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HEADLINER

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2025 festival artists

headliners

raglan road

Raglan Road is one part Prince Edward Island, one part Newfoundland and two parts Miramichi, NB, and together, they comprise one of the most energetic and engaging acts in Eastern Canada!

In just 10 years together, the band has headlined numerous national festivals and events, and have shared the stage with acts such as The Sheepdogs, Big Wreck, Lindsay Ell, Kim Mitchell The Mahones, Charlie Major, The Stanfields, The Dean Brody Band, Haywire, Honeymoon Suite, Lee Aaron and many more!

The band has also released a critically acclaimed 13 track debut album and followed that up with their latest single, “Pour it Black" that went to #1 on the East Coast Countdown and spent 15 weeks in the top 10. Raglan Road has also sponsored artist partnerships with Stonebridge Guitars, Headhunters Percussion, Four Rivers Brewing Co. and Three Dog Distilling.

Add this all up and Raglan Road has quickly become one of the most popular acts in the music landscape in Eastern Canada! Let the party begin!

before the mast

Before The Mast is nine guys who sing the sea shanties and sea songs that working men sang aboard ships in the age of sail. They sing with gusto and energy, balanced with heartfelt ballads and carefully-arranged harmonies. Like the sailors of old, they sing a-cappella (without instruments), allowing the beautiful blend of male voices in harmony to shine through.

As a young man, Gary Caines had a strong desire to start a group to sing the sea songs that he grew up listening to. His father, a Coast Guard captain, would occasionally sing "come all ye's", which piqued Gary's interest a a boy. In 2008 he gathered a couple of friends (Paul-Emile and Greg among them) and started singing these songs just for fun. Public performances soon followed and more crew were added. Today there are nine guys who perform regularly.

Their shows mainly consist of singing a mixture of sea shanties, sea songs, and related folk ballads. Stories, humour, and education about the types of shanties and life about ships in the Age of Sail is added where appropriate. Show content is adjusted to fit event and audience requirements.

openers

dram & a draw

Dram & A Draw is a modern take on the classic East Coast Kitchen Party. Drawing inspiration from the musical past of the Atlantic provinces, acoustic instruments are brought together with a danceable energy that creates a rowdy pub atmosphere in any room. Original storytelling and addictive melodies keep the songs in your head long after the show is over. Their singles "She Was A Maritimer" and "East Coast Town" sing about the places we call home and the people who make them unforgettable.

With a sound that blends traditional Maritime folk with contemporary roots and a touch of Celtic flair, Dram & A Draw delivers performances that are as heartfelt as they are high-energy. Whether playing to a packed pub or an intimate gathering, the band’s tight harmonies, driving rhythms, and infectious charisma invite audiences to sing, stomp, and raise a glass!

cameron nickerson

Known for his gritty, heartfelt country sound and bluegrass roots, this Yarmouth-born singer-songwriter is bringing a fresh take to maritime folk this summer, with a modern twist that still feels right at home on the East Coast! Cameron’s songs are steeped in lived experience, drawn from roots in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. He’s no stranger to big stages either, you might’ve caught him on the Rising Artists stage at the Cavendish Beach Music Festival!

With new music out on Spotify and his 2024 single “Summertime in the Maritimes” capturing the spirit of the coast, we’re proud to have him bring his unique blend of maritime folk and bluegrass to the ‘Chi!

"Described as "Good, classic long-haul truck drivin' music", Cameron Nickerson draws inspiration from lived experiences at his century-old camp, rooted in small town Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada. Following the success of his East Coast Music Award nominated debut country album, "Detours", and Music Nova Scotia nominated sophomore record, "Submission", Nickerson’s relentless pursuit of truth in songwriting has positioned him as a rising force in the Americana space. Now, this country boy is ready to dive into his folk inspired roots, by cuttin' fresh bluegrass"!

featured artists

farraige

We are excited to welcome Farraige (pronounced FA-ra-ga) to the ‘Chi Shanty Music Festival! This powerhouse Celtic band blends traditional sea shanties and modern folk tunes with infectious energy and heart. With roots in Eastern Canada and performances spanning many events across the province, Farraige brings a rich mix of bass, banjo, guitar, flute, accordion, vocals, and more to every stage.

Whether performing as a full band or duo, their music, filled with songs of rebellion, freedom, and a few good laughs, never fails to get the crowd going!

terry Whalen

At his core, Terry Whalen is a singer/songwriter, guitarist, and teacher. With over 40 years of guitar playing and songwriting under his belt, his musical influences range from the hard rock energy of Van Halen, AC/DC, and ZZ Top to the heartfelt storytelling of John Hiatt and Steve Earle.

A three-time ECMA nominee and two-time Music NB Award winner for Blues Recording of the Year (2012 & 2015), Terry has continued to evolve like a fine wine, maturing into a sound that leans into roots and Americana. With seven studio albums to date, his passion for songwriting and storytelling remains front and center.

