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: 2 pm (Sat.) & 2:45 pm (Sun.)
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: 3:15 pm
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: 11:15 am
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: Friday (without caller) & Saturday (with caller)
Hours: 7:45 pm (Fri.) & 12:30 pm (Sat.)
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: 1:45 pm
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: 12:45 pm
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: Sunday
Hours: 11:30 am
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: 6:45 pm
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 Isa Cliche, performing her art.

Day: Friday
Hours: 6 pm
Genre: family, original 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: Saturday & Sunday
Hours: 4:30 pm (Sat.) & 3:45 pm (Sun.)
Genre: magic show (bilingual)

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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.

Crédit: Jennifer Brazil

Vincent Dlo

Day: Sunday
Hours: 11:00 am (Sun.)
Genre: poetry slam

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Vincent “DlO” Deslauriers is an author, poet, rapper and facilitator of creativity known for his unique approach combining writing, introspection and personal transformation.

With nearly 30 years of writing experience, he has explored multiple literary forms, ranging from rap and automatic writing to poetry, theatre and fiction.

He is also a prominent figure in the spoken word and slam scene, where he combines performance, raw emotion and commitment, captivating crowds with his dynamic stage presence and ability to connect with his audience.

Originally from Quebec City, DlO is an artist passionate about the Francophone cultural scene, with deep roots in Quebec and a commitment to promoting the language and the art of performance.

He has participated in notable events such as the provincial slam finals at the Lion d’Or in Montreal, renowned festivals, and performances for diplomatic and international events.

He has shared the stage with artists such as Mathieu Lippé, Loco Locass, and Claude Bégin.

He has also made his mark on the scene in British Columbia, notably by participating in the BC show directed by Corey Haas during Web’Ouest’s Chauds d’hiver in Winnipeg, alongside Steven Charles, Ghislaine Doté, Sophie Dow, and Anna Lumière.

Vincent DlO sings and raps, bringing a musical dimension to his performances and artistic expression, thereby enriching his creative universe.

His artistic and mentoring approach is distinguished by his commitment to inspiring and guiding artists, offering them a space for creativity, expression and transformation.