Q Brooke Bachand

we're keeping it reel. you in?

Fiddle & Thistle is a dynamic Victoria-based folk ensemble bringing together some of Vancouver Island’s most accomplished roots musicians. Blending traditional Celtic, folk, old-time, and community dance music with rich vocal harmonies and spirited instrumental performances, the group creates an experience that is equally at home on the concert stage or in the dance hall. The band features acclaimed fiddler, singer, and songwriter Q. Brooke Bachand, whose powerful vocals and expressive fiddle playing have earned them recognition across Canada and abroad. Guitarist and pianist Charlie Gannon provides inventive accompaniment and sophisticated arrangements drawn from his deep roots in folk, jazz, and traditional music. Mandolinist Ben Garrison, known for his work with Victoria Celtic favourites The Hounds of Cuchulain, brings driving rhythms and melodic flair that anchor the band’s energetic sound. Completing the lineup is Cohan Lyne, a beloved dance leader and community builder whose knowledge of traditional dance and folk culture adds another dimension to the group’s performances. Whether presenting a lively barn dance, a festival concert, a community event, or an intimate listening-room performance, Fiddle & Thistle delivers music that is joyful, engaging, and deeply rooted in tradition. Their performances celebrate the timeless connection between music, storytelling, and community, inviting audiences of all ages to sing along, tap their feet, and become part of the experience.