A genre-bending music experience is coming to Diamond Valley.
The Andrew Collins Trio will be headlining Beneath the Arch, Diamond Valley's non-profit concert series, on Saturday, Nov. 30.
Bassist James McEleney and guitarist Adam Shier will take the Flare n' Derrick stage with group leader Andrew Collins, a five-time Juno nominee and six-time Canadian Folk Music Award winner.
"There's so many genres fused in our music," said Collins, who plays the mandolin, mandochello, mandola and more.
"It draws from bluegrass, jazz and classical elements and all kinds of music thrown in there. Some blues music and even some contemporary rock music vibes."
Collins' namesake trio, which was named Instrumental Group of the Year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards in 2014 and 2016, is one of several bands he's founded, including the Creaking Tree String Quartet and Foggy Hogtown Boys.
The Andrew Collins Trio's latest album, The Rule of Three, is up for three awards at the 2025 Canadian Folk Music Awards.
Beneath the Arch audience members can expect a good time regardless of their favourite musical genre, with Collins promising "lots of vocals, lots of jokes and humorous stories" at the show.
"Even if they don't know the genre of music that we're coming from, which is kind of a new genre often referred to as new acoustic music, anyone that likes any folk or jazz or classical usually comes away really enjoying the show, being impressed with the musicianship and liking the variety through the night," he said.
Collins is looking forward to returning to Alberta, where he has played countless shows over the years.
"There's a pretty big bluegrass scene [in Alberta], and obviously the views," said Collins on his favourite parts of the province.
"Gas prices don't hurt," joked the Toronto-based artist.
The show will be held at the Flare n' Derrick Community Hall on Saturday, Nov. 30 at 7:30 p.mTickets can be purchased online here or in-person at the Bluerock Gallery and Sheep River Library.
Beneath the Arch presents seven shows annually, and revenue goes towards initiatives such as the young performing artists' bursary.
The next instalment in the monthly concert series will feature The Hello Darlin's, bringing Americana and roots to the Foothills on Saturday, Jan. 11. The full concert lineup is available here.
