Traverse Set to Ignite Petawawa with Québécois Music Tonight

URGENT UPDATE: Petawawa is gearing up for a captivating night of Québécois music as the acclaimed trio, Traverse, takes the stage today, February 9, 2025. The performance is part of the Petawawa House Concerts series and promises to showcase the vibrant and refined sounds of traditional fiddle music.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the concert starting promptly at 7:00 p.m.. Audience members can expect two enthralling 50-minute sets, featuring a blend of hot and cold refreshments, baked goods, and cookies during the intermission. The suggested donation of $30 will support this beloved community concert series.

Traverse, a winner of Quebec’s OPUS Prize for Album of the Year in Traditional Québécois Music, has garnered international acclaim for its dynamic performances. The Guardian hailed their sound as “gorgeous, refreshing,” while Songlines praised it as “mature, dignified and rewarding.” RootsWorld describes their music as “heart-lifting, full of intelligence, delicacy, and detail.”

The trio consists of fiddler Laura Risk, accordionist and flutist Nicholas Williams, and pianist Rachel Aucoin. Each member brings a unique background to the stage—Risk hails from California, Williams from Ottawa, and Aucoin from New Brunswick’s Acadian community. Their diverse experiences enrich their interpretations of Québécois traditions, creating a distinctive musical voice marked by deep connections and precision.

Risk, now based in Montreal, is a reputable performer and scholar in both Québécois and Scottish fiddling, boasting over a dozen albums and a teaching position at the University of Toronto Scarborough. Williams, renowned as a multi-instrumentalist and composer, has made significant contributions to various award-winning projects across Quebec and New England. Aucoin, a powerhouse pianist, has collaborated with legends like Natalie MacMaster and André Brunet, further enhancing her impressive portfolio.

This evening’s concert is not just a performance; it’s a celebration of the Québécois culture and community spirit, providing an intimate setting for music lovers to connect and enjoy. Those interested in attending can make reservations by e-transferring donations to [email protected] or by contacting Alastair at 613-602-6517 or Karen at 343-544-8512.

Don’t miss out on this extraordinary evening of music that promises to uplift and inspire. Share this news and gather your friends for a night of heartwarming melodies and community bonding!