CRYSTAL LAKE — The Kelly Brothers kicked off the Fun in the Sun weekend at Crystal Lake on Aug. 1.
The band blends country, rock and folk into a harmony-rich sound honed over decades of performing across Western Canada, stated a release from the Crystal Lake Recreation Committee.
Committee chairperson Shawn Krotenko welcomed and introduced the band.
Known for their tight brotherly vocals and heartfelt original songs, the Kelly Brothers have been part of award-winning acts and earned comparisons to the Eagles, Restless Heart, the Doobie Brothers, the Gatlin Brothers and Alabama. Rooted in tradition but driven by authenticity, they deliver music that resonates with soul and stories.
Brian, Anthony and Blake Kelly grew up on a farm in the Qu’Appelle Valley near Rocanville in a musical family. From an early age, they sang with their mom and two younger brothers, while their dad accompanied them on guitar. Today, their shows highlight their signature family harmonies, blending original songs with country, rock and pop classics, particularly from well-known “brother” acts.
In 1995, Brian and Anthony founded the country band Shifty Morgan. When Brian moved on, Blake stepped in, and in 2002 the band released its debut album, Anything But Easy, featuring original songs written by Anthony. Anthony later released a solo album, As a Working Man (2012), and has been recognized for his songwriting with awards from the Saskatchewan Country Music Association and CBC. His music has been recorded by numerous Canadian artists and played on radio stations across the country.
Following Shifty Morgan’s early days, a friend invited the brothers and their mom to perform a Christmas show in Forget, Sask. What started as a one-time request has grown into a tradition lasting more than 25 years. With two Christmas albums, Christmas, At Last! (2005) and The Magic of Christmas (2012), and countless performances in southeastern Saskatchewan, they continue to share the spirit of the season through music.
Brian left Shifty Morgan in 1997 to become a full-time touring musician, playing with country acts like Trick Ryder and the Poverty Plainsmen. Today, he continues to perform as a freelance bass player and singer for artists such as Chris Henderson, JJ Voss and Alex Runions. His bass work has also been featured on recordings by Megan Nash, JJ Voss and Jess Moskaluke, earning him recognition as an award-winning bassist and songwriter from the Saskatchewan Country Music Association.
Beyond Shifty Morgan, Blake and Anthony have also showcased their talents in musical theatre, taking on starring and supporting roles in productions with Creative Visions Productions in Moosomin.
Despite taking different musical paths over the years, family and music remain at the heart of the Kelly Brothers. Their performances bring audiences back to the joy of great music, heartfelt harmonies and the warmth of being surrounded by loved ones.
