Join us Thursday night for a powerhouse session of KitchenFest magic—where East Coast legends, Cape Breton tradition-bearers, and PEI virtuosity meet under one roof.
From the storytelling harmonies of Evans & Doherty to the fiery steps and strings of Rodney MacDonald, Joel Chiasson’s masterful accompaniment, and Brent Chaisson’s island-driven rhythm, this is a night carved straight from the roots of Atlantic Canadian music.
The Red Shoe Pub comes alive once again with the kind of lineup that defines the heart of KitchenFest.
Evans & Doherty
Kevin Evans and Brian Doherty have been performing together for more than 40 years, earning a respected place on the East Coast and international folk scene. Their shows offer a lively blend of traditional, original, and contemporary songs, paired with rich storytelling and a touch of Maritime humour. They recently marked their 30th anniversary with a new recording and continue to bring their trademark harmony and presence to stages across Canada and beyond.
🔗 https://kitchenfest.ca/artist/evans-doherty
📺 Watch them perform:
Nova Scotia, Nature’s Song – Evans & Doherty (YouTube)
Rodney MacDonald
Rodney MacDonald is a celebrated Cape Breton fiddler, composer, and step-dancer from Mabou Coal Mines. He released his first solo recording, Dancer’s Delight, in 1995 and followed up with Traditionally Rockin’ in 1997, alongside Glenn Graham. His fiddling also features on the Smithsonian Folkways album The Beaton Family of Mabou. In addition to his musical career, Rodney served as Premier of Nova Scotia from 2006 to 2009 and currently leads The Gaelic College, where he founded KitchenFest.
🔗 https://kitchenfest.ca/artist/rodney-macdonald
📺 Watch him perform:
Rodney MacDonald – Finale with Mac Morin & Patrick Gillis (YouTube)
Joel Chiasson
Joel Chiasson is a veteran pianist and step-dancer from Chéticamp with over 30 years of experience. He has performed on more than 25 albums, collaborating with well-known Cape Breton artists such as Natalie MacMaster, Ashley MacIsaac, and Buddy MacMaster. In the late 1990s, Joël toured extensively as part of live performance ensembles and continues to be a sought-after accompanist and instructor within the Cape Breton traditional music community.
🔗https://kitchenfest. ca/artist/joel-chiasson
📺 Watch him perform:
Howie MacDonald & Joël Chiasson – Ceilidh Set (YouTube)
Brent Chaisson
Brent Chaisson, from a long line of Prince Edward Island musicians, began playing fiddle at the age of five and soon expanded into guitar, piano, and drums. He co-founded the ECMA-nominated Celtic rock band Kindle in the 1990s and has toured throughout North America and Europe. Brent has shared stages with artists such as Great Big Sea and Ashley MacIsaac, and his playing reflects both the drive of traditional East Coast music and a versatile, contemporary style.
https://kitchenfest.ca/artist/brent-chaisson
📺 Watch him perform:
Brent Chaisson – “Compliments to Cameron Chisholm” Reel Medley (YouTube)