We are saddened to learn of Bill Lopushinky’s passing. A founding member of Jerusalem Ridge, Bill played at the festival several times over the years. He will be missed.

From Keith Burgess: “We’re sad to hear that our friend Bill Lopushinsky, mandolin player extraordinaire and a long-time fixture of the Alberta bluegrass scene, passed away yesterday (Sept. 20, 2022).  Bill, a founding member of Edmonton’s Jerusalem Ridge and a former staff member at Myhre’s Music, died in Westlock, AB hospital at the age of 66 after a two-year battle with pancreatic and liver cancer.

Bill was known for his blistering instrumentals, lovely tremolo, George Shuffler-style fingerpicked bluegrass guitar, and a high, lonesome tenor voice. He appeared on six recordings with Jerusalem Ridge between 1989 and 2003 and was a guest on several other recordings by such artists as local folk musician Maria Dunn and Calgary singer-songwriter Tom Wilson. A faithful and devoted believer in Jesus Christ, he enjoyed bluegrass gospel music, especially Stanley Brothers repertoire, and sang along in many Sunday morning gospel workshops and church services during the summer festival season, including some of those events at Edmonton Folk Festival.

A memorial service will be announced by family at a later date. Condolences may be sent directly to Bill’s brothers, Andy and Mike, and their families at:  holleywood440@yahoo.ca“