Bengal's Corner

News coming soon!

2010-06-13T21:34:00.000-05:00

Dear all:

As everybody noticed, this blog has been inactive since the beginning of this year. I've been involved in many other projects that required full attention. I couldn't run the blog the way I wanted. But... I'm working on a "revamp" of Bengal's Corner to be up and running during the second half of this year.

Thanks for all of you that stopped by, thanks for all the support and kind messages, and I hope I can bring you all some fun (or at least the addresses where all the fun is happening)... soon!

Cheers!

Bengal.

De Temps Antan

2010-02-01T19:17:00.000-06:00

The quebecois traditional music group, De Temps Antan, will be touring New England during this winter. The band is composed of Eric Beaudry, Andre Brunet and Pierre-Luc Dupuis.

2/12-14/2010 Dance Furry Festival @ Saratoga Springs, NY

Carnaval de Québec

2010-01-21T23:03:00.000-06:00

Dans le cadre de sa 56e présentation, le Carnaval de Québec en collaboration avec Loto-Québec sera marqué par une atmosphère festive où la musique et la danse joueront un rôle prédominant. Du 29 janvier au 14 février 2010, le Carnaval invite toute la population à vivre l’effervescence carnavalesque au rythme des soirées à la belle étoile et des spectacles de danse tous plus divertissants les uns que les autres : breakdance, cheerleading, salsa, arts martiaux, folklore et plusieurs autres. Les carnavaleux seront emportés par la cadence des workout, chorégraphies, spectacles variés et plus encore.

The 56th presentation of the Québec Winter Carnival in collaboration with Loto-Québec will be marked by a festive atmosphere featuring music and dance. From January 29 to February 14, 2010, the Carnival invites the public to experience the effervescence of the Carnival with evenings under the stars and exhilarating dance shows: breakdancing, cheerleading, salsa, martial arts, folklore and many others. Carnival-goers will be swept up in the rhythm of workouts, choreographies, variety shows and much more.

Link.

Nicolas Pellerin - This Saturday!

2010-01-21T22:59:00.001-06:00

Nicolas Pellerin
Accompagné de Simon Lepage et Simon Marion

Un nouveau souffle...Trois musiciens soucieux de répertoire original et d’arrangements ingénieux, le groupe de Nicolas Pellerin nous propose une musique traditionnelle exploratrice de toutes les avenues possibles, nuancée, subtile et captivante. Entouré de ses deux acolytes, Simon Lepage et Jean-Philippe Reny, c'est la promesse d'une musique recherchée où les ambiances et le groove jouent de la corde pour laisser place à toutes les folies. Voix, violon, pincements de cordes et tapements de pieds sont au rendez-vous de cette musique éclatée aux multiples influences.
Au plaisir de vous croiser sur la route!

INFO 450 752-6798 | www.memoireracines.qc.ca
BILLETTERIE 450 756-6902 | link

Date:	Saturday, January 23, 2010
Time:	8:00pm - 10:00pm
Location:	Salle de l'Envol
Street:	1270, rue Ladouceur à Joliette

Mémoire et Racines se cherche un nouveau directeur

2010-01-21T22:54:00.002-06:00

Till: Wednesday, February 3, 2010 at 7:45pm

Joliette, (Qc)

Suite au départ prévu de Gilles Pitre, le conseil d'administration de Lanaudière : Mémoire et Racines fait un appel de candidature pour le poste de Directeur général et artistique.

On peut accéder à l'offre d'emploi par le lien suivant : link.
Faire parvenir votre Curriculum vitae à festival (at) memoireracines.qc.ca

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-24T10:20:00.005-06:00

Dear all:

I want to take this time to thank you all for your support during this year of 2009. I'm so grateful to you all for all the comments and emails, and for sharing your news and knowledge with me. I don't know how I would learn all these information and discover the wonderful music out there if it wasn't for you all...

I wish you all a Very Happy Holiday Season and an Amazing New Year!

I hope to see you all again in 2010!

Cheers,
Chers amis:

Merci de votre support! Je vous souhaite une belle période des Fêtes ainsi qu’une année 2010 des plus musicales et prospère! :)

On se revoit en 2010!

Bengal.

PS: Hopefully next year I'll be able to write a full text in French too! :)

Last minute changes!

2009-12-01T19:11:00.002-06:00

This Saturday, Dec 5th at 8h30 PM, André Brunet would be performing together with Martine Billette. Due to some unpredictable event, there is a last minute change, which doesn't mean the night will be less fun. Bernard Simard will present songs of his new album predicted for Jan 2010. The talents of Brunet and Simard will surely make this event a success offering the audience a great night!

Check the webpage of CRAPO for more information.

********************************

Samedi 5 décembre (20h30), il y aura un changement de dernière minute à la programmation prévue. André Brunet, réputé violoniste lanaudois sera bien de la partie, mais il sera accompagné de Bernard Simard.

La notoriété de ces deux musiciens accomplis n’est plus à faire. André Brunet joue du violon depuis l’âge de 9 ans et il l’a fait sonner magnifiquement dans de nombreux groupes au cours des années, dont Les Frères Brunet, La Bottine souriante, De Temps Antan et Celtic Fiddle, avec qui il a sillonné une partie du monde. Il participe aussi très activement au Camp de violon de Lanaudière qu’il a fondé avec Stéphanie Lépine et Éric Beaudry.

