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John Kerkhoven

Photo: Sharon Cheema

John Kerkhoven

John Kerkhoven is a harmonica player and singer based in Matane, Québec. His influences include blues and jazz, as well as traditional tunes from the Celtic and North American folk and rural traditions. He got his start playing in the Montréal metro, singing a cappella and playing harp through a small amp. Fifteen years later, he's now incorporating the guitar into his act, peforming solo in the Lower Saint-Lawrence region of Quebec. He can also be seen on stage as part of the multi-media story-telling show, “Superstitia: Le vent du fleuve m'a raconté”, as well as the band Amarre & Basse.

Before moving to Matane, John was active on the Montreal scene. His trio The Mojo Vipers performed an eclectic repertoire of jazz and blues. His duo BluesReel released two albums and he has recorded with The Durham County Poets, Dakka Dembélé and The Co‑Conspirators. He has performed with some of Montreal’s best blues artists including Clarksdale Moan and Jitterbug Swing. He was a longtime participant at Montreal’s Harmonica A Cappella events.

He is available for gigs, recordings and harmonica lessons.

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Amarre & Basse

Photo: Steve Verreault

Amarre & Basse: Songs and Stories about the Sea

A group from the Lower-Saint Lawrence region of Québec, Amarre & Basse performs sea shanties and original songs and stories with maritime themes.

Come on board for a lively journey!

Olivier Garot, guitar, vocals and story-telling
Alexandre Boyer, bass
John Kerkhoven, harmonicas
André Harvey, percussion and sound effects

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BluesReel

Photo: Elise Thierry

BluesReel: Blues and Celtic Grooves

BluesReel is two artists whose shared vision is to create new music in the spirit of the roots traditions they love. Let them take you on a musical journey of tunes, blues and original compositions, played with passion and unabashed enthusiasm.

John Kerkhoven, harmonicas and vocals
Patrick Hutchinson, guitars, whistles and vocals

BluesReel’s two albums, Saint-Quentin (2020) and Riverfield (2016), are available on Bandcamp.

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Mojo Vipers

Photo: Peter Graham

Mojo Vipers: Blues and Jazz

The Mojo Vipers is a blues band and jazz trio rolled into one smoking ensemble.

The Mojo Vipers perform songs and instrumentals by Little Walter, Freddie King, Sun Ra, Mose Alison, T-Bone Walker and Louis Jordan to name but a few.

John Kerkhoven, harmonicas
Paul Serralheiro, guitar
Stephen Barry, bass

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