This 75-minute multimedia musical piece documents the history of working people in Alberta (and Western Canada) through songs written primarily by Maria Dunn with narration and visuals edited by Don Bouzek of Ground Zero Productions (GZP). The night features a provocative blend of history, artistry, music and film to tell the stories of Alberta workers and their struggles. The tour will unify the provincial stories and allow us to celebrate the victories in the labour movement.

In 2019, ALHI commissioned Maria to write a new song to commemorate the 100^th Anniversary of 1919’s Great Labour Revolt. This new song, along with several songs from more recent multimedia shows--GWG: Piece By Piece (2008) and Packingtown (2016) developed by Maria and Don with Edmonton historian Catherine C. Cole--have been incorporated into 2019’s revised version of the original Troublemakers show, bringing the stories of working people in Alberta into the present.

About Maria and the Musicians:

A true preserver of the spirit of folk music, twice Juno-nominated songwriter Maria Dunn (www.mariadunn.com) is often compared to Woody Guthrie for her keen social awareness and unvarnished, melodic songs about ordinary people. Along with multimedia shows Packingtown and GWG: Piece by Piece, developed with Don Bouzek and Catherine C. Cole, On The River (with Edmonton Indigenous women’s trio Asani) and Troublemakers (with Don Bouzek), Maria has six independent recordings (all produced by Shannon Johnson). Gathering (2017 Juno Nominee; 2016 Edmonton Music Prize) features positive stories of human courage and struggle, both local and global; Piece by Piece (2013 Canadian Folk Music Award Nominee) pays tribute to immigrant women working at Edmonton’s GWG clothing factory (1911 – 2004); We Were Good People (2004) explores the vibrant people’s history of Alberta. Based in Edmonton, Maria performs at folk festivals, theatres, and conferences across Canada, Europe, and the USA. “…one of the few songwriters in Canada to document the lives of ordinary working people. Piece By Piece, is [a] profoundly moving recording...” - Penguin Eggs Magazine

Shannon Johnson (www.themcdades.com) is a highly accomplished fiddler and 2007 Juno Award winner for her work with her Celtic-world fusion band The McDades (CD: Bloom). She began performing professionally at the age of eight, wowing music fans and critics with her strong, pure playing and exceptional improvisational skills. As a composer, she blends classical, Celtic and Canadian styles to create a new and powerful genre of label-bending music. Shannon is one of Western Canada’s most in-demand record producers and her special understanding of acoustic music and global styles can be heard on a number of award winning albums including Maria Dunn’s six independent recordings. “Shannon Johnson’s superlative violin work...stunning and very intense...” - Sing Out Magazine 

Singer-songwriter Terry Morrison (www.terrymorrison.net) is a well loved member of the Canadian music scene.  An accomplished guitar player, Morrison’s unique sense of melody and phrasing create her own inimitable brand of contemporary roots music. Delivered in a rich sensual voice, her songs reflect a compassionate and innate intelligence and span the range from jazzy folk to country. Morrison has toured extensively throughout Canada and the USA, including many Canadian folk festivals. Highly respected as a songwriter, she has shared the stage with Janis Ian, Tom Russell, Greg Brown, Victoria Williams and Ian Tyson, as well as performing as the opening act for songwriting icons Loudon Wainwright III and Richard Thompson. Morrison has five independently released albums including First Waltz (with John Gorham; produced by Stephen Fearing) and Riches and Grace (2007; produced by Mike Lent). “...one of the most intellectually compelling songwriters in town…”  - Edmonton Journal