Mary Beth Carty - Musician / Folklorist / Artist

An accordionist with a bag of pocket-sized instruments & a dedication to cultural ecology, Mary Beth Carty fuses traditional songs, instrumental tunes, & songwriting. With a live show that runs the gamut of emotions, transporting us from the heights of dance-paced ecstasy to the calm of contemplative airs, she has had the opportunity to tour in North America, Europe, and Africa. Most recently, Mary Beth has performed at the Celtic Colours International Festival, FrancoFest Halifax, and Festivals Acadiens et Créoles in Lafayette, Louisiana. “She got the crowd singing along. It was something else!” - Bill Roach, CBC.

Mary Beth released her second solo album, “Crossing the Causeway” in November 2022. Since then the album has made several appearances on the Earshot! College Radio Charts in Canada has reached No. 1 on Richard Gilman’s Folk Radio DJ Chart, and No. 3 on the Folk Alliance International radio play chart. It has also been nominated for two 2024 Canadian Folk Music Awards.

Mary Beth’s debut solo album, 2017’s Les biens-nommés, earned nominations at the Nova Scotia Music Awards and the ECMA’s. It features original, accordion-fueled songs in French and English, with Donald MacLennan on violin and the Melchin brothers on double bass and percussion.

As a member of the former duo Bette & Wallet, Mary Beth was nominated Traditional Singer of the Year at the 2009 Canadian Folk Music Awards. The duo toured extensively and released two albums, Voici… and Électrique. Their most popular song, “Squeegees,” transforms a public domain French-Canadian song into a humorous, bilingual anthem about urban winter hardships.

In addition to her work as a solo artist, Mary Beth is in demand as a guitar accompanist for Celtic fiddlers and has performed with many of the best, including Cape Breton’s Ashley MacIsaac, Colin Grant, and Chrissy Crowley. She is known for her distinct, rhythmic style, keen ear, and mastery of the unusual DADGAD tuning. Mary Beth is also a square dance caller and dance instructor and has done extensive research on dances from communities all over Eastern Canada.

Learn more @stompinmary