Lonesome Ace Stringband is an old-time band with bluegrass chops that plays some righteous folk and country music. They have a depth of groove and sense of space not often heard in bluegrass today, a level of instrumental interplay and vocal blend uncommon in old-time, and an on-stage rapport that transcends it all. Three Canadians lost in the weird and wonderful traditional country music of the American South, Chris Coole (banjo), John Showman (fiddle), and special guest Lotus Wight (bass) are each journeyman musicians and veterans of some of Canada’s top roots music acts. With fiddle, clawhammer banjo, and upright bass, the band moves freely between having a sound so powerful that it doesn’t seem like it should be coming from a trio, to a sparseness and fragility that draws the listener in and refreshes the ear. All three are compelling lead singers, each with his own character and range. This allows for the vocal texture to shift depending on how the song needs to feel—and what the song has to say. When those voices come together the power of the harmonies is unshakable. Lonesome Ace Stringband made their virtual debut at Celtic Colours last year and we’re very excited to have them in-person for the Festival this year.