Festival Artists 2026

Grand Chapiteau

Aleksi Campagne | QC


Meet the next generation of Canadian folk music greats at Festival du Bois! Named 2024 Roots Music Canada's New Discovery of the Year, Montrealer Aleksi Campagne is a fiddle-singer who blends his folk songwriting roots with a multi-layered sound comprised of voice, violin and looping-effect pedals. Aleksi, the son of singer Connie Kaldor and Paul Campagne (of Hart Rouge), also won a 2024 Canadian Folk Music Award for For the Giving / Sans rien donner, his bilingual album that offers ten songs in English & the same ten songs in French. Come experience this new and exciting voice and talent at this first Festival du Bois with his full band!

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Bagatelle | BC


Blending the rhythmic pulse of traditional Québécois music with the infectious energy of bluegrass, Bagatelle delivers high-energy performances filled with tight harmonies and irresistible, toe-tapping tunes. Their repertoire skillfully weaves together beloved old-world melodies with a modern bluegrass flair. Whether they’re playing a foot-stomping reel, singing a heartfelt ballad, or leading a lively call-and-response song en français, you’ll hear a fresh yet rooted sound that will captivate from the first note. Come meet an engaging Victoria trio that invites dancing and singing, and spreads a little joy.

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Delhi 2 Dublin | BC


For almost 20 years, Delhi 2 Dublin has been at the forefront of South Asian fusion music, pioneering a genre-defying sound they call “Subcontinental Pop” – a high-energy blend of bhangra, electronic, hip-hop, reggae and Celtic influences. What began as a one-night collaboration in 2006 has grown into a global phenomenon, lighting up stages from Glastonbury to Burning Man. With founding members Sanjay Seran and Ravi Binning leading the charge, and long-time violinist Serena Eades adding rich melodic depth, the band continues to evolve. Now joined by producer, keyboardist and tabla player Kal Mattu, they’re launching a bold new chapter with fresh music and renewed energy. Come see!

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Jacques Surette | NS


If Neil Young and beloved Acadian singer-songwriter Cayouche had a child, there's no doubt Jacques Surette would have been that prodigal son! He began playing guitar at age 12 and started composing his own songs at 14. Jacques’ folk-roots sound blends perfectly with the unique accent that defines this highly talented Nova Scotian. His performances, like his songs, tell stories close to his heart and charm audiences of every age. Jacques will be accompanied in a guitar and vocal duo by Denis Surette.

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Jocelyn Pettit Band | BC


This vibrant and celebrated fiddle player, step dancer and singer is a true festival favourite! Coming to FdB2026 with her band of renowned musicians, expect powerhouse performances of traditional, contemporary and original music inspired by the Celtic and folk cultures of Canada (Québec, Cape Breton) as well as Scotland, Ireland, Brittany, and Galicia. Jocelyn will be joined by Erik Musseau (whistle, piano, vocals), Boris Favre (piano, bass, vocals), Adam Dobres (guitar), and David Pender Lofgren (bodhrán). 

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Locarno | BC


Delivering their electrifying musical fusion since 2009, Locarno is a celebration of sound and rhythm. Led by Tom Landa (vocals, guitar, jarana), Locarno plays music with roots in Mexican son jarocho, folk, and early Afro-Cuban son combined with influences of African soukous, Mexican marimba music, Venezuelan joropo, Brazilian forró and more. The band features Kalissa Landa (violin), Robin Layne (marimba, congas, timbales), Pedro Mota (guitar, vocals), JeanSe LeDoujet (bass), Liam MacDonald (drums, congas, pandero), Jocelyn Waugh (trumpet), and Nick La Riviere (trombone). 

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Nicolas Pellerin et Les Grands Hurleurs | QC


Playing traditionally-anchored music steeped in criss-crossing influences, Nicolas Pellerin (vocals, fiddle, foot percussion) and his fellow “great howlers” Louis Thibault (vocals, bouzouki, mandolin, guitar) and Philippe Girard (vocals, guitar) play original, open-minded music that skillfully combines Québecois, folk, rock and other influences into a creative, danceable and organic groove. This is inspired, “outside the box," award-winning acoustic music best experienced live – where you can feel their dynamic on-stage energy, kick up your heels, and be blown away by their musical prowess.

