James Keelaghan

James Keelaghan has become something of an institution in Alberta, and at the Festival -- he closed our Festival in 1993.

Over his more than 10-year career, he has produced four albums which have also garnered audience and industry acclaim. My Skies received a JUNO Award in 1994 for 'Best Roots and Traditional Album', and was also voted 'Best Album of 1993' in a Vancouver readers' poll.

Keelaghan's latest album, A Recent Future, was also nominated for a JUNO in the 'Best Roots and Traditional Album' category. The work is described as "his most spirited and political yet."

In addition to the Festival, he's played mainstages around the world, including Vancouver, Winnipeg, Kerrville, as well as Tonder (Denmark), the Australian National Festival and the Hong Kong Folk Festival.