Repentigny, Quebec, Canada

Bassist Jérôme Dupras, drummer Dominique Lebeau, multi-instrumentalist Marie-Annick Lépine, guitarist Jean-François Pauzé, and vocalist Karl Tremblay formed Les Cowboys Fringants ("the Frisky Cowboys") in the Montreal suburb of Repentigny. Steeped in traditional Quebec folk and politically charged, they're just as much a modern rock band, and they've built a reputation as a major live draw with a fan base that extends to Switzerland and France. Their releases include the albums Motel Capri (2000), Break Syndical (2002), La Grand Messe (2004), L'Expédition (2008), and Que Du Vent (2011), as well as the live DVD En Concert au Centre Bell. ~ Andy Kellman