24 Seven Poitras Band

Andrea Menard

 Multi-award winning, Métis singer/songwriter and actress, Andrea Menard, has been busy in both music and film.

The creative spark inside Andrea Menard has caught fire on her third album, Sparkle, a multi-genre original work that celebrates the glittering winter and the urge to go deep within. The original songs, written with long-time collaborator and producer Robert Walsh, are featured in a television holiday special, called Sparkle: An Evening with Andrea Menard, that will be broadcast on APTN in the 2010 holiday season.

The talented songstress’ first two award-winning albums, Simple Steps (2005) and The Velvet Devil (2002), both feature original songs written by Menard and Robert Walsh. Both CDs have received much acclaim across the country and internationally.

The award-winning film adaptation of her one-woman musical stage play The Velvet Devil with WestWind Pictures (Little Mosque on the Prairie), debuted nationally on CBC’s television series Opening Night. The Velvet Devil swept 13 Showcase Awards at the 2008 SMPIA Awards, with Menard herself winning three, including “Best Original Script”, “Best Actress”, and “Best Original Score”. Andrea’s performance received rave reviews and garnered a Gemini nomination for “Best Performance by an Actress” in 2006. Andrea recently went on a second cross country tour with the acclaimed stage play production of The Velvet Devil.

Andrea also stars in the APTN and Space TV series, Rabbit Fall (Angel Entertainment), a supernatural crime drama shot in Saskatchewan. She won “Best Female Lead” at the 2009 SMPIA Awards and was nominated for a 2009 Gemini Award for “Best Actress in a Dramatic Role”. This is Menard’s second nomination in the same category for her role in the groundbreaking Canadian drama, Moccasin Flats.

Andrea recently performed in Germany at the Indianer-Inuit Film Festival, where they screened the film version of The Velvet Devil, and her first video, Evergreen. The video also screened at the ImagineNATIVE Film Festival, the Reel World Film Festival and was nominated for “Best Music Video” at the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards. Also, Andrea was asked to perform in the Athletes’ Village in Whistler during the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and co-hosted the 17^th Annual National Aboriginal Achievement Awards.

Asham Stompers

Bannock Country

Brian Sklar and the Texpistols

Clint Dutiaume

For Clint Dutiaume, Seventh Son is more than just a name for his production company/fiddle company.  It also identifies family ties.  Clint is the seventh son born to his mother and father, Albert and Emma Dutiaume, in Winnipeg, Manitoba on January 10, 1964 and is of Metis heritage. Clint comes from a musical family of 13 brothers and sisters.  It is understandable that this analogy would have deep meaning for Clint.

Clint is a multi-threat fiddle player, guitarist ,bass player, mandolin player, singer, songwriter and entertainer who is considered one of the leaders of his generation in country music in Canada. Clint has been a student of music for 42 years having started playing guitar at age 7. The fiddle came next at age 12 and the rest as they say is history.  He has been nominated for a variety of awards including a Juno Award. Here are some of the major individual awards and accomplishments that Clint has achieved in his distinguished career.

-2004 Canadian Aboriginal Music Award for Best Fiddle Album with the apply titled “Fiddle Extravaganza”

-Was invited by the Metis Nation of Canada to perform as an Ambassador at the World Festival of Traditional Games and Sport in Frankfurt, Germany in 2000

-Performed at Expo 2000 in Frankfurt, Germany

-Nine time winner of the Instrumentalist of the Year Award at the Manitoba Association of Country Arts Music Awards.

-Was presented with the Metis Role Model Distinction Award by the Metis Association of Saskatchewan in 1995.

-Clint is the only former winner of a Canadian Aboriginal Music Award to be requested to represent and perform at the Mauri Music Awards in North Palmerston, New Zealand in February of 2006.