More recently, Terry has been dedicated to helping the next generation of songwriters find their voice. In partnership with ASD-N, Brilliant Labs, and EECD, Terry leads songwriting camps across New Brunswick, giving young artists the chance to work with some of the East Coast’s finest musicians and mentors. These camps provide students with a rare opportunity to write and perform with professionals, and the results speak for themselves.

The future of East Coast songwriting is in good hands, and we’re proud to welcome both Terry Whalen and the incredible ASD-N Songwriters to the ‘Chi Shanty Festival

melissa barry

We’re beyond excited to welcome Melissa Barry to the ‘Chi Shanty Music Festival stage! A classically trained violinist with a BMUS from Western and a BEd from Crandall, she’s toured across Canada, played the Canadian Country Music Awards, and recorded with icons like Charlie Major, Michelle Wright, and Jason Blaine!

You might know her from her performance on the The Amazing Race Canada in Miramichi last summer, the Miramichi Kitchen Party group, or performing with Melanie Ross and the Irish Doyle Dancers. One thing’s for sure, she’ll have your toes tappin’!

sara & James
nelson

Hailing from Lower Coverdale, NB, Sara and James bring the high-energy, toe-tapping tradition of Maritime fiddle music wherever they go, and we’re lucky to have them joining us this summer. These first-generation musical siblings got their start playing everywhere from church halls to hospital rooms, and their love for sharing music has only grown since.

As the long-time musical heart of the Molly Kool Kitchen Party at Fundy National Park, Sara and James have performed together since they were just 6 and 8 years old. They’ve competed (and won!) fiddle contests across NB, NS, and Ontario, and in 2024 were honoured with an invite to the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Contest in Whitehorse.

They’re also members of the Sussex Avenue Fiddlers and cast members of the Lumber Jills, with performances at top festivals like PEI’s Festival of Small Halls, Cavendish Beach Music Festival, Levee on the Lake, and even international stages like Dollywood in Tennessee and the HebCelt Festival in Scotland.

Now back to their roots as a duo, they’re hard at work on their debut album expected later this year! Sara has just completed her first year of Music Performance at Holland College, and James is heading into Grade 12 at Riverview High.

Get ready for some pure East Coast energy, amazing young talent, and infectious joy! Sara and James Nelson are ready to light up the ‘Chi Shanty stage!

cindy rule

A gifted singer, songwriter, and strummer, Cindy Rule has called the Miramichi home since 2006, and it shines through in their music. Cindy’s songs often reflect the beauty and character of our river community.

Cindy has been a long-time performer with the Friends of Beaubears Island, lending voice and talent to everything from stage productions to special events, including our 25th Anniversary Celebration last August.

You can find their music under Cindy Rule on all major streaming platforms - be sure to give it a listen!

neil wallace

Originally from the northeast of England and now a proud New Brunswicker for nearly 16 years, Neil is no stranger to sea shanties or tall ships! (He even built his own Viking ship back in the UK!) With 40 years of experience in historical reenactment and living history, Neil brings a lifetime of passion and expertise to every performance.

Neil has many years doing everything history in the UK, working with the BBC, Channel 4, Discovery Channel, and was featured on the popular series Time Team and Bloody Britain. He was named one of the Top 50 Greatest Living Northumbrians of all time and also appeared as an extra in the historical film Copperhead, filmed right here in New Brunswick at Kings Landing.

He is also one of the organizers of the ‘Chi Shanty Music Festival, Chair of Friends of Beaubears Island Inc., and an active member of both the Scottish Heritage Society and Highland Society. His deep love for history, culture, and storytelling makes him the perfect host for our Sunday lineup.

the grizzled
buccaneers

We’re capping off our Saturday line-up with a whole lot of swagger! Please welcome The Grizzled Buccaneers to the ‘Chi Shanty Music Festival stage, as our official storytellers and MC for Saturday!

Half from France, half from Scotland, and 100% pirate, this Miramichi-based duo is a new and unforgettable addition to the East Coast performance scene. What started when two pirates walked into a bar and ordered rum has grown into a full-on performance pirate crew, complete with music, storytelling, sword fighting, and mischievous maritime mayhem.

Expect sea stories, swashbuckling duels, treasure tales, and interactive hijinks that’ll have audiences of all ages shouting “yo ho ho!” From pirate lore to historical nods, The Grizzled Buccaneers promise a performance adventure that’s as ship-shape as it gets - AND EXCITING.

They will also be hosting our first ever ‘Chi Shanty Experience - Sword Fighting for Seadogs, an interactive performance, on Saturday June 7th on Beaubears Island (weather permitting)! Take the Beaubears Island Ferry for a short 7 minute journey to the Island, and see the fun of sword fighting unfold before your eyes! You might learn a little too at this family friendly performance!

So grab your tricorn, summon your inner seadog, and get ready to sail into story with this duo. You won’t want to miss this performance!