The Strumbellas (ON)

Lindsay, Ontario’s The Strumbellas are the definition of small town gumption. They are also a success story. Their dark, mostly death-inspired lyrics, gussied up with blow-the-barn-doors-off ruckus alt-country fused with folk and bluegrass music, sometimes dubbed “folk popgrass”, has brought them a stellar reputation for brilliant live shows. 

2014 was the break out year for The Strumbellas and their sophomore album, We Still Move On Dance Floors. The group won the JUNO Award for Roots & Traditional Album Of The Year, Canadian Folk Music Contemporary Album Of The Year, Ottawa Folk Festival’s Rising Star Award, SiriusXM Indies award for Folk Group Of The Year, and CBC Music Rising Star Award, as well as receiving a long list nomination for the Polaris Music Prize. 

It proves that since the release of The Strumbellas’ eponymous 2009 EP, which was peppered with accolades, they continue to be “a band to watch”. This six-piece group has been selling out several cross-country tours, playing a plethora of festivals, and even dipped their toes in the waters south of the border (to great success). And now, in a weekend in July, we get to watch them ourselves!