SOUNDS CONTACT

The Mountain Bluebirds play mostly bluegrass music, mostly in western Canada, and mostly in the evening. The Bluebirds always provide a good time for anyone in earshot, always mind their manners, and always look sharp on stage. Six members have they, three gals and three guys, playing instruments including bass, guitar, mandolin, fiddle and banjo. Much of the music was written by members of the band and includes brisk fiddle tunes, songs from the heart, songs from the feet, songs about hope, chance, bends in rivers and even some about good meals. The Bluebirds perform at a wide variety of venues depending on the type of audience. You might catch them at a bar, a restaurant, or a nightclub but potentially also at a swap meet, a regatta, a carnival, a ribbon cutting and maybe even a pancake breakfast. Go out and see them when they get close - no one gets out without a smile.

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VALERIE BAILEY, Bass

Val generally stands at the back of the stage and smiles calmly at all the rest of the lunatics in the band. However, inside her burns an intense passion, an inferno even, for long walks, good bluegrass festivals and for playing her fine Kay double bass. A woman who has worn a lot hats, including a stint on commercial fish boats, Val packs a wallop.
MATT KENNEDY
Mandolin, vocals

Matt handles The Mountain Bluebirds’ mandolin chores and dazzles us with his borderline fashion sense. He is a mad fan of old guitars, John Prine songs and trout streams. Matt originally hails from Calgary where he played with very sneaky band The Hayloft Romeos. A sandwich aficionado, Matt commonly selects, depending on the day, the Club, the Rueben or the Monte Cristo.

CONNIE JEAN THIESSEN
Guitar, vocals

A charter member of The Mountain Bluebirds and editor/founder of the now defunct Bluegrass North Magazine, Connie Jean started the band with pal Lorraine when they discovered a mutual passion for bluegrass music. As the second tallest Bluebird, Connie's guitar headstock often comes dangerously close to severely altering the dental work of her bandmates.

LORRAINE COBB
Guitar, vocals

Lorraine is the other primordial member of Bluebirds - she was there in the beginning. Lorraine is known for her stylish guitar playing, her collection of fabulous dresses, and her interest in fine hors d'ouvres. Hailing originally from Kamloops, she spends her spare time seeking new restaurants, live music of any kind, and lounging in her newly expanded home.

BRAD GILLARD
Banjo, vocals

Brad handles banjo and vocal duties with The Mountain Bluebirds. He also records and tours extensively as a member of The Paperboys and Shannon Saunders and The Splinters. He has performed on radio, television and feature film soundtracks. While at home, Brad enjoys cooking and yard maintenance.

HUGH CARSON ELLENWOOD
Fiddle, vocals

Hugh is a really funny guy. He's also a dyn-o-mite fiddler and a fabulous dancer. Hugh is a longtime performer around western Canada, as a member of many passionately remembered bands such as the Far Side Squids. A voracious reader, Hugh gets pretty fired up about local history, a well-delivered cocktail and a good hockey game.