Maritimes-born Madison Violet hits St. James Community Square, January 16

Blending folk, bluegrass, and other genres, Lisa MacIsaac and Brenley MacEachern are the powerhouse singer-songwriters behind the Juno-nominated musical duo

The Rogue Folk Club presents Madison Violet at Mel Lehan Hall, St. James Community Square, on January 16 at 8 pm

LISA MACISAAC AND Brenley MacEachern are the powerhouse singer-songwriters behind Madison Violet. The Juno-nominated female musical duo is embarking on a Western Canadian tour, which is hitting Vancouver on January 16.

Both artists trace their roots to rural Cape Breton, where they bonded in the late 1990s over many nights in MacEachern’s grandmother’s kitchen, which was always a lively place filled with food, family, friends, and musical instruments.

Influenced by their Maritimes heritage, the East Coast artists make music that honours their history but that has a contemporary edge. Their unique sound draws on folk, pop, indie, bluegrass, and country, among other genres.

Skilled multi-instrumentalists and storytellers, MacIsaac and MacEachern are known for their beautiful harmonies and heart-wrenching lyrics.

MacIsaac and MacEachern have released more than 10 albums together. Their latest, eleven—their most candid disc to date—was self-recorded and produced, putting the pair among the less than 2.1 percent of female-identifying music producers in the industry.

Both members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, MacIsaac and MacEachern have received several honours for their work, including a Juno nomination for best roots and traditional album of the year. They have earned a Canadian Folk Music Award for best vocal group album of the year, reached the top 5 on the Canadian iTunes download charts, and amassed more than one million streams on Spotify.

Currently calling Ontario home, the two are passionate advocates for social justice.

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Gail Johnson

Gail Johnson is cofounder of Stir. She is a Vancouver-based journalist who has earned local and national nominations and awards for her work. She is a certified Gladue Report writer via Indigenous Perspectives Society in partnership with Royal Roads University and is a member of a judging panel for top Vancouver restaurants.

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