Paul Richard wwas born in Petit-Rocher and became interested in old-time fiddling while listening to the Don Messer radio programs as a child. By age 11, he was playing at weddings and community gatherings.
In the 1950’s and 60’s, while living in Montreal, he performed in clubs with a five-piece band. He returned to Petit-Rocher in 1967 where he accepted a teaching position and formed another five-piece group that performed regularly through the area.
For the past 20 years he has taught violin, using the Suzuki method, to students of all ages while continuing to play for patients in hospitals and senior’s complexes. He formed the popular fiddling group, Les Violons de la Cote Nord (the North Shore Fiddlers) in 1976 and now leads a group of 15 or more fiddlers and accompanist in playing old-time jigs, reels and waltzes at weekly senior’s club dances. He has performed at many leading New Brunswick venues during his long career, either as a solo act of with bands.
Aldric "Al" Goguen was born in Rogersville. He inherited a love of music and his ability to perform from his parents. His father played the fiddle at dances and weddings while his mother was active as a church organist. After mastering his first instrument – the piano accordion – Al learned to play many other instruments by ear. It was his passion and talent for guitar, however that forged his professional music career. Al left his music studies at St. Joseph’s College to join the Merchant Marines during the Second World War. After the war, Al played with many popular New Brunswick bands including Earl Mitton and the Valley Rhythm Boys and The Diamond Trio. He also performed with such renowned artists at June Eikhard and Marg Osbourne. Al’s music career ended in the 1980’s, although he continued to play at family gatherings.
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