Throughout the years, Clint has performed with a variety of talented musicians and friends.  Included in this group are former NHL great Theoren Fleury, Troy Westwood, George Straight, George Hamilton IV, Eddie Raven, Buffy St. Marie and Ian Tyson.  Clint has also performed for many years with good friend, legendary Canadian Music Hall of Fame and Manitoba Hall of Fame member Ray St. Germain.  Ray has also used the talents of Clint to be his musical director for numerous tours and performances.  Clint continues to perform as a solo artist, to sold out shows all across Canada.

Now that he has accomplished all of this, Clint has set his sights on passing on some of his talent to the younger generation. It all started in 2004 with an invitation to be  guest instructor at a fiddle camp in Norway House, Manitoba and then progressed to teaching in schools throughout Manitoba and Canada.  With the support of the communities of Sagkeeng, Little Black River, and Winnipeg, Manitoba and Shoal Lake #39 in Ontario, Clint has had the opportunity to bring the gift of music to many children as well as adults in these communities. 

The Seventh Son Music Program that Clint established in 2008 keeps him busy throughout Manitoba and Ontario, teaching his brand of fiddle playing to young and old alike. Over the last few years Clint has instructed close to 250 students.  Some of those students have performed across Canada, the United States, and for the Prime Minister to showcase the skills they have learned.  

Now in his seventh year as a fiddle/ guitar instructor, Clint has created his own teaching style and technique and shares his extensive experience and knowledge in his music program called THE SEVENTH SON FIDDLE PROGRAM and SEVENTH SON FIDDLE PRODUCTIONS.

The time has come for Clint to make this experience available to all, young and old, near or far.  The program continues today by popular demand, from students who wish to learn from this multi talented musician.

The recording studio is another place that Clint feels right at home.  He is one of the most sought after record producers and session musicians in all of Canada.  Clint has produced several number one songs for a variety of artists, as well as receiving a nomination for producer of the year at the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards.  To add to his list of many talents, Clint also composes his own songs and instrumental music.

For 20 years, Clint has been the musical director for the NCI Jam which features Manitoba's best amateur Aboriginal talent.  This musical showcase of Manitoba's Aboriginal Talent has been a stepping stone for some of Canada's best Aboriginal performers.  Year after year, Clint has excelled in directing the performers, orchestrating the back up band, and ensuring that the show remains of the highest quality.  To acknowledge the work that Clint does, as well as his  commitment and dedication, the NCI board of directors bestowed him with a lifetime appreciation award in 2008.  The only time this has ever been done.  

Clint has been musical director for The Northern Variety Tour, which features top Aboriginal performers visiting Manitoba's northern communities, and has toured extensively in Canada's north on many occasions.

 A widely recognized fiddle specialist, Clint fills his albums with head-turning instrumental twists and toe tapping rhythms and is one of the few recording artists who plays predominantly all his own instruments in the recording studio. 

Dale Jewitt

Dallas and Phil Boyer

Darren Lavallee

From St. Ambroise Manitoba, Darren has been dubbed the “Marvelous Métis”. He was raised surrounded by Music, Dance, and the Michif language and is strongly traditional when it comes to his Métis roots.

The Lavallee Family made their living fishing, farming and ranching at the South Basin of Lake Manitoba. Growing up in a large family of 19, when work was done the family enjoyed their free time singing and dancing to the bounce of the fiddle. Church was a major influence in their lives and it is reflected in their deep roots, values and solid foundation. Darren still practices and maintains these values, which he has passed on to his children. It’s in his blood. You can hear the passion in his voice when he is singing and see it on stage when he is performing.

Darren is diverse when it comes to instruments, has been an entertainer most of his life and he has played for many audiences. Not only can he play a “mean” fiddle but also plays the acoustic guitar, lead guitar, bass guitar, drums, etcetera. Powerful, soulful and full of emotion is the only way to describe Darren, be that when he is singing up a storm or playing the fiddle and entertaining his audience. He has also been known to “Cut the rug” a time or two and maintains the title of “1^st place Men’s Jigging Champion” in Back to Batoche Days, Batoche Saskatchewan in 2004 and 2008. OOH WHA ….. a “True Métis”.

