Bengal's Corner

[Another one from another ad... need any hint?]

(by Landon Pigg - album Coffee Shop)

I think that possibly
Maybe I'm falling for you
Yes
There's a chance that I've fallen quite hard over you

I've seen the paths that your eyes wander down
I want to come too

I think that possibly
Maybe I'm falling for you

No one understands me quite like you do
Through all of the shadowy corners of me

I never knew just what it was about this old coffee shop I love so much
All of the while I never knew

I never knew just what it was about this old coffee shop I love so much
All of the while I never knew

I think that possibly
Maybe I'm falling for you
Yes
There's a chance that I've fallen quite hard over you

I've seen the waters that make your eyes shine
Now I'm shining too

Because
Oh
Because I've fallen quite hard over you

If I didn't know you I'd rather not know
If I couldn't have you I'd rather be alone

I never knew just what it was about this old coffee shop I love so much
All of the while I never knew

I never knew just what it was about this old coffee shop I love so much
All of the while I never knew

All of the while
All of the while it was you
You
You
You

[That music from the ad... can you guess which ad is this one?]

by 3 Doors Down
(Songwriters: Arnold, Brad; Harrell, Todd; Henderson, Chris; Roberts, Matt)

I guess i just got lost being someone else,
I tried to kill the pain
But nothing ever helped
I left myself behind
Somewhere along the way
Hoping to come back around
and find myself some day

Lately I'm so tired of waiting for you
To say that it's OK, tell me please
Would you one time,
Let Me Be Myself
So i can shine,
with my own light
Let Me Be Myself

Would you Let Me Be Myself
Coz I'll never find my heart
Behind someone else
I'll never see the light of day
Living in this cell
It's time to make my way
Into the world i knew
And take back all of these times
That I gave in to you

Lately I'm so tired of waiting for you
To say that it's OK, tell me please
Would you one time,
Let Me Be Myself
So i can shine,
with my own light
Let Me Be Myself,
For a while
If you don't mind,
Let Me Be Myself
So i can shine,
with my own light
Let Me Be Myself

That's all i ever wanted from this world
Was to let me be me..

Please, would you one time,
Let Me Be Myself
So i can shine,
with my own light
Let Me Be Myself
Please, would you one time,
Let Me Be Myself
So i can shine,
with my own light
Let Me Be Myself,
For a while
If you don't mind,
Let Me Be Myself
So i can shine,
with my own light
Let Me Be Myself

This week!!!

Thursday, June 18, 2009 to Saturday, June 20, 2009 at Taylor Park and on the Bay, St. Albans, Vermont

2nd annual (free) Franco-American Heritage Festival (a signature event of the Vermont Quadricentennial) , featuring

De Temps Antan
Benoit Bourque
Trish & Mike
Sabin Jacques
Rachel Aucoin
Michele Choiniere
Fabio Choiniere
Josee Vachon
Yankee Chank
Arthur Boulerice
Jeanne Begnoche
Roger Perrault
Fiddleheads
Don Roy
Frank Heyburn
Will Patton Ensemble
Conservatory Ballet
Chambly Caravane des Arts


FREE festival ...
Ticketed Events follow, below

Here's the text of Karen Bresnahan's press release.

After years of planning, the schedule of performing artists for the St. Albans Franco-American Festival is set. The list includes internationally- renowned, award-winning performers, talented student groups, venerable fiddlers, and cultural icons. The lineup promises to provide world-class, free, family-friendly entertainment, for which you neither have to speak french, nor share french lineage, to enjoy.

Headlining the event are La Bottine Souriante-frontman Benoit Bourque, as well as current and former La Bottine colleagues Andre Brunet and Eric Beaudry in their ensemble - De Temps Antan. Benoit, Andre and Eric have toured the world, are internationally revered and respected, and should not be missed. Joining them at the Festival is award-winning Maine fiddler Don Roy, who has appeared at the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, and Lincoln Center, among other venues. Hometown chanteuse Michele Choiniere will play with her remarkable bandmates from Quebec. Michele is the winner of the 2007 Governor's Heritage Award, and is herself a seasoned performer at national folk festivals.

Headlining Friday night's festivities in downtown St. Albans is Cajun band Yankee Chank, with Josee Vachon appearing Saturday night at a ticketed Soiree at the St. Albans Knights of Columbus. Josee is well-known to Franco-Americans throughout New England. Rounding out the music are regional student fiddlers the Fiddleheads, accordion legend Sabin Jacques and his wife Rachel Aucoin, fiddlers Frank Heyburn and Roger Perrault, and harmonica talent Fabio Choiniere. Some local surprise guest performers are also expected to participate.

In addition to these musical acts, an historical theatre production from Chambly, QC will perform an hour+ show. The production casts Samuel de Champlain as emcee, with a supporting cast of actors portraying other characters. The show highlights regional artistic, cultural, and historical achievements beginning with what Champlain would have experienced at the time of his voyage, through 400 years of history to the present day.

