Mulligan Stew

I lovingly think of Steve Dawson as the Swiss Army Knife of music. Player.Producer. Writer. Arranger. Mentor. Creator. Recording engineer. Specializes in guitar and pedal steel. Touring band member for Allison Russell's Birds of Chicago and Matt Anderson. First noticed Steve as half of Zubot and Dawson. Then long time producer / co-writer for Jim... The post EP 403 | Steve Dawson and the Volcano Brothers-New Album appeared first on Mulligan Stew .

Friday, brilliant Gulf Islands string specialist Harry Manx released his 22nd album, Falling Upwards. The song titles give hints at what Harry's been creating. Songs about Healing – Step Softly Traditional Gospel – God's gonna cut you down (with Kevin Breit) Love with a groove – Find Your Love Blues and Bhangra -Pork Pie Turban (with... The post EP 402 | Harry Manx-New album 'Falling Upwards' appeared first on Mulligan Stew .

Keb' Mo's newest album is a stripped-down record that features just his voice, acoustic guitar, and some special guests. It's been described as an optimistic album, which is remarkable, considering its release after the artist faced a life-changing illness. The five-time Grammy winner, known for his guitar artistry and modern blues style, is on the... The post EP 401 | Keb 'Mo' on Mulligan Stew-New album 'The Breakdown' appeared first on Mulligan Stew .

It's fire season in BC. In the very heart of the prime tourist months, Summerland and surrounding areas have been ablaze. Almost 12,000 people, locals and tourists, have been evacuated from Summerland. On Friday, the main highway through Summerland reopened with limited hours. (7 am to 7 PM) The Bald Range wildfire continues to grow... The post EP 400 | The Summerland Fires – an informed discussion appeared first on Mulligan Stew .

"I started singing at an ungodly age, standing in my crib and warbling at passing family members. I didn't really think of it as a career until I went to the School of Science and Math and realized that I never wanted to do another algorithm. So I went to Oberlin Conservatory and did... The post EP 399 | Rhiannon Giddens, 2 interviews – Edmonton Folk Music Festival appeared first on Mulligan Stew .

Our guests are Skydiggers co-founders Andy Maise and Josh Finlayson. They've just released their next album, West Montrose. Produced by Jimmy Bowskill in his studio. West Montrose is what they called the band before Skydiggers. (for you trivia fans, one rejected name was Crowded Trousers.) The guys have reimagined 5 of their earlier songs plus... The post EP 398 | The Skydiggers – Celebrate 40 years together by going back!! appeared first on Mulligan Stew .

An artist who blends Americana, folk, gospel, soul, and blues to create something she calls "organic moonshine roots music," June grew up in western Tennessee, a part of the world where different musical traditions meet, something that is reflected in her special sound. She was raised in a musical family where everybody sang. She is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who plays banjo, guitar, and ukulele. She's also an author, a poet, and a certified mindfulness instructor who sees joy as something fierce, powerful, and radical—a form of resistance. She told The New Yorker , "I'm basically an ambassador for joy, and people are oftentimes like, 'That's so fake, you're bypassing shit.' But that's not my truth. My truth is understanding the darkness and understanding the night and the hard times and choosing to be in a place of joy." "Valerie June has built a devoted following by ignoring expectations. She is simultaneously rural and cosmopolitan, historically minded and contemporary, idiosyncratic and fashionable, mystical and down-to-earth." — New York Times Valerie June She's playing some great shows and festivals, making stops: July 16 – Toronto, ON – TD Music Hall July 17 – Ottawa, ON – Ottawa Bluesfest July 19 – Vancouver, BC – Vancouver Folk July 22 – Edmonton, AB – Horowitz Theatre July 23 – Calgary, AB – Calgary Folk Valerie June-Owls, Omens and Oracles Valerie's critically acclaimed sixth studio album, Owls, Omens and Oracles, came out last summer on Concord Records. It was produced by M Ward and included one of the best songs of 2025, "Joy Joy"! " Getting the courage to do something small Lifting the spirits of all that you saw Feeling the tiniest spark in your heart Only an ember can light up the dark Are you ready to see A world where we could all be free As branches of an endless tree?" One of a kind and driven by writing songs of truth and justice. We welcome back Valerie June.

An artist who blends Americana, folk, gospel, soul, and blues to create something she calls "organic moonshine roots music," June grew up in western Tennessee, a part of the world where different musical traditions meet, something that is reflected in her special sound. She was raised in a musical family where everybody sang. She is... The post EP 397 | Valerie June, Coming our way! appeared first on Mulligan Stew .

We welcome John Skinner (Co-founder) and Lauren Skinner, managing director of Painted Rock (Skaha). Painted Rock is a family winery. From Day One, it was John and Trish Skinner following their dreams of making world-class wines. Up on Skaha Bench in the Okanagan Falls area. Then came Valeria Tait, with her wine-making smarts, suggesting where... The post EP 396 | John Skinner, co-founder & Lauren Skinner Managing Director of Painted Rock appeared first on Mulligan Stew .

