What Folks Are Saying About Celtic Routes
Matthew Rederburg
Professional Sound Technician and Recording Engineer

Celtic Routes are a drink of water from a joyful spring, chipper as the day is long and equipped with a songbook of an even greater length than that! This band has a contagious enthusiasm for Celtic music, and they’d like nothing better than to share that enthusiasm with you.

Now, do be warned that attending a Celtic Routes performance can be a mighty commitment – more than a few first-time concertgoers have found themselves staying late to break bread and swap stories with the band! A Celtic Routes show is sure to blur the line between performer and audience – catch them leading a jam night and that line blurs even further!

A band like Celtic Routes should be top of mind for any venue that values warmth, family-friendly entertainment, and audiences keen on having a few beverages. I’m proud to know the fine folks in Celtic Routes and I strongly recommend that you book them today!

Phil Rosenzweig
Board Member, The Lethbridge Folk Club

Celtic Routes, has been an integral part of the Lethbridge Folk Club family for years. Always entertaining, and always fun to both host and listen to. I highly recommend a wee listen to Celtic Routes by anyone who wants that truly authentic Celtic experience.

Diana Inscho
Coordinator, Edson Renaissance Faire, Edson, Alberta

Celtic Routes brought an amazing experience and energy to our 2024 Renaissance Faire ceilidh in Edson, Alberta! Their lively jigs, reels, and captivating storytelling had the crowd engaged from the very first note, filling the night with dancing, laughter, and pure Celtic spirit. Their performance was the perfect fit for our event, creating an unforgettable atmosphere that had everyone on their feet. A huge thank you to John, Anna, Alec, Arturo, and Gordie the talented young spoon player who joined them that evening. If you’re looking for a band that will elevate your celebration or pub event with authentic, high-energy Celtic music, look no further than Celtic Routes!

Jennifer Parker
Owner, Lost Things Distillery, Pincher Creek, Alberta

We love when Celtic Routes brings their music and energy to our tasting room in Pincher Creek. Whether it is Scottish ballads or maritime sea shanties, the toes are tapping, and people can’t help but sing along. Celtic Routes curates their set list to the theme of the event and is engaging and responsive to the crowd.

Kelti Baird
Founder and Owner, Theoretically Brewing Company, Lethbridge, Alberta

Celtic Routes never fails to bring joy and spirit to our space. Filling the taproom with smiling faces, boisterous music, and great stories. We’re so privileged to have Celtic Routes come and play for our community.

The Sound of Celtic Routes

Picture yourself in a small town somewhere in Ireland, when a group of local musicians start playing and singing some traditional tunes in the corner. They’re sitting around a few tables, most likely with a few pints of Guinness within reach. Or, maybe you’re strolling down the street in Glasgow or Inverness or anywhere else in Scotland and you’re drawn in by the sound of music and song emanating from a local pub. Or, perhaps, you’re somewhere in Atlantic Canada and you’ve stumbled on to an east coast kitchen party, where local tunes are ringing out well into the evening. And, what if you’re touring Cornwall in southeastern England and you hear a group of fishermen singing sea shanties!

If you envision yourself in one of these settings, you’ll be hearing and singing along or tapping your feet to the music that you’ll find at a Celtic Routes concert or pub night. Celtic Routes – we’re excited and proud to be sharing the music, songs and stories from the Celtic Nations!

Celtic Routes History

Celtic Routes, a southern Alberta-based Celtic music group, was formed in 2017, when a group of local musicians who share their love and passion for Celtic music decided to band together. The members of Celtic Routes had all been playing music for numerous years, enjoying and performing various genres of music, ranging from classical, folk and Celtic. But the love of Celtic music brought them all together.