Kicking off the Festival is a ticketed Gala event held on Thursday night. The public can purchase tickets on or after Tuesday, May 25, by contacting the Franklin or Grand Isle Chambers of Commerce, at (802) 524-2444, or (802) 372-8400, respectively. The Gala will also feature the 2009 Vermont Quadricentennial inaugural viewing of the Lois McClure Schooner, music from the Will Patton Ensemble, and catering by Jeff's Maine Seafood. Regional dignitaries from Quebec and Canada have been invited to the Gala, with Governor Douglas slated to also attend.

After the Gala, the Lois McClure schooner will be docked at St. Albans Bay, and open for free, public viewing on both Friday and Saturday of the Festival. In addition to the schooner, the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum will be bringing other exhibits and displays. Other planned attractions at the Festival include an art show organized by the St. Albans Art Guild, french genealogy exhibits, an historical lecture by Prof. Fred Wiseman at the St. Albans Historical Society, a walking tour of St. Albans City highlighting historically significant city attractions, other St. Albans Historical Museum events, a farmer's market, children's activities, a United Way food drive, a wine and beer tent, food from notable local restaurants, crafts, local vendors, and much more. Official Festival T-shirts with the Festival's logo are being sold by Kevin Smith's sports store in St. Albans.

All events are free to the public, with the exception of the Thursday night Gala and the Saturday night Soiree at the Knights of Columbus. The Festival will take place rain or shine.

A free shuttle bus will be provided, running between parking sites and Festival venues at Taylor Park and St. Albans Bay.

The Vermont Quadricentennial marks the 400th anniversary of Samuel de Champlain's exploration of the region back in 1609. The Vermont celebrations will span the breadth of 2009, with four signature events leading the way, taking place in St. Albans, Burlington, Vergennes and Crown Point. The St. Albans Franco-American Festival is a Vermont Quadricentennial Signature Event, and is the first Signature Event of the Summer. The St. Albans event is unique, in that all but 2 events at the Festival are free and open to the public.

TAYLOR PARK is situated between North Main & Church Streets and Bank St. & Fairfield St.

ST. ALBANS BAY STATE PARK is at the end of Lake Street/Lake Road at the St. Albans Bay.


Information on purchasing tickets for the Josee Vachon Soiree at the Knights of Columbus Saturday, June 20, can be found by calling 524-1492.

SCHEDULE :
Free festival. Ticketed events follow, below

Friday, June 19

Bay Park:
11-11:45am Fabio + Michele Choiniere, and invited guests: Arthur Boulerice and Jeanne Begnoche
12pm-12:45pm Roger Perrault
1pm - 1:30pm Fiddleheads
1:45pm - 2:30pm Don Roy

Taylor Park:
5:00-5:20pm Fiddleheads
5:20-6pm Family Dance, with Fiddleheads and Don Roy Ensemble
6:00-6:30 Don Roy Ensemble
6:45-7:45 Michele Choiniere et compagnie
8-9:30pm Yankee Chank (Cajun Band)

Saturday, June 20

Bay Park:
9:30-10:15am Roger Perrault
10:30-11:30am Don Roy Ensemble
11:45-1:15pm Chambly Caravane des Arts
1:30-2:30pm Michele Choiniere et compagnie
2:45-4:15pm De Temps Antan
4:15-5pm Ensemble Soiree

Taylor Park:
9am-2pm St. Albans Farmer's Market
9:30am-10am Fabio and Michele Choiniere, and invited guests
10:15-11am Fiddleheads
11:15-12pm Family Dance and City School students- with Benoit Bourque,
Sabin Jacques and Rachel Aucoin
12:15-1:15pm Benoit Bourque, with Trish and Mike
1:30-2:30pm Don Roy Ensemble
2:45-3:30pm Frank Heyburn (Fiddler)
3:35-3:50pm Josee Vachon "KofC" Sneak Peak
4:00-4:30pm Conservatory Ballet

TICKETED EVENTS :

Thursday, June 18
Gala - Will Patton Ensemble
6-9pm, St. Albans Bay Park - $40 or 2/$70

Saturday, June 20
Knights of Columbus
6:30pm - Josee Vachon at Dinner/Dance - $25

Next week!!

Mark your calendar for Franco-American Festival Week to be held from June 20th through 27th 2009.

The opening event is a free performance of French music by the group La Famille LeBlanc to be held on June 20th at the Senior Center on 276 Broadway St., Lowell, MA., from 6 to 8 p.m. The public is cordially invited. The schedule of events to be held throughout the week is available online.

Cecile Provencher

Member of the Franco American Day Committee
Lowell, MA

Marc Gunn is Celtic American Musician and Podcaster. Good food, good drink and good company. Folk ballads, Irish drinking songs, fantasy, Sci Fi, and cats on the autoharp. Embrace independent Celtic music!

