The Last Waltz sparks a new beginning for local musicians
It was a concert that marked the end for Canadian rock superstars The Band in 1976. The Last Waltz was a film of that concert by Martin Scorsese. Now, 50 years after that landmark performance, local musicians are getting together to celebrate with a concert of their own as part of Winterruption 2026 in Saskatoon.
I’ve always been enthralled by the story of The Band and what they represent to Canada
The Last Prairie Waltz is a performance designed to pay tribute to The Band and at the same time bring local musicians together to support each other. The audience will be treated to live music concert and then a screening of the original film.
Organizer and vocalist Heidi Munro created The Last Prairie Waltz with music director and musician Scott Patrick. (Photo Provided)
“The idea has been rolling around in my head for a couple of years now,” says musician and concert organizer Heidi Munro. “I was looking for something to feed that crazy need to build something. I’ve always been enthralled by the story of The Band and what they represent to Canada.”
The Band is such a huge part of Canadian heritage
For the uninitiated, The Band started with a lineup of Canadians Rick Danko, Garth Hudson, Richard Manuel, and Robbie Robertson and American Levon Helm. It’s music bridged genres of rock, folk and country with tunes like The Weight and Up On Cripple Creek. Many musicians that came after like Eric Clapton, Elton John, and George Harrison credit The Band as a major influence.
The film, The Last Waltz featured The Band along with several special guests including Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Emmylou Harris, and Neil Young in their final performance.
“The Band is such a huge part of Canadian heritage. The Last Waltz is an absolutely iconic film,” says Munro. “The whole idea for The Last Prairie Waltz, our tribute to it, is to bring artists from multiple genres and music circles and recreate that wonderful feeling of community and camaraderie.”
Sam Corbett performed at Levon Helm’s house near Woodstock NY with The Sheepdogs. (Facebook)
This concert, a co-production with The Broadway Theatre, builds on those feelings by bringing together 15 artists from our city including Evan Friesen, Darcy Greig, Gillian Snider, Don Griffith, and many more. Munro curated the program with songs and medleys from the 1976 show as well as original tunes from the artists on stage. Guitarist and musical director Scott Patrick took care of arranging the tunes.
We were inspired by their harmonies and instrumentation
Sam Corbett is excited to take part. The former drummer of The Sheepdogs says so much of their own music was influenced by The Band.
“We were inspired by their harmonies and instrumentation. We covered The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down in our set a few years ago,” says Corbett. “They put a ton of effort into crafting and arranging their songs and Levon Helm’s drumming was a huge influence on me.”
Ross Folkerson (r) and his son Sammy will share the stage in The Last Prairie Waltz. (Facebook)
It’s music that’s stood the test of time
Keyboardist Ross Folkerson is excited to share the stage with so many talented local artists including his son Sammy.
“I was always a working musician, a weekend warrior kind of guy and my kids were always around music. I would whisper in their ear you should listen to this,” says Folkerson. “The Band’s music is easily adapted for jam sessions and that’s why so many younger generations have kept it alive. It’s music that’s stood the test of time.”
Eliza Mary Doyle is excited to see the 1976 film for the first time at the show. (Photo Provided)
“These songs remind people of a time in their lives. The music revitalizes those memories,” says Eliza Mary Doyle. “I was honoured to be asked to sing Emmylou Harris’ Evangeline and then I get to sing one of my originals so it’s going to be a great night.”
After Saskatoon, The Last Prairie Waltz will move on to Regina March 4th. That performance will feature the core group of musicians and add several of that cities music stars. There are also plans in the works to take it on the road to British Columbia this fall.
The Last Waltz 1976(Academy Museum of Motion Pictures)