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The North Shore Celtic Ensemble | BC


Come hear the young, spirited, and musically-exceptional sound of a dynamic community of young musicians from North Vancouver. What started as a Celtic ensemble in 1998 has evolved into a dynamic, no-boundaries exploration of the sounds that inspires these musical prodigies – from their own original compositions that draw on Celtic, classical, jazz and folk influences to creative arrangements of more traditional Celtic tunes. Though approaching their 3rd decade, the NSCE continues to bring fresh energy, an innovative style and great tunes to the local scene.

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Schryer, Enblom, Dobres & Hillhouse | BC


This exceptional quartet of Celtic musicians perform traditional and contemporary musical gems from Ireland and Scotland to Algeria, Brazil, Québec, the US and beyond. An ensemble of true virtuosos, the group features Franco-Ontarian fiddler and foot-percussionist Pierre Schryer, North American step dance specialist Danielle Enblom, European-influenced guitarist Adam Dobres, and west coast modern troubadour Andy Hillhouse on guitar, tenor banjo, and vocals. Don’t miss this super group as they proceed to set the festival stage on fire!

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The Sybaritic String Band with caller Katie Pinter | BC


Not only has The Sybaritic String Band provided infectiously danceable music for Vancouver contra dances for decades, they have played this festival’s wildly popular opening night for going on a decade. Their music inspires folks to get up and on the dance floor, whether they’re a veteran of the figures or learning how to do-si-do for the first time. The group includes Sheila Allan (fiddle), Leith Davis (piano), Claire McCague (recorders, saxophone), Rob McGregor (mandolin), and Scott Alpen (bodhrán, trumpet). Dance caller Katie Pinter will lead dances for people of all ages and abilities.

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Petit Chapiteau and Roving Performers

Malicounda | BC


For over 30 years, Malicounda founder Louise Raymond has been dedicated to sharing the power and beauty of playing music together. She offers a joyful multicultural experience with musical instruments from around the world. Louise studied in Senegal and with West African dance and percussion masters in the US, and is certified as a percussion circle facilitator. Malicounda workshops build connections and strengthen collaboration, trust, and a sense of community among all participants. Come join in a glorious all-ages experience!

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Micah! | MB


Multi-talented young Franco-Manitoban Micah! (Micah Beribeau) is a singer, songwriter, actor and French-Canadian jigger. He’s worked as a children’s entertainer with his mother, Madame Diva, since he was a youngster – and has seen remarkable success with his own solo career. He’s performed for more than 150,000 students and children across the country, and was the 2025 recipient of the Children’s Music of the Year Award at the Gala Trille Or, which celebrates excellence in francophone music from across Canada. Come sing and dance along with the fabulous and fun Micah!

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Will’s Jams | BC


Will Stroet and his three-piece band perform high-energy rock-pop music in English and French. His shows are full of witty wordplay and sing-along choruses, inspiring kids to be active, creative, caring, and community-minded. Will and crew will perform hits from his 13 albums, which are masterpieces of creativity and fun, further cementing him as the ultimate star of children’s rock 'n' roll. Will just released his latest album, My Best Friends, a collaboration with notable artists from across Canada.

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Danièle et Michelle | BC


Danielle & Michèle have been roving characters at festivals and events for 25 years, gracing Festival du Bois with their lively presence many times over those years – always delighting festival crowds wherever they roam. This talented duo brings a variety of charming and zany characters, creating memorable moments and inviting all who see them into a realm of fantasy and enchantment.

Amira Routledge | BC


If, as you wander the festival site in Mackin Park, you happen to come upon a tall, magical creature in a fabulous costume, chances are you’ve met the amazing Amira Routledge. Amira got her stilt legs when a good friend built a batch of wooden pegs and offered to teach her the basics. As a costume designer and maker, she built her own costumes and started performing professionally in 2010. The rest is history. Amira continues to enchant event-goers wherever she strolls!

 

LIFC (Franco-Colombian Improvisation League) | BC


The LIFC (Franco-Colombian Improvisation League) improvisation tournament is back this year at the Festival du Bois!

Come have fun and laugh while discovering more about the art of improvisation. In this tournament, based on the improvisation style found in Quebec, several teams comprised of students from grades 8 to 12 at CSF schools across BC compete against each other for the trophy. Audience members have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of this theatrical sport, playing an important role in the tournament as they vote for the winners of each match.

The Franco-Colombian Improvisation League (LIFC) is a project run by the Francophone Youth Council of British Columbia (CJFCB). The Council has been bringing young people from across BC together for over 15 years. The LIFC provides a place for young people to make new connections, learn more about improvisation, and develop leadership, theatre, and public speaking skills.

For more information about the tournament, please visit the LIFC's official website.



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