John Allan MacMillan was a master fiddler whose decades of performances and competition wins made him a cornerstone of Glengarry’s Celtic music tradition — and with nine of his eleven children also playing fiddle, that tradition quite literally ran in the family.
Formed at the Alexandria Curling Club in 2004, The Fridge Full of Empties has become a beloved fixture in Glengarry’s Celtic music scene. For over 20 years, they’ve brought traditional tunes to life with heart, humour, and harmony on hometown stages and throughout the region.
Johnny Mack MacCrimmon (1917–1977) brought joy to Glengarry through decades of fiddle music, from granary dances to house parties. Known for his signature tune “Davie Taylor,” he and his wife Anna Mary shared a deep love of music that left a lasting mark on the community.
Martin Cameron Ferguson was the son of Gordon Ferguson and Catherine Ann Bella "Kate" Cameron. He was born on the 20th of December, 1906. Surrounded by a musical family on the 7th of Kenyon, he began playing the harmonica at a young age, accompanying fiddlers at house...
Red Alex Stewart was a well-known and respected piper and violinist for many years in Glengarry. He was known as “Red Alex” to distinguish him from his neighbour and cousin “Black Alex.” He spent his entire life in the Stewart’s Glen and Skye area of Northern Glengarry.
Duncan played for 50 years with various groups including The Skye Orchestra, The MacCrimmon Orchestra, and the MacDonald Brothers. He played with Bob Urquhart, Joyce (Allen) Urquhart, Bev MacQueen, James Nixon, Duncan J and Rod MacPhee and of course, his brothers (The Dougie Boys).
First taught by her dad, Ian, when she was ten and later by Denis Lanctot, Ashley MacLeod-Mcrae’s youthful exuberance and love for the fiddle made her a master artist of our time. She and her dad have helped to reignite the interest in fiddle music in Glengarry.
Alexander and Christina Watt were definitely a musical duo, he an accomplished fiddler and she, a piano music teacher. A cousin recalls that a parties could go on their house till the wee hours of the morning, visitors playing until time to go home for chores.
Drawn to Glengarry by the music and the people, Gerry has shared his Irish musical heritage with the county for over 40 years and is a worthy nominee for the Glengarry Celtic Music Hall of Fame.
Omer and Angelina Ranger started their life together in Vaudreuil, Quebec, but moved to Glengarry County in 1911. They purchased land here and built their home. During their years in the brick home, they parented 12 living children. The house was filled with music and parties.