The Irish Descendants in Toronto at Hugh's Room Live

In 1984, following the untimely passing of Stan Rogers, a young Newfoundland folk singer named Con O’Brien embarked on what so far has been a remarkable 42‑year journey in the Canadian music industry. During his formative years as a performer, O’Brien frequently sang Rogers’ songs many of which told stories of growing up in an East Coast Canadian fishing town. Stan Rogers’ repertoire is celebrated for capturing the essence of the country’s diverse regions and communities, and like many folk musicians and enthusiasts, O’Brien was deeply inspired and transformed by Rogers’ lyrics, music, and storytelling.
In the winter of 2026, O’Brien’s JUNO Award Winning band, The Irish Descendants, featuring Rowan Sherlock, Jeff Kinsman, and Madeline Carter, came together in his historic hometown of Bay Bulls, NL, to record a collection of tribute tracks.
The result, “Our Tribute To Stan Rogers,” is a heartfelt tribute honouring Stan Rogers’ legacy. The album stands as a testament to Rogers’ profound influence on O’Brien’s musical identity and as a labour of love for the band, who hope their renditions will encourage listeners to explore Rogers’ extensive discography, a body of work that remains a national treasure.
Our hope is that this collection will inspire future generations to discover the people and places Rogers spoke about, stories that have endured through time and tide, and that continue to show us, proudly and unmistakably, who we are. November 1.