September 02, 2025

Granite Hill continues to chart a path in Canadian Bluegrass, plays Markdale September 12

BY SOUTHGREY.CA STAFF — Loosely-formed in 2018, the Granite Hill bluegrass band had modest ambitions, mainly to just have fun jamming together or entertaining at local events. But the Canadian bluegrass community quickly caught on to their talents and the group was asked to play at several Ontario festivals through 2019.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought their popularity to a halt with no public bookings for the next couple of years, but the band kept their instruments engaged at various family gatherings and casual outings.

Fast-forward to 2022, and Granite Hill seemed to be back on track. That is, until lead singer and guitar player Al Draper was diagnosed with throat cancer and the group took a six-month hiatus while Al underwent treatment.

Much to everyone's relief, Al's voice survived with a renewed sense of purpose. Over the next few years, the band took on successful gigs at the Elmira Music Festival, as well as several Bluegrass Festivals including Tottenham, River Valley, and Mud Creek.

Recently, Granite Hill was featured in Bluegrass Canada Magazine, a sure sign that they have officially made it onto the Canadian bluegrass scene.

Boasting impressive resumés, each of the five current members have honed their craft and tightened their sound as a band, playing a mix of traditional and newer bluegrass numbers as well as gospel and other genres, including the classic tune, The Weight, written by Canada's Robbie Robertson and immortalized by Levon Helm, Robertson and The Band.

Always growing their repertoire, the group continually adds songs and tries new things.

Granite Hill consists of:

Doug McNaughton: A master fiddle teacher and contest judge with extensive experience playing fiddle for country acts such as Marie Bottrell and Terry Sumsion.

Norm Tellier: A veteran player in groups Clean Sweep, Northern City Limits, General Store and the Commercial Bluegrass Band. He is a two-time recipient of the CCBA Mandolin Player of the Year award, and sings most of the tenor harmony.

Steve Greer: Steve has over 40 years of experience performing and recording with various artists. Steve’s 5-string banjo style compliments the Granite Hill ensemble, and he adds baritone harmony vocals on many numbers as well.

Al Draper: One of the strongest lead singers in Canadian bluegrass today. He brings many years of experience on guitar and has a passion for music and bluegrass harmony. Al also handles the band’s sound requirements.

Neil Cudney: Neil grew up surrounded by music and plays several instruments. He began playing bluegrass at the Waterloo Wellington club jams years ago, and hasn’t stopped since. Neil plays upright bass with the band, also contributing vocals – and his joyful spirit.

Granite Hill will perform at the Annesley Church in Markdale, 82 Toronto Street South in Markdale on Friday, September 12. The concert begins at 7 pm. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Tickets are $35 general admission. Kids under 12 are free. For more information, visit www.MiddleGrey.events.

 

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