An idea stemmed from a brief performance at the 51st Annual NS Bluegrass & Oldtime Music Festival in July 2024. Three gals had an opportunity to sing together on stage and that seed grew into a full blooming flower. Meet the Sunny Mountain Gals.
Janet McGarry, the first Canadian Daughter of Bluegrass and ECBMA Female Vocalist Master brings her beautiful vocals and musicianship to the band. She currently leads the Janet McGarry Band. Janet McGarry grew up in the small rural community of Iona, PEI and music always filled her childhood home. She started performing at an early age with her father Peter and brother Raymond singing in the little country halls at benefit shows, churches and dances. Storytelling was a big part of her heritage and Janet had an affinity for songs that told a story. When Janet was introduced to bluegrass music she felt the authenticity of the music. Encouraged by fans and friends, she went on to record in the year 2000, the first of thirteen bluegrass recordings and many professional appearances and accolades.
Kristin Cavoukian, a seasoned musician and vocalist, brings a breath of fresh air to the stage with her song choices and guitar precision. A veteran of the Toronto bluegrass scene before moving to New Brunswick, Kristin performed for over a decade with Toronto-based Houndstooth. She also played across Canada with the band The Saturday Saints, a bluegrass/oldtime duo. Kristin has performed with children’s troubadour Raffi. Her session singing can be heard on various roots music recordings, one of which is just being released. She currently plays guitar and sings with the NB/NS based band The Hound Dog Ramblers
Karen DeCoste, is no stranger to the stage in the Maritimes and beyond. She is a Female Vocalist Master recipient from the ECBMA and a current member, and co-founder of the Bluegrass Tradition Band since 2005. She is a member of the Janet McGarry Band. Karen enjoys song writing and will no doubt perform some original material with this band. She brings her high lonesome vocals to the band and solid bass playing. She loves traditional Bluegrass Music and Mountain Music. She cannot remember when music was not a part of her life, and she now continues the tradition with this new and exciting band.
The Sunny Mountain Gals will grace audiences with Bluegrass, Classic Country, Folk and Oldtime Mountain Music. The song selections are unique, and audiences will be entertained with a light-hearted stage performance. This band showcases female collaboration and innovativeness in their performances.