PERFORMERS
ABOUT WINTER WARMER
Winter Warmer is a small intimate festival meant to help participants feel cozy in the midst of winter. It combines great music from both established and promising new artists performing in intimate settings often with the option of sampling a taste of something warm and delicious and washing it down with a beverage or two! The weekend also features a town wide Winter Carnival with activities inside and out for all ages !!
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HERE ARE A FEW THINGS HAPPENING DURING THE WEEKEND - CHECK BACK OFTEN WE CHANGE IT UP
Get A Festival Pass
$125 fees & taxes INCLUDED
There are limited Festival Passes available. Passholders have access to all ticketed events EXCEPT THE SONGWRITING WORKSHOP on Saturday at the Anglican Church Hall.
Passes are still subject to capacity ... PASHOLDERS must arrive 15 MINUTES before the show starts .... otherwise they are subject to available seating. This is especially true in smaller venues.
Purchase Festival Pass Here
Tickets
Tickets for individual shows can be purchased by clicking the links below. Please note that these ticket prices include ALL FEES and TAXES except Saturday Night at The Aquarium. Tickets for the show at the Aquarium Theatre are administered through the Huntsman ticketing platform.
THE PERFORMERS
Click Images for Sample Music
THE FABULOUSLY
RICH - Tragically Hip Tribute
Sponsored by
Hannan Construction
The Clam Digger
The Province of NB
AFIE JURVANEN with
BILL STEVENSON
TWO MEN - MANY MUSICS
Sponsored by
Quoddy Link Marine
Debbie Grant Real Estate
Town of St Andrews
NADINE LANDRY & SAMMY LIND
Old Tyme Fiddle, Banjo & Bass
Sponsored by:
NB Power
Donavan Law Group
GOAT MOUNTAIN
Bluegrass meets Jazz
Sponsored by:
TDI - Moncton
Waterfront St Andrews
Friday January 31st 9:00pm
Doors Open at 8:00pm
ALGONQUIN HOTEL VAN HORNE BALLROOM $33 (taxes & fees in)
Saturday February 1st 8:15pm
Doors Open at 7:00pm
HUNTSMAN DUNN THEATRE
$40
Friday January 31st 7:30pm
Doors Open at 7:00pm
DREWHAVEN TOWN & COUNTRY $20 (taxes & fees included)
Long before THE FABULOUSLY RICH formed, fate brought our frontman, Dennis Ellsworth, into an extraordinary collaboration with Gord Downie. Together, they crafted a musical rendition of Gord’s poignant poem Coke Machine Glow, featured on Dennis’s Hazy Sunshine album, recorded at The Tragically Hip’s iconic Bathhouse Studio. This collaboration sparked a lasting friendship, leading to backstage invitations, road hangouts, and the spontaneous check-ins that Gord was known for. That personal connection continues to fuel every performance we give.
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Our journey as The Fabulously Rich began in 2016, when we decided to pay tribute to Gord with what was meant to be a one-time fundraiser in Charlottetown after his illness made headlines. But something special happened that night. People started asking for more, and venues began calling. It was clear that The Hip’s music still resonated deeply, and the community wanted more.
AFIE JURVANEN (BAHAMAS) is an award winning folk rock troubador who recently moved to Halifax from Ontario. In the 20 + years he has worked with a myriad of performers including Feist, Jason Collett, Jack Johnson, WILCO and City and Colour among others. In the time he has been performing live music he has accumulated gold and platinum records, award wins and nominations, and has had his music streamed well over 1 billion times on various digital platforms.
Jurvanen is a masterful songwriter. His music has been described as “melodic and soulful”. As a performer he feels playing music sometimes forces him to slow down and literally be awake and alive and conscious. This has helped him be a mindful and introspective individual who believes that we need to embrace the basics things in life – family, community, ourselves. Too often we are focused on a much bigger world which we have little or no control over. He reflects there is a beauty and a power in the simplicity of keeping things local.
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BILL STEVENSON is no stranger to St Andrews having played here many times over the past 20 years. Bill is a master. A consumate performer, an incredible piano player and an incomparable interpreter of jazz, soul and rhythm and blues. His career started in 1960's Ottawa where he became a regular local performer at Le Hibou, the notoriously infamous music club that spawned the likes of Bruce Cockburn and hosted contemporary music icons like John Lee Hooker, Joni Mitchell and James Cotton. Bill was soon recruited by legendary producer Paul Rothchild (The Doors) to be part of the Boston based group Earth Opera. He found his way back to Canada and Halifax where he became a staple of the east coast music scene.
