John Reischman and the Jaybirds with Write On Songwriters In The Round

John Reischman and the Jaybirds fashion a stylish take on bluegrass that seamlessly blends original songs and instrumentals with Appalachian old-time music.  John Reischman on mandolin has seen many of his original instrumentals become popular favourites for sessions and covers.  The Jaybirds are guitarist Patrick Sauber, who has played with Doc Watson, John Jorgensen, Peter Rowan, Tim O’Brien and John Fogerty.  Singer Trisha Gagnon, is portrayed by Sing Out! as “one of the most versatile” and “irresistible” lead vocalists in bluegrass.  Nick Hornbuckle has developed his own voice on the five-string banjo. His solo album 12×2 (+/-1), was nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award for Solo Instrumental Album of the Year.  Greg Spatz is hailed as a “world-class bluegrass fiddler” by Fiddler Magazine. Now in their 20th year, with seven acclaimed albums and two Juno nominations, the Jaybirds are simultaneously innovative and unadorned, sophisticated and stripped-down, happily old-fashioned and 21st-century contemporary.
Write On Songwriters In The Round
Sadie-Lee is a Canadian pop-country artist and songwriter with a mission to share memorable original stories dusted with humor to help people feel good, and sometimes just laugh out loud. Having recently performed at the 2026 Canmore Folk Music Festival through the Write-On music program, Sadie-Lee was also nominated for the 2026 YYC Music Award for Inspirational/Holiday Recording of the Year. Her live performances blend original music with upbeat pop-country covers.
Ben Pritchett is a 18-year-old Calgary-based singer-songwriter with a rich, soulful voice that sounds far beyond his years. Known for his honest and powerful approach to songwriting and performing, he blends country and folk influences inspired by Jason Isbell and Cody Johnson. Ben has performed everywhere from local farmers markets to Calgary Stampede stages, and his song “Ain’t It Crazy” earned a youth songwriting award at Toronto’s Massey Hall.

Craig McIvor discovered an early passion for creating music that transports listeners and evokes emotion. Experimenting with chords, melodies and musical arrangements from a young age, Craig developed a love for crafting songs that tell stories, connect with audiences, and leave a lasting impression.