Stephen Hardy Palmer
Stephen Hardy Palmer brings a quiet depth to the stage, shaped by years of songwriting, touring, and deep listening. With a warm vocal style and an understated fingerstyle guitar approach, his performances feel grounded—reflecting a life lived in service of the song.
Raised on gospel, country, and prairie blues in Edmonton, Palmer began his career in the thick of the '60s, sharing stages with acts like Led Zeppelin, The Who, and Cream. He gradually found his place in the acoustic world, trading the volume of rock for the nuance of folk and roots. His journey has taken him from Alberta’s barrooms to listening rooms across Canada’s western provinces.
Now based in Gatineau, Quebec, Palmer has released five albums of original material since 2003, reaching audiences through CBC programs like Vinyl Cafe and Disc Drive, as well as independent stations nationwide. His latest project, The Journey in Story and Song, is a deeply personal tribute to his late partner, Lorraine—an album that highlights the emotional honesty and subtlety at the heart of his craft.
Inducted into the Edmonton Music Hall of Fame in 2018, Palmer continues to tour and share music that feels less like a performance and more like a conversation—one that lingers long after the final note fades.
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QUOTES
"Pretty darn good!" - Stuart McLean, The Vinyl Cafe
"Nice playing!" - Valdy​
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"Spreading his musical joy wherever he goes!"- Peter Pirquet, Full Moon Folk Club, Edmonton AB
"A wonderful entertaining everyone thoroughly enjoyed! Lots of positive comments coming from Steve's concerts."- Cherlyn and Dennis Cain, Westminster United Church, The Pas MB
"With his fine original songs, solid picking and easy-going humour, Steve Palmer earned a strong encore from our very appreciative audience." -Vic Bell, Nickelodeon Music Club (Calgary AB)
“Not to be missed! Stephen Palmer was a great addition to our Spring line-up, providing depth and variety that was much appreciated by our audience." -Heartwood Folk Club, Athabasca AB
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“What a blessing! Even two weeks later, there are people talking about how much they enjoyed the concert. I look forward to hearing Steve again soon!” Rev. James Lavoy, Rio Terrace Community Moravian Church - Edmonton, AB
“Stephen's heartfelt lyrics, deep melodic vocals and deft guitar work charmed the hall" Mayne Island Folk Club, Mayne BC
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“... Steve engages the audience easily and takes them with him on his musical journey. The results are beautiful.” - LWKossey, Chemainus BC
“A very delightful evening of musical entertainment. Dozens of people commented on how much they enjoyed Steve’s show. Everyone felt we should have more of these types of shows in our small town. Maybe we have started a trend. We’re looking forward to seeing Steve again, the next time he plays our town we will be there!” -Fern and Jim Klassen, United Church, Westlock AB
