Gene Bretecher

If you asked people to name the top five musicians in Bluegrass in Canada, Gene Bretecher’s name would be on the list. Born in Manitoba, Gene began playing bluegrass in the early 60’s. Gene toured and recorded with Western Canadian fiddle champion Reg Bouvette for several years. Gene once described bluegrass music as “folk music in overdrive.” Not surprisingly, this is a description of his own banjo and guitar-playing style. Manitoba’s former “Instrumentalist of the Year” has opened concerts for music legends Flatt and Scruggs, Don Williams, Liona Boyd, Hank Snow and Roy Clark. His well-earned success stems from decades in sound studios and live performances, including several sound-track sessions for the popular TV show, “Sesame Street” and his own CD’s “Banjo Holiday” and “Canadian Whitewater” and “Live at Creekside.” He continues to increase his knowledge of banjo and guitar flat-picking and sharing this knowledge through workshops and private teaching sessions. Gene is credited with inspiring many banjo enthusiasts in workshops throughout Canada.