Pamela Rooney is a Canadian Country singer, songwriter, and guitarist focused on traditional themes with juust a bit of “Pamela” inserted. Born in Gaspé Quebec, Canada she started in 2005 by releasing her first album,with many traditional Country songs. In 2016 Pamela released her second album, Bring It on, with her own originals, and a little bit of Classic country, and New Country , with just a touch of her Irish origin. In 2019 and again in 2020 Pamela appeared on the 2nd oldest broadcasting radio (second only to The Grand Ol’ Opry), The Wheeling Jamboree in West Virginia at the Capital Theatre sharing the stage with one of her idols, Marty Stuart. In 2022 Pamela came out with her hit album, Storms Never Last , that climbed the charts all over the world including Ireland, Texas, England, Mexico, USA, Canada, Quebec, and many many more. In 2022 She performed at the Texas Sounds International Country Music Awards in Marshall, Texas, representing Canada. Out of many artist throughout many countries . Pamela brought back not one, but two awards, “Texas Spirit Artist of the Year” and “Texas Heritage Artist of the Year.” In 2023 Pamela once again was nominated for numerous awards. This time she came home with an award that she will never forget, “Entertainer of the Year!” A few months after that, Pamela awarded “Gold Record International” by Musique du Bout du Monde, in recognition of her hit song Country Ain’t Country Anymore.

The Irish Descendants played a pivotal role in introducing traditional Newfoundland music to a broader Canadian audience during the early 1990s, sharing the stage with other iconic bands like Great Big Sea. Their authentic renditions of timeless tunes from the East Coast, blended with an Irish twist, have made them a cherished part of Canada’s folk music scene. Their popularity soared to such heights that they were chosen as the official band for Newfoundland and Labrador’s 500th-anniversary celebrations, where they had the honour of performing for Her Majesty the Queen. This landmark event marked a turning point for the band.

The Barr Brothers are a group out of Montreal fronted by the poly-rhythmic, jocular drumming of Andrew Barr and the songs and guitar playing of brother Brad Barr. Bass, pedal steel, keyboards, and horns come in and out of the mix freely. Equally at home in solemn Arcadian ballads, swampy North African improvs, or classic rock and roll revelry, The Barr Brothers continue to embrace and enchant audiences with their methodical-yet-whimsical approach to music making.

As the Committee for Anglophone Social Action (CASA) celebrates a monumental 50 years of serving and strengthening the English-speaking communities of the Gaspé Coast, music once again takes center stage. This November, Shigawake will host a vibrant edition of CASA’s signature Homegrown musical initiative — an event that amplifies not only local sound, but local soul.

What began in 2022 as a humble series of talent shows has evolved into one of the region’s most spirited cultural movements. By 2023, the inaugural Homegrown Show saw 30 musicians unite on one stage in Paspebiac, igniting a tradition of coast-wide musical celebration. With two successful editions in 2024, the show’s popularity proved that the Gaspé’s artistic heartbeat is strong — and deeply communal.

Now, in its fourth year, the 2025 Homegrown event is more than a showcase. It’s a gift. To mark CASA’s 50th anniversary, the organization is offering musical performances to communities across the region, spotlighting the creative brilliance that lives right here at home. And for Shigawake, the spotlight turns to original songwriting — a testament to the region’s evolving musical identity.

They’re not here to cover hits. They’re here to create them.

Featuring: Megan McCallum, Aaron Check, Ben Nesrallah, Joshua Budd, Nathan Hayes, Alex Pelletier, and Dave Felker

Raised in Shigawake, in the Gaspésie region of Québec, Shaina Hayes grew up listening to singer-songwriters like Feist, Joni Mitchell and Regina Spektor, traditional country artists such as Hank Williams and Dolly Parton, and modern country stars, including Shania Twain and The Chicks. After studying agricultural sciences at McGill University in Montreal, she returned to her rural hometown where she began recording and co-producing her self-released debut album, to coax a waltz (2022). Soon after, she started recording new songs, while also performing across Quebec and opening for bands like The War on Drugs and The Barr Brothers. While she still maintains some engagement with her farming endeavors, Shaina Hayes has made the shift to devote herself fully to her music ahead of the release of her sophomore album Kindergarten Heart in 2024

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Originaire de Shigawake en Gaspésie, Shaina Hayes a grandi en écoutant des autrices-compositrices-interprètes comme Feist, Joni Mitchell et Regina Spektor, des artistes de country traditionnel tels que Hank Williams et Dolly Parton, ou plus modernes, comme Shania Twain et The Chicks. Après ses études en sciences agricoles à l’Université McGill, elle retourne dans son village natal, où elle enregistre et coréalise son premier opus, to coax a waltz, qui paraît en 2022. Rapidement, les concerts occupent une place de plus en plus grande dans son quotidien, alors qu’elle tourne à travers la province et assure la première partie de groupes tels que The War on Drugs et The Barr Brothers. Bien qu'elle continue son implication à des activités agricoles, Shaina Hayes décide de se consacrer entièrement à la musique avant de lancer son deuxième, Kindergarten Heart, en 2024.

