magpies

This Toronto based band has gained popularity at every turn. Their infectious soulful rockin' country sound has been attracting attention since the current line-up was launched in 2005.

The band began when Marcia met Mark Duff (the original Magpie drummer) and hatched a plan to bring her striking songs to a wider audience. Appearing at one of the legendary Toronto "Country Sunday" shows (honouring the late Waylon Jennings) the response was so encouraging that they decided to form a full time band and the Magpies took flight.

Marcia McVean, a gifted artist in many mediums, honed her singing and songwriting craft at the expense of leaving pieces of her heart in PEI and Grassy Narrows First Nation before returning to her hometown of Toronto. Her songs play out like chapters from a book leaving you craving the next installment. She knows of what she sings.

Chris Bennett has had a varied musical ride with his guitars appearing on recordings, TV and radio with The Henrys (jazz/roots), The New Millennium Orchestra (experimental), Washboard Hank (hillbilly), Bleecker Street (R&B), Heather Morgan (country soul), and Cindy Archer (alt-country), performing on CBC radio/TV, City/Muchmusic, Global and CTV. and in an assortment of 'guitar for hire' situations.

Rob Clarke, an adept artist who just published his first graphic novel and Dino Naccarato are veterans of the Toronto country roots circuit. They first played together as members of The Frizzells. They’ve been spotted performing with the Rizdales, The Countrypolitians and Ancient Chinese Secret fronted by Brian Connelly, a Magpie alumni member and fan.

The four musicians have found a connection they share on and off stage translating it passionately to their live show.
Marcia and Chris also perform as a acoustic duo or as a trio adding Rob on stand up bass.