To mark 50 years of the Festival du Voyageur, we have recruited the best traditional artists. These artists will make you want to jig and dance until the wee hours of the morning. By January 15, we will publish 10 artists on our mobile application each week. Download the app now to be among the first to discover the artists!
1) Colin’s Hens
Unearthing dark Quebec roots, adding electrifying energy and alluring modesty. It’ll give a mind-blowing trad-folk groove from Les Poules to Colin.
2) Ashley MacIsaac
With already more than 500,000 copies of his albums sold, fiddler Ashley MacIsaac is one of the most recognized artists in the history of Canadian folk music. He will be in concert on February 24 in the Rivière Rouge Bell MTS Tent.
3) Alain-François
Alain-François combines violin, electric guitars, drums, bass as well as various percussion instruments. He does neo-trad, a term which, for him, means both respect for tradition and a new contribution. You’re going to jig so hard that there’ll be wood shavings in your moccasins the next day.
4) Dominique Dupuis
Bretons quickly fell under the spell of this Acadian violinist from the Festival interceltique de Lorient and nicknamed her “the young bride of the Celtic nations”. Just listen to a short extract of music to understand why.
5) Nicolas Pellerin and the Great Howlers
Since 2009, the modern trad music trio Les Grands Hurleurs, composed of Nicolas Pellerin (vocals, violin, feet, cajon), Stéphane Tellier (guitar, mandolin) and Simon Lepage (bass guitar, double bass), shines on the stages from Quebec, Canada and the United States, but also from Europe with his music imbued with dynamism and prowess.
6) The Duhks
The Duhks have been nominated for a GRAMMY award and won a JUNO. Their concert is truly a spiritual experience. They will be performing on February 17 at the Caisse Groupe Financier sugar shack.
7) Bandaline
Bandaline is good traditional music from here! Rooted in Manitoba, the group is inspired by the songs of travelers and Celtic, Métis, Acadian, Quebec and Cajun music, interpreted with humor.
8) Early Spirit
Everyone can dance and sing to the rhythms of the fusion-folk sounds of Early Spirit. These four native musicians from the Canadian west coast want to challenge your love for music that captures your spirit through spellbinding sounds and the sharing of traditional and contemporary stories.
9) The Osmond Davis Band
These 5 Manitobans have a real passion for bluegrass and honky tonk music. They are performing on February 23 in the Rivière-Rouge Bell MTS Tent.
10) La Raquette à Claquettes
For more than 20 years, La Raquette à Tappers has been inviting bon vivants to its traveling kitchen party. The Regina quintet is inspired by French-Canadian and Métis traditions and bluegrass and western sounds. A musical universe where harmonies and humor are always in the spotlight.
