Artist Bios

Troy Gates & Family

From the Fort Saskatchewan area, The Gates Family play Traditional Old Time Fiddle Music as well as playing many of their own compositions. They have recently released a CD entitled “The Gates Family”. Members of the band include Troy Gates, Braden Gates (son), Marlee Gates (daughter) and long time family friend, John Appleton.

Troy Gates started playing the fiddle at the age of 18. In the beginning years he and his wife Teresa (piano) entertained at Senior Lodges in the local area. In 1997, Troy teamed up with John Appleton and together released two CDs – “Applegate” and “More Applegate.”

He started teaching Marlee and Braden the fiddle at the age of 5 and a few years later formed the group called “The Sturgeon County Fiddlers.” The original members have moved on, but Troy continues the group with other young fiddlers he is teaching.

John Appleton grew up in Glendon, Alberta. His father was a fiddle player and John started playing the guitar alongside him at the age of 5. As well as playing the banjo and guitar with the Gates Family, John also plays the fiddle.

Braden Gates is currently a senior in high school and plans to attend University in the fall. He has written a number of original fiddle tunes and has a CD called “Springtime in Hu-Haven.” He also represented Alberta in the 2009 Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Championships in Ottawa, Ontario.

Marlee Gates is currently a senior in high school and will be attending University in the fall. She is working on her grade 10 RCM piano and hopes to achieve her Performers ARCT one day. As well as playing the fiddle and piano, Marlee plays the alto saxophone and flute.