Darren has been nominated for numerous awards such “Best Fiddle Album” at the 2004 Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards in Toronto, Ontario where he gave a show stopping performance of “The Disco Jig” from the CD “Jigfest”. The release of his CD, “Backroads Fiddlin’” in May 2007 has rendered awards for the “Best Fiddle Album” at the 2007 Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards in Winnipeg, Manitoba and the 2007 Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards in Toronto, Ontario.

The release of a new fiddle CD, “Le Métis” in June 2008 rendered the “Best Fiddle CD”  Award at the 2008 Aboriginal People’s Choice Music Awards and nominations for “Best Fiddle Album” and “Best Instrumental” at the 2008 Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards.

“Let it be said, that once you’ve heard him sing or play, he will be in your heart forever”.

David Arndt & Austin Neufeld

Donny Parenteau

 Donny Parenteau knows WHAT IT TAKES to be successful in the Canadian Country Music Industry. As a performer Donny has achieved amazing success and since being nominated for a JUNO in 2008 he is ready to step into the national spotlight as a solo artist.

Born and raised in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Donny first raised a bow to the fiddle in 1981. Mastering the intricate technique of this instrument through self-taught methods would be enough for most performers, but not for Donny. His musical versatility expanded to playing the mandolin, acoustic and electric guitars, as well as the unique double neck mando-caster/electric guitar. With his superior vocal ability added to the mix, and his easy transition from Country Classics to Blues and Easy Rock, Donny hit the touring road in 1991 with none other than the tall, smiling Texan, country music great, Neal McCoy.

Donny’s 12 year adventure with McCoy had him sharing front and center stage with country legends and music icons including Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, George Jones, Charlie Pride, Loretta Lynn, Charlie Daniels, Hank Williams Jr, Reba McEntire, Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, and Shania Twain. Appearing with McCoy on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Grand Ole Opry, Crook and Chase, Nashville Now, and Prime Time Country, Donny was decorated with what he calls a "Masters Degree in Entertaining." He has enjoyed a country musical tour adventure that many dream of, and few ever live.

"Donny, along with being one of the most talented guys I’ve ever worked with (not to mention that I’ve ever heard), is a great guy with a big heart, lots of personality and a passion for music you very seldom find."

- Neal McCoy

In 2002, Donny left Nashville, the touring band and family he knew and returned to Saskatchewan to begin his solo career. Putting pen to paper he effortlessly created music, producing three albums

Donny Parenteau has demonstrated that hard work does pay off with 45 music nominations to his credit. In one year, Donny received 28 award nominations and took home 14 music awards in various categories at five major awards shows (JUNO, CCMA, WCMA, CAMA & SCMA). The trend continues to grow with an SCMA award for Aboriginal Artist of the Year in 2009. A comprehensive listing of Donny’s achievements can be found on his website at www.donnyparenteau.net.

Donny has recently completed an album in Nashville, TN with Grammy nominated artist and producer Harry Stinson and will soon embark on a Western Canadian CD release tour to promote the album. Donny continues to be one of the hardest working musicians in Saskatchewan and will perform over 80 shows by the end of 2009.

- What It Takes (2006), The Great Unknown (2004) and The First Time (2002). Since then Donny’s music career has steadily developed. His hard work, dedication and tenacity, coupled with the support of his wife Patty, are the main reasons that Donny is the success he is today.

Dorothy Mae Walker

Singer/Songwriter Dorothy Mae Walker, born of a large Métis family in Minnedosa Manitoba, began her musical career as a child; as music ran in her family, with her parents and several of her siblings being singers or musicians.

Early performances, starting from age 12, consisted of live radio and TV appearances which lead to a major spot at the World’s Fair in Spokane Washington.

