Payne’s old-time fiddle and Celtic music background has translated into a remarkable solo career that has seen her record three studio albums, the latest being 2020’s Darker Than Your Dark jointly produced by Greg Keelor of Blue Rodeo, Maia Davies of Ladies of the Canyon, and James McKenty, formerly of local band The Spades.

Payne’s live performances have consistently garnered acclaim, contributing to her still rising stature on the musical landscape, both locally and well beyond. Her stage and studio collaborations with the likes of Matt Mays, Natalie MacMaster, Nathaniel Smith, Jimmy Bowskill, Keelor and McKenty provide full evidence of her hard-earned and rightful reputation as a musician that other performers eagerly want to join on her journey.

This performance will mark Payne’s third festival appearance. In 2014, she and Dylan Ireland headlined as Express & Co. and, in 2015, she was a featured as part of Woman In Song. Visit Melissa’s website here.