The Gertrudes

Who are the Gertrudes?

The Gertrudes bring together a versatile collective of musicians to create a unique and experimental folkestra in Kingston, ON. They have produced four full length albums, two EPS, participated in numerous festivals (notably Pop Montreal, Vancouver Folk Festival, Halifax Pop Explosion) and shared the stage with artists such Sarah Harmer, Calexico, and Ricky Skaggs. Recordings and performances have brought together a manic collaboration of choirs, symphonies and over 100 local musicians.

Latest Album: Just to Please You

Just to Please You is the group’s first full length album collaboration with Neptune’s Machine Producer Jason Mercer (ani difranco, Ron Sexsmith). Taking inspiration from artists like Wilco and The National, The Gertrudes knit together a sound like an old-time saloon party travelling through deep space. Just to Please You follows four full length albums and extensive touring across the country, including memorable performances like at the Vancouver Folk Festival and the Halifax Pop Explosion, and sharing the stage with artists like Sarah Harmer, Calexico, and Ricky Skaggs.

Learn More

News

Great Canadian Songbook
Songs of Icons
March 1, 2025
7:30 PM
The Spire (82 Sydenham St.)
More Information
At The Toucan
Fridays, Feb 2025
Feb 07 + 14 + 21
5-8pm
No Cover

Video

Media Kit

The Gertrudes - Photo by Cam Nelles

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The Gertrudes sound like an ol’ time saloon party in deep space. Passengers travelling with this down-home folkestra lay down experimental noise beds and frolic through a veritable orchestra of instruments.

Music

Emergency To Emergency (2021)
We rallied the band back together for another highly collaborative full length recording, Emergency to Emergency (November 26, 2021 on Wolfe Island Records). Based on 19th Century Irish and North American fiddle tunes, this fourth album explores the many “hidden pandemics” that we’re all waking up to these days.
Neighbourhood (2013)
The economy is a strong subject on this album but also is the need for family and friendship. Imagine Arcade Fire’s The Suburbs crossed with Springsteen’s Wrecking Ball and you may be halfway there.
—Exclaim Magazine
Till the Morning Shows Her Face to Me (2011)
Thoughtful, breezy and with the wonder of Cockburn, the Kingston folkestra sings gently about the remedies that get you through the night.
—The Globe & Mail
Dawn Time Riot (2010)
Between the mandolins, singalong folk melodies and driving percussion come nods to 70s classic rock, left-field samples and sonic experimentation … Balk at the ambitiousness, cheer at the result.
—NOW Magazine
Hard Water (2009)
The most exciting thing about the EP is how The Gertrudes contrast the old time feel of banjos, ukes and accordions with electronics, horns and theremin (sweet) to create modern, spooky tracks that are as thick and ominous, but also as breathtaking as a dense fog over the harbour.
—Penguin Eggs Magazine