ASTROLABE Festival

Biography

Born May 28, 1964, in Mabou, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Jimmy Rankin is both the lead voice and songwriting force behind the beloved Celtic-pop group The Rankin Family. The Rankin Family's 1993 platinum debut album catapulted Atlantic Canadian music to the national stage. Jimmy penned the group's breakout single "Fare Thee Well Love," which was later inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame.

As a solo artist, Jimmy has recorded multiple acclaimed albums, including Song Dog — which claimed Album of the Year at the Canadian Country Music Awards and East Coast Music Awards — along with Love Letters, Rankin, and Uprooted.

Awards & Accomplishments

• 5× JUNO Award winner
• 27× East Coast Music Awards winner
• 7× Canadian Country Music Awards winner
• 9× SOCAN Top Radio Play Awards
• Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame – "Fare Thee Well Love" (2020)
• Multi-platinum albums with The Rankin Family

Musical Style

Jimmy's music is rooted in Cape Breton Celtic tradition while reaching across folk, country, and Americana. His storytelling draws on the coastlines, communities, and heartbeats of Atlantic Canada — warm acoustic guitar, rich melodies, and lyrics that feel like letters from home.

Why He Fits Astrolabe

Jimmy Rankin is everything the Astrolabe Festival stands for: deep roots, authentic talent, and a connection to the coast. He has performed from the stages of Celtic Colours to major Canadian music festivals — and he's bringing all of that experience to Port aux Basques for one special summer night.

Start Here — Recommended Songs

• "Fare Thee Well Love" — The Rankin Family
• "Rise Again" — The Rankin Family
• "Song Dog" — Jimmy Rankin (solo)
• "The Gravel Road" — Jimmy Rankin
• "Forget About It" — Jimmy Rankin

Watch & Listen

Biography

Established in 2022 from over 100 years of combined tradition, Roblo's Rock is a six-piece band based in the beautiful Bay St. George region on Newfoundland's west coast. Each member brings their own deep musical background and community ties to create a sound that's uniquely Newfoundland — traditional tunes electrified with rock energy, heart, and humour.

The band's diverse styles — accordion, mandolin, guitar, and more — merge old and new in a way that honours their ancestors while making the music feel completely alive and current.

Musical Style

Atlantic Canadian trad meets West Coast rock. Roblo's Rock builds from fiddle tunes and sea songs, then electrifies them into anthems. Their original song "Shores" captures the heart of their sound — deeply rooted, emotionally honest, and impossible not to move to.

Why They Fit Astrolabe

As a Newfoundland band playing near their home turf, Roblo's Rock brings an authentic local energy that's impossible to manufacture. They're your neighbours on stage, celebrating the same coast you're standing on.

Start Here

• "Shores" — Roblo's Rock (original)
• Live at local venues — check their socials for clips

Watch & Listen

Search "Roblo's Rock Shores" on YouTube for their latest music videos and live clips.

Biography

The Jack Daniels Band hails right from Port aux Basques, Newfoundland — making them the definition of local legends. Members include Adam Cross, Aaron Cross, Melvin Rose, and Shawn "Hollywood," among others. They've been the band you call when you want the crowd on their feet since around 2017.

Their Come Home Year 2022 performance was a landmark moment, bringing together thousands of returning PAB residents for a night that reminded everyone why home is home.

Musical Style

Versatile and crowd-smart. The JD Band covers an enormous range of music — from country to rock, pop to Irish tunes — whatever gets the party going. Expect energy, fun, and plenty of crowd interaction.

Why They Fit Astrolabe

Because they ARE Port aux Basques. These are the guys who played your cousin's wedding, your community fundraiser, and the Come Home Year concert. The Astrolabe Festival wouldn't be complete without them.

Start Here

• Search "Jack Daniels Band Port aux Basques" on TikTok for live clips
• Check their Facebook page for upcoming set lists

Biography

Lucas Kettle grew up right here in Channel-Port aux Basques before making his way to St. John's to pursue music full-time. Now 25, he has quietly built one of the most exciting followings on the NL music scene, blending heartfelt storytelling with gritty blues guitar that punches well above his years.

Inspired by legends like Mark Knopfler, Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, and Stevie Ray Vaughan, Lucas writes and performs music that feels timeless. His voice carries both the ruggedness of the Southwest Coast and the warmth of someone who's been away long enough to know what he misses.

Musical Style

Country/blues with a roots-rock edge. Lucas blends fingerpicked acoustic warmth with electric blues grit — the kind of music that sounds equally great on a back porch or a festival stage. Raw, honest, and completely his own.

Why He Fits Astrolabe

This is a homecoming. Lucas Kettle grew up watching the same ocean you're standing beside tonight. Hearing him play at the Astrolabe Festival is a chance to witness a homegrown talent at the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable career. Don't miss it.

Start Here

• Check Lucas's Spotify for latest singles
• Follow @lucaskettlemusic on Instagram for live videos