Music from the Mountains blends superb musicianship, haunting harmonies and chilling tales from three men who spent their lives in the most rugged of all places – the wilderness of Canada’s mountain national parks.

The Wardens are a trio of what you might call ‘mountain men.’ If ever there was a ‘real thing,’ these three park wardens are perfect examples. Evoking the true Canadian spirit, the Banff National Park-based group present to their audiences, stories and music that bring to life the land they’ve loved and protected for the last three decades. Their unique blend of folk, roots and western styles reflect the legendary wilderness of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. This is true music from the mountains.

Ray Schmidt, co-founder with Scott Ward, of The Wardens in 2009, plays upright bass and harmonizes the vocals for the trio. A many-talented man, Ray came to Parks Canada in 2001, after a series of amazing outdoor adventures across Canada. He canoed in Labrador, trapped in the sub-arctic and eventually landed a parks service job as a dispatcher in the Banff, Yoho and Kootenay Warden Service. He is a free-lance writer, photographer and trail builder, plays a variety of musical instruments and is a media specialist for Banff National Park.

Scott Ward, on the finger-style guitar and lead vocalist of The Wardens, has been part of the team at Banff National Park since 1969. He started working in the back-country in the summers, avalanche forecasting during the winters, became a search-and-rescue dog handler, and later, responded to avalanches, searched for missing persons and hunted down poachers in the parks.

For his last many working years, Scott patrolled the back-country, ending his career in 2005. A year later, he was presented with the Governor General’ s Award for Exemplary Service as a Peace Officer.

Bradley Bischoff is the 3^rd member of The Wardens. In addition to playing lead and rhythm guitar, he has taken the lead in many of the group’s vocals. Beginning in 1981, Bradley rode horseback patrols as a national park warden, stationed in the remote South Boundary of Jasper National Park’s Brazeau District. Since that time he has worked in parks across the country, from the east coast to the west, and into Nunavut. He has also been a farrier, ranch manager and teacher. He and his family live in Canmore, AB.

The musicianship of The Wardens is some of the best, most original and most deeply felt you’ll hear, with haunting harmonies that beckon their listeners to the great outdoors. They tell tales of protecting grizzly bears, rescuing lost hikers and long, lonely nights on the trail.

“The Wardens are much more than just a great, entertaining band (and make no mistake, they are great!) – the breathtaking slides, fabulous humour and storytelling that accompanies their original music creates a unique, memorable and authentic Rocky Mountain experience.” – Michael Kerr, Certified Speaking Professional and member of the Canadian Speakers’ Hall of Fame.

For more information about The Wardens and their music from the mountains, visit their website at: http://banffwardens.com.

Doors open at 6 PM. Show starts at 7 PM.

Seating is limited and the show will sell out quickly so get tickets early at Pynelogs only.