AW Cardinal and Jasmine Colette continue to create very new and very different music. The last album was recorded over several days in New Orleans. The new album, Get Your Feathers Ready, was a meeting of Coast Salish and Treaty 6 in Maskwacis, Alberta. One day of rehearsal with AW, Jas, and the Northern Cree... The post EP 395 | Blue Moon Marquee, New Album'Get your feathers Ready' appeared first on Mulligan Stew .

Our guest is Terry Wickham. Terry Wickham, producer and creative director of the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, spends his entire year searching for just the right artists to showcase on the stages of his folk festival. Terry has been producing the festival for 38 of its 47 years. Right off the top, we talked about... The post Ep 393 | Terry Wickham Producer/Artistic Director of Edmonton Folk Festival appeared first on Mulligan Stew .

This week's Mulligan Stew podcast features our own Leeroy Stagger. He's the host of Dirty Windshield Radio Hour on Saturdays on CKUA Radio. His latest album is about to be released. It's called Pilgrimage. Leeroy found inspiration by reading Alister McIntosh's brilliant book "Soil and Soul." " I wanted to write on the Highland Clearances of the 1700s that pushed my ancestors from Scotland to Northern Ireland and ultimately Nova Scotia. The repercussions of colonialism that shake the branches of my family tree and sadly still ring out throughout my home country of Canada today." "It was always so strange to me that I felt more at home in Scotland than in my own country; it makes perfect sense to me now. There is a deep ancestral grief for where we once called home." Key to these songs and the entire album is the partnership Leeroy entered into with East Coast legend Joel Plaskett. They played, wrote and produced together. Joel suggested to Leeroy that they use his Tascam 388 , an old 1/4" 8-track machine. Joel convinced me on the magic, and I started to see the humanness of tape, in all of its warm and unpredictable glory." "At this point, we have to ask ourselves what kind of world we want to live in. Digital isolation or a community forward offering of storytelling, of truth in the natural world, of something tangible and real; a bit of the old ways." [caption id="attachment_32453" align="alignnone" width="512"] Leeroy Stagger -Pilgrimage[/caption] Pilgrimage might just help us find it

This week's Mulligan Stew podcast features our own Leeroy Stagger. He's the host of Dirty Windshield Radio Hour on Saturdays on CKUA Radio. His latest album is about to be released. It's called Pilgrimage. Leeroy found inspiration by reading Alister McIntosh's brilliant book "Soil and Soul." " I wanted to write on the Highland Clearances of the 1700s that pushed my ancestors from Scotland to Northern Ireland and ultimately Nova Scotia. The repercussions of colonialism that shake the branches of my family tree and sadly still ring out throughout my home country of Canada today." "It was always so strange to me that I felt more at home in Scotland than in my own country; it makes perfect sense to me now. There is a deep ancestral grief for where we once called home." Key to these songs and the entire album is the partnership Leeroy entered into with East Coast legend Joel Plaskett. They played, wrote and produced together. Joel suggested to Leeroy that they use his Tascam 388 , an old 1/4" 8-track machine. Joel convinced me on the magic, and I started to see the humanness of tape, in all of its warm and unpredictable glory." "At this point, we have to ask ourselves what kind of world we want to live in. Digital isolation or a community forward offering of storytelling, of truth in the natural world, of something tangible and real; a bit of the old ways." [caption id="attachment_32453" align="alignnone" width="512"] Leeroy Stagger -Pilgrimage[/caption] Pilgrimage might just help us find it

Once again, I was lucky to be in the right place at the right time and got to experience the lift off of the first Canadian artist to hit #1 in the USA. Before they became world famous, they were another prairie band trying to get the bosses in Toronto to notice them. I was at CJME and CKCK in Regina, and over one early 60's summer, they spent the hot months playing at beach parties and small halls. One after the other. Then the hits started to roll, and I ended up going to London, UK, with them, to cover the story. Except the story was a bust. Poorly planned on the London end, they played a couple of tv shows and came home. Then came These Eyes, American Woman and fame. After the Guess Who split up, another set of musicians decided to take the name and run with it, for 13 years. Legalities carried on for many years, but eventually Randy and Burrton Cummings..the two original guys, got the name back and that's why the upcoming Guess Who Tour is called the " taking it back tour." Taking it back tour dates June 8 – Saddledome Calgary June 10 – Rogers Place, Edmonton Aug 23 PNE Freedom Mobile Arch August 25 Memorial Arena Victoria

Big fan of Medeski. Martin and Wood. Then followed the Wood Brothers through 9 albums. The media and music fans painted the brothers as a Jam Band. They are anything but. Jazz and roots/ blues driven with themes and lyrics that dive into human behaviour. Almost all songs are wrapped in a sensual groove. All songs written and created by an amazing trio. Chris's brother Oliver and Jano Rix, who'll play any instrument put in front of him. New album - Puff of Smoke is the best yet. The Brothers are celebrating the 20th anniversary of their debut album Ways not to Love. Chris's personal journey has taken him to a beautiful Wilder Wood farm on Pender Island, one of the best in the Gulf Islands on the West Coast. He and his biologist wife farm organic vegetables and sell them at the Pender Farm Market on the island. A percentage of the brothers' ticket sales goes to helping farmers. On both sides of the border. I caught up with Chris in an airport heading for an opening tour gig in Scottsdale, Arizona. In the complete interview on the podcast, he finished the chat walking to the gate. The Wood Brothers play the Hollywood Theatre in Vancouver on May 9.

