Judges for 2024
Alex Kusturok
Growing up, Alex followed his mother Patti to Old time dances around Manitoba where he was enriched with the Métis fiddle from a very young age. By age 7, the passion for music became apparent and today Alex makes his living as a performer and educator.
Career Highlights
- Part of the Metis Delegation that travelled to Rome in 2022. Shared Metis music with Pope Francis.
- “Indigenous Day Live Winter Solstice” 5 day music festival that aired on APTN
- Toured as a “hired gun” with the Derina Harvey band (2017)
- Métis Spring Festival Champion (Alberta, 2016)
- Two Time British Columbia Fiddle Champion (2008, 2009)
- Five Time Manitoba Champion
- Eight Time Manitoba Métis Champion
- Grand North American Champion (Alberta, 2013)
- Canadian Grand Masters National Competition ranking in the top ten competitors and performing in Junior Showcase.
- Toured through Norway Europe with Patti Kusturok and Trent Bruner
- Festival of Fiddle Tunes in Port Townsand, Washington
- Folk Life Festival in Seattle, Washington
- 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics (1st Medal Ceremony)
Paul Lemelin
Two-time Canadian Grand Master Fiddle Champion Paul Lemelin has been playing the fiddle since the age of 4, and has been competing since the age of 8. At home, Paul works as a Mechanical Design Technologist for Vale Exploration. He enjoys teaching the fiddle, guitar, mandolin and piano as well as being a father of 3 boys and one daughter. Paul has won many competitions including first place in the Open category in Sturgeon Falls, Chlemsford, Richmond and three wins in Pembroke, Ontario. Paul was first invited to compete at the CGM in 2006 and has since been invited to compete every year since 2010. The highlight of Paul's career came in 2014 when he won the CGM, followed immediately by a win in Pembroke, a feat only achieved 3 times before. More recently, Paul has repeated a second win of the Canadian Grand Masters in 2021.
Mark Sullivan, Abbotsford BC
Mark Sullivan, a three-time Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Champion, is celebrated as one of the finest fiddlers in Canada. Originating from Bowmanville, Ontario, Mark grew up steeped in the old-time fiddle traditions of Don Messer and Graham Townsend. He has garnered numerous titles in the Canadian contest scene, swiftly rising to prominence. His expertise makes him a highly sought-after instructor, performer, and collaborator with leading traditional music acts. Irish fiddler and Grammy winner Liz Carroll has described him as "a force in the world. In 2022, Mark released "Promenade Home," his second album of original fiddle tunes, which pays tribute to his early years playing at country dances with local musicians. Roots Music Canada has acclaimed his music as destined to become "beloved standards at fiddle sessions, not just here in Canada, but wherever great fiddle music is appreciated." As the current President of the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Association, Mark works with a dedicated board to preserve and promote Canadian fiddling. He now lives in British Columbia, continuing his influential role in the music community.
Alternate Judge - Lucas Welsh
I am really impressed by the combination of musical talent, stage presence, and warmth and sincerity Lucas brings to his performances. He can play a number of instruments and has a great voice too. I also appreciate that he can perform alone or as part of an ensemble and is eager to "bring it all" either way
Accompanists
MELIKA LEMELIN, Sudbury, ON
Melika Lemelin has been playing piano since the age of 15. She is one of Ontario’s most sought after house pianists for fiddle and step-dance competitions. Melika has taught at several music camps including Algomatrad, the CGM camp and KLKP. In 2010 and 2012, Melika won 3rd place in the accompaniment category at the Grand Master Fiddler Championship in Nashville, TN. She works full time in the banking industry, is a part-time motorcycle safety course instructor and a mother to 4 beautiful children, three boys and a girl.
Garnet Borch
If you've been in the fiddling community for long you've probably met at least one Borch. Garnet's from a musical family that's been part of the Alberta fiddling community his entire life. Growing up, Garnet attended all the Alberta fiddling camps and competitions and learned much of what he knows on piano from the one and only Blaine The "Pianoman" Lutwick. He's a member of The Borch Brothers, the family band that's been around for 20 years, and his style of accompaniment is a blend of old-tyme, East Coast and making-it-up-as-he-goes. In addition to music, he is inspired by the natural world, spreadsheets and being a force of positive change.
GNA Youth Fiddle Camp Instructors
Samuel Corry - Samuel is an Alberta boy who was given a love of, and a passion for music from birth. His passion for the fiddle emerged at the age of 5 when traditional music from across Canada began to lay the foundation for the music he and his brother Jackson love to play these days. Although his versatility as a multi instrumentalist and vocalist allows him to jump into diverse musical situations, his favourite gigs are certainly old time and country dances, although ringing chords with a barbershop quartet is a close second. When Sam isn’t making music, you might find him at his day job working as an electrician or taking some time to dive into theological studies.
Melanie Doderai, Fort Saskatchewan AB - Melanie holds a B.A, B.Ed and M.Ed. Melanie is an active member of the Alberta Registered Music Teachers Association, holds an Advanced Specialist Certification from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Canada and has published ten theory books for string instruments through Mel Bay Publications. Melanie has been awarded the 2009 Excellence in Music Teaching Award as well as the CMFTA Award for Recognition of Professional Achievement from 2010 to present. Melanie is proud to have the title of being Canada's first aerial silk violinist and was featured on Canada’s Got Talent. You can find out more about her at www.silkandstrings.ca
Guest Entertainers
Kikino Northern Lites is a second-generation Métis traditional square dance troupe proudly representing its rich and vibrant Métis culture. They are well-known for their fast footwork, twirling Métis skirts and high-energy traditional jigging.
Facebook page is @Kikino Northern Lites. Their phone contact number is 780-404-7069.