Gord is back! He is likely the most highly sought after instructor and performer on the fiddle circuit these days. Never one to let the dust settle, Gordon keeps busy with a host of projects across Canada. His "Fiddle History of Canada" production is being workshopped and presented in several provinces, he continues to compose and tour, and has released 5 Twin Fiddle CDs with some of the tunes he has composed with fellow musician and travel buddy JJ Guy. There is no room here to list all the accomplishments of this Canadian treasure, so check his website. But above all, Gordon is an inspiration to anyone who sees him perform, or teach, or call a square dance! http://www.fiddlebooks.com
J.J. Guy - Saskatoon, Saskatchewan - Fiddle
A beloved regular at Shivering Strings, it was no accident that JJ Guy took home the "People's Choice Award" at the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Championship in Saskatoon in August 2013! JJ is a beloved performer and instructor who has touched the hearts of thousands of fiddlers at fiddle camps across Canada. From B.C. to the NWT to the east coast, JJ is kept hopping, teaching and performing along the way. He has several recordings under his belt so check out his website! During COVID, JJ kept busy doing a very popular weekly Facebook Live jam and other online work. To join the weekly jam, search for "Jamming With JJ" on Facebook. www.jjguy.ca
Troy MacGillivray - Lanark, Nova Scotia - Fiddle
Troy MacGillivray is a tradition keeper of his family's long history of fiddle music from his home of Antigonish and also of the Cape Breton style of fiddling. He is much in demand across the eastern seaboard and across the pond too! He keeps busy on the festival circuit as well as instructing at fiddle camps across North American and in the British Isles. He has been recognized for his prodigious talent with many awards throughout his career. Troy is no stranger to the Shivering Strings camp and we are delighted he is coming back! www.troymacgillivray.com
Mark Sullivan - Vancouver, B.C. - Fiddle
Among his many awards, Mark Sullivan is a 3-time Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Champion and is widely regarded as one of the finest fiddlers in North America today. He is in demand as a spirited performer and continues to collaborate with many of the finest names in traditional music today. Mark is a regular instructor at Music Camps throughout the country. Mark grew up playing for square dances and learning his craft from dance fiddlers. Originally from Bowmanville, Ontario, Mark now calls British Columbia his home. Mark is also the current president of the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Association and works tirelessly with a committed Board to promote and preserve Canadian Fiddling. We are thrilled to have Mark come back to Shivering Strings Saskatoon in 2023! www.marksullivan.ca/
Mairi Rankin - Mabou, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia - Fiddle
Màiri Rankin is a fiddler and step dancer who has been influenced by some of the best Cape Breton traditional musicians and instructors on the island. She has developed her own unique style by being immersed in this rich musical culture, pulling from her native Cape Breton and her strong Scottish roots from North Uist. Màiri has toured nationally and internationally as a performer and educator in both fiddle and step dance. She has performed as a member of both the Cape Breton super group Beòlach and the highly acclaimed Scottish / Irish / Canadian band The Outside Track. Màiri has recorded one solo album, three with Beòlach, seven with The Outside Track. She has also recorded and performed with Eric Wright, acclaimed cellist. Mairi is definitely a Saskatchewan favourite, having taught at Kenosee Lake Kitchen Party many times. We are delighted to have her back for Shivering Strings Saskatoon! www.rankinandwright.com/
Jake Charron - Prince Edward Island - Guitar
Originally from Barrie, Ontario, Jake has been busy the past several years touring the world with Juno award-winning band The East Pointers. When he is not on the road, he is in the studio, writing and recording music with some of the finest musicians on the scene. As a multi-instrumentalist (wicked on both piano and guitar!) and collaborator, Jake has released three albums with The East Pointers, and two duo albums with Grammy-nominated, Irish-American fiddle player Liz Carroll, and Canada’s award winning fiddler Shane Cook. Jake is a co-founder of SpaceCamp Studios, and has been working alongside Donald Richard to produce and record several projects this year including some new music with PEI’s sensational Vishten.
Jake was at the inaugural Shivering Strings Saskatoon in 2011, and it is such great news that he is coming back to teach guitar in 2023! www.eastpointers.ca/
Cathy Sproule - Saskatoon, Sk. - Piano
Cathy Sproule, an accomplished piano player, began playing traditional fiddle accompaniment in 2003. She teaches piano at several fiddle camps across Canada. She accompanies Gordon Stobbe and JJ Guy for the Twin Fiddles shows every chance she gets! When not playing fiddle or piano, Cathy organizes fiddle events such as house concerts, the FiddlyNess Fiddle Camp and the Saskatoon bid for the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Championship in August, 2014. When COVID started, Cathy was pleased to join JJ Guy for the Facebook Live Weekly "Jamming With JJ" and the two of them have entertained hundreds with their light hearted and entertaining weekly sessions. Cathy is known for being the organizer of Shivering Strings Saskatoon, but will be taking up the instructor spot in piano as well in 2023!