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Festival Activities
CONCERTS
As is our tradition, the Main Stage Concerts take place under the tent from Friday to Sunday, with happy hours to start the evening.
Concerts
Our traditional main concerts take place under the big tent, both in the evening and in the afternoon, from Friday to Sunday. Each concert features two to three 50-minute performances by guest artists, this year coming from Canada, the United States, and Denmark.
Happy hours are concerts set in a relaxed athmoshphere, with beverages and food if you wish!
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TRAINING
COURSES
2-day Fiddle Workshops offered by 3 renowned teachers for beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.
Training Courses
Workshops led by three renowned violin instructors—Alasdair Fraser, Liette Remon and Jean-Marie Verret—are on offer.
Participants, upon registering for the workshops, choose their level (beginner, intermediate, advanced) based on their experience and comfort in a learning context.
Each workshop session (1.5 hours per session) divides the three groups into separate rooms, with each group assigned a specific instructor. From one workshop to the next, and from day to day, the instructors will take turns teaching all three groups. This approach allows participants, regardless of their level, to benefit twice from a wide variety of instruction, repertoires, approaches, and techniques, providing a comprehensive experience.
As a bonus, workshop participants can attend the teachers’ concert on Thursday evening, as well as a “special workshop” session. On Friday, a review of the pieces learned in the different groups will bring together all participants from the workshops.
An instrument deposit will be available for all registered workshop attendees.
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THEMATIC
WORKSHOPS
Festival artists meet on stage and take turns sharing a tune with their colleagues and audience members.
Thematic workshops
At the Festival, artists come together on stage, taking turns to share a piece with their colleagues and the audience. These encounters, marked by a friendly atmosphere, provide wonderful opportunities to exchange and explore repertoire from both here and elsewhere, as well as compare different styles of traditional violin playing.
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MASTER
CLASSES
Advanced classes and talks with Festival artists, focused on sharing their unique experience and their approach to their practice.
Master Classes
Advanced workshops offered by Festival artists, focusing on sharing their experience and approach. Unique opportunities not to be missed!
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DANCES
Traditional dance evenings (Quebec traditional dance) with live music provided by Festival artists.
Dances
Traditional dance gatherings, accompanied by Festival artists, take place under the big tent. Quebecois traditional dancing is called, with musicians playing tunes from Quebec. Snacks and refreshments are available for purchase on-site.
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JAM SESSIONS
Traditional music jam sessions take place during the day and at the end of the evening, in a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all levels!
Jam Sessions
Several sessions of traditional music take place during the day as well as in the evening. These are excellent opportunities to learn and share repertoire with other festival-goers and Festival artists in a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all levels!
A free instrument deposit is available during the day from Thursday to Sunday.
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MUSIQUE & TRADITIONS ILLIMITÉES PRIZE
In honor of a contribution to Quebec traditional music.
MTI Prize
2024 Contest
Musique & Traditions Illimitées prize
Exciting News for 2024! We will be awarding the Musique & Traditions Illimitées Prize during the festival to an artist, in recognition of their remarkable contribution to the preservation and promotion of traditional music in Quebec. For this inaugural edition, we are reserving the prize for violin artists, and we need your suggestions!
Submit a nomination by July 15th, 2024, and you could win a festival passport and training session for this summer’s event!
N.B. The nomination form and related selection process is in french.
CHILDRENS'
FESTIVAL
Free activities for children that help them develop their artisic and musical talents.
Childrens' festival
Year after year, our children’s festival allows children to learn the violin, participate in artistic activities, and make it “their” festival. Thanks to the recurring support of the Boulanger-Bédard Foundation, we offer them an opportunity to be introduced to the arts in an informal and playful context.
All festival activities (except for the training stage) are offered free of charge to young people under 15.
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POETRY
IN THE WOODS
In partnership with the Sutton natural environment Park, this activity on the Village-Mountain trail is not to be missed.
