A storyteller through song, Maria Dunn combines North American folk and country music with the influences of her Celtic heritage. Born in Scotland and raised in Ontario and Alberta, she writes songs inspired by historical and contemporary characters, capturing their struggles and triumphs in her lyrics. In 2002, Maria received a Juno nomination in the Roots/Traditional Solo category for her second recording, For a Song.

Maria's newest CD, 2008's The Peddler (her first distributed through Outside Music), consists of songs that have a distinct Celtic influence. The songs range from The Elder Sister, Maria's ominous take on the timeless Two Sisters tale of jealousy, to You Can't Take That Away, a modern offering for those who have lost a loved one. The title track, The Peddler, is a haunting melody commenting on the marketing of modern wars, while Sailor Song is the rollicking adventure of an 18th century pirate. Katie Comes a-Callin' celebrates the simple joys of friendship while William McIlroy's commemorates a beloved Scottish uncle.