A Saturday night lineup packed with Cape Breton energy, rhythm, and heart.
John Pellerin
Born and raised in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, John Pellerin began step dancing at the age of 4 and picked up the fiddle at age 10, studying with the renowned Stan Chapman. Deeply influenced by his Cape Breton roots, John has become known for his high-energy performances that combine powerful fiddling with rhythmic dance. He has toured across North America and Europe and continues to be a strong ambassador for Cape Breton traditional music.
🔗 https://kitchenfest.ca/artist/john-pellerin/
Bonny Jean MacDonald
Bonny Jean MacDonald is a fiddler from Mabou, Cape Breton, with strong family ties to the local music scene. A professional massage therapist by day and passionate musician by night, she was a founding member of the Celtic rock band Kilt, which earned an East Coast Music Award nomination. These days, you’ll find her playing alongside her cousins in the band Crossfire, where her drive and love for traditional Cape Breton music shine through.
🔗 https://kitchenfest.ca/artist/bonny-jean-macdonald/
Hilda Chiasson
Hilda Chiasson, originally from Chéticamp, is one of Cape Breton’s most respected pianists. With more than 50 recordings under her belt, she’s played on stages across Canada, Ireland, Scotland, Denmark, and the U.S. Hilda’s piano style brings a signature lift to Cape Breton fiddle music, and she’s worked with some of the island’s finest fiddlers. She’s also a talented step dancer and a go-to accompanist for many of the region’s top performers.
🔗 https://kitchenfest.ca/artist/hilda-chiasson/
Mary Beth Carty
Mary Beth Carty is a multilingual vocalist, guitarist, accordionist, and songwriter whose music blends Celtic, Acadian, and global folk traditions. She grew up surrounded by music in Antigonish and brings a worldly spirit to Cape Breton’s festival stages. Whether performing solo or collaborating with fiddlers and dancers, her performances are dynamic and heartfelt. She is known for her storytelling, warm stage presence, and ability to get any crowd clapping along.
🔗 https://kitchenfest.ca/artist/mary-beth-carty/