2026 CFR Backroads Series featuring:
The Druid Open Stage
For 16 years, The Druid Open Stage was a fixture in Edmonton’s live music community at the original Druid Irish Pub on Jasper Avenue. Hosted for much of that time by Edmonton songwriter, producer and founding Captain Tractor member Chris Wynters, with James Murdoch frequently stepping in as guest host, the stage became a gathering place for songwriters and performers at every stage of their careers. Over the years, it welcomed established touring artists alongside emerging musicians, giving countless Edmonton songwriters an opportunity to develop their craft in front of a live audience.
After closing its doors in 2016, The Druid returned nine years later in the historic Mercer Warehouse in downtown Edmonton, just steps from Rogers Place and with it came the return of the Open Stage.
Fittingly, longtime guest host James Murdoch now leads the new incarnation. A songwriter, recording artist and longtime member of Alberta’s music community, Murdoch has spent more than two decades performing, recording and working alongside artists from across Western Canada.
The revived Open Stage adds a new twist to the original format. Each event begins with a paid feature performance from a selected artist before opening the stage to the wider songwriting community. The result is part showcase and part traditional open stage: a place where established artists, emerging songwriters and first-time performers can share the same room and the same stage.
At its heart, the idea remains the same as it was at the original Druid: give songwriters a stage, an audience and an opportunity to be heard.
When
Saturday, October 10 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Where
10363 104 Street NW Unit 100, Edmonton, AB T5J 1C1