Biography

A strong influence for Bernie’s writing and performing comes from his commitment to humanitarian work in rural Africa for which he received the 2001 Lewis Perinbam Award for International Development. “Another Path”, Bernie’s debut recording, was produced by Bill Garrett and released in 2005. With thirteen eclectic songs inspired by stories of characters living in the realm of his imagination and his own personal journeys, a disaster in Temagami Ontario and his travels in Africa, “Another Path” is evidence of Bernie’s strength as a writer and musician.

An authentic and sensitive storyteller, Bernie’s inspired narratives alight with his resonant vocals, complemented with skillfully crafted guitar and banjo arrangements. Bringing decades of performance experience to the stage, Bernie’s warmth and playful spirit connects with audiences instantly, providing an enriching and refreshing concert experience.

Bernie’s most recent recording, “Oil Boom!” is a ten-song chronicle of stories inspired by the 150th anniversary of the first Discovery of Oil in North America. Commissioned by the Lambton County Museum and Fairbank Oil Properties of Petrolia and Oil Springs, “Oil Boom!” embraces the proud history of the Lambton County Community with honest perspectives of its founding role in Canadian oil heritage. While capturing triumphs and tragedies of the oil boom frenzy, Bernie is accompanied on the recording with fiddle, mandolin, dobro and other acoustic instruments, guided by producer James Gordon.

Originally from Ottawa, Bernie has performed in a number of groups throughout his performance history, among them “Deep River”, “The Tulip Valley Boys” and “The Wild Geese”, ranging from folk to country, celtic, blues and bluegrass, all of which influence his solo performances and songwriting.

Proud to be a favourite at the 33rd Home County Folk Festival in 2006, Bernie looks forward to concerts through the fall and winter and to touring across Ontario in summer of 2009.