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Have Faith - Springtime is around the corner!
Next Entertainment Date: April 9 at Sturgeon Creek II!
Be it the lilt of a wind instrument, sonorous harmonies of the accordion bellows, foundational statement of the bass or stroke of the 6-string; MATCHSTALK Men offer an eclectic array of music to entertain and engage. The musical manuscript spans cover tunes from past decades as well as a body of original work that speaks of love, loss and litigation.
Through scholarly research, and a well-timed article entitled Don't Stop the Music by Maggie Penman of the Washington Post, we have come to appreciate that music is indeed medicine. The benefits of music listening and engagement are significant and particularly in improving and maintaining cognitive abilities. We are delighted to set the table of music and memories for all!
We are Prairie folk, proudly toiling and creating at the geographical center of Canada where, seasonally dependent, our arses are either fried or frozen. It is in this place of body and mind that we have honed our sound and, with glee and grateful recompense, are thrilled to share.
The MATCHSTALK Men contingent is comprised of K. David McLeod: bass/ wind/ vocals, Al Mapes: accordion/ vocals and Art E. Martin: guitar/ vocals.
Contact Information
Contact Information
If you are so inspired to seek out this merry band of minstrels, contact our Prolocutor:
David McLeod - Ph: Mobile (431) 373-4090 / Email: kdmcleod777@gmail.com/ web: www.sites.google.com/view/matchstalk
So What is 'Matchstalk' All About?
So What is 'Matchstalk' All About?
We are often asked 'where did you get your group name?...where does the term Matchstalk come from''? Our group name is derived from a song inspired by an eccentric English painter: Lawrence Lowry, who was famous for painting scenes of life in the industrial districts of Northwest England in the earlier-20th century. He developed a distinctive style of painting and is best known for his urban landscapes peopled with human figures often referred to as 'matchstick men' (just look at the Lowry painting that is the background image at the top of our website page). Matchstick morphed to Matchstalk and here we are!
Newsy Stuff
Newsy Stuff
What a unique and interesting experience we shared in the collaboration of the Company of Poets and Matchstalk at our performance of January 28 at Holy Family Home! Fertile and creative ground indeed!
Always a delight to entertain and involve our friends at The Boulton as per our concert of January 15. And yes, we'll definitely be back! See you October.
2026 began with a spirited and engaging performance for the good folk of Devonshire II on January 2. Your kind words and hearty invitation back were much appreciated and we definitely look forward to a return engagement!
Our deep thanks to all our friends, Directors of Entertainment and Activities, Managers and thoughtful residents for whom we have had the priviledge to perform for, and connect with, in 2025. We look forward to being with you in 2026!
The River Ridge II folks gave us another warm welcome with the River Ridge Whoooop! following our musical hour together on December 10!
Testimonials
Testimonials
We're delighted to share in comments we've received from the kind folk that we have entertained:
"There are entertainment groups - then there is you guys. Not only are you quality muscians with a great sound; you clearly have a vibe that connects with people...that's the magic sauce. " Robbie: West Park Manor visitor
''You guys make the good 'ol days great again!" Elizabeth: The Waverley
"You are great and especially you've got cool matching socks! " Helen: Dakota House resident.
"You are not only highly entertaining but scholarly too! " Betty: Riverside Social Club member
"I was recently in the USA and saw the Taylor Swift show...you guys are just as good!" Gerry: Rosewood visitor
"You're the BEST!!!" Caitlin: Simkin Centre
"When Matchstalk is on the play bill - we're assured of a full house!" Shira: Rady Social Club
''Please come back!' Carol: Gwen Sector Centre
'You guys are awesome - one of the best groups we have coming to entertain!' Brett: Lion's Manor
'We really appreciate the unique and varied music Matchstalk plays - something for everyone!' Nancy: Concordia Village
'We LOVE your original music!...does it come in 8-track?' Lydia: Middlechurch Home
'By the time you're done...I'm done!...what great dance music!' Marie: The Waverley
'Matchstalk is perfect for our Pub Night entertainment - we definitely want you back!' Lynn: Misericordia Place
''More cowbell!' Owen: Shaftesbury Park
'You guys are way different then we thought we were going to get for entertainment - and that's great!' Kris: Catherine's Place
'These guys are peppy!...make sure you bring them back!' Resident of the Boulton commenting to Activity Director Alyssa
Tidbits & Musical Morsels
Tidbits & Musical Morsels
We've got another YouTube offering of Matchstalk Men In Performance! Have a look and listen...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gilYF40izxM&feature=youtu.be
Crank up the eight-track to enjoy these other morsels of a few of our original compositions:
MATCHSTALK Calendar 2026
MATCHSTALK Calendar 2026
JANUARY
2 @ 2:00pm: Devonshire House II
15 @ 1:00pm: The Boulton
22 @ 2:15pm: Vista Park Lodge
28 @ 6:00pm: Holy Family Home
FEBRUARY
6 @ 2:30pm: The Waverley
8 @ 2:00pm: Simkin Centre
13 @ 2:00pm: Devonshire House I
19 @ 6:15pm: Misericordia Place Pub Nite
MARCH
ON TOUR - We're away during March!
