Although Fred Northcotte's brother Les takes care of the vocal duties for The Bay Boys, Fred is the unmistakable frontman of the group. Not only does he project The Bay Boys' "signature sound" through his unique style of playing the button accordion simultaneously with the harmonica, he expertly works an audience with a rapport that is filled with humour and wit.

With his weathered face, neatly trimmed beard and many years spent sailing the seven seas; this charismatic "salty dog" epitomizes the maritime persona, a persona that is equally reflected in his music.

Fred was born in the tiny outport of Coppett, Newfoundland. As a youth he moved with his family to Ramea Island. Eventually he settled in St.Catharines, Ontario, during the late 60s where he was joined by his brother Les.

Together they founded The Bay Boys in August, 1970 in order to play music of their ancestors for their own enjoyment and the thousands of Newfoundlanders and Maritimers who live in Ontario. Ironically, they are one of the few acts that still play the traditional music of Newfoundland.

Fred's demand as a top flite musician speaks for itself - he has performed with the Who's who of maritime music: including Harry Hibbs, Dick Nolan, John Allan Cameron, Roy Payne and the late Al Churney. Over the years he recorded three albums with seven time, North American Fiddle Champion, Graham Townsend. But Fred's greatest thrill as a musician unfolded when he was invited by the legendary Stompin' Tom Connors to participate on his "Dr.Stompin Tom’ Eh?" album in the summer of 1993. Fred has also played and recorded with Grammy Award winner Walter Ostanek, and regularly appeared on his "Polka Time" television show on CKCO (Kitchener). Together they hosted the popular "Down Home Country" radio show on CHOW-1407AM, Wellend, Ontario, that used to air Sunday afternoon at 4:30 P.M.

*All band promotion written by De Roche Agency