His music grounds him. And it's provided a path for others. Always the mentor and collaborator Bill has been seen in the company of well known artists such as percussionist extraordinaire Geoff Arsenault, roots and blues trio Hot Toddy, the iconic Dutch Mason, Amos Garret indie rocker and singer songwriter Joel Plaskett and most recently Afie Jurvanen (Bahamas)
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Bill and Afie have created a musical partnership that is reflective of their present place in life ....
Two Men, Much Musics !
Join us
NADINE LANDREY and STEPHEN "SAMMY" LIND are members of the internationally acclaimed Foghorn Stringband, out of Portland, Oregon, USA. They play traditional fiddle music that has been passed on for hundreds of years, classics of the south west Louisiana Cajun dance halls and songs that could have filled a 50s smoky bar jukebox.
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Nadine Landry was born and raised in a musical family on the Gaspe Peninsula on the east coast of Quebec. Equally comfortable on guitar and upright bass, she has lent her talents to various bands ranging from old time to honky tonk to swing and Cajun. Described as deeply passionate and powerful, her voice has been capturing the hearts of fans across North America, Ireland, England, Scandinavia and Australia.
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Born in Minnesota, Stephen “Sammy” Lind has established himself as one of the most critically acclaimed old time fiddle players in the country. Co-founder of the Oregon based Foghorn Stringband, Sammy has travelled the world playing and teaching a vast repertoire of tunes from Appalachia and the Midwest. His playing reflects tremendous respect and passion for all the fiddle players and old recordings he spent countless hours learning from.
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Together they play fiddle tunes, early country and Cajun songs. Their new recording “Granddad’s Favorite” reflects their versatility in genres and instrumentation. Alternating between fiddle, banjo, guitar and accordion, they play true to the roots of American music with energy and respect. They are members of the Foghorn Stringband, the Dirk Powell Band and play with Cajun extraordinaires Jesse Lege, Joel Savoy and the Cajun Country Revival and have collaborated with Alice Gerrard, Laurie Lewis, Tom Rozum and multiple Grammy Award winner Tim O'Brien.
Saturday February 1st 6:30pm
Doors Open at 6:00pm
DREWHAVEN TOWN & COUNTRY $20 (taxes & fees included)
Supergroups, the name and the concept, seem to synonymous with a major label’s attempt to feed us what we don’t need and didn't ask for. But a local supergroup? I’m all ears. Nobody’s getting rich there, so the music must have merit. Right?
Right. With this new project, bluegrass phenom Alan Jeffries, Juno Award winning sax player Joel Miller, and bass great Jason Flores are not simply regurgitating something familiar for a chance to hustle a few extra bucks on a Friday. They are actually doing something far more interesting, and fun.
As GOAT MOUNTAIN, Jeffries, Miller and Flores are exploring the common ground that exists between the structural freedom of jazz music and the equally free demand to flex your chops bluegrass music is known for. What’s that give us? Blazz? Some other combination of those two genres I can’t type in good faith? Good news: we don’t actually need to call it anything! The music speaks for itself. Some may remember their set at Paddlefest last year at Drewhaven.
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This trio of accolade leden musicians kick the door down, wake the neighbours, and set the stage for the all night party with their music. Miller’s sax leads the introduction with a jazz-meets-pop theme and variation that gives way to Jeffires’ masterful fretwork, while Flores confidently holds down these two seemingly polar opposite creative camps with ease. Yeah, ease. That’s the word I think that best describes Goat Mountain’s debut and the chemistry behind it all. CHECK THEM OUT!
EMERGING SONGWRITERS CIRCLE
Featuring: Nicole Ariana, Jacob Rose,
Claira Blanchard and Zack Ingels
New Music From New Faces
Sponsored by: Periwinkle Productions
Sunday February 2nd 2:00 pm
Doors Open at 1:30pm
HUNTSMAN AQUARIUM THEATRE $20 ( includes fees and Tax)
Refreshment Available
Join us for an afternoon of new songs from some new faces! This Emerging Songwriters Circle will feature a crop of musicians who have begun to dedicate more of their time to crafting songs and performing them live.
