AARON COLLIS & MARK MANNING

Founding members of the Juno-nominated band, Rum Ragged, Aaron Collis and Mark Manning have performed Newfoundland traditional music on stages across Canada, the US, Caribbean region and overseas. Aaron Collis is a multi-instrumentalist and singer from Appleton, Newfoundland, best known as one of the finest exponents of the island's rich tradition of button accordion playing. His virtuosity, as well as his repertoire of music unique to central and northeastern Newfoundland, have quickly garnered him a reputation as one of the province's outstanding interpreters of traditional music. Singer, guitarist Mark Manning pairs his passions for the history and music of Newfoundland and Labrador by uncovering untouched songs and stories of the past and bringing them to audiences of today. Mark’s his rare solo/duo efforts focus prominently on the songs and the stories that tie them together. Traditional Singer of the Year Nominee at the 2021 Canadian Folk Music Awards, Mark’s voice has become known as one of the purest and most genuine to sing the traditional music of Newfoundland and Labrador, today.