John Arcand

Jean-Baptiste (John) Arcand born July 19, 1942 at Winter Lake, Saskatchewan, is a renowned and influential Canadian fiddler. John Arcand is the undisputed master of the Métis Fiddle. Fiddlers play his compositions all over Canada and the US. John Arcand has been writing and performing since childhood, having learned the traditional Red River Métis tunes from his father Victor and his grandfather Jean-Baptiste. With over 250 original tunes written to date, he is being recognized for ensuring that this important Métis tradition survives.

John has recorded many albums including an album of Métis fiddle tunes with Calvin Vollrath. With Vollrath, he co-founded and taught for many years at the world famous Emma Lake Fiddle Camp. John Arcand has been a mentor to many Canadian Fiddlers over a long career. On March 28th, 2003, The National Aboriginal Achievement Award for Arts and Culture was presented to John Arcand at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. John was recognized for his contributions and his commitment to the preservation of Métis fiddling. The Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Championship awarded him a lifetime achievement award in 2003. He performed at the launch of Canada's first web-based Métis radio station. [http://www.cbc.ca/arts/story/2005/03/11/metisradio050311.html]

In 2008, John became a Member of the Order of Canada.

The John Arcand Fiddle Fest, held each August on his acreage south of Saskatoon is attended by fans of fiddle music from around the globe.

Discography

* Meeyashin (2007)
* Les Michif (2006)
* Vicki and Me...and some of our favorites (2005)
* Thru the Years (2005)
* Original and Traditional (2004)
* Celebrating Tradition (2003)
* Echoes of the Prairie (Recorded 1994 - Re-Released 2002)
* Traditionally Yours (2001)
* Whoa-Ha-Gee (2000)
* Sugar Hill Road (1999)
* The Tunes of the Red River (1998)
* La Celebration '92 (1992)

And more recordings, including some with other musicians, such as Calvin Vollrath.

External Links:

* [http://www.johnarcand.com/ John Arcand's Official Homepage]
* [http://www.sces.ca/fiddlecamp/ Emma Lake Fiddle Camp]
* [http://www.gg.ca/honours/search-recherche/honours-desc.asp?lang=e&TypeID=orc&id=11443 Order of Canada description of John Arcand]
* [http://www.johnarcandfiddlefest.com/ John Arcand Fiddle Fest]
* [http://www.artsboard.sk.ca/Tribute/tribute_LG_Arcand.htm Saskatchewan Arts Board Tribute to John Arcand]
* [http://canadiangrandmasters.ca/index.html Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Championship]

References