Shane Pendergast has folk music in his blood. Growing up in Prince Edward Island, he hails from a lineage of storytellers and musicians. He began singing and playing guitar at a young age, and performed frequently at small halls across PEI with his family. His love for folk music deepened as he took a fondness to the songs of Gordon Lightfoot and Stompin’ Tom Connors—artists who would influence his own musical journey.
After high school, Shane moved to Toronto to study Documentary Filmmaking and English at York University. While there, he performed in pubs on weekends, gradually honing his craft and finding his voice as a songwriter. Drawing inspiration from the landscapes and lore of his Maritime home, Shane’s songs began to take shape, resonating with themes of community, history, and the sea.
In 2020, Shane returned to PEI, where he founded the Jack Pine Folk Club—a monthly gathering inspired by the coffeehouses of the 1960s, featuring a mix of traditional music and poetry. Under Shane’s guidance, the Jack Pine stage has become a vibrant hub for folk music, attracting talent from across Canada.
Shane’s 2021 album, Second Wind, won Contemporary Roots Album of the Year at the Music PEI Awards, further cementing his reputation as a leading voice in Canadian folk. His 2023 live album, The House Before the Bridge, was nominated for Roots/Traditional Recording of the Year at the East Coast Music Awards.
With performances at renowned festivals like Celtic Colours International Festival and Small Halls Australia, Shane has brought his music to audiences across the globe. Currently residing in Corran Ban, PEI, he is set to release his fourth album, Winter Grace, in January 2025—a work that promises to delve even deeper into the Maritime spirit that has always been at the heart of his music.
