Mary Beth Carty, winner of the 2024 Canadian Folk Music Award for Traditional Singer of the Year, is an artist whose creations are rooted in the rich traditions of her Nova Scotian home. Born and raised in Antigonish County, she blends her ancestral Gaelic heritage with the multicultural influences of the community. Whether performing solo or with her new band Marrow Bones, Mary Beth coaxes stories out of her accordion, guitar, and wooden rhythm bones to craft a one-woman orchestra. With a knack for weaving wit and warmth into her shows, she invites audiences to stomp, clap, and sing along, transforming every performance into an intimate kitchen party.
Mary Beth Carty’s musical journey began with the patchwork quilt of tunes and tales that surrounded her growing up. Starting out as part of an iconic folk act that toured major festivals across Canada, she quickly earned accolades for her unique voice. A lover of language and global cultures, Mary Beth has a flair for uncovering the common threads that tie traditions together, sewing melodic tapestries that resonate with all ages. Fluent in English, French, and Scottish Gaelic, she brings a deep respect for the old ways, all while staying grounded in the salt-of-the-earth humility of her hometown.
Over the years, Mary Beth Carty has built a career as remarkable as the music she creates. A featured act at the prestigious Celtic Colours International Festival – one of the top Celtic festivals in North America – she’s graced stages across Canada, from the Vancouver Folk Festival to Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival, and toured in Europe, earning a reputation for her magnetic performances.
One of her proudest moments came in 2015, when she was invited by the Canadian ambassador to the Congo to collaborate with Nkento Bakaji, an all-female band, as part of Women’s Month celebrations. The experience brought her from Congo to Rwanda, where she performed in Kigali with Ben Ngabo and musicians from Mighty Popo’s École d’Arts, collaborating and building connections through music.
Whether she’s belting out tunes at iconic folk festivals, collaborating across continents, or playing a kitchen party back home, Mary Beth’s performances are nothing short of spell-binding. As veteran arts journalist and music historian Bob Mersereau observed, “What’s most impressive is Carty’s ability to shine in all these different musical and vocal styles, bouncing back and forth between languages, old trad numbers, her new adaptations, and her own compositions.” With the recent release of single Mary Anne with her band Marrow Bones, and several Eastern Canadian festivals and square dances on the horizon, Mary Beth continues to push the boundaries of folk music and defy expectations.
Name:
Mary Beth Carty
Genre:
Celtic Roots
Founded:
2011
# of Albums:
2 solo albums, 2 duo albums with Bette & Wallet. I have also contributed to many albums as a backup musician, too many to count!
Latest Album:
Crossing the Causeway
Latest Single:
Mary Anne
Latest Video:
Mary Beth Carty – Òran Boisdale (Fail ì Fail ò)
Favourite musicians growing up:
On vinyl, my favourite records were by Steeleye Span and Joan Baez. My favourite cassettes were by The Rankin Family and CCR, and my favourite CDs were by R.E.M. and Nirvana. Also – all the live instrumental fiddlers and pipers I heard at outdoor summer concerts in Eastern Nova Scotia my whole life!
Favourite musicians now:
In spite of being an acoustic musician, my favourite music to listen to at home is Organic EDM by artists like SAFAR, Pablo Fierro, & Pauza. I also love contemporary Celtic instrumental music by artists like Naragonia, Mike Vass, & The Trials of Cato.
Guilty pleasure song:
Sweet Danger by Obongjayar!
Live show ritual:
I talk to people as they come into the venue so I can dedicate a song to someone in the audience, invite a surprise guest, or add a song request to my setlist!
Favourite local musician:
If we are talking Halifax, Koromanti & the North Star, The Dusty Halos, & Donald MacLennan. We all shared the stage at Deep Roots Festival in 2025, and it was pure magic! From my hometown of Antigonish, I’d pick Tommy LeBeau. He’s a St.F.X. student and jaw harp virtuoso. He’ll be joining me this weekend at Chisholm Park as a special guest!
EP or LP?
Long Play! I love making and listening to full-length albums!
Early bird or night owl?
Night Owl… can’t seem to go to bed early, try as I might!!!
Road or studio?
Road! Just got back from a tour to British Columbia and the Northwest Territories with my band Marrow Bones, only to hit the road again for Cape Breton days later. So much fun!
Any shows or albums coming up?
Yes! Follow me on Bandsintown to get hear latest!
Where can we follow you?
Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Bandcamp
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Rapid Fire Local Questions:
What is your favourite local restaurant?
The Justamere Café for breakfast, the Tall & Small for tea, sweets, & salads, the Waffle Bus for lunch & afternoon smoothie, and the Antigonish Townhouse for dinner and late-night tapas!
What is your favourite street in your town and why?
It’s pretty rural around here, so I’ll say a road rather than a street – Cribbons Point Road- because you can jump in the glorious ocean at MacDonald Beach! It’s warm and sandy!
What is your favourite park in your town and why?
The Bethany Contemplative Trail because it offers meadows, fountains, and forests. It’s just on the edge of town, and easily accessible with lots of inspiring gardens and trails!
What is your favourite music venue in your town?
The Antigonish Heritage Museum
What is your favourite music store in your town?
G & G Music. Glen has everything you’re looking for, he’ll even order things in for ya.
