Sara and James Nelson

Sara and James Nelson, from Lower Coverdale, NB, bring the high-energy, toe-tapping tradition of Maritime fiddle music to audiences across the region, and beyond. These first generation musical siblings started out in church halls, local jam nights, the hospital and nursing homes, and their love for sharing music has only grown since. 

Rooted in the traditional fiddle styles of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and beyond, Sara and James combine Sara’s traditional fiddle with James’ effects-driven guitar to deliver a fresh, modern twist on a time-honoured East Coast sound.

As the long-time musical heart of the Molly Kool Kitchen Party at Fundy National Park, Sara and James have been performing together since they were just 6 and 8 years old. They’ve competed, and won, fiddle contests across NB, NS, and Ontario. In 2024 were honoured with an invite to the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Contest in Whitehorse.

They have graced stages at major festivals like PEI’s Festival of Small Halls, Cavendish Beach Music Festival, Levee on the Lake, and even international stages like Dollywood in Tennessee and the HebCelt Festival in Scotland.

Now returning to their roots as a duo, Sara and James are hard at work on their debut album expected later this year. Sara has just completed her first year of Music Performance at Holland College, and James is heading into Grade 12 at Riverview High.

Expect a high-energy show filled with East Coast charm, remarkable young talent, and irresistible rhythms.