Few artists embody the spirit of Nova Scotia quite like Mary Beth Carty. An award-winning singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, cultural ambassador, and community builder, Mary Beth has become one of the most distinctive voices on the East Coast folk and traditional music scene. Rooted in Antigonish County, she has built a career that celebrates the rich cultural tapestry of Atlantic Canada while continually finding new ways to connect people through music.
Winner of the 2024 Canadian Folk Music Award for Traditional Singer of the Year, Mary Beth is known for blending the ancestral sounds of her Scottish Gaelic heritage with Acadian, Mi’kmaq, and multicultural influences. Whether accompanying herself on accordion, guitar, rhythm bones, or jaw harp, she brings warmth, humour, and authenticity to every performance. Her shows are equal parts concert, kitchen party, and cultural celebration.
Her acclaimed album Crossing the Causeway showcases not only her musical talents but also her deep appreciation for the diverse communities that make up Nova Scotia. Drawing inspiration from her work within the Acadian community of Pomquet, her Gaelic roots, and friendships within Mi’kmaq communities, the album reflects the multilingual and multicultural reality of life in rural Nova Scotia. The recording features collaborations with friends and fellow artists including Morgan Toney, Colin Grant, and Cassie and Maggie MacDonald, highlighting Mary Beth’s commitment to building connections through music.
Community has always been at the heart of Mary Beth’s work. Beyond the stage, she is known as a dance caller, workshop leader, cultural educator, and advocate for preserving and sharing traditional music. Her passion for bringing people together extends beyond performances, creating spaces where audiences become participants and traditions remain vibrant for future generations. This dedication was recognized when she served as Artist in Residence for the Deep Roots Music Festival, where organizers praised her collaborative spirit and commitment to cultural exchange. (deeprootsmusic.ca)
Anyone who knows Mary Beth also knows she is a familiar face at festivals across the region and beyond. Whether she is performing on stage, leading a workshop, joining a late-night jam session, or cheering on fellow musicians from the audience, she embraces the festival experience wholeheartedly. Her enthusiasm for live music and community gatherings has made her a beloved figure throughout the folk and traditional music world.
Mary Beth continues to expand her creative horizons in 2026. One of her most exciting new ventures is Marrow Bones, a newly formed band featuring longtime collaborators Roy and Colin. After a successful tour together, the trio decided to make things official and hit the road throughout Canada, with performances scheduled across Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, British Columbia, and the Northwest Territories. The group is also preparing to release new music, giving audiences plenty to look forward to this year.
She is also celebrating the inclusion of her recording “Òran Boisdale (Fail ì Fail ò)” on Putumayo’s internationally released compilation album Celtic Voices. The collection highlights artists from Celtic cultures around the world, and Mary Beth is proud to represent Nova Scotia’s Gaelic tradition as the album’s sole North American artist.
Adding to her recent accomplishments, she released the new Gaelic medley single A’ Challuinn, continuing her mission of bringing traditional music to contemporary audiences.
Fans will have several opportunities to catch Mary Beth live in the coming months. Upcoming appearances include:
- June 19–21 – PEI Festival of Small Halls, Prince Edward Island
- June 27 – Justamere Café & Bakery, Antigonish, Nova Scotia
- Summer performances across British Columbia with Marrow Bones
- July 17–19 – Folk on the Rocks Festival, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
- September 13 – Big Barn Little Farm, Meadow Green, Nova Scotia
In an era when many artists chase trends, Mary Beth Carty continues to chart her own course. Through her songwriting, performances, community involvement, and dedication to preserving Gaelic and Acadian traditions, she serves as both a keeper of history and a creator of new stories. Whether on a festival stage, in a community hall, or sharing songs with friends around a kitchen table, she reminds us that music’s greatest power lies in bringing people together.
For audiences across Nova Scotia and beyond, the Carty Party continues and everyone is invited!
