Canadian Fiddle Champion Scott Woods Brings “Ho Ho Hoedown” to Lennoxville

LENNOXVILLE, QC — November 10, 2026 — Canadian fiddle champion and veteran entertainer Scott Woods is bringing his acclaimed touring band back to the Eastern Townships this holiday season. The group will present their special production, the Ho Ho Ho Down Christmas Show, on Monday, December 7, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Hope Community Church (102 Queen Street, Lennoxville).

Speaking on CJMQ 88.9 FM’s The Townships at 12 with host Maureen Dillon Teasdale, Woods reflected on his multi-generational musical roots, his competitive career, and what local concertgoers can look forward to at the upcoming performance.

Six Generations of Fiddling Roots

Music runs deep on both sides of Woods’s family tree. His mother studied classical piano while backing up her own father—a champion fiddler—while his father’s family regularly gathered for home jam sessions inspired by broadcast legend Don Messer.

Woods began classical violin lessons at age four, a foundation he credits with building the technical precision and timing necessary for his career. By eight, he was already touring with his family’s ensemble.

“It was just a bug that you get,” Woods shared during the broadcast. “That adrenaline kicking in—it’s almost an addiction, that craving to connect with your bandmates on stage and with your audience.”

From Competition Stages to the “Flippin’ Fiddler”

Over his career, Woods has earned several of Canada’s top fiddling honors, including multiple titles at the Canadian Open Fiddle Championship and back-to-back wins at the Canadian Grand Masters (1998 and 1999).

His most cherished career victory remains his first Open Championship title in Shelburne, Ontario, in 1993 at age 22—an ambition he had carried written on a index card in his pocket for years leading up to the competition.

Known to fans across the country as the “Flippin’ Fiddler,” Woods gained fame for incorporating physical trick routines into his shows. Most notably, he performs full front somersaults mid-song without breaking a note or damaging his instrument. The stunt originated in the “novelty” competition categories designed to break up contest tension, and it has remained a staple of his live routine since he was 11.

Preserving Canadian Tradition

Woods’s playing style draws heavily from the Don Messer tradition: clean, uncluttered melodies anchored by a full rhythm section, alongside elements of Québécois, Métis, and Cape Breton styles.

“That lyrical, clean style… the fiddle was the voice and the rest of the band was the backup,” Woods noted. “It makes you want to get up and kick your feet or tap your toes.”

Having adjudicated competitions across Canada this past year, Woods noted that the genre remains vibrant, pointing to a strong new generation of young fiddlers studying classic regional techniques.

The ‘Ho Ho Ho Down’ Experience

Following the classic Canadian variety show model, the Scott Woods Band pairs traditional fiddle tunes with country swing, gospel, comedy, and step-dancing. Joining Woods on stage are:

• Steve Petiko — Acclaimed electric guitarist known as the “Telecaster Master.”

• Kendra Woods Norris — Champion fiddler, pianist, vocalist, and comedian (featuring her popular “Minnie Pearl” routine).

• Leo Stock — 22-year-old drummer, champion fiddler, vocalist, and four-time Canadian step-dancing champion.

The holiday show offers a full slate of seasonal arrangements, blending classic carols (O Holy Night, Silent Night) and upbeat holiday favorites (Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer) with energetic fiddle breakdowns. The evening also features In Search of Christmas Day, a reflective spoken-word story focusing on the spirit of the season.

Event Details & Ticket Information

• Event: The Scott Woods Band – Ho Ho Ho Down Christmas Show

• Date & Time: Monday, December 7, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

• Location: Hope Community Church, 102 Queen Street, Lennoxville (Sherbrooke), QC

• Tickets: Available online at scottwoods.ca

Station Information

Listen to The Townships at 12