On Saturday, July 25, the Folkus Concert Series is sponsoring Almonte Sings — a “live in the park” afternoon of local musicians playing for all to hear in the bandshell at Gemmill Park. The event is free to all and will run from 1–5pm. All are welcome.
Artistic Director Steve Wildesmith has selected five Almontonians from an extensive list of players. The artists are all very different players and songwriters with diverse styles, but all are in the folk(ish) lane, making for an entertaining and pleasing listening experience. Who knows — some may make it to the Folkus stage in the coming year!
Local Line-Up
Gentleman Jack (Jack Teerstra), Almonte’s songwriter with a twist, plays from 1–1:30pm. Jack’s songs are truly unique — topics include the building of Dungarvon in 1886, listening to CKCU, and hanging in the kitchen. He’s a real treasure of an artist.
Chris De Angelis and Kat Armstrong take the stage from 1:40–2:10pm. Chris is a skilled songwriter, guitarist and passionate educator from Almonte. Kat is a compelling vocalist and creative from the heart of Ottawa. The two are quickly becoming a staple in the city’s vibrant music scene, and their musical partnership showcases their dynamic range, lush harmonies, and heartfelt original tunes.
Next up is Tyler Craig, playing from 2:20–2:50pm. Tyler has been performing throughout the Ottawa Valley, crafting songs that draw from lived experience and a lifetime of listening. He is currently at work on his second album, slated for early 2026.
Anne and Patti are featured from 3–3:30pm. Anne Gauthier and Patti Seguin are both self-taught musicians who played in bands, met here in Almonte, and started playing together just a few months ago. They have been travelling parallel paths, and fate has put them together to play originals and treasured cover songs.
Then from 3:50–4:30, Steve Wildesmith takes the stage. A longtime singer-songwriter with a varied history of playing multiple genres since the late 70’s, Steve will be playing with a full band for the first time since before Covid. He will be showcasing storied songs about life, both real and imagined. The music is melodic and easygoing but with an occasional edge.