Ron Sexsmith has 19 albums in a singular career. His songwriting has been admired by his many peers. There's only one voice like his - which is a blessing in a sea of wouldda/coulda/shoulda. Photo by Kerry Vergeer[/caption] If you asked him to compare his songs with his idol Gordon Lightfoot, Ron will admit there are few artists as good as Gordon Lightfoot was, but he continues to honour him. This Wednesday and Thursday, Ron performs at two sold-out Lightfoot Memorial concerts at the National Music Center in Calgary. In Bell Hall. On this week's Mulligan Stew Podcast Ron Sexsmith opens up about his admiration for Gord. A true storyteller, telling tales. Ron Sexsmith honours Gord Lightfoot.

Last Oct 11, Mariel Buckley joined us from a motel room in New Mexico ( I think) as she was touring following the release of her latest album, Strange Trip Ahead. On Saturday night, Mariel and the album won a Juno Award for the 2026 Contemporary Roots Album of the Year. At 3 a.m., I was digging into the audio archives looking for this interview. And I've been following the Coffee Walks that Alan Doyle has been doing on Facebook as he toured Canada. Alan takes a camera and walks around the towns and cities he's playing in, looking for the best coffee, and through the walk finds the heart and soul of the city. When he got to Victoria and the end of the tour, it became apparent that we should repeat our Feb 10 interview covering the release of his latest EP, Already Dancing. Alan heads for the USA next week but returns June 27 to headline one of the FIFA Fan Festival concerts in Vancouver. His latest book is The Smiling Land, in which he reveals how little he knows about Newfoundland and Labrador. It's a wonderful read.

Guests - Jeff Guignard, CEO, Wine BC Brad Royale - Corp Sommelier Concorde Entertainment Group Both Jeff and Brad are fully into wine. The growing and pouring. We'll talk about Alberta's tax/no tax on BC wines. The state of Canadian wines and both have lots to recommend at the ongoing 2026 Vancouver International Wine Festival. www.winebc.com www.vanwinefest.ca Jeff is the CEO of Wine Growers of BC. Great leadership when it's needed most. Lead the charge to change Alberta taxes against BC wines. They just changed. Brad is one of the outstanding wine voices in Alberta. The corporate sommelier for Concorde Group. Thery have 22 different restaurants - both east and west. He curates all the wine lists. Besides his valued opinions on the state of wine in Canada, Brad has recommendations for those attending this week's Van Wine Fest. www.concordegroup.ca

The amazing story and success of Winnipeg's David and Joey Landreth continue with the release of their 9 th studio album, Dog Ear. The brothers join us from home base as they prepare for a full European tour and select key American dates this year. The new album deals with finding a balance between making music and raising their families. In the music business, with all its touring, it can be really hard on the whole family. After having a Grammy hit with the Landreth's Made up Mind, their music hero, Bonnie Raitt , asked the boys to send her songs from their new album. She came back saying, " I can't decide which one I want to sing on - so how about two songs?" . She sang harmony on Knuckles and background on Half Moon Eyes. David and Joey grew up in a musical family and listened to Bonnie and Little Feat growing up. They can't begin to describe what it's like to not only meet your heroes but to play and sing with them!! As you can imagine, it's out of this world. Rarely, I hear people say "yeah..i don't listen to Canadian music! That's like saying, i really hate breathing. I urge you to take a minute and listen to the brothers and their music. If you don't hear the joy and humanity in their songs, it's ok. Lots of music fans really do. Not just in Canada but all over the World. (check the tour schedule) www.thebroslandreth.com

From his humble beginnings in sketch comedy with the Toronto branch of Second City to his rise to fame in SCTV and Hollywood film classics like Planes, Trains and Automobiles , The Great Outdoors , and Uncle Buck , John Candy captivated audiences with his self-deprecating humour, emotional warmth, and gift for improvisation. Now, for the first time since Candy's tragic death, bestselling biographer Paul Myers tells the full story of the man behind the laughs. Drawing on extensive research and exclusive interviews with many of Candy's closest friends and colleagues, including Dan Aykroyd, Chevy Chase, Tom Hanks, Ron Howard, Steve Martin, Catherine O'Hara, Martin Short , and many more, John Candy: A Life in Comedy celebrates the comedian's unparalleled talent, infectious charm, and generosity of spirit. Through ups and downs, successes and failures, and struggles with anxiety and self-doubt, Candy faced the world with a big smile and a warm demeanor that earned him the love and adoration of fans around the world. I had the distinct pleasure of working with John on commercials, then going back to Second City and watching the whole gang make fun of the commercial. Hosting the second city talent when they hit Vancouver and shooting a TV pilot called Terry and the Tiger, where we took John salmon fishing on Vancouver Island. Later that night, he and hockey legend Tiger Williams closed down all the bars. They still talk about it in Campbell River.