Métis Music and Cultural Fest to be held July 11-14, 2013

The annual Métis Music and Cultural Fest will be held July 11-14, 2013 at The Great Canadian Barn Dance (Hillspring, Alberta). The event is open to everyone, including musicians and the general public.

The headlining act this year is Calvin Vollrath, a Canadian fiddler and composer and one of the best fiddlers in the world, who lives in Saint Paul, Alberta. He is also one of the few European-Canadian fiddle players playing professionally in the Métis style. Calvin is a musical prodigy who was twice crowned the Grand North American Old Tyme Fiddle Champion.

To date Vollrath has composed over 450 tunes, many of which have become standard contest and dance tunes across North America and Europe. His influence in the fiddle world is very evident. He has to his credit 56 of his own albums, numerous music books of his original compositions, and an instructional DVD. Vollrath was commissioned to compose 5 fiddle tunes for the Vancouver Winter Olympics 2010 Opening Ceremonies to represent the various styles of fiddling our country has to offer. He also wrote the theme for the international fiddle convention "Fiddles of the World", held in Halifax NS in July 1999. His music is frequently danced to by a well accomplished step dancer, Rhea Labrie.

His guitar player, Clinton Pelletier, is also a well known for his talent. His bio partially reads: Clinton received the "B.E.S.T. International Scholarship" from Berklee College of Music. He decided however to attend Grant McEwan College in Edmonton, Alberta where he received honors with distinction. Following his studies, he toured with April Verch and later on with the world-famous group, Barrage. After having toured extensively across North America and Europe, Clinton decided to settle back into Edmonton where he has since become one of the most sought-after freelance guitarists in the Country, Folk and Jazz scenes. To date, Clinton has initiated several bands including EclecTrip (WCMA nominee) and Hot Club Edmonton (2010 WCMA winner). He also owns and operates ReelTime Recording studio which has recently engineered its 50th album.

The Kikino Dancers are a dance troupe from the Kikino Metis Settlement near Bonnyville Alberta. The festival will be entertained by their junior troupe.

Other performances and instruction will be provided by Rylan Kunkel, Shelly and Tynan Groves, Rhea Labrie (step dancer), Kikino Northern Lites Jr. Dancers, Kunkel Brothers, and the Great Canadian Barn Dance All Stars.

Also featured at the event: Lessons & Demonstrations in Jigging, Beading, Voyager Canoeing, Wagon and Red River Cart Rides, Youth Crafts, Horse Harnessing, Book Reading, Bannock Making, Rendezvous games, Medicine Bag Making, and Métis sash bracelets.

There will be Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Lessons in Fiddle, Guitar, Keyboards, Métis Dance Lessons, and a Student Finale Concert.

For more information call (toll free) 1-866-626-3407