Port-Aux-Poutines is a francophone traditional music duo based in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, formed in 2022 by Jenna Maloney and Axel Belgarde. Their music blends French-Canadian and Newfoundland traditions in a mix of original songs, folk pieces, and translations of Newfoundland folk songs. The three-time MusicNL Award-winning group celebrates the diversity of French-Canadian culture and brings to life the stories and legends of the province while highlighting the francophone heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador and of Canada. Following the release of their self-titled debut album in 2023, as well as their second album, Oui B’y, in 2025, the duo reached an expanding audience, performing concerts across Newfoundland and Labrador, throughout the Maritimes, and in France. Off stage, Jenna and Axel are dedicated educators, offering workshops to promote francophone culture through music.
Jenna Maloney (she/they) is a bilingual singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from St. John’s. She has performed in various festivals and shows around Newfoundland and beyond, including the NL Folk Festival, FOVP Lantern Festival, George Street Festival, Music NL Week, East Coast Music Week, The Gathering Festival in Southeast Ireland, and several Tada Events and Opera on the Avalon productions. In 2021, she released her debut single, “evergreen”, followed by EP “Loam” and single “hors de saison” in 2026, under the nom-de-plume daisy jay. Jenna has also explored other forms of expressing her identity artistically, including poetry and drag performance. Her character, Anémie Déjàmorte, is an emerging queen in the local queer community, and one of Newfoundland’s only francophone drag performers. Aside from her work as a solo artist, she has been a part of multiple groups in and around St. John's, as well as being an educator and a leader to children and young adults. Through her music, volunteering, and work, Jenna is an active member of Newfoundland and Labrador's francophone and queer communities.
Axel Belgarde (he/they) is a singer-songwriter, producer, and entrepreneur born in Quebec and based in Newfoundland and Labrador. He holds a college diploma in classical music, a university certificate in digital audio production, a bachelor's degree in physics, and a master's degree in acoustics. He has performed as a solo artist and worked as a producer for several Newfoundland artists such as Fine Lads, Adrian House, and Cove Pond. He also operates his own French-language guided tour and cultural experience business in Newfoundland, where he works as a certified tour guide. As a musical heritage researcher, he is producing an album celebrating the legacy of Franco-Newfoundland folk songs in collaboration with MMaP and MUNFLA. Active in the Francophonie in a minority context, he sits on the boards of directors of the ACFSJ and the newspaper Le Gaboteur, and works closely with organizations such as Horizon TNL, FFTNL, CSFP, ExploreTNL, and FCCF in the areas of economic development, education, tourism, culture, and immigration. Through various projects, he contributes to the cultural development of the Newfoundland and Canadian Francophonie.
Curdis the Frog (he/him) is the most amphibian star on the Newfoundland music scene. This banjo virtuoso has been an integral part of the band Port-Aux-Poutines since joining in 2025. Originally from the Burin peninsula, Curdis now resides in St. John’s, but has been making friends across the globe since his debut with the group. At only a year old, he has performed on stages across Canada and France, bringing his incomparable cuteness and impeccable banjo skills wherever he goes. He enjoys meeting and signing autographs for his fans, learning new dance moves, taking naps on long road trips, and holding his bandmates’ hands during scary airplane rides. A cuddly frog who isn’t afraid of big stages or big crowds, Curdis is proof that no matter your background, Francophone music is for everyone!