🎻 Mairi Rankin

Born in Mabou, Cape Breton, Mairi Rankin is a fiddler and step dancer who has been influenced by some of the best Cape Breton traditional musicians and instructors on the island. Immersed in this rich musical culture, she has developed her own unique style, drawing from both her native Cape Breton roots and her strong Scottish heritage from North Uist.

Mairi has toured nationally and internationally as both a performer and educator in fiddle and step dance. She has been a member of the Cape Breton supergroup Beòlach and the acclaimed Scottish–Irish–Canadian band The Outside Track. Her recordings include one solo album, three with Beòlach, and seven with The Outside Track. Her latest project, The Cabin Sessions with cellist Eric Wright, was nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award.

🪗 Angus MacKenzie

Hailing from Mabou, Cape Breton, Angus MacKenzie was raised in a Gaelic-speaking home steeped in Highland culture. He began piping at a young age, training with the Gaelic College Pipe Band and earning top competition honors in both Canada and Scotland.

His professional journey began while studying Gaelic at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig on the Isle of Skye, where he immersed himself in the west Highland music scene. A founding member of several acclaimed projects, including Seudan and a duo album Pìob is Fidheall with his brother Kenneth, Angus continues to collaborate with Celtic musicians across the globe.

Now based in Skye, Angus remains in high demand as both a performer and piping instructor, often returning to Cape Breton to teach and play.

🎻 Kimberley Fraser

Born on Cape Breton Island, Kimberley Fraser was raised in the heart of the island’s musical traditions. She began step dancing at age three, later adding fiddle and piano to her repertoire. Today, she is known worldwide for her versatility as a performer and teacher.

Kimberley has toured internationally, performing from Victoria to Afghanistan. She holds degrees in Violin Performance from Berklee College of Music and Celtic Studies from St. Francis Xavier University. A dedicated educator, she has taught at leading fiddle camps and festivals across North America, sharing her passion for Cape Breton music wherever she goes.

🎸 James MacLean

From East Lake Ainslie, Cape Breton, James MacLean has been immersed in music since childhood, starting on piano before finding his voice on guitar. Under the mentorship of Cape Breton guitarist Brian Doyle, James developed a deep love for traditional music and went on to earn a Bachelor of Music from Dalhousie University.

In 2023, he released his debut self-titled album—a celebration of traditional Cape Breton tunes performed on flat-picked guitar—featuring collaborations with local greats like Mac Morin, Patrick Gillis, Kenneth MacKenzie, and his aunt Karen Beaton.