Jan Le Clair

Jan LeClair is a Kingston Ontario based accordionist.

Hailing originally from south eastern Ontario, Jan has been a performance musician for much of her life. While most of her performance experience has been in duos, trios, and larger bands, her more recent work has been solo. Jan is primarily a folk accordionist but comes from a classical piano background. An experienced festival player, highlights include the Winnipeg Folk Festival, Calgary Folk Music Festival, Summerfolk (Owen Sound), Folk on the Rocks (Yellowknife), Alianait (Iqualuit), Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival, Festival Chants de Vielles, and Kingston's own Skeleton Park Music Festival. Jan is a frequent collaborator with other musicians, choral groups, and theatrical productions.

Jan’s solo accordion work has deep traditional roots. Drawing primarily from England, northern Europe, eastern Europe, France, and Italy, you will also hear cross over stylings from classical and jazz realms. Deeply personal, often dreamy and highly emotive soundscapes, most pieces begin with a story. Bathed in sound, listeners are drawn to create their own images.

Jan performs on a Pigini Preludio 72 bass and a vintage 120 bass Titano.

Examples of Jan's workshops: