Songs & Stories

Join Theatre Hill Bar + Café and Breakwater Books for a weekly gathering in August that brings together local musicians and writers for an afternoon of live folk music and readings. Drop in, grab a coffee or a drink, and settle in for a chance to connect with the creative voices in our community.

FEATURED ARTISTS/AUTHORS:

• August 9: Music by Sandy Morris & Anita Best, Reading by Maggie Burton
• August 16: Music by Lady Lupin, Reading by Angela Antle
• August 23: Music by Salt Beef Junkies, Reading by Clayton Smith
• August 30: Music by Anne Devine, Reading by Allison Graves

THIS WEEK:

Comprised of three young musicians keeping traditional Newfoundland music alive, the Salt Beef Junkies are a popular hit with tourists and locals alike. Consisting of Luke Mercer on accordion, guitar, harmonica and vocals, Ty Simms on guitar, mandolin, banjo and vocals, and Alex Mercer on bodhran, the band draws a crowd with their toe tapping tunes. Performing as a group since 2019, they have played numerous venues, festivals, and events throughout eastern and central Canada, and were featured in an episode of HGTV’s “Rock Solid Builds”. In February 2024, they released their debut CD entitled “Somewhere in Between”, available in local and online music stores as well as all streaming platforms. Their album was nominated for Celtic/Traditional Group of the Year at the 2024 Music NL awards and Youth Performer of the Year at the 2025 Canadian Folk Music Awards. As part of their volunteer activities, the Salt Beef Junkies regularly play at various seniors' homes across the St. John's metro area, veteran's support groups, and fundraisers in support of various causes. For their volunteer activities, they were awarded the Quinn Rockstar Award for youth that demonstrate leadership and volunteerism in their community.

Clayton B. Smith is a writer from outport Newfoundland, currently residing in St. John’s. He has a joint honours degree in English and philosophy and a diploma in creative writing from Memorial University. His writing has appeared in various literary magazines, including Riddle Fence and Paragon. A Seal of Salvage, his debut novel, won the gold medal for Best Regional Fiction–Canada East in the 2025 IPPY Awards, and is currently shortlisted for the 2025 Sunburst Award. Clayton’s life revolves around people, pints, and prose, in no particular order.