A home grown musician has come back to her roots, as the main event for Picnic at the Piano yesterday.

Ellen Doty grew up in the Foothills and says she's happy to be back home.

"Coming back to my hometown is always really special.  It's the place where I started with music, so coming back home and seeing lots of familiar faces really means a lot to me."

Doty, who was excited to have her music celebrated here at home says Picnic at the Piano is also a good networking experience for emerging artists, and she was proud to be a part of.

"Oh it was awesome! I saw lots of people that I wasn't expecting to see, and familiar faces from town." Doty Shares "I met some new people as well, so it was a good experience and I was happy to be a part of it."

After growing up in Okotoks Doty went on to study vocal jazz at Carlton University in Ottawa.

Since University the Okotoks artist has performed with some of her jazz idols such as  Al Kay, Pat Labarbera and PJ Perry.

She says these artists and many more have a huge influence in her music.

"My music is rooted in Jazz, but includes lots of other influences like pop and soul." Doty says excitedly "I released my debut album in 2014, I'm working on my second album that I just finished recording in Toronto and that will come out later this year."

The next Picnic at the Piano event will take place July 26th with Andrea Petrity.