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Winter Warmer has teamed up with Funk Island Labs - the songwriting support project of Chris Kirby and his partner Victoria Howse, both Newfoundlanders now living in Nov Scotia. This event highlights four emerging songwriters, three of whom are participating in a songwriting residency happening at Salty Towers during the Winter Warmer Weekend.
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CLAIRA BLANCHARD is a young emerging local singer-songwriter with a talent for crafting heartfelt lyrics and memorable melodies. Drawing inspiration from personal experiences and a range of musical influences including Joni Mitchell, Rose Cousins, and James Taylor, she is steadily building a sound that reflects her unique voice and perspective. Claira first captured hearts when she had the opportunity to perform with Rose Cousins at PaddleFest 2023. She has since gone on to open for Chris Kirby (August 2024) and to perform as a part of an opening set for Stephen Lewis at the Fredericton Playhouse (January 2025). At Winter Warmer she looks forward to sharing her music with new listeners and continuing to grow as an artist.
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JACOB ROSE a dynamic folk-rock singer-songwriter, blends the rugged spirit of Alberta with the coastal charm of New Brunswick. Brimming with heartfelt hope, melancholy, and grit, his warm demeanor and powerful voice are enticing and welcoming. His music, formed by both rural and urban landscapes, captivates with its unforgettable melodies and raw folk essence. In 2023, co-wrote and performed on the Tuckersfield single, “Wharfbound”, featuring ear-catching melodies and mellifluous harmonies. “Wharfbound” has garnered a strong local following and plays on CBC Radio. In 2024, Jacob released his own rendition which has seen a resurgence in popularity and Spotify playlist placements.
A new single is set to release this spring
NICOLE ARIANA is heart-on-her-sleeve, vibey Alternative RnB. The Music NS 2022 SOCAN Songwriter of the Year, Ariana has a Billboard #1 and US Gold Record. Three of her songs have been featured on Drake’s OVO Sound Radio.
Her 5-time award-winning debut album, Crybaby, is a soulful rollercoaster that'll have you feeling and grooving at the same time. Winner of RnB Album of the Year, she took home her first ECMA in 2023 for Fan’s Choice Video of the Year (“Master of Denial” Dir. Griffin O’Toole, Brendan Lyle aka Moosecanfly), as well as video of the year at the 2023 Music NS Awards (“Shameless” Dir. Griffin O’Toole). Nicole has performed at Tallinn Music Week (Estonia), Focus Wales (UK), Future Echoes (Sweden), Viva Sounds (Sweden), NXNE, CMW, New Skool Rules, Northern Touch Music Festival, ECMW, NSMW, IDOW, Sappyfest, and more.
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ZACK INGELS was raised in the Okanagan Valley of BC and now residing in the Kennebecasis Valley of New Brunswick, Zack Ingles’ unique brand of foot-stompin, banjo driven, folk twang has struck a chord with fans and critics across the maritimes. With sonic influences reminiscent of Neil Young, Mumford & Sons, and Noah Kahan, – Ingles’ catchy pop melodies and relatable storytelling make an unforgettable and timeless connection with every listener. Ingles’ sophomore EP “Get Ahead” was released in June 2024 and has received accolades from across Canada; including regular national airplay on CBC Radio 1 and 3; with the single, “Weathered Heart” earning more than 35,000 streams in it’s first 6 months.
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MARIANNE GIRARD
Great Songs, Great Voice
Sponsored by: Treadwell Inn / Chandler Rm
and William & Water
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Friday January 31st 6:00pm
Doors Open at 5:00pm for food
SUNBURY SHORES GALLERY $15
Food and Drink Available
After 5 decades in the music business, Marianne would like to think she’s settled down and hiding out in St. Andrews. A well deserved break after touring time and time again across the continent, recording 4 albums and having her music heard on dozens of radio stations. Her music is timeless and widely acclaimed:
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Quotes:
“ A proven songwriter capable of great sensitivity, insight and truthfulness, served up by a voice that is unequivocally pure and joyfully unrestrained.” Greg Quill, Toronto Star
“Her music has not left my player in weeks” Radio Free Israel
“A Canadian Nightingale” RTL Radio Belgium
“Consistently stellar performance” All Music Guide
“A tour de force” Toronto Life Magazine
“Compelling, insightful songs” SingOut! Magazine
