Artist lineup

Discover the Maple Sugar Festival artist lineup! From local talent to international performers, enjoy stage shows, workshops, and family-friendly performances. See who’s playing, when, and how to join the fun.

Portrait of Mélisande, blending traditional Quebec songs with electronic music.

Crédit: Alexandre de Grosbois-Garand

Mélisande Électrotrad

Day: Saturday & Sunday
Hours: TBA
Genre: electro, traditionnal

Mélisande blends traditional Quebec songs with electronic music in her unique électrotrad style. Her upcoming album features original songs celebrating French culture in North America.

Winner of multiple awards and acclaimed internationally, she has performed over 350 shows worldwide.

Alpha Yaya Diallo posing with his guitar.

Day: Saturday
Hours: TBA
Genre: west african folk music

Guitarist and singer Alpha Yaya Diallo, from Guinea, blends virtuosic guitar, percussion, and balafon in his captivating world music performances. Now based in Canada, he’s renowned for his exciting live shows and original compositions, earning international acclaim.

Missy D, joyful black-and-white portrait.

Day: Saturday
Hours: TBA
Genre: hip hop, rap & soul (family friendly)

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Missy D is a bilingual hip hop, rap, and soul artist from Vancouver, BC.

Influenced by icons like Missy Elliott and Lauryn Hill, she delivers dynamic live performances with heartfelt lyrics, blending soulful instrumentals and francophone flair.

Bagatelle, three folk musicians posing with their instruments.

Day: Saturday
Hours: TBA
Genre: traditional folk, bluegrass

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Bagatelle plays traditional music that invites dance and joy. Inspired by traditional sounds and infused with elements of Bluegrass, their music has a unique and captivating twist.

Local Nanaimo artists Beni and Vazah, bringing malagasy fusion music to the stage of Maple Sugar Festival.

Beni and Vazah

Day: Sunday
Hours: TBA
Genre: malagasy music

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Beni and Vazah, Hailing from Madagascar and Nanaimo, Beni René and Rob Marshall bring a lively twist to traditional Malagasy guitar music. Their duo performs popular songs from Madagascar and around the world, in Malagasy, English, and French, creating a sound that’s soulful, fun, and unforgettable. 


Photo of a group of young fiddlelists on stage.

Day: Sunday
Hours: TBA
Genre: fiddle & folk music

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Fiddelium is the Nanaimo Fiddle Society’s premier youth string ensemble for ages 12–19. Focused on fiddle and folk traditions, it offers expert training, mentorship, and performance opportunities, helping young musicians grow as performers, collaborators, and leaders.

Photo of three musicians, violin, guitar and tap dancing.

Day: TBA
Hours: TBA
Genre: folk, fiddle & tap dance music

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This trio combines fiddle, step dance, and guitar to create a lively, virtuosic performance.

Featuring Pierre Schryer, Danielle Enblom, and Adam Dobres, they bring energy, technical skill, and a deep love of North American folk traditions to the stage.

Photo of a group of metis dancers performing on stage.

V’ni Dansi

Day: Friday
Hours: TBA
Genre: Métis & contemporary dance

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V’ni Dansi is a Vancouver-based dance company celebrating Métis culture through traditional and contemporary dance. Led by Yvonne Chartrand, they share the joy, stories, and heritage of the Métis people with audiences of all nations.


Photo of Joshua Holloway as his drag queen alter Celeste, with Nico Rhodes, a jazz piano player.

Joshua Holloway “Celeste” drag show, with Nico Rhodes

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Celeste, a local drag artist and VIU Jazz alum, brings jazz classics to life with crystalline vocals, piano accompaniment, and storytelling, blending the golden age of jazz with the artistry of drag.

Photo of a Québec musician on the shore of a river.

Crédit: Guylaine Charest

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André Thériault is a lively francophone singer, guitarist, and entertainer who brings Québec song traditions to life. He performs classics and others, inviting audiences to sing, hum, and share in the fun.

Joyfull portrait of Isabelle Cliche, performing her art.

Day: All week-end
Hours: TBA
Genre: family, french songs

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Isabelle la Wonderful is a mix of fairy magic and circus whimsy, guiding children and families through improbable, laugh-filled adventures.

Bilingual or customized for your event, her shows sprinkle personalized magic that delights audiences of all ages.


Local musicians live on stage at Maple Sugar Festival in Nanaimo.

Keep Right Jazz Quartet and Friends

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A talented jazz quintet from Nanaimo, performing a mix of classic and modern jazz for all audiences.

A magician performing on stage.

Day: All week-end
Hours: TBA
Genre: magic show (billingual)

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Philippe Thériault is a Canadian illusionist who began performing at age 12 and has since won multiple national and international awards. Known for his skill, authenticity, and emotionally charged illusions, he continues to amaze audiences with his innovative magic.

Circus artist strolling, part of the Maple Sugar Festival artist lineup.

Day: All week-end
Hours: TBA
Genre: circus & clown performance

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Ben la Barouette and Pascal Schram are playful circus clowns who bring laughter and wonder to the festival. Roaming the grounds and performing lively spectacles, they delight audiences of all ages throughout the weekend.