FRIDAY AUGUST 1ST

**JEAN-FRANCOIS BERTHIAUME & LOUIS-SIMON LEMIEUX**
Percussionist, caller, step-dancer, researcher et collector, **Jean-François Berthiaume** possesses precious baggage, rich and varied. After more than 30 years in service to traditional dance, he has become known as one of the beacon callers of his generation. His work as a teacher and choreographer has been seen across Quebec, Canada, in the United-States as well as in Europe.
His passion, his instincts, his energy et his charm make him an authentic artisan of tradition. He can be heard as part of many groups, most notably Réveillons!, the Frères Berthiaume, and Le Grand Char allégorique.
**Louis-Simon Lemieux** is a talented Québécois multi-instrumentalist; he is a master violinist, harmonica-player, guitarist, foot-tapper and singer. Having started his musical career at at the youngest of ages, his known amongst his peers for his know-how and his authenticity, which has led him to producing regularly with many groups from the traditional music scene of Quebec, namely Le Rêve du Diable, Les Chauffeurs à Pieds, Galant tu perds ton temps, Réveillons!, Le Grand Char Allégorique, as well as in a duo with his father Daniel Lemieux.
He has over 20 album credits to his name, and has been seen on stage locally and internationally. He is also a well-respected sound technician in the world of trad music and has his own recording studio, le Studio des Trois Lits.

**THE BACKYARD DEVILS**
Fancy isn’t a word often heard in Eastern Canada and there is nothing fancy about **The BackYard Devils**. They're simply playing the music they love. Their debut album is a well blended mix of dirty country, rockabilly and bluegrass. The musicianship runs deep in this band and although they’re playing old styles they have managed to put their own twist to it.
When lead singer Erik Arsenault made a decision to move back to his hometown after a 4 year stay in the mountains of Alberta, big brother Remi flew west, and on the long drive home, the brothers laid down the foundation for The Backyard Devils. A dirty country and bluegrass band that would cater to young and old. From punk rockers to country & bluegrass fans. The brothers recruited Chris Belliveau, a talented and highly demanded guitar player with a love for roots music and Dillon Robicheau, a seasoned bluegrass mandolin and banjo player out of Nova Scotia to help create the vision. With a swinging guitar rhythm, doghouse bass slaps, smashing guitar solos and lightning quick banjo and mandolin lines, The BackYard Devils managed to hammer down their own sound in an old fashion style, just like the brothers had planned.

**MAUKIN**
Fueled by bold musical imagination, **Maukin** is a sturdy new folk collective from Prince Edward Island. Their rich compositions and melodies, shaped from the cultural clay of their home province by Rowen Gallant (fiddle) and Nick vanOuwerkerk (Pipes/Whistles), draw from their collective Irish, Scottish and Acadian heritages and are brought to life through genre-defying arrangements and accompaniment by Jesse Périard (Guitar) and Caleb Gallant (Bodhran/Percussion).
Previously touring and recording as the highly acclaimed trio Ten Strings and a Goatskin, Périard and the brothers Gallant have joined forces with award-winning piper and whistle player vanOuwerkerk to once again explore the hinterlands and frontiers of Atlantic Canada’s folk traditions.

SATURDAY AUGUST 2ND

**STEVE RILEY & THE MAMOU PLAYBOYS**
With a reputation for excellence, **Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys’** stunningly clean and cohesive performance of Cajun French music from the backwaters of Southwest Louisiana propelled them into the world music limelight early on, and by their third release, Trace of Time, had garnered them a Grammy nomination in the worldwide field of traditional folk music, another in 2004 for Bon Reve, in 2009 for Live at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and again in 2011 for their release, Grand Isle. From the day they started, they have gone from strength to strength.
When all that heart and all that skill focus on the revelry of a hot two-step, then turn on a dime and deliver an a cappella ballad, then play something that sounds like Howlin’ Wolf fell in love with a Creole girl, you’ve found the most Cajun music you can find in any one spot. The band includes Steve Riley (accordion), David Greely (fiddle), Sam Broussard (guitar), Burke Riley (drums/guitar) and Thomas David (bass).

POLKY

Polky is a dynamic, women-led ensemble of immigrant musicians redefining Polish folk music with global influences. With rich vocal harmonies, unique instruments, and high-energy performances, they introduce audiences to the magic of Eastern European traditions, spirited Polish dances, and the unifying power of music.

Over the past few summers, this Canadian Folk Music Award-winning (2022 held in Charlottetown!) band has toured extensively, performing at Winnipeg Folk Festival, Canmore Folk Festival, Vancouver Island MusicFest, Regina Folk Festival, Sunfest, and Stan Rogers Folk Festival. They have also showcased at Folk Music Ontario, Folk Alliance International, APAP, Your Roots Are Showing, and Mundial Montreal, further promoting Polish and Eastern European folk traditions in Canada and beyond. Their 2020 debut album, Songs From Home, celebrated Toronto’s multicultural spirit and the band’s deep Polish roots. Songlines Magazine praised the album for its dynamic energy. The album earned three Canadian Folk Music Award nominations, with Ewelina Ferenc winning Traditional Singer of the Year (2022).

Polky’s performances are more than just concerts—they are celebrations of cultural diversity, women’s empowerment, and the joy of music. Their infectious energy and passion for storytelling continue to captivate audiences and keep Polish folk traditions alive, fresh, and modern.

**VISHTÈN**
For over two decades, Vishtèn has been a driving force in Acadian music, blending deep-rooted traditions with contemporary innovation. Hailing from Prince Edward Island and the Magdalen Islands, the group has earned international acclaim, performing at renowned festivals worldwide and receiving a Juno nomination, multiple ECMA and Music PEI Awards, and the SPACQ’s Édith Butler Prize.
In 2022, Vishtèn faced an immeasurable loss with the passing of co-founder Pastelle LeBlanc. In response, bandmates Emmanuelle LeBlanc and Pascal Miousse launched *Vishtèn Connexions*, a project dedicated to completing and sharing Pastelle’s unfinished compositions. This endeavor honored her musical vision while embracing collaboration, growth, and new artistic possibilities.
Now entering a new chapter, Vishtèn is thrilled to welcome back pianist, dancer and singer Megan Bergeron. A lifelong friend of the band, Megan grew up alongside Emmanuelle and Pastelle, and was part of Vishtèn’s early days, appearing on their debut album. Her deep roots in Acadian tradition, combined with her rhythmic and expressive playing, bring new energy to the band's signature sound
Guided by resilience and the spirit of expansion, Vishtèn continues to evolve while remaining deeply connected to their heritage. Their electrifying blend of traditional French songs, powerful instrumentals, and driving rhythms continues to captivate audiences worldwide. With thousands of performances across North America, Europe, and Australia, Vishtèn’s music transcends borders, carrying Acadian culture forward with passion, innovation, and an unbreakable sense of community.

SUNDAY AUGUST 3RD