The Big O String Band est un groupe de bluegrass montréalais composé de musiciens chevronnés unissant leurs talents pour célébrer cette musique authentique et vibrante. Avec David Laflèche à la guitare, Joe Grass à la mandoline, Tommy Gauthier au violon, Alain Lafrance à la contrebasse et Thuya Boivin au banjo, ils proposent un son riche, mêlant tradition et modernité. Portés par une passion commune, ils insufflent une énergie unique à la scène bluegrass canadienne.

The Big O String Band is a Montreal-based bluegrass group made up of five talented musicians: Joe Grass (mandolin), David Laflèche (guitar), Tommy Gauthier (fiddle), Alain Lafrance (double bass) & Thuya Boivin (banjo). Coming from diverse musical backgrounds, they blend virtuosity and passion to deliver an authentic take on bluegrass. Rooted in tradition yet infused with a modern touch, their music brings energy and depth to the Canadian music scene.

After seeing each other’s playing on stage with different bands, Danny Robertson (Lead Vocals and Drums) decided it was time to share the same passion and love of music and called Serge Blais (Vocals,Guitarist) to join him for the ride, which he accepted right away! Then came along Serge Deschênes (Bass Guitar) Rockin’blues Trio was there to be! Sharing different styles of music together, the band was looking for a mixture of styles thus being: Rock,Soul,Funk,and of course the Blues from the 70’s to today.. The trios mission is to share the fun vibes on stage with the audience,and to give them a fun night of music along the way! Come and see these guys play with heart and soul! You won’t regret it!!

Jonny Arsenault est un chanteur, guitariste et auteur-compositeur originaire de la Baie-Des-chaleurs en Gaspésie. L’artiste à la voix chaude et puissante accompagnée par une guitare tranchante présente pour la première fois ses chansons originales sur son EP de quatre titres acoustiques tout comme électriques, aux voix envoûtantes et aux solos transperçants, « Nos fêlures précieuses », sorti en mars 2020.

En route vers un premier album complet, Jonny nous dévoile un premier extrait, « Marie fanée », et sillonne les routes de la province pour aller à la rencontre du grand public qui l’a découvert en 2015 à l’émission La Voix au sein de l’équipe de Marc Dupré. Ses prestations, ainsi que son ascension jusqu’en quart de finale lui ont valu la reconnaissance du public québécois. Il partagea la scène avec Marc Dupré à plusieurs reprises par la suite, dont deux fois au Centre Bell à Montréal. Depuis, on peut voir Jonny exécuter son talent sur scène avec d’autres artistes tels que Kevin Parent, Les Porn Flakes et Les Respectables au côté de qui il a assuré la première partie du grand spectacle d’Éric Lapointe au Festival d’été de Québec en 2019.

Porté par des influences et ses sonorités à la John Mayer, Marcus King et même Led Zeppelin, Jonny Arsenault est reconnu pour être un vecteur d’émotions tant dans sa musique que dans ses textes: Il est décoiffant lorsqu’il dépeint les sonorités rock, puis touchant, quand il laisse ses textes introspectifs se frayer un chemin jusqu’au cœur des gens.

C’est avec le réalisateur Gautier Marinof comme collaborateur que Jonny nous promet un album qui groove et qui s’écoute les yeux fermés à venir très prochainement.

MLou, auteure-compositrice-interprète originaire de Caplan, s'imprègne des paysages marins et de la culture locale pour nourrir sa passion musicale.
Débutant avec un EP en 2015, elle trace son chemin dans l'industrie. Son deuxième EP, "Trajectoires", réalisé en 2020 par Dimitri LeBel, révèle sa maturité artistique. MLou a partagé ses talents sur diverses scènes, des spectacles intimes aux grandes productions, et a brillé lors d'événements prestigieux comme La Voix en 2018 et Ma Première Place des Arts en 2023.
Avec Martin Hogan, elle explore de nouveaux horizons sonores en façonnant un mélange musical pop-rock-folk. En mai 2024, son premier album complet ouvre de nouvelles opportunités sur les scènes musicales gaspésiennes, marquant une étape importante de sa carrière musicale en pleine ascension.

Mountain whisper is a dynamic cover band known for bringing heartfelt energy and gritty authenticity to every stage they hit. Fronted by Melissa on vocals and rhythm guitar, the band blends soulful power with rock-driven edge. Trevor holds down the beat with thunderous drums, while Adam grooves on bass and vocals with tight, melodic lines. Joel adds some fire with lead guitar solos that cut deep and soar high. From classic anthems to modern hits reimagined, Mountain Whisper delivers a sound that entertains and moves the crowd.

