Coulson Past and Present and…
Coulson Concerts 2026
by Anne Walker
We have made it to spring at last! It’s time to come out of hibernation and take in some live music and, just like that, the Coulson Concerts are back for another season.
“The Coulson Concerts” is a series of Sunday afternoon concerts presented in a quaint historic church in Oro-Medonte, Ontario. It is located in the hamlet of Coulson at 301 Horseshoe Valley Road W., and hosted by me— local singer-songwriter Anne Walker.
The little white church has stood watch at the top of Coulson hill on the Horseshoe Valley Road for over 140 years. The church, built in 1881, was closed as a place of worship in the 1960s and has been recently restored, preserving many original features, including an ornate Victorian tin ceiling, pews, plank flooring, a cast iron and nickel-plated stove, and the original pulpit. Coulson Church provides an enchanting setting in which to enjoy authentic Canadian roots music.
Please note, there is plenty of parking in the field behind the church. There are a few steps into the building. The washroom is a portapotty.
Tickets are only $25 and available online at https://annewalker.ca/the-coulson-concerts
This year’s line-up:
Angie Nussey
Sunday, April 26 (2 pm)
Angie Nussey has the musicality of Bruce Springsteen mixed with the compassion of Xavier Rudd, the authentic depth of Sarah McLachlan and the stage humour of Jann Arden. She performs with the comfort and freedom of an artist who has nothing to lose. A multi-instrumentalist, Nussey moves from guitar to keyboard to looper pedal with skill and ease. Although best known for her emotional, philosophical and at times autobiographical ballads, Nussey doesn’t miss an opportunity to poke fun at everyday situations, the human condition, not to mention herself.
Eileen McGann
Sunday, May 31 (2 pm)
Juno and CFMA-nominated artist Eileen McGann has toured the folk festivals, clubs and concert halls of Canada, the US and Great Britain for 40 years. First, you notice her voice, a “clear, astounding voice” (Boston Globe), and then, the songs: beneath the strong, rhythmic guitar, and the haunting melodies, there are lyrics that demand attention. Whether a witty political zinger, a rare ancient ballad, a rollicking canoeing song or an anthem to a Canadian landscape, a McGann song stands out from the crowd. She has produced seven top-rated CDs, and has had 50 of her songs published in a volume of the “Essential Canadian Songbook” series. Equally adept in the worlds of traditional song and contemporary genres, she is also a vibrant stage performer, bringing her audiences along for the ride with stories, banter and inclusive choruses.
Ian Bell
Sunday, June 28 (2 pm)
Multi-instrumentalist Ian Bell has performed across Canada and in the United States since the late 1970s. On his own and with a number of different ensembles, he has appeared at numerous folk festivals and in concerts and dances in venues ranging from The Lincoln Center to the finest Ontario barns. Ian performs material from a large repertoire that includes both Canadian traditional music and his own songs and instrumental compositions.
Anne Walker
Sunday, September 27 (2 pm)
Anne Walker is a cherished voice in Canadian folk known for her poetic lyrics, rich vocals, and emotional depth. Anne’s songs weave personal stories with universal themes—resonating long after the final note. Her haunting voice often draws comparisons to Connie Kaldor, Kathy Mattea and Jane Olivor. Raised on a small farm in Ontario, Anne’s rural roots are evident in the beauty of her music and the quiet strength of her words.
