Mama's Broke

On May 28, 2026 at the Ritz PDB in Montreal, Mama’s Broke sets up its dark, minimalist acoustic folk close to the voices. Carried by the close harmonies of Lisa Maria and Amy Lou Keeler, the duo moves between North American traditions and Irish, Balkan and Celtic hues. Guitar, banjo and fiddle trade melodic lines in service of songs that range from narrative ballads to maritime laments, with lyrics rooted in everyday life and popular history. Born on the DIY scene between Montreal and Canada’s East Coast, the project retains a taste for intimacy and austerity, where every breath counts.

On stage, Mama’s Broke weaves a repertoire in which collected traditional songs and original compositions answer one another. The albums Count the Wicked (2017) and Narrow Line (2022) have honed their work on vocal arrangements and this tension between Appalachian old‑time and contemporary folk. The set spotlights the strength of the voices, the precision of the strings and a storytelling sense that keeps the audience riveted, with guest openers.