Ron’s Fantasy is a cover band of a cover band of a cover band known for riding the line between blissful musical elevation and total failure. Founded by international visionary artist Ron, who would like to state at this time that he DOES NOT WEAR ROLLERBLADES ON STAGE ANYMORE, the group delivers an immersive performance experience that captivates audiences across the globe… especially in Finland. But really far up north in Finland. People love them up there. With a repertoire spanning classic favourites and fresh new vibes, they’ve earned a reputation for portmantologism, assonance, and flair.

Born from the depths of Shigawake basements and the chaos of late-night jam sessions, Cropduster x Antics Roadshow is what happens when you combine hard rock chops with the energy of a raccoon loose in a fireworks store.

The band’s ancestry is pure Shigawake royalty: Nathan Hayes and Dave Felker, who’ve been destroying stages since before Spotify existed, backed by fellow festival legends Tyler Gilker and Kevin Jones. Together, they formed Cropduster—a band so loud it once shook the maple syrup off nearby trees. In 2022, they recruited Marie-Lou Brière Berthelot, a vocalist so powerful she could sing the rust off a tractor.

Then came Antics Roadshow, because clearly, five rockers weren’t enough. They brought in high-voltage vocalists Aaron Check and Jim Robson and drum commander Tom Lymburner, uniting musicians from every corner of the Gaspé coast like the Avengers of party rock.

Now merged into one glorious musical beast, this band isn’t just an act—it’s a lifestyle. Expect blistering solos, impromptu dance-offs, and the kind of onstage antics that make insurance companies nervous. Whether they’re headlining the Shigawake Music Festival or tearing it up in a cattle barn, one thing’s guaranteed: you’re gonna need earplugs and dancing shoes.

Live the dream with Urockaoke.
Karaoke with a live band… You and your friends will have the time of your lives!

Singer-songwriter Rachella Wred is a West Coast transplant currently living in Montreal, Canada. Folk music and songwriting have given her the space to explore storytelling through music, drawing on the sounds of her surroundings and of the natural world. Rachella Wred’s personal lyrics and soaring melodies captivate audiences, capturing the delicacy and transience of human emotion with specificity and ease. Written around intimate endings and beginnings, 'Leave The Light On' Rachella Wred’s debut album, is out now. This collection of songs, split between the ambience of the Montreal bustle and the pull of the Pacific Ocean, explores honest heartbreak, loneliness, growing pains, and the challenges of navigating life alone in a fast-moving world.

www.rachellawred.com

They’re not a band. They’re a musical coincidence.

Once a year—just after the last poet drops the mic and the moon settles in over Shigawake—The Shigawake Festival Jam Band roll out a couple of spontaneous, gloriously unscripted sets that sound like friendship put to rhythm.

No rehearsals. No egos. Just a rotating crew of groove-loving guys who reunite at the festival like clockwork to make music for the pure joy of it. They’re the unofficial house band of Thursday Night, welcoming anyone brave enough to jump on stage and ride the wave.

From bluesy breakdowns to country grooves to extended solos that may or may not end before sunrise, their sets are proof that magic happens when nobody’s trying too hard.

So grab a drink, grab a seat, or grab a tambourine—and join the jam. It only happens once a year, but it sticks in your soul like it’s been playing forever.

Nash Stanley & John Gedeon Jr. Two Gaspesian entertainers, one grew up with a guitar in his hands and the other was born with a voice that could convince a tumbleweed to settle down. Together, Nash Stanley and John Gedeon Jr. bring country music back to what it does best—heartfelt stories, tight harmonies, and just the right amount of twang. From dusty barrooms to festival stages, they’ve traveled parallel paths, crossing timelines like whiskey over ice. Their blend of classic country soul with fresh lyrical grit makes every performance feel like a front porch session under the stars. Whether trading verses about lost love or kicking up boot heels with rowdy anthems, they prove that a great song doesn’t need fixing—it just needs feeling. Catch them live and you'll get two voices, one sound, and a whole lot of truth. If you’re lucky, they might even let loose a tune they swore they'd save for Nashville.

Megan McCallum et Alex Pelletier, un duo originaire de Gaspé, réinventent les hits d’aujourd’hui avec une touche synthwave des années 80. Leur musique, inspirée par l’ambiance rétro de séries comme Stranger Things, transforme chaque chanson en un véritable voyage dans le temps.

Megan McCallum and Alex Pelletier, a duo from Gaspé, reinvent today’s hits with an ‘80s synthwave twist. Their music, inspired by the retro vibes of shows like Stranger Things, transforms each song into a true journey through time.

