Loud in the Pines is an Edmontonian folk duo who delivers heartfelt songs with captivating harmonies. Spencer Taubner and Kelin Flanagan write music dedicated to the people and places they love, from the wide open prairies of their home to the forests and oceans they dream about. Their first full-length record, Every Colour Left, was supported by the Edmonton Arts Council and recognized with a Canadian Folk Music Award (2026, Producer of the Year); it explores stories of place and community in soaring full-band arrangements. With a focus on storytelling in cinematic natural settings, and a sound that centres on seamless vocal harmonies and acoustic guitar, Loud in the Pines leaves audiences with renewed appreciation for the winding pathways in life.

Readings from Capital City Press Authors:

David van Belle is an Edmonton-based playwright and occasional poet whose works include The Highest Step in the World, GIANT, The Last Voyage of Donald Crowhurst (all with Eric Rose at Ghost River Theatre), Liberation Days (Theatre Calgary) and BUZZ JOB! The True Story of Cal Cavendish (One Yellow Rabbit’s High Performance Rodeo). David has been Writer-in-Residence for the Edmonton Public Library, Playwright-in-Residence at Alberta Theatre Projects, an ensemble member of One Yellow Rabbit and Creator-in-Residence for Ghost River Theatre. His 1940s-era adaptation of A Christmas Carol is currently running annually at the Citadel Theatre in Edmonton.

Violet St. Clair is a retired teacher based in Edmonton who now devotes her time to travelling, writing, languages and reading anything other than essays in curriculum development. She has published with CBC, Vancouver Sun, Intrepid Times, Halfway Down the Stairs, Stereo Stories and The Globe and Mail.