UPCOMING TOUR DATES

6.21 (AUSTIN, TX) The Saxon Pub
6.24 (SPRINGFIELD, MO) The Coffee Ethic
6.26 (CEDAR RAPIDS, IA) Cummings House Concert
6.27 (ELMHURST, IL) Benefit Concert for Feral Fixers at Fitz's Pub
6.28 (BROOKFIELD, IL) Irish Times Pub
7.1 (WINCHESTER, KY) Panzarella House Concert
7.8 (NEW ORLEANS, LA) Neutral Ground Coffeehouse

--
Irish & Celtic Music Podcast -->

Date: Monday-Friday, August 17-21, 2009
Location: Old Songs Community Center, 37 South Main St., Voorheesville, NY
Phone: (518) 765-2815
Email: oldsongs@oldsongs. org

Join Pascal Gemme and Yann Falquet of Genticorum, cellist Natalie Haas, dancer Marie-Soleil Pilette, fiddlers Donna Hébert and Daniel Boucher and accordion/pianist Jeremiah McLane. Be one of only 30 campers with LOTS of one-on-one time for students and lovers of French-Canadian music. Not only will we teach 9-4 daily, there are long group jam sessions in the evenings and a faculty concert Thursday. This week promises to be one long Québécois soiree, so don't miss it!

It will be a great celebration!

Bengal.

Dentdelion, a five-piece band from the Lanaudiere region of Quebec will offer fiddle workshops and a performance in Chassell, Michigan on Wednesday, July 8, opening Chassell's Strawberry Festival.

FIDDLE WORKSHOP ~ $10
6:00-7:00 pm - Chassell Heritage Center , 2nd Street & Hancock Ave.
· Adult workshop by Claude Méthé
· Student workshop by Béatrix Méthé

CONCERT & DANCE ~ Free ~ Donations appreciated
8:00-9:30 p.m. - Chassell Centennial Park Pavilion, 3rd Street

As a trio consisting of Claude Méthé, Dana Whittle and Denise Levac, Dentdelion has brought their fresh sound to audiences in Quebec, festivals in maritime Canada and most recently to concert stages in France and Spain. In addition, Dentdelion welcomes the next generation to the stage in the form of 15-year-old Colin Savoie-Levac on banjo, mandolin, feet & vocals and 13-year-old Béatrix Méthé on fiddle & vocals. The latter are themselves veteran performers, having performed since they were knee-high to a grasshopper on stages in Quebec, Scotland, Canada and the U.S.

Special thanks to the Chassell Lions Club, the Chassell Historical Organization, and the Sigma Rho Fraternity for making this event possible. For more information, contact Dave Bezotte at 482-4956.

Celtic Woman will be filming their brand-new live show for PBS Television and DVD at Powerscourt House and Gardens, County Wicklow, Ireland on Wednesday July 29th and Thursday July 30th 2009. If you would like to attend the concerts please email your requests to tickets@celticwoman .com. We can not guarantee admittance due to the high
demand expected, however we will endeavour to accommodate as many requests
as possible.


Treasa Ní Conchobhair (Chrissy)

Lord of the Dance
13th October - Cornwall Civic Complex, Cornwall, ON, Canada, 7.30pm
14th October - K-Rock Centre, Kingston, ON, Canada, 7.30pm
18th October - WFCU Centre, Windsor, ON, Canada, 7.30pm
30th October - Rialto Square Theatre, Joliet, IL, USA, 8pm
7th November - Paramount Theater, Seattle, WA, USA, 2pm & 8pm
20th April 2010 - Genesee Theatre, Waukegan, IL, USA, 7.30pm

Riverdance
19th December - Heineken Music Hall, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 2.30pm
19th December - Heineken Music Hall, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 8pm
25th-27th January 2010 - Bördelandhalle, Magdeburg, Germany, 8pm
29th-31st January 2010 - Sparkassen-Arena, Kiel, Germany, 8pm
30th-31st January 2010 - Sparkassen-Arena, Kiel, Germany, 2pm
2nd-4th February 2010 - Stadthalle, Bielefeld, Germany, 8pm
8th-10th February 2010 - Porsche-Arena, Stuttgart, Germany, 8pm

Spirit of the Dance
22nd September - Beck Theatre, Hayes, U.K., 7.30pm
3rd-4th October - The Marina Theatre, Lowestoft, U.K., 7.30pm
4th October - The Marina Theatre, Lowestoft, U.K., 2.30pm

For complete schedule for these and other shows please visit our tour
section.

Alex

SAT. 20TH JUNE 2009 – THE SEAMUS ENNIS CULTURAL CENTRE

On Saturday, 20th June 2009 The Seamus Ennis Centre plays host to two of Ireland’s emerging talents. Tickets are on sale now at The Seamus Ennis Centre.

