Culleton and friends turning on the bluegrass style with new release

St. Boniface

St. James-Assiniboia

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This article was published 27/08/2025 (359 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

James Culleton has been feeling folksy lately.

The St. Boniface-based folk musician and visual artist recently released Superfolk, a new children’s album that will accompany his touring show, accurately called The James Culleton Touring Show.

The album is a collection of 12 songs based on his previously released album called Superfun! — the twist here is that the songs on the new release are performed bluegrass-style.

His fourth children’s album, Culleton said he wanted to ensure listeners to the new album — whether its kids or adults — are fully immersed in the music.

The album features the guitar playing of Grant Siemens, who also helped Culleton produce Superfolk, as well as the banjo played by Tim Osmond and the violin of Jeremy Penner. It was recorded at Scott Nolan’s Song Shop — which is based in St. James — with Jamie Sitar, and some of the sessions featured local kids contributing backup vocals and witty one-liners to the mix, Culleton said.

“I play lots of folk festivals, and when I think of contemporary music, people always seem to be doing remixes of things,” said Culleton, whose recent gigs include a performance at the Calgary Folk Music Festival. “And I thought to myself, ‘why don’t I have a rethink myself, and play bluegrass with some friends?’ I think it came together pretty well — taking songs and creating new arrangements.”

Some of these new arrangements will be performed live at Frenchie’s Records & Coffee (260 Tache Ave) on Sept. 2 at 1 p.m., when Culleton will be joined by his bluegrass pals to celebrate the release of the album.

Creatively, Culleton thrives on continuing to develop and evolve his act on stage, which treats audiences to different instruments, costumes, and props.

“When I think of each song, I try and up my game,” Culleton said, noting he’s on his third homemade spaceship prop at this point.

There’s also a pyrotechnic element, with sparklers being used as the spaceship’s rockets.

“With each song, I’m trying to evolve the performance and make it the best it can be,” he said.

Culleton said being a kids’ performer is so rewarding, not least because of the enthusiasm and engagement of this demographic.

“It’s kind of wild when kids become uninhibited,” Culleton said, adding he also performs shows at local libraries.

The new album is available on Bandcamp, and CDs will also be available at Culleton’s shows.

Visit James Culleton Art & Design on Facebook for more information.