Grand Lake has long had a deep-rooted tradition of music, with generations of local musicians sharing their talent at community gatherings, kitchen parties, and stages across the community. As shown at the Minto Music Wall of Fame, music has always been woven into the area’s culture and identity, creating a strong sense of connection and pride that continues to inspire new generations of performers. From classic country and folk to rock, blues, and traditional Maritime sounds, the remarkable musical talent found throughout Grand Lake is a true reflection of the community’s creativity, heritage, and heart.
Born and raised in Minto, Eddie Richard has spent most of his life as a career musician and singer. He discovered his passion for music at the young age of 15, laying the foundation for a lifelong musical journey. At 21, Eddie moved to Calgary where he became a member of the band Noah’s Ark, performing steadily for almost a decade in the 70’s. Over the years that followed, he continued to play with a variety of bands, building a reputation as a solid, dependable bassist with a deep love for live music and collaboration.
In 2015, Eddie returned home to Minto, reconnecting with the local music scene and bringing decades of experience back to the community where it all began. He has since performed with several well-known local acts, including One Horse Town, Eddie & Friends, Route 10, and Old Skool. With a career spanning generations, Eddie Richard remains a passionate musician whose steady rhythm and dedication continue to bring people together through music.
Landen was raised in a musical family surrounded by guitar players and began playing rock and blues guitar at the age of twelve. Over time, his sound has evolved to span multiple genres – performing country-rock with Route 10, folky Americana alongside his partner, Amy Ekstrom, and continuing to honour his blues-rock roots with Old Sköol. Landen has played in the Trail Folk Festival, Harvest Music Festival, and various other venues and events.
Currently pursuing a degree in music at St. Thomas University, Landen is dedicated to further refining his craft and expanding his musical range.
A powerful and soulful vocalist and guitarist, Landen brings a strong stage presence to every performance—whether solo or as part of his many collaborations—and is an artist not to be missed.
Amy is a talented up-and-coming singer from Minto. She has been singing from the age of 10 and the dedication to her craft shows.
Amy has a beautiful, expressive voice and can move easily between all kinds of genres. Amy is heavily inspired by strong female vocalists like Billie Eilish, Adrianne Lenker, Yebba, and Stevie Nicks. Her setlist covers everything from Fleetwood Mac and Bob Dylan to Muddy Waters and Whitney Houston.
Fair warning – bring a tissue. She may make you shed a tear.
Natalie was born and raised in Miramichi and is one of many talented musicians in her family. Her father was her biggest inspiration and introduced her to country music. She learned to play guitar at the age of 15 and began writing her own songs at 20 years old. Natalie recorded her first album of originals in 2000. She performs her song “On the River” with other musicians around Minto.
Natalie has lived the last 20 years in Fredericton and recently started playing publicly at many fundraisers, events, and shows including the 2025 Minto Community Resource Center Telethon. Natalie performed twice at the Ronnie Day Show with Pure Country in Marysville. She performed in her first festival, Trail Folk Music Festival, in Minto in 2025.
Natalie is currently working on new songs as she prepares to record a new album soon and is grateful for the opportunity to play with other talented musicians and the encouragement of the beautiful people in the community of Minto.
Old Skool is a local musical project rooted in the Grand Lake community. Following the launch of the Trail Folk Music Festival, the group has become a familiar and respected presence within the area’s music scene.
Blending an appreciation for classic music with influences of country, blues, folk, and more, Old Skool delivers performances that are both timeless and dynamic. A defining feature of the group is its collaborative spirit—often welcoming guest artists to join the core members on stage, creating a platform that highlights and celebrates the depth of musical talent across the area.
Scott Palmater began playing when he was 14 and since then has spent decades playing live music on guitar, drums, and vocals. He has opened for Lawrence Gowan and April Wine. His music is an eclectic mix of recognizable tunes from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and beyond that will be sure to have your toes tapping and the urge to sing along will kick in.
Scott was born and raised in New Brunswick, but as an active military member, he spent the last decade in Kingston, Ontario. He has just settled in Chipman, after being posted back to his home province. Scott’s smooth voice can be heard belting out everything from The Tragically Hip to Tom Jones with all kinds of coolness from in-between!
Route 10 is a band composed of the collective talents of well-established Minto and Fredericton musicians: Melvin Fraser, Eddie Richard, Landen Cormier, and Glen Brown. The group specializes in country and rock songs with rich, soaring harmonies and great grooves.
Formed in Minto in 2019, Highroad Rebellion is a straight-shooting, high-energy rockin’ band. Playing all your favorite tunes from the Allman Brothers to ZZTop, there’s plenty of fun to be had with this tough, southern rock-infused band!
Curtis Kilfillen, of Chipman, began playing music at the young age of 12. His mother was then and is still a huge motivator in his life of music. Curtis developed a love for songwriting and performing, inspired by The Tragically Hip, The Beatles, Metallica, Green Day, and Oasis.
Drawing inspiration from classic rock, alternative, and punk influences, Curtis brings heartfelt energy and authenticity to his music. Alongside performing, he hosts Open Mic at The Outpost in Minto and recently released his debut original single, Slow Down Babe, now streaming on Spotify. For Curtis, music is more than a hobby — it’s his passion, his heart, and his soul.
With deep family roots on Maquapit Lake, Jacob Wilkins has always had a strong passion for music and takes every opportunity he can to perform. Inspired by The Tragically Hip and a love for timeless songs, Jacob’s style blends classic country, modern country, and classic rock into performances that are both familiar and full of energy.
Whether playing for a crowd or a casual gathering, Jacob is dedicated to keeping great music alive and sharing it with audiences wherever he goes.