Maggie’s Wake kicks off 2026-2027 Sioux Hudson Entertainment Series season

Tim Brody - Editor

The beautiful melodies and high-energy tempo of Maggie’s Wake kicked off the 2026-2027 Sioux Hudson Entertainment Series season on Oct. 8 at the Sioux North High School cafetorium.
“Maggie’s Wake is a high-energy folk roots band from Southwestern Ontario, blending Celtic-inspired fiddle, tin whistle and flute with the spirit of jazz, Americana, and classic country. Fronted by award-winning musicians Tara Dunphy and Lindsay Schindler, the group weaves rich harmonies, heartfelt storytelling, and irresistible rhythm into a sound that’s both timeless and fresh,” Maggie’s Wake’s website states of the group.
“Their debut album, released in 2024 to critical acclaim, set the stage for sold-out theatre shows and earned them the 2025 Canadian Folk Music Award for Best New/Emerging Artist. Maggie’s Wake celebrates deep roots with a bold, new sound that connects tradition and innovation in every note,” their website adds.
Dunphy and Schindler are joined by equally celebrated musicians Ken Palmer on acoustic and electric guitar and Peter Klassen on bass.
The group performed traditional songs along with their own music.
Their works “Last First Kiss”, “Adaptation”, and “Red Bay” received hearty applause from the audience of more than 100 people.
The group’s blend of magical melody woven together with vibrant vocals and instrumentals had people clapping and applauding throughout the performance, earning the group a standing ovation at the end of the evening.
Sioux Hudson Entertainment Series Committee Chair Alyson Martin commented of the show, “What a wonderful way to together as a community, individually, collectively, just celebrate the arts and wonderful people who are in our midst all across Canada.” She commented of the group’s performance, “Great band. Wonderful people. Phenomenal musicians but the storytelling and just their presence and the joy that they bring.”
Martin said, with a laugh, it was hard to believe the first show of the season was upon them already, “The shows, they kind of sneak up on you. All of sudden it’s like, “oh my gosh,” it’s October and we’re having the opening performance.”
“We’re really pleased that Maggie’s Wake opened up our season so beautifully,” she added.
“It was a great turnout. We had a good large crowd and we’re always really happy when that happens,” Martin said. “We’re always looking forward to people coming to our next shows and there’s always room for people. Invite your friends, don’t be afraid to come out, it’s community members, and everyone makes everyone feel welcome.”