Music makes the heart smile 😊Playing together with family and friends for many years . From house parties ..to the stage. We just love it💕

Jouée dans les bar pendant 15 ans dont le groupe l' ouïe 5 dans les années 70 et 80 dj dans les soirées privées ,monter la musique d une pièce de théâtre présenté a paspebiac et musique d ambiance dans les marchés publics

Max Bujold & The Milestones is an electrifying East Coast Canadian country rock band renowned for their high-octane performances and genre-defying sound. Fronted by the charismatic singer-songwriter Max Bujold, the band seamlessly fuses the raw energy of rock with the emotional depth of country, crafting a musical experience that transcends boundaries and resonates with listeners of all kinds. Max, who emerged from the vibrant music scenes of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, brings a distinctive blend of country, folk, rock, blues, and even hip-hop influences, all reflecting the rugged beauty and rich cultural heritage of the Maritimes. His soulful melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and magnetic stage presence have captivated audiences from coast to coast.

Hallarsen (l’alter-égo folk de Ben Nesrallah) est un auteur-compositeur-interprète et multi-instrumentiste qui s’inspire des traditions de la musique folk, old-time et bluegrass. En 2022, Hallarsen a lancé son tout dernier album « Alone, Together », une collection de 11 chansons et morceaux instrumentaux originaux dans le style « stringband ». Pour célébrer le lancement de son album, l'artiste a enchaîné une tournée auto-produit de 25 spectacles au Québec et en Ontario. Son nouvel EP sortira cette année.

« Tout l'esprit historique de la musique traditionnelle d'antan résonne chez cet artiste talentueux. Il y a beaucoup de descendants indirects de cette musique, et Nesrallah en est un excellent exemple. »
- Penguin Eggs

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Hallarsen (the folk alter ego of Ben Nesrallah) is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist inspired by the traditions of folk, old-time, and bluegrass music. In 2022, Hallarsen released their latest album "Alone, Together"—a collection of 11 original songs and instrumentals in the “stringband” style. To celebrate the album’s release, the artist embarked on a self-produced tour of 25 shows across Quebec and Ontario. Hallarsen's new EP will be released later this year.

All the historical spirit of old-time traditional music resonates within this talented act…There are lots of indirect descendants of this music, and Nesrallah is a terrific example of that.”
- Penguin Eggs

Tammy Adams & The Country Road Band came together in 2022.
We are well seasoned musicians from the Gaspé coast who enjoy getting together every chance we can to do what we love to do.
Perform! Covering several genres of music with classic country as our main focus.
If you get the opportunity to attend a show, don't miss your chance!

Created in honour of the 30th anniversary of Théâtre de la Petite Marée and the enchanting shores of Beaubassin Beach where it all began, On the Wind of the Open Sea is a celebration of the maritime world and the literary classics the theatre has adapted over the years. This tribute to the sea and the Gaspé Peninsula takes the form of a Cabinettes trail: small puppet booths where miniature marionettes come to life to share fragments of stories. Simply sit before the tiny window, and you’ll be swept into a bubble of poetry.

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Créé en l’honneur du 30e anniversaire du Théâtre de la Petite Marée et du site enchanteur de la plage Beaubassin qui l'a vu naître, Au Vent du Large est une célébration de l'univers maritime et des grands classiques littéraires qui ont été adaptés par le théâtre au fil des ans. Cet hommage à la mer et au territoire gaspésien prend la forme d'un parcours de Cabinettes: des boîtes-castelets où des marionnettes miniatures prennent vie pour raconter des fragments d'histoires. Il suffit de s'asseoir devant la petite fenêtre pour s'immerger dans une bulle de poésie.

*Le cas échéant, ajouter une phrase sur la médiation : Une oeuvre contemplative in-situ créée collectivement par les membres de [nom de l'organisme] complète le parcours.
Crédit photos: Cynthia Dupuis

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Créé en l’honneur du 30e anniversaire du Théâtre de la Petite Marée et du site enchanteur de la plage Beaubassin qui l'a vu naître, Au Vent du Large est une célébration de l'univers maritime et des grands classiques littéraires qui ont été adaptés par le théâtre au fil des ans. Cet hommage à la mer et au territoire gaspésien prend la forme d'un parcours de Cabinettes: des boîtes-castelets où des marionnettes miniatures prennent vie pour raconter des fragments d'histoires. Il suffit de s'asseoir devant la petite fenêtre pour s'immerger dans une bulle de poésie.

*Le cas échéant, ajouter une phrase sur la médiation : Une oeuvre contemplative in-situ créée collectivement par les membres de [nom de l'organisme] complète le parcours.
Crédit photos: Cynthia Dupuis