The Cowboy Junkies formed in 1985, and three years later recorded The Trinity Session, an album that would propel them into the international spotlight. Twenty years later, the same four bandmates remain true to their unique artistic vision and the introspective, quiet intensity that is their trademark, all the while electing to travel a singularly independent road.

Touring in support of their acclaimed new release, At the End of Paths Taken, this Canadian quartet gives an intimate glimpse into their world through intensely personal lyrics and haunting melodies.

CAPA will present the Cowboy Junkies at the Southern Theatre (21 E. Main St.) on Saturday, March 22, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $37.50 and $32.50 at the Ohio Theatre Ticket Office (39 E. State St.), all Ticketmaster outlets, and www.ticketmaster.com. To purchase tickets by phone, call 614-431-3600 or 614-469-0939.

Cowboy Junkies were founded by guitarist/songwriter Michael Timmins and bassist Alan Anton who had played together in a Toronto based band called The Hunger Project. In 1985, they were joined by Michael’s brother, Peter, on drums and sister Margo on vocals. The band’s independent debut album, Whites Off Earth Now!! (1986), was soon followed by The Trinity Session (1987) which was released to critical acclaim and landed the band a major record deal.

The Trinity Session’s eventual worldwide success firmly set in motion a career now spanning two decades. Always true to their innovative musical signature, Cowboy Junkies released their 11th studio album, At the End of Paths Taken, in early 2006.

To acknowledge the 20th anniversary of The Trinity Session, the band released Trinity Revisited, a film which documents a compelling ensemble performance of The Trinity Session repertoire through a lens enhanced by 20 years experience and the contributions of guests Ryan Adams, Natalie Merchant, Vic Chesnutt and Jeff Bird.

Special guest Mary Gauthier will join in on this performance. Acclaim has followed Gauthier. Mercy Now was continuously “discovered” and lauded in the two years following its release, earning mentions on a score of year end “best of” lists in 2005, including The Los Angeles Times, The Chicago Tribune and No Depression. The album even received a benediction from Bob Dylan, who included one of its songs on a playlist for his XM Satellite Radio program.

Gauthier’s newest album is titled Between Daylight and Dark.