APRIL
9 @ 2:30pm: Sturgeon Creek II
13 @ 2:00pm: Concordia Village
14 @ 1:00pm: Pembina Active Living
17 @ 2:30pm: The Waverley
22 @ 12:30pm: Bethania Haus
MAY
3 @ 2:00pm: Simkin Centre
8 @ 1:00pm: Deer Lodge PRIME
13 @ 2:00pm: The Wellington
21 @ 2:15pm: Vista Park Lodge
28 @ 2:00pm: Devonshire House II
JUNE
4 @ 1:45pm: Villa Cabrini
14 @ 2:00pm: Westpark Manor
17 @ 2:00pm: The Rosewood - Group 1
22 @ 2:00pm: Concordia Village
23 @ 2:30pm: Calvary Place
24 @ 2:00pm: The Rosewood - Group 2
JULY
17 @ 2:30pm: The Waverley
28 @ 1:00pm: Deer Lodge PRIME
AUGUST
24 @ 2:00pm: The Courtyards - Linden Pointe
28 @ 1:30pm: Catherine Place
SEPTEMBER
24 @ 2:15pm: Vista Park Lodge
OCTOBER
23 @ 2:30pm: The Waverley
NOVEMBER
5 @ 1:45pm: Villa Cabrini
DECEMBER
Image Library
Image Library
Dakota House - November 13, 2025... Matchstalk Men made the Big Screen at their spirited evening performance! (Photo courtesy of Suzanne)
Riverside Social Club - Thank You Card March, 2024...a lovely and thoughtful expression of appreciation for our performance of March 16, 2024; a true FUN group!
St James-Assiniboia 55+ Club: Schnitzel Fest - May 22, 2025. Beer and bratwurst filled the air along with lots of 'eins-zwei-drei' toasts to good times!
Social Club: Rady Centre - May 8, 2023...We were delighted to perform for a return engagement for the Social Club! (Photo courtesy of Earl Palansky)
Social Club: Rady Centre - May 8, 2023. During a lull in the musical performance, Prof Mapes gave an intriguing dissertation on how many social ills, doubious fiscal policies and climate change issues could be addressed if only more diminished 9th chords were used in today's contemporary music. (Photo courtesy of Earl Palansky)
The Waverley - November 4, 2022...We were pleased to entertain the Rosewood dancing crowd! (Photo courtesy of world- renowned photographer & guitar noodler: Frank Yong Inc.)
Rady Centre - September 12, 2022...We were delighted to be entertainment for the inaugural Social Club event! What a marvelous group and stunning venue.
Millenium Gardens - July 28, 2022...One of our most anticipated entertainment events of the year and the Gardeners are a wonderful bunch!
Vista Park Lodge - October 7, 2021...It was a VERY windy and warm Oktoberfest musical celebration with our friends at Vista Park and Alpine Al came appropriately dressed for the occasion!
The Waverley - June 30, 2021...Matchstalk is back! Musically energized, fully immunized and (in the blazing heat) very unwinterized with Al Mapes squeezing Rollie's bellows.
Welcome Al Mapes! - Al Mapes takes over lead accordion duties and is seen here with Art Martin performing in the 2017 Mainstage Show at Folklorama's Scottish Pavillion. (And yes, the boys were in their kilts - perhaps even commando style!)
Canadian Retirement Home Music (CRHM) Awards - Sporting his Matchstalk jersey, Art Martin accepts top honours for the group at the CRHMA awards ceremony!
Lion's Place - April 30, 2019 Tutti-Frutti Party...the vote was unanimous as to who was Tutti and who was Fruiti.
Robbie Burns Society - November 16, 2019...the Men always enjoy playing for people of the Scottish bard!
Spooky times at the Lion's Manor Halloween Gig of October 31, 2019!...the mustachioed Matchstalk Men!
Portsmouth - January 3, 2019...Boys in Blue are back
The Men and their promo poster-boys image
The Archives - Our History
The Archives - Our History
Matchstalk Men began almost 30 years ago and since that time has undergone changes in personnel, musical landscapes and the inevitable passage of time for its members. The current Matchstalk iteration is Version 4.0 and this section is dedicated to those that have gone before.
The roots of Matchstalk go back to a celtic musical genre. Version 1.0 of the group was comprised of (from l to r) Peter Walker, Biron Ebel and David McLeod.
This band of minstrels entertained at a varied venues from local cultural associations, to commercial establishments to retirement residences. One of the earliest images of the group performing was during their 1996 tour of duty as part of the main stage show at the Pavilion of Scotland during Folklorama, one of Winnipeg's premier cultural celebrations
The image above shows a kiltified Master McLeod sallying forth on vocals and holding on for dear life while accompanied by Byron (guitar) and Peter (bodhran).
In the early 2000s, Joe Kalmar was added to the musical mix converting the trio to a quartet. Not only was Joe an accomplished and versatile accordionist; he considerably raised the band's handsome coefficient. Thus Matchstalk Version 2.0 came to be. As well, Matchstalk's music library grew to include a range of vintage, global, eclectic and contemporary offerings.
Sadly, in November 2011 the world lost a unique person and musician in the passing of Peter Walker and Matchstalk was once again a trio (from l to r) Joe Kalmar, Biron Ebel and David McLeod.
It was during this period that Byron and David began collaborating in composing original tunes that have become a staple in the Matchstalk musical repertoire.
Once again, Father Time came calling in March 2017 with the sudden passing of the gentleman and noted musician that was Biron Ebel.
The winds of change blew once again and Matchstalk Men Version 3.0 arose with the constitution of a new trio consisting of (from l to r) Art Martin, David McLeod and Joe Kalmar.
David and Art carried forward the interest in compositional collaboration with the creation of a number of Matchstalk originals.
In 2021, the Matchstalk trio evolved once again when David and Art welcomed Al Mapes as our accordionist and music theory tour-de-force...and so the beat goes on.
With today's Matchstalk Men Version 4.0, we are grateful to all the band mates who have been part of this august group and the legacy, commitment and memories that is the history of this merry troupe.
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