Cape Breton Island and Prince Edward Island are situated in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, a major body of water that acts as the outlet for the St. Lawrence River, which flows through Québec. Before modern highways, the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the St. Lawrence River were the primary route for fishers, traders, and seasonal labourers traveling between Quebec, eastern PEI, and western Cape Breton. Maritime workers from all three provinces would meet at seasonal ports, lumber camps, and shipyards along the seaway, and tunes from the Quebecois, Scottish, and Acadian traditions would be exchanged and absorbed, further connecting these distinct regions through music. Cousins Nicole and Michelle Deveau grew up in Chéticamp, on Cape Breton’s northwest coast, and are excited to be playing in their hometown at this year’s festival. Deeply inspired by their Acadian roots, the cousins’ strong family bond creates a captivating and harmonious sound as they proudly carry their culture forward through song. Speaking of family bonds, the Chaisson Family from eastern Prince Edward Island have musical roots going back six generations. The Chaisson’s grew up listening to the same radio programs featuring fiddle music that folks in Inverness County did as the radio waves drifted across the Northumberland Strait from Antigonish, Nova Scotia, once again connecting these island neighbours through music. Guitarist André Marchant and accordion player Normand Miron of Le Bruit Court dans la Ville are from the Lanaudière region of Québec, located along the north shore of the St. Lawrence River. André and fiddler Lisa Ornstein first met as bandmates in La Bottine Souriante, the iconic trad super group that kickstarted Quebec’s folk music revival, before teaming up with Normand. The trio played during the first Celtic Colours in 1997 and complete the lineup of tonight’s concert.

And if you’re looking for somewhere to eat after the concert, you’ve got two local choices: A homemade Acadian meal of chicken fricot and Acadian meat pie or a three-course meal rooted in tradition.