PLPA: The Wardens

With The Wardens, it’s all about the stories. Yes, they are musicians, but band founders Scott Ward and Ray Schmidt, as well as fiddler Scott Duncan, have been employed in the national parks of Canada for decades as, yes, wardens. These real-life stewards of the land have written songs, mostly in a country/western style, that chronicle their adventures in the wilderness. Whether the stories be about a daring rescue mission or a humorous encounter with a bear, what always comes through is their love, appreciation and advocacy for the world’s natural wonders. They make it visual as well, performing in front of a screen depicting their work environs and other enhancements to their storytelling. They’ve been recognized for their performing talents at the Canadian Folk Music Awards and have four albums to their credit. But shortly after a winter of concerts, in the spring, they will be heading back to work.