Paugan Dames

The Paugan Dames emerged out of the cold at a Christmas market in Wakefield Quebec. Acclaimed songstresses Chris MacLean and Alise Marlane are joined by cajun and old time player Tina Therrien in this burgeoning new ensemble. Spicy mandolin, guitar, percussion and stand-up bass create a tasteful backdrop for their rich and sultry harmonies. Serving up an eclectic mix of old time traditional, French Canadian, and contemporary Canadian folk music, their sweet harmonies will make you weak in the knees. Photo by Denis Drouin.

Kristine St-Pierre

Kristine St-Pierre is a bilingual singer-songwriter, an advocate for women's rights and gender equality, and the proud mom of a two-year-old girl named Ava. Her music is described as both fresh and raw, offering a unique blend of introspective finger-picked ballads and rollicking, bluesy melodies. She was nominated for best female singer at the 8th Gala des prix Trille Or in 2015. Kristine is currently working on a second full length album to be released in fall 2017. 

Sweet Kate

Sweet Kate is a newly formed ensemble of a cappella singers hailing from in and around Wakefield. Much of their repertoire comes from the madrigal music era (late 1500’s to early 1600’s), and is polyphonic, light, and melodic in nature. From madrigals to Leonard Cohen to old carols, they sing in three- and sometimes five-part harmony. Provocative music to fill your heart. Sweet Kate is: Stephanie Hill, Eva Meyer, Tina Therrien, Deborah Thomson, and Yvonne Wynen. Photo by Eva Mayer.

Luce Bélanger

Luce Bélanger, is a singer, song writer and poet whose heart felt lyrics of emotion, love of nature and native tradition, namely First Nations makes her music unique. She is proud of her Algonquin Metis culture and heritage and she has created a style of her own. Luce is an artist committed to peace in the world and her work reflects it. Photo by Dr. Peter Stockdale.

Elizabeth Logue

Born at an early age Elizabeth is of Algonquin/Irish descent and grew up in and around the confluences of the Gatineau the Ottawa and the Rideau Rivers. She studied English Literature at Carleton and then bought a truck and hit the road to the Yukon where she lived in a wall tent by the side of the Klondike River and worked a few jobs to save up for the next adventure. She started doing theatre while in the Yukon and continued in Montreal while at McGill University and then back in Ottawa as a member of a Company of Fools Shakespeare company for over 10 years. Her passion for working on education and youth issues brought her to start a career as a federal public servant – working for the people of this land. She is currently Director of Inuit Relations at Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada. She is co-producer of Wakefest Arts Festival in Wakefield and volunteers for a few other projects on the side.  She lives in Wakefield with Alasdair, Calum and Mairi. The loves of her life. Photo by Fraziska Heinze

Deborah Thomson

A classically trained pianist and a reluctant performer, Deborah is happy to participate again this year. She has spent most of her career either teaching or accompanying singers. (Everything from opera to rock.) She has conducted school bands, as well as choirs. (At times 600 children.) She has also written music for professional theatre. Photo by Eva Mayer.