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.

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.

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

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!!

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