By Heather Walters
RESIDENTS of the village of Port Ryerse were treated to an intimate evening of music and song recently when Canadian folk musician Ian Tamblyn stopped by at the invitation of event organizer Dan Fewings.
The talented musician managed to make the drive from Quebec just before the ice storm swept across most of the province.
The excellent acoustics of the old church enhanced the folksinger’s voice and the acoustic guitar he played. He entertained the gathering for over two hours, introducing each original song with a humorous tale that had been the inspiration for it.
Ian Tamblyn is 77 years old and was born in Fort William (now Thunder Bay), educated at Trent University, and settled in Quebec.
Over a lifetime of creativity, he has completed over 25 recording projects, beginning with Moose Tracks released in 1971. His first full length album Ian Tamblyn won a Juno (1976) for best album cover. In 1990 his album Magnetic North was nominated for best instrumental album. Mr. Tamblyn plays a variety of instruments including guitar, piano, flute, and hammered dulcimer, a unique instrument.
In 2021, he was appointed an officer of the Order of Canada for his enduring contributions as a folk musician and cultural ambassador for Canada.
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Originally published February 26, 2025