Poetry in the woods
In partnership with the Sutton Natural Environment Park
You are once again invited this year to take the Village-Mountain trail to encounter several local artists. Madame Zazou, the most famous clown in Sutton, will guide you through bucolic improvisations performed by four regional artists. During each session, these artists will interpret four randomly selected poems or drawings from the gratitude testimonials collected throughout the year on the little bench along the Village-Mountain trail.
Tristan Henderson, a multi-instrumentalist and Sutton resident, will participate in the activity on Sunday, August 18th, with his violin! And guess what? Madame Zazou will also present a tale at the festival (schedule to be confirmed).
More details here: https://parcsutton.com/activites/poesie-buissonniere
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Also available on site :
Bar and snacks
Instrument check
CD Shop
Lutherie service
Camping (with showers)
Proximity to all services in the village
2024 Artists
In duo with Liette Remon - Quebec
Paul
Marchand
Paul Marchand
With his decades of experience, Paul Marchand is a recognized professional musician in the field of traditional music. With great sensitivity and flexibility as a guitarist and singer, he possesses a unique sound and rhythm that make him a highly sought-after musician. In 1992, he became the guitarist for Angèle Arsenault in the show “Bonjour madame Bolduc,” which toured extensively in Quebec, French-speaking Canada, and beyond. Paul was a founding member of the groups Manigance and Entourloupe, with whom he performed in Quebec, Canada, the United States, and Europe. He has taught guitar accompaniment, traditional singning, and podorythmics (foot percussion) at music camps and workshops, both in Quebec and during his tours. Additionally, he has contributed to nearly thirty CD recordings. Over the past fifteen years, he has shared the spirit of Quebec through his solo performances with various tourist groups.
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Quatuor - Lanaudiere
Zigue
Zigue
Since 1992, Claude Méthé and Dana Whittle have been playing, composing, and sharing everything in music. Both are singers and prolific songwriters overflowing with creativity and love for the style of music they create together, primarily inspired by the traditional roots of Quebec. Zigue is an amalgamation, a fusion of simple and complementary elements drawn from the contemporary landscape of their imagination. Here, Claude’s heartfelt and authentic violin playing is supported with rare precision by Dana’s rhythmically assured guitar accompaniment, which also carries, delicately, her powerful voice. The addition of their son, Aimé Méthé, in 2019 perfectly illustrates their commitment to preserving musical heritage and brings new intensity to their sound. By the end of 2022, a fourth member with multiple talents, Mario St-Germain, joined their ranks, further enriching their deeply rooted sound. On stage, magic happens—an energy that can only be found within the “family”—meaning the great family of tradition!
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Montreal - Indiana
Michael Jerome
Browne
Michael Jerome Browne
Michael Jerome Browne, named Traditional Singer of the Year (2015) and Solo Artist of the Year (2012 and 2008) at the Canadian Folk Music Awards, winner of the “Blues With A Feeling” award at the 2020 Maple Blues Awards (and nominated 35 times since 1999), has been a five-time Juno Award nominee (in two categories: Roots/Traditional and Blues), and a finalist in the “New Folk” category at the Kerrville Festival (Texas-2012). Michael is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and performer—a living encyclopedia of American Roots music.
Whether he’s playing slide guitar on his resonator, creating intense moods on his 12-string with tremolo, or delivering clawhammer banjo tunes or Cajun melodies on his violin, Michael’s passion and virtuosity are always evident. In the true folk tradition, his performances inspire us and reveal the connections between cultures and influences that have shaped American Roots music. Blues, Gospel, Old-Time, Country, Soul, and Cajun—when it comes to Michael, you can expect all these styles and more.
Born in South Bend, Indiana, in 1960, Michael is the son of English teachers who were passionate about poetry and music. They took him to clubs in Montreal from the age of nine, where he could discover jazz, blues, and folk. Today, MJB tours globally, gracing the stages of major festivals in Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, and the United States.
