Fiddles on Fire: Sophie View, the Slough Thumpin’ Brothers, and the Busking Savants

Sophie View, 18, has been playing the fiddle for over a decade, honing her craft under the guidance of Kim de Laforest. With experience in both classical and contemporary styles, Sophie continues to grow as a musician and to share her passion for music. Raef, 15, Winston, 14, and Burke De Bruijn, 12, the Slough Thumpin’ Brothers, live on a farm on the shores of Stump Lake, north of Shellbrook. The brothers have been playing fiddle, banjo, and mandolin for years and whenever their tunes get pumpin’, the slough gets thumpin’! Fiddlers Cassian Owen, 11, Margot Lavergne-Ryalls, 11, and Avery Johnston, 9, formed the Busking Savants Trio in 2024. All three of these talented musicians study with Kim de Laforest and share their teacher’s passion for music and love of entertaining. Lucas Welsh (guitar) and Cathy Sproule (piano) provide expert accompaniment.

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