Vermilion Folk Club Reveal 2025/2026 Season Line-up

The Vermilion Folk Club has unveiled an exciting and diverse roster for its 2025/26 performance season, promising audiences a rich mix of folk, roots, and storytelling through song. Each show will take place at either the Royal Canadian Legion or the Red Brick, bringing world-class talent right to Vermilion. Tickets are $30 each and can be purchased at the Vermilion Credit Union.

The season begins on Saturday, October 4, with acclaimed singer-songwriter Catherine MacLellan at the Legion. Hailing from Prince Edward Island, MacLellan has carved out her own path as one of Canada’s most respected folk voices. Over the course of seven albums, she has blended traditional folk roots with modern influences, delivering songs that speak to both the heart and the human experience. Known for her intimate performances and warm stage presence, MacLellan’s music reflects her East Coast heritage while also resonating universally. She has also championed her father Gene MacLellan’s legacy—best remembered for writing classics such as Snowbird—through both documentary and stage productions.

On Friday, November 14, the stage will belong to Tiller’s Folly, a West Coast Celtic roots trio that has been captivating audiences for decades. Their music draws inspiration from the misty landscapes of the Pacific Northwest and the deep traditions of Scotland and Ireland, all while weaving in a distinctly North American flavour. With nine albums to their name, their repertoire ranges from foot-stomping shanties to ballads steeped in history and adventure. Whether telling tales of pioneers, rebels, or love lost and found, Tiller’s Folly brings energy, humour, and authenticity to every performance. The band’s core members—Bruce Coughlan, Laurence Knight, and Nolan Murray—are known for their masterful musicianship and ability to turn concerts into full-on storytelling experiences.

The Red Brick will host the next performance on Friday, December 5, featuring the genre-defying artistry of Mallory Chipman. A multi-talented singer-songwriter, Chipman has toured internationally and released five records that defy easy categorization, blending folk, rock, jazz, and alt-country influences. Her recent album Songs to a Wild God earned critical acclaim, topping Canadian charts and being celebrated for its fearless creativity. Beyond her solo work, Chipman is also part of the rising alt-country duo The Goddamsels, and her accolades include numerous award nominations, including recognition as one of Edmonton’s “Top 40 Under 40.” With her powerful voice and bold approach to songwriting, Chipman promises a performance full of energy, innovation, and heartfelt storytelling.

The new year will kick off with Canadian folk legend Valdy at the Legion on Thursday, February 27. A beloved figure in Canadian music since the early 1970s, Valdy is best known for his breakout single Rock and Roll Song and has since built a career spanning over four decades. With two Juno Awards, multiple gold records, and a reputation for warm, engaging live shows, Valdy has become synonymous with the Canadian folk tradition. His music balances humour, insight, and timeless melodies, and his ability to connect with audiences of all ages has made him a favourite both at home and abroad.

Closing out the season on Thursday, April 17, the Folk Club will welcome Chris Ronald to the Legion stage. Ronald who is British born immigrated to Canada in 2002 and developed a fusion of folk, roots, and Americana music steeped in his British background and poetic lyrics.

Ronald was hooked on songwriting at the age of 15 when he put a poem he wrote to music. Ronald went public with his music when he moved to Vancouver and self-produced his first album that he sold as CD’s at intimate gigs he was playing.

The Georgia Straight recognized Ronald’s talents and praised his clear tenor voice and wondered where his talent was hiding for so long. Ronald’s career catapulted to a new level after his ‘Timeline’ album where he was nominated for Songwriter of the Year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards and other accolades such as signing with Canadian folk label Borealis Records.

The Vermilion Folk Club also expressed appreciation for the generous support of its current sponsors: Bronze Sponsors – Total Interiors and Vermilion Real Estate Centre; Silver Sponsor – Vermilion Rotary; and Gold Sponsor – T-Rock CT Services. Sponsorship plays a vital role in making the season possible, and the Folk Club is still seeking sponsors for the Mallory Chipman and Chris Roland shows.

The 2025/26 season promises something for every music lover, from Celtic roots to contemporary innovation and Canadian folk classics.