods.

Lynn Miles

with Keith Glass

Sunday April 13, 2025, 2:00pm

MERA Schoolhouse, McDonald's Corners

Lynn Miles is unquestionably one of this country’s premiere singer/songwriters with 16 albums spanning from 1991 to the present and a massive catalogue of quality original work which has so far garnered six Canadian Folk Music Awards, a 2003 Juno Award and Juno nominations in 2006 and 2011.

It is likely that many of you are already well acquainted with the beauty and subtle power of Lynn Miles’ music. But if not, Paul McGee of LonesomeHighway.com has helpfully commented as succinctly and accurately as anyone: “Lynn Miles has developed a vocal tone that is both pure and strong, with plenty of nuance and personality…...Her vulnerable and honest song-writing style highlights a haunting, tender melancholy across her beautiful melodies.”

A while back John Pareles of the New York Times wrote “Lynn Miles makes being forlorn sound like a state of grace”. You see that quote often now in reference to Lynn’s music because it is true.

Better still, Lynn’s own reflections on her music and career:

Border lines and satellites

Wilderness and neon nights

The heartbreak, the bittersweet

The loneliness, the empty streets

Northern lights and closed gas stations

All night conversations

Homesickness, airport bookstores

Suit cases and rusty stage doors

This is my life, this is my choice

These are my words, this is my voice

This is my world,

This is my road

from Lynn’s 2013 album Downpour

For more information and video CLICK HERE

Tickets are $35 plus fees available at TICKETS PLEASE

This promises to be a very special afternoon of music with Lynn on piano and guitar accompanied by the legendary Keith Glass in our intimate 60 seat hall. We recommend getting your tickets early to avoid disappointment.

The MERA Schoolhouse is located at 974 Dalhousie Concession 9A, McDonald's Corners
Doors open at 1:30, Music at 2:00
As usual the MERA Cafe will be serving fair trade coffee, tea and delicious baked goods.

The Fugitives

Sunday May 4, 2025, 1:00pm

MERA Schoolhouse, McDonald's Corners

Doors open 12:30pm, Music at 1:00pm

The Fugitives are an acoustic folk-roots group based in Vancouver established in 2007 by songwriters Adrian Glynn and Brendan McLeod. In their present configuration they are joined by banjo player Chris Suen and violinist Carly Frey. Over their first five albums, they have amassed a JUNO nomination, numerous CFMA and WCMA nominations, (most recently 2025 CFMA nominations for English Songwriters and Ensemble) and toured extensively through Canada, Europe, and the UK.
Top-notch musicianship, strong four part harmonies, tight arrangements and mature thoughtful lyrics give the Fugitives an energy and dynamic range that has rightfully earned them critical acclaim and a reputation for unforgettable live performances. Highly recommended. Click the link below to see for yourself.

To see and hear more about the Fugitives CLICK HERE

Tickets are $30 plus fees available at TICKETS PLEASE

The MERA Schoolhouse is located at 974 Dalhousie Concession 9A, McDonald's Corners
Please Note: Doors open at 12:30, Music at 1:00
As usual the MERA Cafe will be serving fair trade coffee, teas and delicious baked goods.

Paul Marleyn and Frédéric Lacroix

Sunday May 25, 2025, 2:00pm

MERA Schoolhouse, McDonald's Corners

It is hard to believe that the last time Paul and Frédéric played together at MERA was to a packed house in late 2022. Beginning in 2017 this duo performed at MERA, for 6 consecutive years regardless of foul weather or pandemic, becoming a mainstay of our Blue Jeans Classical series in the process. We are thrilled to get them back. Those of you who attended any of the previous engagements will already know that these are two very accomplished and passionate virtuoso musicians who bring a discerning selection of music that spans the width and breadth of the classical repertoire. Paul and Frédéric’s enthusiasm for their music shines through not only in the performance. Each piece has a back story and Paul and Frédéric love to share the most interesting bits with us, whether it be about the composer, their times or the piece itself. We are certain that you will be enchanted and intrigued as this gifted pair brings their music to life in an informal, intimate setting at MERA.

Cellist Paul Marleyn tours regularly in North America, Europe and Asia. As a frequent participant in summer festivals he collaborates with numerous acclaimed artists and ensembles. He has appeared as soloist with numerous orchestras across the globe. From 2005-2012, he was a member of the Trio Hochelaga, one of Canada’s leading chamber ensembles. From 1997 to 2004, Paul served as Professor of Cello and Head of Strings at the University of Manitoba in Canada, and since 2004 has held the same positions at the University of Ottawa, where he now mentors an award-winning studio of young cellists.

Pianist Frédéric Lacroix has performed in Canada, the United States, Europe, and Asia as a soloist, chamber musician, and collaborative pianist. Lacroix is also active as a composer, having composed for Ottawa Chamberfest, the Society of American Music, the Canadian University Music Society, the Choeur Classique de l’Outaouais, and other noted Canadian musicians. Much in demand as a collaborative artist, teacher, adjudicator, and composer, he currently teaches at the University of Ottawa.

For more information and music CLICK HERE

Tickets are $30 plus fees available at TICKETS PLEASE

The MERA Schoolhouse is located at 974 Dalhousie Concession 9A, McDonald's Corners
Doors open at 1:30, Music at 2:00
As usual the MERA Cafe will be serving fair trade coffee, teas and delicious baked goods.