Consisting of Anna Linville on fiddle, tin whistle and vocals, Arturo Tejeda Torres on guitar, Alec Chisholm on pipes, whistles, bodhran and vocals, Connor McCaughtrie on bass, whistle, harmonica and vocals and John King on guitar and vocals, Celtic Routes have been impressing audiences throughout Alberta with their own brand of Celtic music, songs and stories. They have performed at the Water Valley Celtic Music Festival, Edson Renaissance Faire, Gathering of the Clans Highland Festival (Sedgewick, Alberta), Lethbridge Folk Festival, and New West Theatre’s Arts in the Park Summer Concert Series, and are regular performers at Lethbridge Folk Club events, including LFC’s 45th Anniversary celebration. They can often be seen at various other venues in Alberta, including cultural events at the Southern Alberta Ethnic Association (Heritage Day, Celebrating Everything Scottish), Lethbridge Dragon Boat Festival, pubs (including Theoretically Brewing, Twin Butte General Store, Lost Things Distillery, RavenWolf Brewery, Camrose Legion and Coleman Legion), as well as various summer pop-up concerts. They have also been featured on CBC Alberta and CKXU Radio in Lethbridge. Their brand of high energy, hand-clapping, toe-tapping, and sometimes heart-tugging shows is their way of sharing the rich culture of Celtic music with the community!

If you like Celtic music, songs and stories, or are just curious, you’ll thank yourself for attending one – or many – of Celtic Routes’ performances!

Anna Linville

fiddle, vocals

Anna hails from the UK and has lived in England, Wales and Scotland and spent time in Ireland. Classically trained, the Scottish ceilidh scene turned her into a fiddler and she’s never looked back. Playing in Edinburgh ceilidh bands of all sizes ranging from 4 to 15 pieces, her first love is jigs and reels, as well as strathspeys and airs, but she also adds ethereal vocal harmony to the Celtic Routes sound.

Anna is definitely our own, “Scottish influence”, in our music selections and performances! With her enthusiasm towards Celtic music, she has greatly expanded our Scottish repertoire, as well as our Irish and East Coast selections.

Arturo Tejeda Torres

guitar

Arturo moved to Lethbridge from Queretaro, Mexico a few years ago. Before moving to Canada, he played guitar in several bands in Mexico, and he taught guitar to younger students.

Being a music lover and a musician with a unique guitar style, he decided to join the Lethbridge Folk Club shortly after arriving in Lethbridge. While attending the Lethbridge Folk Club open stages and concerts, and listening to Celtic Routes, he developed a new music interest – Celtic music. He met with and jammed with a few members of Celtic Routes to gain a better understanding of Celtic music and the stories behind the songs. In no time, his interest in Celtic music kept growing and it wasn’t long before he became a member of Celtic Routes.

Alec Chisholm

Bagpipes, Scottish small pipes, Border pipes, Irish Uillean pipes, Tin Whistles, Bodhran, Vocals

Alec has played the bagpipes since he was 9 years old and now he’s helping aspiring bagpipers become confident on the practice chanter and transition to the pipes! Receiving professional bagpiper instruction, Alec won many medals competing in solo piping (Grade 3) in highland games across Canada. He also learned many other instruments including trumpet, Irish whistles, the bodhran, banjo and a bit of mandolin.

Alec has busked, played in pub crawls with pipe bands, and performed at various celebrations including weddings, funerals and Remembrance Day ceremonies. He taught himself the bellows-blown Scottish small pipes and wrote half a dozen of his own tunes. He is now studying and learning the Irish uilleann pipes.

Inspired to share his piping knowledge and his love for teaching beginner bagpipers, Alec started leading bagpipe lessons on YouTube in 2019, and now teaches piping online, screened all around the world (getbagpipeready.com).

Alec adds to the vocals, and plays bagpipes, the bellows-blown Scottish small pipes, border pipes, Irish uilleann pipes, long whistle, tin whistle and bodhran to our ever-expanding repertoire of Celtic tunes.

Connor McCaughtrie

bass, whistle, harmonica, vocals

With a name like this, Connor is proud of his Celtic heritage. He actually hails from a tiny village outside Preston, Lancashire, UK. Making Southern Alberta his home since junior high, he’s never quite lost that melodious twang. The youngster of the band, he is also new to the music scene as well but effortlessly picks up any instrument and pulls out a tune. His love of folk music in all genres has led him to start writing his own tunes. He plays a mean bass and also has a beautiful low voice which greatly enhances the Celtic Routes sound. Bet you haven’t heard Celtic harmonica before! Also a dab hand on whistle and bodhran, there’s no stopping the guy! Bagpipes are next on the list!