“Elevates through an acoustic landscape that is often bland and interchangeable.” Folk Stage, Midnight Special, Chicago
“This one stands out” Penguin Eggs
Fraser & Girard - “Best folk duo since Ian and Sylvia” CBC Radio
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​​​​She performed at Winter Warmer in 2023 with Jon Weaver. We are happy to have her return to the festival stage again this year
BRENT MASON
and special guest
Chambers McLean
An Afternoon of music & Prose
HOSTED by JULIA WRIGHT
Sponsored by: The Rossmount Inn
Saturday February 1st 1:30pm
Doors Open at 1:00pm
SUNBURY SHORES GALLERY $10
Food and Drink Available
This will be a unique afternoon of Music and Prose by two accomplished musicians and writers. The sessions will be hosted by JULIA WRIGHT former CBC Information Morning Host. She will introduce the afternoon and conduct a Q and A session with Brent Mason as part of his "Show".
BRENT MASON has been nominated for and has won several East Coast Music and Music New Brunswick awards including Folk Artist of the Year, Album of the Year and Songwriter of the Year. He is also the youngest recipient of the Stompin’ Tom Award for his contributions to Atlantic Canadian music traditions.
He is regularly invited to local stages including Harvest Jazz and Blues, Stanfest and many other festivals and music events in the region. In his hometown Saint John, his Wednesday nights are legend, hosting O’Leary’s Open Mic Night. 25+ years at this regular gig has earned him the moniker “Godfather of the Saint John Music Scene”.
Mason is also a published author with two books to his credit, the second having just been released This show will mingle song and prose in a unique afternoon performance.
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CHAMBERS MCLEAN is a songwriter and a fiction writer (as well as a scientist and computer guy), "Reloc 1: The Starling is the first novel in a science fiction series by McLean. It tells of a future New Brunswick community that secretly builds a spacecraft to illegally escape from Earth. The story has been crafted along with original music to punctuate and complement each chapter."
The music accompanying the book will feature various artists including St. Andrews' own Claira Blanchard who will also perform at this show
LEANDRA GOLD
A Little Classical Twist
Passionate Cello, Voice, Loop
Sponsored by: Multi Cultural Association
Saturday February 1st 4:30pm
Doors Open at 4:00pm
SUNBURY SHORES GALLERY $15
Food and Drink Available
LEANDRA GOLD unfolds as the deeply personal and experimental solo project of Colombian-born Canadian singer/ cellist Natalia Bohorquez. After two decades of building a classical music career and education, Bohorquez channels her curiosity, innovative spirit, multicultural background, and performance experience into Leandra Gold.
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Leandra Gold explores the intersections of immigration, identity and artistry. Her music, layering classical acoustic cello resonance with digital loops, harmonies and percussive textures, opens a portal into a universe where she can break free of the rules and perfectionism of classical music. This project is a platform where dualism, multilingualism and culture interplay, unearthing an authentic artistic self.
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Bohorquez’ classical background carried her all over the Americas, as a member of the National Symphony Orchestra of Colombia, the Youth Philharmonic of Colombia and multiple chamber music ensembles in Colombia, the US, and Canada.
Collaborations include Duo Guajira and Cabo Sur, and invitations to feature with remarkable artists like Shaun Ferguson, Juan Sin Cabeza, Los Makenzy, and La Etnnia 727. In these collaborations, Bohorquez keeps a strong connection to her Latin American roots while exploring all genres and techniques.
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Now based in Miramichi, New Brunswick, Leandra Gold forges new connections within the local music community, to share her work rooted in years of international education and performance, and, most importantly, to add her unique contribution to New Brunswick’s musical landscape.
GEOFF ARSENAULT
Swamp Blues & Other Stuff
A Masterful Multi-Talented Musician
Sponsored by:
ReThink Inc St Andrews
MAKE A DONATION
AT THE SHOW
Friday January 31st 5:00pm
Doors Open at 4:00pm
HONEYBEANS BY DONATION
Food and Drink Available
.. drummer, percussionist, singer, songwriter, Geoff Arsenault is a veteran touring and recording artist. His style and skill behind the kit has taken him right across North America, and throughout Europe & the UK.
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He has worked with artists such as;


