A Canada Day celebration steeped in Cape Breton brilliance. This matinée lineup brings together four master musicians for a session that promises high energy, tradition, and a whole lot of heart.
Howie MacDonald
A beloved fiddler from Westmount, Cape Breton County, Howie MacDonald has been performing since childhood—whether at family gatherings or international concert halls. A former member of the Rankin Family band, Howie has released eleven albums and a DVD, and is recognized not only for his exceptional fiddle and piano work, but also for his talent in musical comedy. He’s performed in comedic revues such as Island Mania, Howie's Celtic Brew, The Dance Last Night, and The Cape Breton Summertime Revue. Known as a go-to accompanist for ceilidhs, concerts, and studio sessions across the island, Howie is a cornerstone of Cape Breton’s musical community.
Troy MacGillivray
Hailing from Lanark, Nova Scotia, Troy MacGillivray has dedicated over 30 years to traditional music as both a performer and scholar. A master of piano, fiddle, and step dance, Troy holds an M.A. in Ethnomusicology from the University of Limerick and began teaching at just 13 years old at Colaisde na Gàidhlig/the Gaelic College. His deep-rooted Scottish heritage and commitment to Gaelic traditions have earned him the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and multiple ECMA and Canadian Folk Music Award nominations. Troy’s strong career has brought him around the world playing and teaching, while his solo recordings have received numerous nominations and awards from the East Coast Music Association and the Canadian Folk Music Awards.
Iain MacQuarrie
Quiet and unassuming, Iain MacQuarrie is gaining recognition as a rising piano talent from Inverness County. With a background in step dancing and summers spent immersed in the culture at St. Ann’s Gaelic College, Iain brings authenticity and heartfelt rhythm to every performance. This KitchenFest! marks his debut at the festival, and his devotion to Cape Breton’s Scottish tunes makes him a perfect fit for the Canada Day stage.
Brian Doyle
Cape Breton-born guitarist Brian Doyle has been on stage since he was fourteen and brings both fire and finesse to every performance. With deep roots in the Chisholm family’s musical legacy, Brian has toured nationally and internationally, performing with stars like Anne Murray and Chris DeBurgh, and promoting Nova Scotia alongside artists such as Natalie MacMaster, Beòlach, and Lennie Gallant. He’s been nominated for multiple East Coast Music Awards and is known for blending blues, rock, and Celtic traditions—most notably in his fusion group Greyloch, nominated for Rock Album of the Year in 2000.