Maggie's Wake preview new "Lifelines" album @ Hugh's Room, Oct 25

Maggie's Wake, led byTara Dunphy (of The Rizdales) & Lindsay Schindler, unveil "Lifelines" at Hugh's Room Sunday night at 8 pm. 

Maggies Wake 

Live at Hugh's Room (296 Broadview)

Sunday, October 25

Doors at 7pm, show at 8pm 

$30+ in advance, $37+ at the door

Get tickets right here.

Just having wowed the crowd at Ireland’s premier music industry showcase and UK’s Strada Music signing, London, Ontario's Celtic roots ensemble Maggie’s Wake are back on home soil with a much anticipated CD Release of Lifelines at Toronto’s premier folk/roots destination Hugh’s Room on Sunday, October 25 at 8:00pm.

The forthcoming album is a perfect blend of Canadian folk and Celtic tradition with roots swagger – expect heartfelt story-songs, driving jigs ‘n’ reels, bold whistles, double fiddle, flashes of country twang and global twists, not to mention soaring harmonies that are pure joy, start to finish.

The acclaimed quartet came together in late 2022 and quickly took their home province of Ontario by storm — selling out dates on their very first "Spirit of the Season" holiday tour. Since then, they've showcased at major music conferences across Canada, the US and UK, have whirlwind 2026 & 2027 tours on the books, won the 2025 CFMA for 'New Artist of the Year' for their debut, self-titled CD, launched a Holiday EP, were just signed by UK’s Strada Music International, and of course, are launching Lifelines here at Hugh’s Room … not bad for a band just a few years in!

Their work is 100% original, penned by Tara Dunphy and Lindsay Schindler, backed by powerhouses Andrew Kosty on bass and Kenneth Palmer on guitar.

Their first single, Bridget O’Brien, won the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance (NERFA) Songwriting Award. After their NERFA showcase, they were told that if Maggie’s Wake was a soup, it would be a hearty bowl of everyone’s favourite folk styles finished with a dash of Loretta Lynn and a pinch of Nick Lowe. Doesn’t that sound delicious?!

About “Lifelines”

During a visit to a Portland gallery, a painting of a hand with deeply etched lifelines in the palm stopped the band in its tracks. The defining image endured and sparked an album celebrating the constellation of lifelines – from the emotional, creative, to the physical – that shape, connect, and sustain us.

 Across 14 original, new songs, Lifelines brings together some of this country’s finest folk musicians and production talent, creating a recording that honours Maggie’s Wake’s traditional Celtic and Canadian roots while pushing their sound and musical storytelling ever forward. Joining the band are celebrated singer-songwriter and multiple JUNO Award winner David Francey, renowned percussionist Cheryl Prashker, and guests Blair Heddle, Dean Harrison, and Larry Smith. Legendary Canadian producer, engineer, and musician Paul Mills returns to the studio to produce and mix the recording alongside engineer/mixer Adam Plant.

 The album represents an exciting next chapter for Maggie’s Wake, building on the band’s multiple award-winning debut and expanding their musical footprint and evolving sound. Check out "Last First Kiss" below.

Recent Highlights:

•  2026 Your Roots Are Showing Official Showcase Artists – Belfast Ireland

•  2025 Canadian Folk Music Award - New Artist of the Year

•  2025 Forest City London Music Award - World Music Group of the Year

•  2025 Folk Music Ontario Official Showcase Artists (Ottawa ON)

•  2025 Folk Alliance Region Midwest - Official Showcase Artists (Lisle IL)

•  2024 Official Showcase Artists - Folk Alliance International conference (Kansas City MO)

•  2024 Official Showcase Artists - North Eastern Regional Folk Alliance conference (Portland ME)

•  2024 North Eastern Regional Folk Alliance Songwriting Award

•  2023 Forest City London Music Award - Folk/Roots Group of the Year