• Ray Bonneville

• Bill Stevenson

• Matt Andersen

• Rita MacNeil

• Amy Helm

• Michael Kaeshammer
• Alejandro Escavedo

• Mary Gauthier

• David Myles

• Carlos del Junco

• Morgan Davis

• Dr.Lonnie Smith

• Colin Linden

and so many more, making him one of the most sought after drummers both ‘in studio’, and live on stage.
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Geoff has two ‘solo recordings’ to his name; “This Ain’t No Fiction” and “Voodoo Baby Rattle”… with a third on the way. His music is linked somewhere between Tony Joe White and J.J. Cale, a real swampy, roots music style, tinged with Tex-Mex and a dash of New Orleans b
MAKE A DONATION
AT THE SHOW
Saturday February 1st 3:30pm
Doors Open at 3:00pm
HONEYBEANS BY DONATION Food and Drink Available
Have you got a short story? ...some awe inspiring poetry? ... how about some jokes? ... Why not spend a Saturday Afternoon doing something you've always wanted to do.... get up and share elements of your soul with an audience of folks you may not know!!
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Honeybeans provides that safe space to help you through those anxious moments of performing live!
Take the plunge... who knows it may be the next best adventure you've ever taken, or become that missing side hussle you've needed to fuel your dreams!
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No pressure just come and have fun!
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Oh and Honeybeans will have scrumptious treats and hot and cold beverages too.
BREWTUNES -
At The St Andrews Brewpub
MAKE A DONATION
AT THE SHOW
Friday- Sunday Jan. 31st - Feb 2nd
Music 6:00pm - 8:00pm
ST ANDREWS BREWING COMPANY
Refreshment Available
SONGWRITING MASTERCLASS
Get Feedback From The Pros...
Got A Song... Bring It Along!!
Saturday February 1st
2:00pm - 4:30pm
ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN HALL $25 (includes fees and tax)
Refreshment Available
Come and share one of your songs with our team of established maritime songwriters including award winning artists CHRIS KIRBY, DENNIS ELLSWORTH, YVETTE LORRAINE & COREY LARUE
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Let them give you some feedback, maybe help you with a missing lyric or transition; suggest a alternate key or some production ideas. These pros have an incredible range of experience in the industry working with artists, labels, publishing, song placement and more.
Sign up, feel free to forward a song for review before the session
“He’s the East Coast Music Scene’s secret weapon!” - Colin MacDonald (the Trews)
If you’re into east coast music, chances are you’ve heard CHRIS KIRBY"S work lately. The Newfoundland-born producer, writer and musician works with many of Atlantic Canada’s finest artists; Kirby’s deep catalogue of co-writes includes radio / streaming hits such as “I Wanna Play” (The Trews), “Honest Man” (Matt Andersen), and “The Healing” (Tim Chaisson). Many of his songs and cuts have been placed in TV and Film (CBC, CTV, ABC, Hallmark and more).
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DENNIS ELLSWORTH is a multi-discipline artist / songwriter from Charlottetown, PE, Canada.
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He has collaborated with Josh Finlayson and Andy Maize from Skydiggers, Gord Downie from The Tragically Hip, Joel Plaskett, Donovan Woods, Jim Bryson, Rose Cousins, Leeroy Stagger, Lennie Gallant, Chris Kirby, Kinley Dowling, and David Barbe (Drive-by Truckers / Sugar). His music has appeared in television shows for CBC, Netflix, HBO and was featured in the award-winning film, The New Romantic. His song Warm Flowered Air was featured in a new film called Alice, Darling.
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YVETTE LORRAINE was primarily taught by Mr. Gary Graham and spent years inside the classical world as a soprano and opera singer performing across Canada and working overseas.
Eventually finding her way into the songwriting industry, Yvette became a co-writer and band member in Toronto leading to her start as a vocal demo singer for producers and writers in Los Angeles. Her first solo EP “Same Story” received inspirational recording of the year by the East Coast Music Association and her single “Where Did You Go” climbed the top 20 CBC national charts receiving nomination for Song of the Year and Music Video of the Year.
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COREY LARUE is a multi platinum, Juno award winning producer, songwriter, remixer, and engineer. At the age of 33, Corey now carries an impressive discography of both local and International artists, releasing on labels such as sony music, warner music, ultra music, spinnin’ records, maxximize, smash the house, helix records, mau5trap, robbins, just to name a few. With multiple Gold & platinum Records and the ability to make ideas happen very quickly, Corey has become a go-to producer for pop and EDM. he has accumulated over 500+ million streams worldwide.
ELM CITY STRING QUARTET
Classical Treats in a Classic Setting
Sponsored by:
Char & Chowder
Sunday February 2nd 7:30pm
Doors Open at 7:00pm
ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN CHURCH $25 ( includes fees and Tax)
Refreshment Available
Established in 2019, the ELM CITY STRING QUARTET was brought together by their passion for chamber music and a desire to share their love of quartet repertoire with their home town of Fredericton. With Victor Vivas and Mercedes Salazar on violin, Mark Kleyn on viola, and Emily Kennedy on cello, the ECSQ’s exciting and broad programming pairs works by today’s composers alongside celebrated quartet classics.
Their first performance was a memorable evening in a small art gallery that was so packed, there were children sitting on the floor between their music stands. Since then, the quartet has been captivating New Brunswick communities with their broad programming and charismatic playing.
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Named after Fredericton’s long-standing moniker, the individuals in the Elm City String Quartet come from a variety of musical backgrounds. Some perform in indie bands and compose multimedia works; some are renowned international pedagogues; but all are passionate chamber music players, Sistema NB Teaching Artists, and are active teachers in their community. The quartet, being a versatile group, has performed in art galleries, churches, and even small house concerts.