Veranda

Veranda is a folk, country, and bluegrass band from Montréal led by Catherine-Audrey Lachapelle and Léandre Joly-Pelletier. Driven by a strong artistic connection, the group explores a sound at the crossroads of Appalachian bluegrass, classic country, contemporary folk, and Québec traditions. Through rich vocal harmonies, lush acoustic instrumentation, and a deeply rooted sound, Veranda stands out in the Canadian Francophone folk and bluegrass landscape. On stage and in the studio, Catherine and Léandre collaborate with talented musicians and friends, Kieran Poile on violin and podorythmie, and Johnny Slapper on double bass, who bring depth, colour and energy to the sound. Since 2018, Veranda has developed an organic artistic approach where guitar, violin, mandolin, banjo, and double bass intertwine in an intimate, luminous universe rooted in North American musical traditions. Veranda's discography began with Woodland Waltz (EP, 2018), the first milestone in a sonic identity already marked by North American folk and traditional music. The group followed with Yodel Bleu (EP, 2020), a bold project showcasing a decidedly Francophone approach to bluegrass. Praised for its originality, the EP won the Best Country Album or EP award at the GAMIQ, where Veranda was also invited to perform. In 2022, they released Là-bas, their first full-length album, inspired by nature, movement, and a sense of belonging. The album received significant recognition from the music industry with nominations at the ADISQ Awards (Country Album of the Year), the Canadian Folk Music Awards (Francophone Album of the Year), the GAMIQ Awards, and the Gala Country Awards (Classic Country Album). Veranda was also nominated for Group of the Year and Songwriter of the Year at the Gala Country Awards. In 2026, the group released Veranda, their second album, marking a new stage in their artistic evolution. More assertive and ambitious, this project delves deeper into the group's sonic explorations while retaining their signature sound: refined acoustic arrangements, sensitive lyrics, and a deliberate fusion of Quebec and American musical traditions. On stage, Veranda has forged an enviable reputation thanks to their warm, virtuosic, and deeply engaging performances. The group has performed over 300 concerts in Canada, France, Belgium, and Switzerland, participating in numerous tours and professional showcases, including the Folk Alliance International, IBMA and several leading folk, traditional, and bluegrass events in North America and Europe. The group's trajectory has been accompanied by sustained media coverage, with appearances and reviews in La Presse, Le Soleil, CBC, Radio-Canada, Roots Music Canada, Bluegrass Today, The Bluegrass Situation, and Bluegrass Canada, which featured them on its cover and in a special report in the spring of 2024. Veranda has also made numerous television and radio appearances, notably on Belle et Bum and La grande veillée. Winners of the RADARTS and Le Chaînon Manquant awards at RIDEAU, Veranda continues to make its mark with a vibrant, embodied musical offering deeply rooted in the local community.