John King

guitar, vocals

Born the grandson of Irish immigrants and growing up in the Montreal and Ottawa Irish communities, Irish music and culture has always been part of John’s life. When he first picked up his guitar as a teenager, instead of playing rock and roll, he concentrated on songs from the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem, Irish folk singers, largely credited with bringing traditional Irish music and songs to North America in the 1960’s.

While living in Saskatoon several years later, John noted that there were no Irish music groups in town, so he formed the music group, “Tipperary” and joined the Saskatoon Association for the Promotion of Irish Culture, and the Saskatchewan Irish Club. Tipperary later became, “Tipperary Creek”, and for 15 years, the band performed all over Saskatchewan at festivals, pubs, conventions, private parties, etc.

In 2015, John made his first ever trip to Ireland, and the music, songs and stories that had somehow faded away while life happened, were reborn in him. Since then, John has regularly been performing Irish, Scottish and East Coast music in Lethbridge and the surrounding area. By 2017, he joined forces with other local musicians who share his love and passion for Celtic music, and Celtic Routes became a reality.

Recently Retired Member

Darlene Waldie

accordion

Darlene was a founding member of Celtic Routes back in 2017. She very recently retired. We are really going to miss her wonderful accordion playing, but more importantly, we’ll miss her warm and friendly smile as well as her wit and humour! She will always be close to our hearts!

Darlene has always loved accordion music and was given a great chance to play old time dance music with Alvin and the Gafflebitters in Southern Alberta.  In Southeast Saskatchewan and Southwest Manitoba, she joined The Happy Wanderers playing for dances and in nursing homes.

Celtic Routes speaks to Darlene’s Irish ancestry and her coastal (BC) upbringing. She especially enjoys playing the poignant, historical and sea songs with Celtic Routes – not to mention the rollicking, toe tapping, hand clapping flights of fancy that oft burst out.

Song of the Celts

Our second full-length album
Purchase directly from Celtic Routes at one of our live shows.
Find Us Live
1. Are Ye Sleepin’ Maggie? (Traditional)
An old Scottish love song written as a poem by Robert Tannahill (1774-1810), and later put to music. The lyrics are old Scottish English (noo = now, wauken = awake, hoolits = owls, lift = sky, linn = waterfall, etc.). A young man is trying to court his lover who lives with her father. It’s a happy love story, as she invites him in!
2. My Heart’s Tonight in Ireland (Andy Irvine) with Merrily Kissed the Quaker (Traditional)
Famous Irish singer, Christy Moore, once said, “If it’s music you want, come to (county) Clare”! Clare is considered the capital of Irish traditional music, and Milltown Malbay its capital! In the 60s and 70s, an Irish uillean piper by the name of Willie Clancy was one of several musicians who jammed in Clare. Although Willie has passed on, his school of Irish piping continues to this day.
3. Song of the Celts (Traditional)
Since the lyrics of the song discuss unity amongst Irish (Ireland/Eire), Scottish (Scotland/Alba), Welsh (Wales/Cambria/Cymru), Manx (Isle of Man/Mannin), Breton (Bretagne/Breizh) and Cornish (Cornwall/Kernow) “nations”, it may be regarded as an unofficial anthem of the Celtic people. The lyrics are sung to the traditional Brian Boru’s March.
4. Carrickfergus (Traditional/Dominic Behan)
A mournful tune about a man longing to return to his hometown of Carrckfergus, County Antrim, Northern Ireland to make his peace.
5. Fella From Fortune (Traditional) with Frost is All Over (Traditional) and Roarin’ Jelly (Traditional)
A little Celtic medley – Fella from Fortune is an old song from Newfoundland and Labrador, Frost is All Over is an old Irish tune, while Roarin’ Jelly is a Scottish jig.
6. Caledonia (Dougie MacLean)
One of Dougie MacLean’s most famous songs, often considered as the anthem of Scotland!
7. Far Side of the World (Robert Robertson) with Maggie in the Woods (Traditional)
A love song about a Scottish man living overseas (possibly Australia?), dreaming of his Highland girl back home, and longing to be with her.
8. Cornwall My Home (Harry Glasson)
Cornwall is a Celtic Nation located in the southwest corner of England. Like all Celtic nations, it has its own identity, culture and language. The name of the song says it all – it’s a loving tribute to Cornwall and the Cornish people!
9. I had a Hat (Traditional) with Phort Láirge (Traditional) and Rakes of Mallow (Traditional)
A totally silly but fun song from Newfoundland and Labrador about what happens if you steal Casey’s new hat! It’s followed by a traditional Irish song, Phort Láirge (Irish name for Waterford), and an Irish polka, Rakes of Mallow.
10. McPherson’s Lament (Traditional) with Athol Highlanders (Traditional)
An instrumental version of the Scottish tune, McPherson’s Lament, followed by a Scottish bagpipe tune, Athol Highlanders.

