Back in early 2001, Liz Scott decided she wanted an opportunity to hear some of her favourite folk and roots artists in an intimate setting – and she wanted to share her favourites with others. Sure, Owen Sound’s Summerfolk was an amazing experience, but what if she could get some of those same artists to perform at house concerts. Her husband, Rich Fletcher, a budding guitarist, was all for it. And they had the perfect space – a cathedral-ceilinged “bonus room” above the garage of their Irish Mountain home.

On April 14, Katherine Wheatley and Wendell Ferguson performed the first Irish Mountain Music house concert to a small group of appreciate friends and neighbours. Ten years – and some 70 performances – later, Irish Mountain Music is still going strong. In addition to the indoor concerts, the couple has also hosted some summer outdoor performances – on a stage set in their maple bush, and on their lawn, with the twinkling lights of Meaford far below – and the roster includes such artists as Dala, Luke Doucet, Valdy, Matt Anderson, David Francey, Colin Linden, Stephen Fearing, Garnet Rogers, Ian Tamblyn, and Anne Lindsay – to name a few.

Next Friday, May 13, you can catch John Wort Hannam and Maria Dunn. Visit www.irishmountainmusic.com for more info.

Anne Lindsay and Charles James entertain at Irish Mountain Music