Maggie’s Wake
Maggie's Wake was the most entertaining showcase act at the 2025 FARM (Folk Alliance Region Midwest) Conference in Chicago. A high-energy folk roots band from Southwestern Ontario, Maggie's Wake blends Celtic-inspired fiddle, tin whistle and flute with the spirit of jazz, Americana, and classic country. Fronted by award-winning musicians Tara Dunphy and Lindsay Schindler, the group weaves rich harmonies, heartfelt storytelling, and irresistible rhythm into a sound that’s both timeless and fresh.
Multiple award winning Maggie’s Wake is a mod-trad, female-fronted folk-celtic crew creating an exciting splash in the roots music scene.
Showcasing a fiery fusion of Celtic tradition with roots swagger, expect driving jigs and reels, soaring whistles, double fiddle, flashes of country twang not to mention Cajun/global roots twists that’s pure joy from start to finish.
The acclaimed quartet came together in late 2022 and quickly took Ontario by storm — selling out dates on their very first “Spirit of the Season” holiday tour. Since then, they’ve showcased at major music industry events across Canada, the US and UK, have whirlwind 2026 & 2027 tours on the books, won the 2025 Canadian Folk Music Award (‘New Artist of the Year’) for their debut CD, launched a Holiday EP, and have a sophomore CD on the way… not bad for a band just a few years in!
United in their passion for triumphant tunes, soaring vocals and poignant storytelling, Maggie’s Wake embraces their wide ranging influences and have built an exciting, new sound.
The band features award-winning songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Tara Dunphy and award-winning violinist/fiddler/songwriter, Lindsay Schindler, backed by powerhouses Andrew Kosty on bass and Kenneth Palmer on guitar.
Their work is 100% original, penned by Tara and Lindsay, and their first single, Bridget O’Brien, won the 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 favorite folk styles finished with a dash of Loretta Lynn and a pinch of Nick Lowe.
Doesn’t that sound delicious?!
Dale Watson, the Texas honky tonk legend, says “You can’t grow if you rip your roots out of the ground” and Maggie’s Wake have taken that to heart. They are honouring tradition while forging their own path in roots music.
“Fabulous, electrifying concert… they were also some of the nicest people we have ever hosted, even gave several shoutouts to our opener Folk duo Tyler Bagwell and Sally Schaefer.” –Buffalo Friends of Folk Music – Buffalo, NY
“Maggie’s Wake were absolutely wonderful, a great show!” – Bennington Theater – Bennington, VT
“They were absolutely wonderful and their performance was fantastic! A true pleasure to have here.” –Clayton Opera House – Clayton, NY
“Maggie’s Wake was brilliant!! Their connection with the audience was wonderful, the tunes and songs were lovely and their storytelling was done with integrity ,humour and affection! We hope they will come back again.” -Brookside Music, Midland, ON
“The show was terrific and the audience loved it. The merch table even did well!!” – Marsh Street Centre – Clarksburg ON
Bridget O’Brien (and more from their Official Showcase at NERFA)
*New* – Last First Kiss (from upcoming album)
Montage
Multiple award winning Maggie’s Wake is a mod-trad, female-fronted folk-celtic crew creating an exciting splash in the roots music scene.
Showcasing a fiery fusion of Celtic tradition with roots swagger, expect driving jigs and reels, soaring whistles, double fiddle, flashes of country twang not to mention Cajun/global roots twists that’s pure joy from start to finish.
The acclaimed quartet came together in late 2022 and quickly took Ontario by storm — selling out dates on their very first “Spirit of the Season” holiday tour. Since then, they’ve showcased at major music industry events across Canada, the US and UK, have whirlwind 2026 & 2027 tours on the books, won the 2025 Canadian Folk Music Award (‘New Artist of the Year’) for their debut CD, launched a Holiday EP, and have a sophomore CD on the way… not bad for a band just a few years in!
United in their passion for triumphant tunes, soaring vocals and poignant storytelling, Maggie’s Wake embraces their wide ranging influences and have built an exciting, new sound.
The band features award-winning songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Tara Dunphy and award-winning violinist/fiddler/songwriter, Lindsay Schindler, backed by powerhouses Andrew Kosty on bass and Kenneth Palmer on guitar.
Their work is 100% original, penned by Tara and Lindsay, and their first single, Bridget O’Brien, won the 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 favorite folk styles finished with a dash of Loretta Lynn and a pinch of Nick Lowe.
Doesn’t that sound delicious?!
Dale Watson, the Texas honky tonk legend, says “You can’t grow if you rip your roots out of the ground” and Maggie’s Wake have taken that to heart. They are honouring tradition while forging their own path in roots music.
“Fabulous, electrifying concert… they were also some of the nicest people we have ever hosted, even gave several shoutouts to our opener Folk duo Tyler Bagwell and Sally Schaefer.” –Buffalo Friends of Folk Music – Buffalo, NY
“Maggie’s Wake were absolutely wonderful, a great show!” – Bennington Theater – Bennington, VT
“They were absolutely wonderful and their performance was fantastic! A true pleasure to have here.” –Clayton Opera House – Clayton, NY
“Maggie’s Wake was brilliant!! Their connection with the audience was wonderful, the tunes and songs were lovely and their storytelling was done with integrity ,humour and affection! We hope they will come back again.” -Brookside Music, Midland, ON
“The show was terrific and the audience loved it. The merch table even did well!!” – Marsh Street Centre – Clarksburg ON
Bridget O’Brien (and more from their Official Showcase at NERFA)
*New* – Last First Kiss (from upcoming album)
Montage