James Keelaghan with Kaeley Jade

Chinook Musical Society presents nine "Saturday Night Special" concerts every year, featuring a range of genres from folk and country, to blues, Celtic and folk rock. While we do present acts from all over North America, and some international, we are especially proud to showcase our Canadian and local Alberta artists.The evening starts with one set from our opening artist, followed by two sets from our headliner.

January 30, 2027 we welcome Saturday Night Special favourite James Keelaghan back to our stage with Edmonton’s Kaeley Jade opening the show.

Born in N.W. Calgary and now based in Ontario, James Keelaghan has been called Canada’s finest singer-songwriter and is an artist who has proven to be a man for all seasons. James truly has one of the most distinctive and readily identifiable voices of not only the Canadian scene, but as a member of the international singer-songwriter community. His masterful storytelling has earned him his share of nominations, awards, and acclaim from Australia to Scandinavia, and is embraced by audiences around the world.

Throughout a career that now spans almost four decades, the Juno and Canadian Folk Music Award winner has created a repertoire of incalculable importance – a unique body of work, either inspired by or drawn from the folk tradition. Ten solo albums flush with enduring lyrical relevance. James has been a frequent guest on our Saturday Night Special stage… he helped us celebrate our 40th Anniversary, and we are so pleased to welcome him back to help us celebrate our 50th!https://www.youtube.com/live/slHWhg7niZM?si=u5Jcc2cgzZ1c_fYb&t=115

Kaeley Jade crafts full-hearted songs that dig deep. This Edmonton-based Métis artist’s Canadian Folk Music Award-winning debut, Turpentine, earned international press, charted across Canadian radio, and was featured in numerous film and television productions. Kaeley’s heartfelt vocal delivery, both commanding and vulnerable, are reminiscent of artists like Serena Ryder or Kacey Musgraves. Her powerful voice and vivid imagery capture the depths of life’s most challenging moments with sincerity and precision. With over 150 performances across Canada since 2023, Kaeley’s deep love of storytelling and dynamic stage presence shine through!https://youtu.be/4qd9DOouukw?si=RM7BywlozgivxGLi