The Carleton is pleased to welcome John McLaren, award-winning violinist turned self-taught guitarist, with his trio to our stage to celebrate the release of their electric album “John McLaren and Friends Live at Pattes De Mouche“. John blends percussive fingerpicking, altered tunings, and melodic storytelling offering a fresh perspective on modern acoustic music. Multi-instrumentalist Asif Illyas, along with his daughter, vocalist Ava Illyas, will open the show. Music gets under at 7:30 PM, Thursday, October 15th with tickets priced to move at $15 plus HST.
John McLaren is a former award-winning violinist turned self-taught guitarist who has electrified audiences with his unique percussive guitar style and alternate tunings. Blending traditional and modern fingerpicking, his original compositions have wowed live crowds across North America.
He’s shared the stage with global touring acts such as Jesse Roper, Gareth Pearson, Petunia and ECMA winners Campbell & Johnson. His debut single, “The Pathless Path,” premiered on the prestigious Candyrat Records’ YouTube channel back in 2020. Since then, he has released multiple singles and two albums over the past six years. His second album, “Part II,” was nominated for Recording of the Year at the 2025 PRIX MNB Awards. Two-time Grammy nominated jazz artist Raul Midón hailed his playing as “Awesome!” and “Cool!” A “Musician well-respected in the artistic community” says CBC Radio Canada.
After a life threatening beating in March of 2026, John keeps playing guitar. He recently performed at the 40th TD Halifax Jazz Festival and is releasing an electric album called “John McLaren and Friends Live at Pattes De Mouche” on September 5th, 2026.
Asif Illyas is an award-winning guitarist, multi-instrumentalist and film music producer/ composer from Nova Scotia. He brings over 30 years of experience to his artistry as a founding member of bands like MIR and Big Picture and he has performed with respected artists including Cutting Crew, Lennie Gallant, Colin Hay (Men At Work), and Paula Cole. His production of award-winning musical scores has also graced the world stage.
Currently, Asif is reimagining his songwriting catalog with a unique acoustic guitar technique he has dubbed, “4D Fingerstyle”, which incorporates drums, bass, harmonies, and melodies played, simultaneously, on a custom acoustic guitar named, “Galadriel”, a magical instrument crafted from a one-of-a-kind mahogany tree famed for its incredible characteristics; hinting at an otherworldly biology.