Photos

Videos

Are Ye Sleepin’, Maggie with Lethbridge Highland Dancers. Lethbridge Highland Dancers, Fiona Urquhart and Ava Trotter, dancing to an old Scottish tune. Recorded live at ATB Financial Lethbridge Rotary Dragon Boat Festival, 2023.

Take Me Back. Yearning to go back to Scotland! Recorded live at Lost Things Distillery, Pincher Creek, AB in January 2025

Caledonia. A popular song about Caledonia (Scotland), or, maybe the unofficial anthem of Scotland (?), written by the famous Scottish fiddler and songwriter, Dougie MacLean. Recorded live at Edson Renaissance Faire July 2024

Are Ye Sleepin’ Maggie. One of our favourite tunes – an ancient Scottish love song, sung in old Scottish English. Recorded live at Lethbridge Folk Club 45th Anniversary, November 2024

My Heart’s Tonight in Ireland. Recorded live at the Lethbridge Folk Club 45th Anniversary celebration, November 2024. It’s the story of a musician (Andy Irvine) who used to jam with Willie Clancy, famous Irish uilleann piper in County Clare. Anna and John toured County Clare in May 2024 and Alec attended the Willie Clancy School of Irish Piping in Miltown Malbay in July 2024. This song has always meant a lot to us, but even more now that we experienced the music and people of County Clare!

Going Home. A favourite tune about returning home to Scotland, written by Runrig, a very popular Scottish rock band from Scotland. Recorded live at Lost Things Distillery, January 25, 2025

McPherson’s Lament/Athol Highlanders. One of our signature tunes – McPherson’s Lament followed by Athol Highlanders – recorded live at Lost Things Distillery, Pincher Creek, Alberta on January 25, 2025

Home to Donegal. Our finale at Edson Renaissance Faire in July 2024. One of our long time favourite Irish songs about a fella from Donegal who, like many before and since, headed over to London for work, but decided to go back home to Donegal.

Cornwall My Home. This could almost be considered the national anthem of the Celtic Nation, Cornwall (southwestern England). Recorded live at Lethbridge Folk Club 45th Anniversary, November 23, 2024

Up She Rises. Fun Newfoundland & Labrador tune with full audience participation at Lethbridge Folk Club 45th Anniversary Celebration, November 23, 2024. The pipe tune at the end is Rakes of Mallow.

Jolly Beggarman. A whimsical tale of Johnny Dhu, the Jolly Beggarman. Ah, the life of the rover! Recorded live at Lost Things Distillery, Pincher Creek, Alberta, March 17, 2024.

Red-Haired Mary. A fun story about an Irish guy who spots a beautiful red-haired colleen. He offers her a ride on his donkey to the Dingle Fair. While he quite fancied her, he found out when they got to Dingle that she was engaged to another. That’s how the story starts but watch out for the surprise ending! Recorded live at Lost Things Distillery, Pincher Creek, Alberta, March 17, 2024.

Down by the Sally Garden. An old Irish poem, written by famous Irish poet, W. B. Yeats. We’re not sure who wrote the melody, but the lyrics and words go so very well together! Recorded live at Lost Things Distillery, Pincher Creek, Alberta, March 17, 2024.

