Introduction
Jean-Baptiste (John) Arcand, CM born July 19, 1942 at Debden, Saskatchewan, is a Canadian fiddler. Arcand has been writing and performing since childhood, having learned the traditional Red River Métis tunes from his father Victor and his grandfather Jean-Baptiste. With over 250 original tunes written to date, he is being recognized by the Métis community for ensuring that this important tradition survives.
Arcand has recorded many albums including an album of Métis fiddle tunes with Calvin Vollrath. With Vollrath, he taught for many years at the Emma Lake Fiddle Camp, run by the Saskatchewan Cultural Exchange Society.. Arcand has been a mentor to many Canadian fiddlers over a long career. On March 28, 2003, The National Aboriginal Achievement Award for Arts and Culture was presented to Arcand at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. He was recognized for his contributions and his commitment to the preservation of Métis fiddling. The Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Championship awarded him a lifetime achievement award in 2003. He performed at the launch of Canada's first web-based Métis radio station.
On May 3, 2007, Arcand became a member of the Order of Canada. He was invested as a member to the order on April 11, 2008. In 2014 Arcand was awarded the Molson Prize.
The John Arcand Fiddle Fest, held each August on his acreage south of Saskatoon, is attended by fans of fiddle music from around the globe.
Partial discography
- A Tribute to Andy Dejarlis (2011)
- Dedications (2009)
- Meeyashin (2007)
- Les Michif (2006)
- Vicki and Me...and some of our favorites (2005)
- Thru the Years (2005)
- Original and Traditional (2004)
- Celebrating Tradition (2003)
- Echoes of the Prairie (Recorded 1994 - Re-Released 2002)
- Traditionally Yours (2001)
- Whoa-Ha-Gee (2000)
- Sugar Hill Road (1999)
- The Tunes of the Red River (1998)
- La Celebration '92 (1992)