Koryne (Fraser) MacDonald began playing fiddle at the age of 10 growing up surrounded by Gaelic music and culture in the Celtic Heartland of Eastern Ontario, Early in her musical journey, she performed with the MacLeod Fiddlers, later recording and touring across Canada and the United States. She has performed with groups such as Scotch River Fiddles, The Scottish Accent, and The Fridge Full of Empties.

Drawn by her heritage and connection to Cape Breton, Koryne moved to Nova Scotia in 2016, where she has become an active part of the island’s traditional music community. Now married and raising three young boys, she continues to play music as often as she can—sharing the tradition both onstage and at home.

Known for her warm, steady style and deep respect for tradition, Koryne can be found playing for ceilidhs, square dances, concerts, and community events throughout the region. Her playing reflects both her upbringing and her roots—blending her greater Glengarry influences in Ontario with the unmistakable rhythm and feel of Cape Breton fiddling. Whether accompanying dancers or leading a lively session, she brings a genuine, heartfelt sound that keeps the tradition alive.

Iain MacQuarrie is a Cape Breton pianist and fiddler from Inverness County, Nova Scotia, known for his steady, tasteful accompaniment and deep connection to traditional Scottish music. Raised in a musical family, he first took the stage as a step dancer, developing a strong sense of rhythm and timing that now defines his playing. Immersed in Gaelic culture from a young age, Iain spent many summers at the Gaelic College in St. Ann’s, where his mother taught dance. After living abroad for several years, he returned to Mabou and fully embraced his Cape Breton roots, becoming a regular presence at local sessions, dances, and festivals. A versatile and in-demand accompanist, Iain has built a reputation for his clean, thoughtful piano style and growing voice on fiddle. Whether on stage at festivals like Celtic Colours or playing late- night sessions in Mabou, his music carries the lift, drive, and authenticity of Cape Breton tradition.

The Glengarry Massed Fiddlers

For many years, one of the popular features at the Glengarry Highland Games has been the music of the Glengarry Massed Fiddlers. The group varies from about 50 to as many as 80 plus musicians of all ages who gladly volunteer their time to play each year at the Games and other events. Their appearances on the main stage in the Friday night Tattoo and the Saturday afternoon Scottish Fiddle Concert in the Arena Hall are definitely the weekend highlight of all things fiddle.   Sponsored by The Glengarry Celtic Music Hall OF Fame in the spring of 2015 they recorded a CD simply entitled ‘The Glengarry Fiddlers’.  Seventy-four musicians showed up to participate and the CD was released later that summer. Most of the musicians are from the greater Glengarry area and throughout Eastern Ontario. The new CD is available at all the fiddle events in the Arena Hall Games weekend.

The MacLeod Fiddlers

The MacLeod Fiddlers are a Scottish youth group from the county of Glengarry. They are the performance group for “The MacLeod School of Fiddling” which focuses on the teaching, promotion and preservation of the Glengarry Scottish Fiddle.

As well as performing throughout Eastern Ontario, they have also toured Canada’s East Coast four times where they have performed in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia including the Festival Of Cape Breton Fiddling. In the USA they have performed at the New Hampshire Highland Games, the Scottish Festival in Dundee, New York. For thirteen years in a row they have performed at the Greater Philadelphia Mid-winter Scottish & Irish Festival. In July of 2012 they did a successful two week tour of Scotland. They have recorded three CD's which include “Ceilidh Time” in 2005 and Glengarry Roots” in 2010 and just newly released “Passion For Fiddling” 2018.

The group will be performing on Friday in the Youth Fiddlers Showcase and on Saturday at the afternoon Scottish Fiddle Concert in the arena hall. They are under the direction of teacher & instructor Ian R. MacLeod.

The Students Of David MacPhee

The students of David MacPhee come from many different backgrounds ranging from descendants of the first settlers here to recent arrivals, all bound by a common love of our local musical culture. They are generous with their time and talents, performing at many community functions throughout the year, either as soloists, a group or as part of a larger group. They recorded a CD in 2018 entitled “Tunes From Auld Glengarry”.

The group will be performing Friday during the Youth Fiddlers Showcase and on Saturday in the afternoon Scottish Fiddle Concert in the arena hall. They are under the direction of David MacPhee.

Kelsey & Cassie McDonell

Kelsey and Cassie McDonell are a multi talented sister duo with deep musical roots in their native Glengarry. From majestic slow airs to marches, jigs and reels their music captivates their audiences wherever they play. They have also performed with The MacLeod Fiddlers, Scotch River Fiddles and Kelsey currently plays with the Celtic group Fridge Full Of Empties. These lassies, with their high energy performances are an integral part of the Saturday afternoon Scottish Fiddle Concert.