Maureen Chambers has been a cornerstone of Southern Alberta’s folk music community for more than 45 years as a founder, performer, organizer, and artistic director. While studying at the University of Lethbridge, she helped establish the Lethbridge Folk Club in 1979, playing at its first official event and contributing to the organization that continues to thrive today. Fellow founder Barry Hegland later reflected that Maureen was one of the individuals who gave the club its true folk club direction.
In 1987, Maureen was also there at the beginning of the South Country Fair, which grew from a gathering of regional folk clubs into a celebrated annual festival. She continues to serve as the festival’s Artistic Director, guided by a belief that music creates community. As she has said, the South Country Fair is “a reunion for like-minded people who love music.”
Through decades of leadership, Maureen has helped shape the folk music community in Southern Alberta, creating lasting opportunities for artists, audiences, and future generations.