The Burying Ground

Artist Website

Formed in 2014, The Burying Ground is a collective rooted in the sounds of 1920s and ’30s ragtime, country blues, early string bands, and folk music. Woody Forster and Devora Laye’s musical journey began in the East Van punk scene before they dove deep into the world of roots music, discovering a shared passion for the raw, timeless sounds of early American folk. Their transition from punk to roots music has shaped the unique energy and authenticity they bring to The Burying Ground today.

Having toured throughout Western Canada and the United States, the band has performed as a duo, trio, and quartet, and now regularly plays as a five-piece. Their four albums speak for themselves—lively, true, meaningful, and memorable from start to finish. The albums Big City Blues (2015), Country Blues & Rags (2017), The Burying Ground (2017), and A Look Back (2020) capture the essence of their sound, blending original songs with vintage influences. The band has plans to record a new full-length album in late 2025.

Their music explores mental health, the trauma of war, social justice, and love—both lost and found—offering a modern reflection within a vintage musical framework. With an eclectic mix of fingerstyle guitar, upright bass, harmonica, washboard, fiddle, and the haunting musical saw, The Burying Ground creates a distinctive sound that resonates across generations.

Whether performing on large festival stages or in intimate house concerts, The Burying Ground captivates audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Fusing the raw energy of their punk roots with the timeless traditions of early string bands and American folk music, they invite listeners to rediscover the magic of the past while offering a fresh perspective on today’s world.

Past and current additional supporting musicians include: ​
Joshua Doherty – harmonicas, harmonies
Alex Hallbom – upright bass
April Stainsby – fiddle

Bio from artist’s EPK. Photo credit: Mary Matheson Photography

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