As an adult, Dorothy Mae was interviewed on APTN in her role as a mentor Métis youth. Her most recent radio appearance was in July 2009 on a live broadcast called “Made In Manitoba” CFAM 950 radio, where Dorothy Mae spoke of her Métis roots, as her original material from her CD “ROOTS” was featured. Also in the past two years, her music has been frequently aired on 1140 am radio “Gospel Roads”.

Throughout her career, Dorothy Mar and her music has been recognized as profoundly inspirational to Métis and First Nation communities, multi denominational churches and various mentor and role model programs.

To arrive to where she is today early influences started with everyday folk who put a message into country, folk, R & B. Blues and Gospel styles of music.

Dorothy Mae is an expressive and distinct talent. A beautiful woman with a warm, sincere,  spiritual personality. All these tributes come out in her music, which is often likened to heartfelt poetry, provoking emotion, thought and inspiration.

In the words of Denis Grady (International Gospel & recording artist) “Dorothy Mae is a dedicated and compassionate singer songwriter who sings from the heart to lift the hurting soul to a place of peace and healing”.

Dorothy Mae is one single unique talent not just a singer of lyrics but a voice of tremendous maturity and depth. With a passionate style that’s all her own.

Eekwol

Eric Ashdown

Freddie and Sheila Pelletier

Half Pints

Under the Direction and Instruction of Brenda Lapointe, the Half Pints have overwhelmed and captivated their audiences with their synchronized stepping and refined square dance routines.  As part of their performance, the Half Pints are very proud to demonstrate an enormous component of their Metis Heritage by stepping it out to traditional “Red River Jig”.  Their demonstration includes ten distinct steps to the Red River Jig ending with a splash of the Orange Blossom Special.  The Half Pints will also engage their audience by demonstrating the newly produced Sash Weaving Dance (choreographed by Brenda Lapointe).

The Half Pints have been performing all across Manitoba at various prestigious events including the half time entertainment at a Winnipeg Blue Bomber game, Folkorama, Aboriginal Achievement Award Ceremonies, Women of Red Nations AGA.  One of the highlights was performing for the Prime Minister of Canada and the members of the Federal Cabinet.  Over the past several years, the Half Pints have been extremely busy traveling to many communities to perform at various events, including helping raise $10,000 for a child who needed an operation.

The Half Pints are:

Shayna Genaille and Melba Laferine
Kailee Still and Kelly Bushie
Skylar Campbell and Laura Anderson
Cathy Genaille and Brenda Lapointe – Instructor/Manager
Gerry Anderson
Guest appearances by Mikela Genaille (5 years old)
And Tomika Kidd also 5 years old 

Jaime Koebel

Jess Lee

Joel and Alex Lamoureux

Just the Boyz

Lenny Dumont

Local Onlyz

Melissa St.Goddard

Métis Child & Family Services Dancers

Métis Fiddler Quartet

Mel Vandale

Northern Highways

Ovide Pilon - CCR and Beatles Tribute

Ovide has opened for such acts as Nazereth, Powder Blues Band, Chubby Checker, Billy Joe Royal, Southern Pacific, Prism, Jerry Doucette and One horse blue as well as performed with  Buddy Knox and Paul Revere and the Raiders and at the Craven Jamboree. At the Echo Valley Jamboree his band was judged the number one band out of the 31 group battle of the bands.

In the last 13 years, Ovide has been involved in a CCR and BEATLES Tribute band performing at various venues and casinos throughout western Canada.

Ryan Keplin and Wolf Creek

From Belcourt North Dakota,  Ryan Keplin has established a positive demeanor  as a great fiddle player and entertainer astonishing his audiences wherever he plays.  His musical interest began as a young child when he found inspiration in the music of fiddle greats Andy Desjarlais, Reg Bouvette, and Graham Townsend.   

