Local legend Dave Gunning & acclaimed Australian singer-songwriter Mark Lang team up for a show at The Carleton to celebrate the upcoming release of Mark’s new album, Wild Swans, and Dave’s latest, Field Notes, on Sunday, July 19th. The two will get down to entertaining business at 7 PM and tickets for this brilliant pairing are $40 + HST.
With over two decades on the road and fifteen albums to his credit, Nova Scotia’s Dave Gunning has earned a reputation as one of Canada’s most engaging and respected folk singer-songwriters. A multiple East Coast Music Award and Canadian Folk Music Award winner, Gunning is celebrated for his warm stage presence, razor-sharp wit, and songs that honour everyday heroes while tackling hard truths.
His music has long reflected his deep roots in Pictou County, where stories of working people, small-town struggles, and local pride shape his songwriting. Whether he’s shining a light on unsung community champions or confronting social and environmental issues close to home, Gunning brings an honesty and empathy to his work that have become his trademark.
Known for his ability to connect with audiences through both laughter and reflection, Gunning’s live shows balance heartfelt storytelling with moments of perfectly timed humour. His rapport with listeners—equal parts genuine, self-effacing, and deeply human—has made him a beloved fixture on stages across Canada and beyond.
Over the years, Gunning has shared the stage with folk greats like Ron Hynes, Rita MacNeil, and Matt Andersen, yet he continues to carve his own path, grounded in the values of community and craftsmanship.
In June 2025, Gunning travelled to Point Lonsdale, Australia, to record his fifteenth studio album, Field Notes. Stripped-back and emotionally rich, the new collection returns to the heart of what he does best: telling stories that remind us who we are, where we come from, and what matters most.
Australian singer/songwriter and film maker Mark Lang is a renowned lyricist and storyteller. He has written three critically acclaimed albums making many ‘album of the year’ lists as the singer/ songwriter of Australian indie band Skipping Girl Vinegar. Thrilling audiences from the main stages at Australia’s premier festivals including solo shows at Bluesfest, Cambridge Folk Festival (UK), Port Fairy Folk Festival, Splendour In The Grass, Woodford Folk, Falls Festival and many more. Mark’s work has received extensive airplay on major national broadcasters Triple J, ABC, Double J and community radio, as well as US college radio play with 7 weeks in the Top 100 CMJ charts, and numerous #1 & #2 positions across the US. Mark toured his debut solo E.P extensively across Europe and North America including a sold out Australian tour.
The second single ‘Seabreeze Land’ from the forthcoming album will be released globally on Friday the 17th of April through MGM. The album ‘Wild Swan’ is set for release in the 2nd half of 2026.