DOWNEAST BLUEGRASS & OLDTIME MUSIC SOCIETY

Formed in 1991, A New Shade of Blue has been a defining force in East Coast bluegrass for more than three decades. With the exceptional musicianship of Dean Simm, Todd Macumber, Brett Decker, and the late Craig Simm, the band became a staple of the Maritime and New England festival circuits, earning multiple bluegrass awards and the admiration of audiences far and wide.

Bluegrass Diamonds was established by a group of highly skilled bilingual Acadian musicians from southeastern New Brunswick. They recorded and released their first album in 1990; so far, they’ve released eight albums (some in English, some in French) as well as a concert DVD. This energetic and highly entertaining group has performed all over Canada and shared stages with some of the biggest bluegrass names in the world. They’ve earned countless nominations and have won numerous awards from both the East Coast Music Awards and East Coast Bluegrass Awards.

Since 2005, Bluegrass Tradition has been devoted to the timeless sound of traditional bluegrass. Founded by Trevor Boutilier and Karen DeCoste, the band has become a fixture in the East Coast bluegrass community, earning multiple honors at the Eastern Canada Bluegrass Music Awards (ECBMA), including Band of the Year, Vocal Group of the Year, and Gospel Performance of the Year.

For more than five decades, David Parmley has stood as one of the most recognizable and influential voices in bluegrass music. Beginning his professional career at just 17 as a founding member of The Bluegrass Cardinals, Parmley quickly earned acclaim for his warm baritone, rock‑solid guitar work, and instinct for heartfelt, traditional storytelling. Today, the David Parmley Band carries that legacy forward with a sound that blends classic bluegrass soul with the drive and polish of modern acoustic music.

East Nash Grass exemplifies the best of what bluegrass has to offer—as being named the 2024 IBMA [International Bluegrass Music Association] New Artist of the Year would suggest. But their breathtaking talent as singers, instrumentalists, and composers is just the beginning. While other acts chase their tail in search of nostalgia, the secret to East Nash Grass lies in their unflinching ability to be themselves.

Eddy Poirier & Grassline bring together some of the most accomplished bluegrass musicians in Atlantic Canada, weaving decades of tradition with fresh energy. At the heart of the group is Eddy Poirier, born in Rogersville, NB, whose career spans more than half a century. A five-time winner of both Entertainer of the Year and Guitar Player of the Year at the East Coast Bluegrass Music Awards, Poirier is widely regarded as a master of his craft. His induction into the New Brunswick Country Music Hall of Fame in 2002 cemented his legacy as one of the region’s most influential figures. With recordings dating back to the 1960s and a celebrated run as frontman of the legendary Bluegrass 4, Eddy continues to showcase his versatility on banjo, fiddle, guitar, and mandolin, while lending his voice to both lead and harmony vocals.

High River is a dynamic bluegrass band rooted in the rolling landscapes of eastern New Brunswick. Blending traditional roots with a fresh, modern flair, the group has quickly earned a reputation for delivering performances that are both authentic and adventurous. The band brings together five accomplished musicians: Jason Guimond on banjo and vocals, Thomas Leblanc on guitar and vocals, Marcel Allain on bass and vocals, Lawrence Martin on mandolin and vocals, and Marc Landry on Dobro and vocals. Each member contributes not only instrumental mastery but also rich vocal harmonies, creating a sound that is both powerful and deeply connected to the spirit of bluegrass.

Mark Cameron Band The Mark Cameron Band brings a high-energy blend of classic country and roots music to Nova Scotia’s longest-running bluegrass festival, making them a crowd favorite and a perfect fit for the 53rd Annual Nova Scotia Bluegrass & Oldtime Music Festival. Known for their award-winning frontman and beloved BeechBrook Campground connection, they deliver a lively show that gets audiences singing, dancing, and celebrating tradition.

Formed in 2018, Matt Lunn & Echo Mountain have quickly become one of the Maritimes’ most exciting bluegrass groups. With performances across festivals in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Ontario, the band has earned a reputation for crisp harmonies, heartfelt storytelling, and dynamic stage presence. Their talent was recognized when they won Most Promising Band of the Year at the Eastern Canada Bluegrass Music Awards (ECBMA).

An award winning country musician, Mark Cameron is right at home at the BeechBrook Campground as its beloved owner, operator, and entertainer! A special treat for fans of classic country music, this high energy band is sure to get the party going Thursday night!