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In duo - Eastern Townships
Oberegger -
Kehler
Oberegger - Kehler
Andrew Wells-Oberegger is a Canadian composer, arranger, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. Professionally immersed in the realms of ancient music and world music for over two decades, he stands out for his remarkable mastery of an impressive variety of instruments. These include classical guitar, Renaissance lute, oud, bagpipes, saz, mandolin, bouzouki, and santoor. Drawing from an enviable academic background and guided by musical traditions both local and distant, Andrew expands his repertoire to include voice, various flutes, and three distinctive percussion instruments: daff, req, and Italian tamburello. A familiar presence on both stage and in the studio, he has contributed to over twenty albums with different ensembles, including La Nef, La Mandragore, ESEM, Cercamon, De Lònga, and La Strada.
Alex Kehler, straddling the worlds of baroque violin and traditional fiddling, has been active in the music scene for over 20 years. While primarily rooted in Celtic music, he also explores a wide range of other styles. He performs with Soulwood, Duo Kehler-Williams, Les Siffleurs de nuit, La Nef, Skye Consort, and La Mandragore, among others. Alex’s passion for Scandinavian music makes him a rare bird in North America, as he plays the Swedish nyckelharpa. He had the opportunity to study this instrument with two renowned Swedes, Torbjörn Näsböm and David Eriksson. Additionally, he plays the Nordic cittern.
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Trio - Eastern Townships
Cécilia
Cécilia
Cécilia is traditional music that creates a sensation and fills every room! Widely recognized as three of Canada’s finest musicians, it’s a delight to witness how much Timi Turmel, Erin Leahy, and Louis Schryer enjoy playing together. While honoring their legacy as Cécilia, their music undeniably has a fresh and lively sound. They blend the best of various musical worlds in their explorations of traditional, Celtic, and Quebecois music. Each of their pieces is skillfully arranged and enhanced by influences from contemporary, classical, jazz, and swing styles. Cécilia’s recent debut album, Accent, is an impressive offering full of vibrant rhythms and melodies, all resonating with a unique warmth and expressive richness. Every Cécilia performance is an invitation to come out and share—not only the joy of three dedicated musicians making music together but also the creation, with Timi, Erin, and Louis, of a distinct and memorable musical experience. You’ll find yourself smiling long after the last notes of Cécilia’s accordion, piano, and violin have faded away.
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Denmark
Gangspil
Gangspil
Gangspil will take you on an entertaining and diverse journey through the traditions of Danish folk music. These spirited musicians perform old dance tunes and songs from all corners of their Scandinavian homeland. From rural islands like Læsø to the metropolis of Copenhagen, and even some of their own compositions, expect everything—from wild polkas and jigs to lyrical waltzes, fiery reels, and joyful hopsas. Not to be forgotten are the exotic dance tunes of “Sønderhoning” from the famous island of Fanø, along with long-forgotten songs from across the country. An unforgettable live experience infused with humor and stories from their many years on the road. They have shared stages with some of the most exciting and well-known folk musicians in the Danish and Nordic scene.
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Storyteller and caller - Eastern Townships
Donald
Dubuc
Donald Dubuc
Donald Dubuc, in addition to being a caller, storyteller, and celebrant, is first and foremost a talented master who brings people together. His goal is to make the events he hosts as memorable as they can be to those who participate. Despite having no prior experience, over 25 years ago he enjoyed so much dancing his first set at an Irish pub that he decided on the spot to become a caller himself. His aim was to share the joy of traditional dance and the authentic human connection it fosters. Combining calling, music, and storytelling, he has been entertaining people of all ages across the globe ever since. Donald’s playful and attentive approach is well-received, and he has even managed to get people who swore they would never dance to swing along! Don’t miss the opportunity to have a great time in his company—come join the dance!
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United States
Young Tradition
Vermont
Young Tradition Vermont
Partnership between Young Tradition Vermont and the Sutton Fiddle Festival 2024
Young Tradition Vermont, a program of the Vermont Folklife organization, is pleased to continue its partnership with the Sutton Fiddle Festival over the years. Young Tradition Vermont appreciates this opportunity to have young musicians from Vermont participate in the festival, allowing their budding artists an immersive experience in authentic Quebecois traditional music. In August 2024, four of their talented young musicians will join the festival to take part in workshops and perform what they’ve learned alongside two leading Quebecois traditional artists: Pascal Gemme and Véronique Plasse.
