The Dead South

Saskatchewan’s frenzied folk quartet The Dead South brought a night of brilliant bluegrass to Roig Arena Saturday, March 28th to a crowd of wildly enthusiastic Valencia fans. 

The music is incredibly intricate playing featuring Nate Hilts (vocals, guitar, mandolin), Scott Pringle (guitar, mandolin, vocals), Danny Kenyon (cello, bass, vocals) and Caelum Scott (bango). Scott was a tour stand-in for Colton Crawford who couldn’t tour as he is recovering from back surgery. Add in tight harmonies they are the whole package. 

Whimsically self described on their website as Carter Family meets Addams Family, these four don western wardrobes on a stage that harkens a frontier town in technicolor. Bright flashing lights conjure up a fury that matched the music. All part of their stagecraft that elevated the mood and emotion. 

Fellow Canadian and 2024 Juno award nominee, singer-songwriter Benjamin Dakota Rogers opened the show with a solo acoustic set.

Words and photos: Phillip A Solomonson