Featured friend
Joël Fafard
One of the reasons Cross Harp exists.
Joel and I have been friends since high school, when he was already playing in rock bands and I was doing my best to keep up. We played together whenever we could—including our busking group, the HORQUE and Spit Trio—and I loved every minute of it. He went on to spend years on the road, making albums and becoming an extraordinary acoustic guitarist and roots performer.
After a stroke changed what was possible for him on guitar, Joel found a new way forward through blues harmonica. Watching an old friend bring his musicianship, humour and determination to a new instrument—and return to the stage with it—inspired me to start playing harmonica myself. It also gave us a reason to reconnect. His resilience is woven into the story of Cross Harp, and I’m deeply grateful for both the inspiration and the renewed friendship.