The Barrel Boys

 
A bluegrass powerhouse featuring rich vocal harmonies, killer picking, and a fun-loving, down-to-earth stage presence, Ontario’s The Barrel Boys are a unique staple of Canadian roots music. Informed by the deep traditions of bluegrass, country, old-time, and Americana, The Boys have crafted their unmistakable sound into an exuberant and soulful experience. The Barrel Boys’ music has taken them to festival main stages and concert halls across Canada, and their 2025 album “Chicken in the Window” has earned them nominations for “Vocal Group of the Year” and “Traditional Album of the Year” at the 2026 Canadian Folk Music Awards.
The Barrel Boys are:
Nathan Smith: fiddle, vocals
Rob McLaren: banjo, vocals
Ben Wright: guitar, vocals
Tim O’Reilly: bass, vocals