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Nicole
O'Bomsawin
Nicole O'Bomsawin
Nicole O’Bomsawin, a trained anthropologist and museologist, served as the director of the Abenaki Museum from 1984 to 2006. In 2005, she received the Bernard Assiniwi Award for her commitment to promoting and disseminating Indigenous cultures. Nicole has visited hundreds of schools and met thousands of students in Quebec, sharing an alternative version of history, challenging prejudices and stereotypes, and updating the image of Indigenous peoples. In 2011, the University of Montreal awarded her an honorary doctorate, making her the first Indigenous person to receive such an honor from the university. “I will tell them who I am, who my people are, remind them that the territory where Sutton stands today is Abenaki, and recount what the Abenaki people did there.” As a storyteller, Nicole O’Bomsawin participates in storytelling festivals to showcase the imagination of First Nations. Her pioneering work at the Odanak Museum and her dedication to preserving oral traditions and transmitting Indigenous knowledge position her as a leading figure in Quebec’s museology and Indigenous culture.
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Monique
Jutras
Monique Jutras
Monique Jutras offers a true celebration of Quebecois folklore to young audiences, whether in schools, concert halls, or outdoor programs. The program includes call-and-response songs, lilting tunes (turlutes), lively square dances (rigodons), and a selection of pieces from Madame Bolduc’s repertoire and other classics from our musical heritage. These are accompanied by traditional instruments waiting to be discovered, such as bones, spoons, jaw harps, foot percussion (podorythmie), the dancing man (bonhomme gigueur), the tin whistle (turlute), violin, accordion, and other instruments whose secrets will be revealed!
The festive atmosphere and the opportunity to participate in songs, lilting tunes, and square dances will delight both children and their parents. Newcomers of all ages will especially appreciate learning more about our musical and French-Canadian traditions.
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Gérard
Morin
Gérard Morin
Gérard Morin immersed himself in the world of family gatherings on the road of Côte Georges in St-Henri-de-Mascouche. His studies in Professional Teaching did not steer him away from his passion for calling in traditional dance, just like his father. From 1992 to 2003, he served as the president of AQLF Richelieu-Yamaska in Granby. Additionally, he was a caller for the Danseurs et Musiciens de l’Île Jésus in Laval from 2001 to 2016. Gérard held the position of secretary at the SPDTQ in Montreal from 2001 to 2007. He played the role of host at Plateau gatherings and taught calling at the École des Arts de la Veillée. Currently, he is a caller for the P’tites Veillées de Terrebonne and participates in calling workshops throughout Quebec.
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Laurence
Beaudry
Laurence Beaudry
Laurence Beaudry is a Canadian violinist with a classical background. She has been active in the field of traditional music for over 20 years as both a performer and a violin teacher.
Laurence studied the violin under teachers such as Pierre Laforest, Arthur Garami, Ludmila Dieche, and Monique Laurendeau. She was also a member of the medieval music ensemble “The Olde World Order” as an alto and chorister. Laurence has performed with the groups Arisaig Mist and Tarcolen, specializing in Quebecois and Scottish traditional music. She has participated in several festivals with these groups.
In addition to her performing career, she also teaches violin at the École des arts de la Veillée and the Centre musical de Chambly.
Laurence Beaudry is a versatile artist who contributes to the promotion of traditional music
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É.T.É
É.T.É
É.T.É is a Quebecois trio of musicians formed in 2015. The group consists of Élisabeth Moquin (violin, percussive dance, vocals), Thierry Clouette (bouzouki, guitar, foot percussion, vocals), and Élisabeth Giroux (cello, vocals). Their music offers a modern and dynamic take on Quebec’s traditional music, with bold and refined arrangements.
