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Village of St. Louis |
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To contact us: |
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Phone: 306-422-8471 Fax: 306-422-8450 Email: villageofstlouis@sasktel.net |
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Fiddlers & Friends
This talented group of musicians, including 9 fiddle players, originated a dozen years ago under the leadership of Marcel Roy, with help from piano accompanist Trent Bruner.
The first members were fiddlers from the Prince Albert and St. Louis areas who met at the Emma Lake Fiddle Camp. Scenic Emma Lake is situated north of Prince Albert. Other members joined later and over the years 2 have passed away, Henry Deault and Ronald Gaudet.
Today the group is under the direction of Dick and Rita Bergen of Prince Albert.
Fiddlers & Friends play mostly for seniors and charitable ventures. One of their main events is a monthly “fiddle party”, hosted by a different member each month. They are held either in small halls or a members’ home. This was the original reason for keeping the group small.
In August of 2005, Fiddlers & Friends received The Lieutenant Governor’s Celebration of the Arts Pin for each member, in recognition of the tremendous contribution to Saskatchewan’s rich and dynamic arts community made by this talented group of musicians.
Last year the group produced its first CD, called Memories, Volume 1. The CD consists of old-time tunes and includes a few religious numbers. It was recorded in St. Louis by David Sinclair of the area. The CD can be purchased from any member of the group for a cost of $12. To order your copy please contact: Marie Hannotte 306-422-6165 Ralph Duncan 306-422-8684 Armand Bernier 306-422-8443 A $3 shipping charge will apply to mail orders.
Current members of the group include violin players Dick and Rita Bergen, Prince Albert; Armand Bernier, St. Louis; Pete Boutin, Saskatoon; Ralph Duncan, St. Louis; Fabien Gaudet, Moose Jaw; Marie Hannotte, St. Louis; and Arthur Peterson, Prince Albert. Other members include Jake Bergen, Rosthern, mandolin; Margaret Peterson, Prince Albert, guitar; Ernie Poulin, Prince Albert, banjo; and Denise Robert, Domremy, piano. |