Celtic Jam Sessions (Seisiúns). We’ve partnered with Theoretically Brewing in Lethbridge to host our monthly Celtic jam sessions, which are modeled on the typical seisiuns in the Celtic Nations. This is our story!

Live Events

Upcoming Shows

February 2025
  • Saturday, February 8, 7:00 – 10:00 PM – Scottish Celebration, McNally Community Association Hall, 210077 Township Rd 82, Lethbridge County
  • Thursday, February 27, 6:45 – 8:15 PM – Crestview Lodge, 978 Hyde Street, Pincher Creek, AB
March 2025
  • Saturday, March 1, 2:15 – 3:15 PM – The View at Lethbridge, 110 Scenic Drive North, Lethbridge, AB
  • Friday, March 7, 2:00 PM – Good Samaritan West Highlands Home, 2687 Garry Drive, Lethbridge, AB
  • Saturday, March 8, 7:30 – 8:00 PM – Lethbridge Folk Club, Army, Navy & Air Force Hall, 517 5th Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB (NOTE – Anna and John only)
  • Tuesday, March 11, 3:00 PM – Clearview Lodge, 4730 50 Avenue, Taber, AB
  • Thursday, March 13, 2:00 – 3:30 PM – West Highland Estates, 2681 Garry Drive, Lethbridge, AB
  • Friday, March 14, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM – Nord Bridge Seniors Centre, 1904 13th Avenue North, Lethbridge, AB
  • Friday, March 14, 7:00 – 9:00 PM – Lost Things Distillery, 967 Main Street, Pincher Creek, AB
  • Saturday, March 15, 7:00 – 9:00 PM – Theoretically Brewing Company, 1263 2nd Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB
  • Sunday, March 16, 1:00 – 4:00 PM – Castle Mountain Resort, Highway 774, Pincher Creek, AB
  • Sunday, March 16, 6:00 – 8:00 PM – Twin Butte General Store and Restaurant, Twin Butte, AB
  • Wednesday, March 19, 2:00 PM – Legacy Lodge, 335 Lettice Perry Road North, Lethbridge, AB
  • Thursday, March 20, 3:00 – 4:00 PM – Golden Acres Lodge, 1401 16th Avenue North, Lethbridge, AB
June 2025
  • Wednesday, June 4, 6:00 – 7:00 PM – Sunny South Lodge, 1112 20th Avenue, Coaldale, AB
  • Thursday, June 5, 1:00 – 3:00 PM – Pioneer Lodge, 660 28 Street, Fort Macleod, AB
  • Saturday, June 21, and Sunday, June 22 – All day, both days – Water Valley Arts and Music Festival, Water Valley, AB
View Past Shows

Jams & Open Stages

Upcoming Jams & Open Stages

Celtic Routes proudly support and share our music at the following music jams and open stages.

General Schedule
  • Every month, first Thursday, 7:00 PM – Celtic Music Jam – Theoretically Brewing, 1263 2nd Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB
  • Every month, September to May, second Friday, 7:00 PM – Lethbridge Folk Club Open Stage, McKillop United Church Hall, 2329 15th Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB (except where noted)
March 2025
  • Thursday, March 6, 7:00 PM – Celtic Music Jam, Theoretically Brewing, 1263 2nd Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB
  • Friday, March 14, 7:00 PM – Lethbridge Folk Music Open Stage, McKillop United Church, 2329 15th Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB
April 2025
  • Thursday, April 3, 7:00 PM – Celtic Music Jam, Theoretically Brewing, 1263 2nd Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB
  • Friday, April 11, 7:00 PM – Lethbridge Folk Music Open Stage, McKillop United Church, 2329 15th Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB
May 2025
  • Thursday, May 1, 7:00 PM – Celtic Music Jam, Theoretically Brewing, 1263 2nd Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB
  • Friday, May 9, 7:00 PM – Lethbridge Folk Music Open Stage, McKillop United Church, 2329 15th Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB
View Past Jams & Open Stages

Contact Us & Booking Enquiries

General Enquiries
Booking Enquiries

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