Conway Hall presents Canadian folk-roots collective The Fugitives, alongside rising star Annie Dresner for the summer’s final Folk Unplugged.

The Fugitives are an acoustic folk-roots group headed by songwriters Adrian Glynn and Brendan McLeod. They’re joined by banjo player Chris Suen (Viper Central) and violinist Carly Frey (The Coal Porters). Over their first five albums, they’ve amassed a JUNO nomination, numerous CFMA and WCMA nominations, and toured extensively through Canada, Europe, and the UK. The band has earned a reputation for unforgettable live shows, brimming with complex harmonies, infectious storytelling and top-notch musicianship. As the CBC has it: “This show is simply brilliant.”

Their latest album No Help Coming ties the complexities of families, partners and friendships into the climate emergency’s ever present priority. The result is an upbeat album that’s both cautionary and uplifting. “It’s an album about resolve,” says Glynn. “It’s upbeat because there’s a lot of resolve to be found in joy. And while humans have a lot of bad things going for us, we can be pretty great at the joy part. So, let’s use it.”

“A sold-out crowd was fed harmonious chants and folksy carols…the music had us glued to our seats” — See Magazine

Born and bred in the heart of NYC, Annie Dresner‘s musical journey started at an unexpected crossroads. The night of her high school graduation, she picked up the family guitar for the very first time and discovered a hidden passion that would change her life. Inspired by icons like Simon & Garfunkel, Carly Simon, and Ben Kweller, she began crafting her own melodies, often humming her thoughts like a secret soundtrack to city life.

Though Annie now calls Cambridge home, her music still resonates with a unique NYC flair, showcasing her knack for rich storytelling, mesmerizing melodies, and lyrics that cut straight to the heart. Often with double-tracked vocals adding depth to her sound, Annie’s music strikes a balance between familiarity and contemporary freshness. Her muse is her own life, a canvas where she paints the vibrant hues of her experiences. Through music, she navigates the world and her place within it, sometimes discovering her true emotions in the process. Some of her songs are personal, while others are inspired by the stories of those around her.

“Dressner is able to paint visceral images and transport the listener to the world of the song.” – American Songwriter