The Fretless feat. Madeleine Roger

January 30, 2026
7:30PM
-10:00PM
Four ferocious players, masterful composition, and a genre-bending sound — Juno award-winning Canadian quartet The Fretless return for their second Festival appearance, but this time with an incredible vocalist – Madeleine Roger.
The Fretless is taking roots music to new heights with their highly anticipated sixth album, Glasswing, a deep immersion into their musical minds, soaring through a decade-long journey of developing their singular sound.”The music they’re making, the ground that they’re breaking, is quite remarkable.”
– Terry David Mulligan (Mulligan Stew)

This award-winning Canadian foursome has firmly established itself on the international music scene with prolific playing, masterful compositions, iconic collaborations, and electrifying live shows. The Fretless has expanded the idea of what a string quartet can be, transforming fiddle tunes and folk melodies into intricate, high-energy arrangements. Their ensemble of two fiddles, a viola, and a cello produces a rich, multi-layered, and distinctive percussive sound that redefines contemporary folk music.

“You can feel the live audience leaning forward, reflecting the lilting energy of the modern-flavoured percussive chopping and the timeless jig and reel drive back to the Fretless, who give it directly back to their audience. It’s almost as if they know they’re transporting each listener to a back porch, dance hall, or barn party with every bow stroke.”
— The Bluegrass Situation