Ryan Keplin has played for various festivals, performances, fiddle contests, square dancing competitions, and step dancing competitions in Canada and the United States. His left handed fiddling and unique style attracts the attention or his listeners, which is how he established his stage name “Fiddling Lefty”.

This multi-talented entertainer possesses the ability to play not only the fiddle, but also the acoustic guitar, bass guitar, drums, mandolin and piano. With an experienced musical background Ryan has shared the stage with well-known entertainers such as Doug Kershaw, Jo-el Sonnier, Reg Bouvette, Darrin Lavallie, Clint Dutiume, John Arcand, and Clifford Mayatwashing.

Ryan has released three CD’s containing traditional tunes as well as many of his own compositions.

Metis Fiddlin, 2004
Keplin’s Breakdown, 2000
Fiddling Lefty, 1986

 

Summer Sage

Terri - Anne Strongarm

Terri-Anne is 19 years old and from the Kawacatoose First Nation but makes her home on the Star Blanket Cree Nation. Terri-Anne recently just finished her grade 12 in her home town of Balcarres. She started singing between four and five years old and has been performing since. She’s also the lead singer in her Dad’s band known as Highway Express Band. She sometimes plays rhythm guitar for her Father. Terri-Anne travels with her Dad to play throughout Saskatchewan, Ontario, Manitoba and the U.S.A.

The Pas Regional Métis Youth Fiddle Group

Tom Gerard

Tom Racine

Since I was a small boy, I was encouraged by my mother to sing. We did not have a radio in our car and we would sing as a family when we travelled.

My mother moved us to Brandon from the small town of Boissevain where she enrolled us three boys into the army cadets (to learn discipline). Each of us were to pick an instrument to learn and play. I picked the guitar.

I took guitar lessons at Brandon University for a year, then soon after enrolled in the music program at Crocus Plains Regional School. Shortly after I joined the Crocus Plains Rock Band (CP Express) and became their lead male vocalist.

I sang beside Angela Callamine, now known as one of the Farmer's daughters.Singing in the band was a great experience as I loved to perform.

I hung up my music for a few years to focus on my career, and it wasn't until I was well established in my sales career before I decided to write music. I would listen to music for hours while I travelled Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Northern Ontario, until it became too repetitive, so I turned off the radio... that is when I started writing my own music.

I would play the songs I wrote to my relatives in the Turtle Mountains during campfires, wagon trains and Metis Days. I was involved with a BBC Scotland film, "A Highland Empire", when they had rented my hunting cabin "Fredy's Fur Shak" for a buffalo hunt feast. I played my song "Metis Pride" for my Metis community, and they included it in their film.

While at a campfire one time, my cousin's fiancee Doug Lavalee (from the Lavalee Brothers music group) was there, and commented on my songs and my vocal style. Doug told me I should consider recording my music, so I made the decision to join MARIA. At MARIA I took every course they offered so I could learn more about the recording industry. I also enrolled in some guitar classes once again to bring my playing up to a higher level.

For the next two years, I continued to improve more and more while attending song writing circles to better understand the craft. I also took vocal coaching seminars from Ray St. Germaine and a local opera singer. When I felt I was ready to take my next step, I started to look around as to which producer would be best to work with to record my Metis-influenced country music. Craig Fotheringham's name came up several times (Dreamland Studios), so I decided to contact Craig to arrange to work together.

For the next 22 months we worked on the project, using the best studio musicians to achieve the highest quality, radio-friendly music product we could. I had spoken with Ray Martin from Razor Productions a number of years earlier at a MARIA gathering, that's when Craig suggested that I use him for production of the hardware - I agreed. Ray put me in contact with Rick Roschuk (CIMNetwork) for the layout. Through meeting Rick, we decided that he would handle the photo shoot, as well as the digital marketing kit.

I am very excited with the outcome of this project as well as the great reviews and feedback I have received. I am very proud of my journey - the education, the fun and the rewards that this project has brought to my life has made my future look very bright.