With a keen sense of melody and a strong storytelling ability (she is Irish, after all) she went on to win supporters at festivals and clubs across Canada, in spite of the corny jokes. Many exciting opportunities presented themselves and soon Laverty was hiring a fabulous graphic artist to design a web page where she could store all these incredible photos and memories.

It all began with the little-CD-that-could. In 2000, Laverty was awarded a Prairie Music Award for Outsanding Roots Recording. (Yes, “roots” not “rock”.) That little CD recorded in her friend’s house in the middle of a Prairie winter (with some very, very talented people) went on to open many more doors, and continues to draw praise at home and abroad. In fact, it paid for her 1979 Impala.

Over the years, Eileen has been invited to perform with several major stars, including Ian Tyson, John McDermott, Kenny Rogers, and Tom Cochrane. She owned recordings of these talented people long before she met them, so it was quite a thrill to share the stage. Some of them even let her travel on their tour bus, in spite of the corny jokes.

Eventually, Eileen went out a bought some shiny shirts that would look good on television. Some people noticed, and she got to sing with Connie Kaldor on a nationally televised series, @ Wood River Hall. Blackie and the Rodeo Kings were on the same night, but they had way cooler outfits.

Not to be outdone, Laverty attended every major music conference in search of image consulting. She jammed with some amazing Australian musicians, and somehow ended up on tour in Ireland with the legendary, Mary Black. Ms. Black had a big hit with Laverty’s song, “Wildest Dreams.” (Wildest Dreams. Go figure.)

Eileen kept a journal wherever she went for the next few years. Actually, it was more of a scrapbook with chicken recipes and a list of cool CDs to check out, but somehow she managed to write some pretty good songs and record a second CD. People who know about these things said, “Eileen returns to the forefront of Canadian folk music with a sophomore album that boasts a solid selection of original songs, lovingly crafted and accompanied by some of the best Canadian talent.”

Laverty is honoured to receive recognition for her songwriting and numerous invitations to sing. CBC seems to dig what she’s doing because they keep asking her to play for them. In spite of the corny jokes. Several of Eileen’s songs have made it onto television shows and films, which is cool and helps put gas in the car.

Most of all, she sincerely appreciates the support of the folks who listen to her music, and who often make her day by taking the time to drop her a note. She is looking forward to getting back out on the road with her incredibly talented bandmates.

And that means more adventures ahead for the shiny-shirted Laverty.

Performance Highlights

Toured with:

• Kenny Rogers, MTS Centre, Winnipeg; Casino Regina (2006)
• Mary Black, Irish Tour (2002)
• John McDermott, Canadian Tour ( 2001, 2002)
• SK Centennial Tour with Tom Cochrane (2005)

Festivals

• Ottawa Folk Festival, ON
• The Dawson City Music Festival, YK
• London Home County Festival, ON
• Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival, BC
• Canmore Folk Festival, AB
• Vancouver Island MusicFest, BC
• The Islands Folk Festival, BC
• Octoberfolk, ON
• Ness Creek Music Festival, SK
• Regina Folk Festival. SK
• Regina Mid-Winter Celtic Festival, SK
• Saskatchewan Festival of Words, SK
• Saskatoon Fringe Festival, SK
• Taste of Saskatchewan Festival, SK
• Flatland Music Festival, SK

Clubs

• Luneburg Folk Society, NS
• Nickelodeon Music Club, AB
• The Rogue Folk Club, BC
• Orillia Folk Society, ON
• Victoria Folk Music Society, BC
• Regina Guild of Folk Arts, SK
• Medicine Hat Folk Music Club, AB
• Uptown Folk Club, AB

Radio & Television

• "Green Life: Learning to Live with the World" (six part documentary
  series, produced for SK broadcaster, SCN, "Green Life: Learning to Live with the World" is a six part documentary series) (theme music) (2009)
• Stirred, Not Shaken • Saskatchewan Songwriters in Concert • CBC (2008)
• Art InClined, with Heather Cline (Episode 11, 2007)(featured artist)
• The Middle of Somewhere, with Sean Virgo (Episode 2, "Call of the Wild" 2007)(music featured)
• Renegade Press, 2006 (music featured)
• Madly Off in All Directions, with Lorne Elliot (2005)(featured performer)
• Saskatchewan Centennial Canoe Quest (Documentary, 2005) (music featured)
• @Wood River Hall, with Connie Kaldor (2003)(featured performer)
• CBC's Sounds Like Canada with Shelagh Rogers (2002) (featured songwriter)
• Prairie Music Awards, televised on CBC Television and Much Music (2000)(featured performer and presenter)

Special Events

• Writing workshop with reknown poet, Glenn Sorestad, U of S Kenderdine Campus at Emma Lake
• SOCAN's Songwriter Circle, WCMAs
• Royal Canadian Legion 80th Anniversary Gala featuring Pamela Wallin and John McDermott (Emceed/performed)
• Guest performer, The Premier's Dinner
• Featured performer, Saskatoon Symphony's Festival of New Music, under the direction of Mr. Earl Stafford
• Co-hosted SOCAN Songwriting sessions at Prairie Music Week
• Guest performer, Bluebird North Series, Songwriters'Association of Canada