Each member of É.T.É brings diverse influences, ranging from folk to jazz, progressive rock, and classical music. Their repertoire primarily features traditional Quebecois tunes, but they infuse their own personal touch by creating original compositions and incorporating step dancing into their performances.
Following the release of their debut album, “Le boire des minuits” in 2017, É.T.É was named Discovery of the Year at the Gala des Prix OPUS by the Quebec Music Council. They also received the Lynda-Lemay Award, recognizing outstanding artists noticed by the international delegation at the Festival international de la chanson de Granby. Since then, the group has continued to shine with numerous concerts across Quebec, Canada, and abroad, including appearances at Celtic Connections in the UK and events in Australia.
Their latest album, “Sur ces eaux”, released in November 2022, promises to further captivate audiences worldwide. É.T.É. continues to enchant listeners of all ages with their unique and mesmerizing music.
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2024 Teachers
Fiddle training courses, three levels
AUGUST 15TH AND 16TH 2024
ALASDAIR
FRASER
Distinguished Scottish violinist
Alasdair Fraiser
AUGUST 15TH TO 18TH 2024
Alasdair Fraser, one of the most respected Scottish fiddlers, has a concert and recording career that spans over 30 years, with a long list of awards, honors, radio and television credits, and performances on the best film soundtracks (The Last of the Mohicans, Titanic, etc.).
In 2011, he was made member of the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame. Through the four summer programs that Alasdair founded at the Scottish Violin School, he teaches master classes and workshops for performers of all ages, levels and instruments, with an emphasis on the linguistic nature and rhythmic momentum of traditional music. Several different themes are available, including: finding your own voice on your instrument, learning to groove, playing together, arrangement, creativity and improvisation, and working with small chamber orchestras. The emphasis is on inclusion and creating community through music creation. He knows how to create a place of learning where teaching is done by ear.
LIETTE
REMON
Master of tradition
Liette Remon
AUGUST 15TH TO 18TH 2024
Violinist and singer Liette Remon has created shows and founded different bands that draw their inspiration from tradition (Fanfare Monfarleau, Bobelo, Talencourt, Histoires de femmes à l'oeuvre, Les Passeurs d'airs). She also participates in various world music projects with the Strada company. In 2021, she received the title of Master of Living Traditions awarded by the Conseil québécois du patrimoine vivant.
“I learned the violin with my father Réginald who had learned it from his turlute-signing mother and his Bernatchez grandparents from the Rang des 28 in Grande-Rivière, Gaspésie. On my mother's side, at the Leblanc family home in St-François-de-Pabos, between Chandler and Grande Rivière, my grandfather Diogenes and his 15 children all sang and played an instrument: organ, piano, violin, accordion and harmonica. It is not a professional path, but it is the exceptional region from which I come and which determined my passion for music."
JEAN-MARIE
VERRET
Bearer of tradition
Jean-Marie Verret
AUGUST 15TH TO 18TH 2024
Many Quebecers born before the Quiet Revolution remember Saturday evening vigils punctuated by the sounds of the violin and the accordion. Privileged witnesses of this era anchored in popular imagery, four generations of the Verrets from Lac-Saint-Charles have perpetuated a musical repertoire bearing lots of tradition.
In 1952, Jean-Marie Verret, at the age of seven, listened to his grandfather Jean-Baptiste (1894-1955) and his father Jules (1916-1982), each adding a folkloric atmosphere to many evenings. He takes taste for this music transmitted orally from generation to generation, without any notes or partitions. Today, Jean-Marie is the guardian of an important repertoire of pieces from our Quebec heritage, many of them having never been recorded or transcribed.
Jean-Marie inherited this musical background. He estimates he knows some 2000 pieces, also drawing to other sources and creating his own compositions.
A virtuoso violinist and talented composer, many see him as the most Quebecois of our fiddlers. His musical repertoire is extensive and highlights the quadrille tunes of the 19th and early of the 20th century.
Box-Office
Our Local Partners
Fondation Boulanger-Bedard
Fondation Beaulieu-Saucier