Singer/Songwriter Liz Madden and Irish Fiddle virtuoso Niamh Fahy combine their dynamic talents for an evening of show-stopping Irish favourites along with some wonderful original works.

International recording artists and solo performers in their own right, this Dynamic Duo have joined forces to give fans an outstanding Irish Roots Concert. This is an evening not to be missed!

From a family rich in Irish traditional music, Liz Madden, former singer and songwriter with Irish duo RUA, has had a successful music career culminating in 3 albums and performances worldwide including the Festival Interceltique de Lorient, the World Music Festival in Israel, the Catskills Irish weekends, the 7th International China Folk & Art Festival and the Nobel Women’s Initiative Conference. Liz has just completed her solo album and globally Liz’s beautiful voice and original compositions have been featured on over sixty compilation albums and used in both Film & TV. As a vocalist, Liz moves easily between Irish, Celtic, New World, Folk and Classical music and her captivating voice leaves a lasting impression with its deep emotion and energy.

Trained in the Suzuki Method, Irish fiddler, Niamh Fahy was introduced to Traditional Irish music early on but it was when Antoin MacGabhann, renowned Cavan fiddle player, took her under his wing that Niamh fell in love with her native music. She has performed worldwide in such prestigious venues as The Kravis Centre, West Palm Beach, Florida, The Berklee Performing Arts Centre, Boston, the Hammersmith Apollo, London, The Playhouse Theatre, Edinburgh and the NIA, Birmingham. Niamh released her debut album 'Stolen Kiss' to high acclaim and is currently a soloist with the Irish phenomenon Riverdance. She has just completed a three month tour of the UK and will appear in the summer run of Riverdance in The Gaiety Theatre, Dublin..

Yep, I'm still alive! :) I'm offline though. I moved last weekend to my new address and my internet isn't installed yet. It's promised for this week, so hopefully by Friday I'll be able to upload many news on events going on in the near future! Please, don't give up on me yet!

I know I speak on behalf of the entire Riverdance family when I say we are all deeply shocked and saddened at the tragic loss of our friend and colleague, Eithne Walls.

Eithne joined Riverdance in 1998 as a member of the Flying Squad and then danced full time with the Shannon on Broadway. She later joined the Foyle for the first run in the Gaiety in Dublin in 2004.

Eithne was someone who once you had met her you would never forget her.

I never saw her without a smile on her face and she just seemed to be always happy and enjoying life. However that constantly smiling face did not mean that she was simply skimming through life, far from it, anyone who travelled with Eithne will remember the medical books always on the go and her constant attention to her studies.

Eithne was someone you could always sit down with and have a chat, she was always interesting and interested and without doubt she was someone with a rich future stretching out ahead of her.

It is hard to believe that such a bright light could be quenched so early and while burning so brilliantly. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends at this time.

Julian Erskine

Senior Executive Producer
Riverdance

Our hearts and prayers go out to the family and friends of former Riverdancer Eithne Walls.

Walls family statement

Eithne Walls a young doctor and Irish dancer from County Down was among 228 people onboard the Air France airliner which disappeared on Monday. Her family have issued this statement.

It is with the heaviest and with the saddest of hearts that the Walls family confirm the loss of their dearest daughter and sister Eithne.

Eithne was an extraordinary person who brought light into the lives of everyone she touched. She was beautiful in every way especially of spirit.

She had a passion for life that permeated, enlivened and enriched those around her.

We feel privileged to have shared her too short life and the countless memories of her will stay with us forever.

She had many hopes for her life and was looking forward to the exciting journey to fulfilling her childhood dream of becoming an eye surgeon.

At university she made many lifelong friends with who she shared the trials and tribulations of university life and on her last holiday we know she was delighted to have be reunited with so many of them.

'Inconsolable loss'

Her friends will, we hope, remember their time together with fondness and joy despite its tragic end.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of her dearest friends Jane and Aisling who are suffering the same inconsolable loss.

Many people have known Eithne through Irish dancing, a passion she had continued throughout her studies and into her professional life.

We have been overwhelmed by the messages of support from so many family and friends from our community and throughout the world.

Your thoughts and prayers give us comfort at this most devastating of times.

Eithne we will miss your easy smile. We will miss your loving embrace. We will miss your happy hello and we will miss your dancing feet. We will miss your silliness, your wit and your hugs.

We will always hold you in our hearts and you are never truly gone.

Robert & Gabrielle Bouthillier, father and daughter, members of the Quebecois a cappella, folk, roots and traditional music group Serre L'Ecoute, will perform in the Sea Music Festival at the Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT, 11-14 June 2009.

Franco-Americans musicians Marc Bernier, Judy Cormier, Tom Goux, Dan Lanier & Dave Peloquin will also perform in the Sea Music Festival.