The folk music of Atlantic Canada is steeped in history, storytelling, and community spirit. In this workshop, we’ll dive into the songs that have echoed across fishing villages, farms, and kitchen parties for generations. From acapella singalongs, to tender ballads, to foot-stomping kitchen party songs, we will explore the many traditions that make up the Maritime soundscape. Participants will have the chance to learn songs both old and new, discover the stories behind them, and join in on the communal spirit that keeps this music alive today. Whether you’re a singer, player, or simply curious, this workshop will welcome you into the heart of Maritime folk.

Bio

Shane Pendergast has folk music in his blood. Hailing from a long lineage of storytellers and musicians on Prince Edward Island, Shane carries the Maritime folk tradition forward with his honest and insightful compositions. From the intimate halls of PEI to celebrated folk festivals across the globe, he has cemented his reputation as one of Atlantic Canada’s finest folk troubadours.

Shane’s 2021 album, Second Wind, won Contemporary Roots Album of the Year at the Music PEI Awards, solidifying his place in the folk music scene. His 2023 live album, The House Before the Bridge, was recognized with a nomination for Roots/Traditional Album of the Year at the East Coast Music Awards. In 2025, Shane released his fourth album, Winter Grace, an ethereal offering inspired by the Maritime landscape and a moment of skating on a frozen bay.

Through evocative storytelling and intricate guitar stylings, Shane Pendergast captures the essence of life in the Maritimes, weaving themes of community, history, and nature into every song.