Ever since I can remember I have been involved with music. My Mom's family had deep roots to traditional french music. This is a picture of me patiently waiting along with the support of my brother Daniel to perform at the fiddle contest at the Common Grounds Fair in Windsor Maine. I was 7 years old.

I can still hear my "Pepere" (Grandpa) playing the accordion at family soiree's. I learned from him that making music for people made them smile. It was a lesson I will not forget.

Every performer loves contests. They're so much fun. You get to show off what you know and learn something new from others. At age eight I entered the Northeast Old Time Fiddler's Contest in Barre, Vermont and was awarded the Clem Meyers memorial trophy presented by his daughter Donna Comeau. I was so surprised! 

At age 9 I was traveling throughout New England, Canada and even Louisiana performing with the Maine French Fiddlers. I owe a lot to this great group of folks. I give special thanks to Lucien "Pepere" Mathieu (seated in front) whose desire to preserve this heritage music is unsurpassed by anyone and Don Roy (holding fiddle), talented musician, teacher, and mentor.

Since my performing experiences with the Maine French Fiddlers I have been trying my best to make people smile every chance I get. So the next time you hear a fiddle playing at a church or school , nursing home or soiree, look up. It might be me. Or just someone else playing the music that we all have come to know....the kind that can only be played with a fiddle and a bow.     

Here I'm getting some pointers from a pro, Jimmy Campbell, at the 1994 Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival in Brunswick, Maine.
My little brother Keith looks on with full concentration.
 
In this photo I'm enjoying a performance with Mac McHale And The Old-Time Radio Gang whom I've performed as a special guest with for the past 4 years.