For decades, James Keelaghan has woven history into melody, earning his place as one of folk music’s most respected voices. With a lilting baritone and rhythmic guitar, Keelaghan crafts songs that pulse with empathy, justice, and remembrance. His acclaimed works, such as “Kiri’s Piano” (on the internment of Japanese Canadians), “October 70” (the FLQ crisis), and “Fires of Calais” (the Dunkirk evacuation), transform historical moments into moving, cinematic ballads. “Cold Missouri Waters”, his iconic account of the Mann Gulch fire, is told from the perspective of a dying smokejumper, showcasing Keelaghan’s gift for storytelling from within. Though his themes are weighty, Keelaghan’s music uplifts, inviting listeners to feel, reflect, and remember. Whether he’s performing in a packed theatre or a cozy folk club, James Keelaghan brings history alive. And in a world that often rushes to forget, his songs serve as powerful reminders that the past is never truly past. James will be performing with bass player extraordinaire David Woodhead.