Quant à Bernard Simard, si on pouvait voyager dans le temps, on trouverait sans doute une guitare tout près de son berceau… Ce propagateur de la chanson traditionnelle s'inscrit dans la lignée des Raoul Roy, Yves Albert et autres cueilleurs-interprètes de notre patrimoine chanté. En tant qu'auteur, compositeur, interprète ou arrangeur, Bernard Simard a participé à l'enregistrement de plus d'une quarantaine d'albums et a effectué d'innombrables tournées en Europe, en Amérique et en Afrique avec La Bottine Souriante, Manigance, Le Vent du Nord, Le Trio à Quatre, Gwazigan, Cabestan et bien d'autres. Il travaille présentement à son prochain album prévu pour janvier 2010, avec entre autres musiciens André Brunet.

Leurs talents réunis sont la promesse d’une soirée peu banale, au CRAPO.
12$ au public, 10$ pour les membres.

OFFRE D’EMPLOI

2009-11-30T22:12:00.002-06:00

ADJOINT(E) AUX OPÉRATIONS

Lanaudière : Mémoire et Racines est un organisme à but non lucratif qui organise annuellement le Festival Mémoire et Racines, une manifestation d’envergure qui met en valeur la musique, la danse, la chanson et le conte, d’ici et du monde entier. Nous sommes à la recherche d’une personne pour combler le poste d’adjoint(e) aux opérations du Festival et de la saison hors-festival pour une période d’un an (congé de maternité).

FONCTIONS
Sous l’autorité du directeur général, la personne choisie devra assumer les tâches suivantes :

En lien avec les activités du Festival Mémoire et Racines
- Responsable des opérations reliées au bon fonctionnement du Festival Mémoire et Racines (quelques comités, 35 secteurs de bénévolat dont : billetterie, caisses, stationnements, escouade verte, produits dérivés, concessions de nourriture, artisans, etc.);
- Coordination de tous les secteurs de bénévolat du Festival (gestion des listes de bénévoles, recrutement, répondant pour les responsables de secteur, organisation des rencontres, gestion matérielle, etc.);
- Responsable des opérations pour des projets spéciaux.

En lien avec les activités connexes au Festival Mémoire et Racines
- Logistique des concerts en saison et des activités bénéfices (réservation de salle, boisson, autres);
- Coordination des bénévoles lors de la tenue de nos concerts en saison;
- Gestion de la liste de membres et des abonnés de la corporation et des renouvellements;
- Soutien au directeur général dans les activités de financement, les suivis et les rapports de subvention.

En lien avec l’administration de Lanaudière : Mémoire et Racines
- Réception téléphonique et du courrier et diverses tâches administratives;
- Autres tâches connexes.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUISES
- Études post-secondaires dans un domaine relié aux arts, à la production et à l’organisation de spectacles ou d’événements ou expérience équivalente;
- 1-2 ans d’expérience dans un emploi similaire;
- Excellente maîtrise des logiciels MS Word, MS Excel et MS Access, et idéalement Photoshop;
- Bonne maîtrise des logiciels de communication par Internet;
- Grande autonomie;
- Aptitudes marquées pour le travail d’équipe;
- Posséder une voiture est un atout.

CONDITIONS DE TRAVAIL
- Salaire : selon les qualifications.
- Remplacement d’un congé de maternité : moyenne de 28 heures/ sem. (35 à 40 en juin et juillet).
- Sujet à des horaires variables selon les besoins (semaine, soir et week-end).
- Début de l’emploi : fin février 2010.
- Lieu de travail : Joliette.

Faites parvenir votre curriculum vitæ avant le 8 janvier 2010
Lanaudière : Mémoire et Racines
200, rue de Salaberry, bureau 123, Joliette, QC, J6E 4G1
Courriel : festival (at) memoireracines.qc.ca, Télécopieur : 450 759-8749

N.B. Seuls les candidat(e)s retenu(e)s pour une entrevue seront contacté(e)s.

International Songwriting Competition

2009-11-18T20:12:00.000-06:00

Now in it's 8th year, the International Songwriting Competition (ISC) is an annual song contest whose mission is to provide the opportunity for both aspiring and established songwriters to have their songs heard in a professional, international arena. ISC is designed to nurture the musical talent of songwriters on all levels and promote excellence in the art of songwriting. Amateur and professional songwriters and musicians are invited to participate.

We've extended our deadline to December 2! This is your last chance to enter the 2009 competition so don't delay. Check out our website for all the details. Good luck!

We are now taking entries for the 2009 International Songwriting Competition (ISC). This year there are 21 categories to enter songs into including Music Video and Adult Contemporary.

The competition will be giving away more than $150,000 in prizes, including $25,000 cash for the Grand Prize Winner, the largest cash prize for any songwriting competition.

For more information, check this link. Also visit this link.

Location:: 1307 Eastland Ave
Nashville, TN, 37206

German Bense - Bossa Nova ONLINE European Edition!

2009-11-18T20:06:00.000-06:00

Sabado 21 de Noviembre 23h Italia, Francia, España / 20h MVDEO / 19h BSAS / 20h RJ-SP

Host:

German Bense - clube de bossa nova

Date:	Saturday, November 21, 2009
Time:	8:00pm - 9:00pm
Location:	http://www.justin.tv/bossanovalive

ITALIANO

German Bense dall vivo, EDIZIONE EUROPEA!
Data la differenza di orario esistente durante l'estate boreale, che fa impossibile per i cittadini europei vedere il mio show dall vivo su Internet (4 della mattina), io vado fare durante il mese di novembre una serie di show speciali, che sarano trasmessi alle ore 11:00 PM di Europa Ocidentale (20:00h Rio de la Plata)
Sabato 21 di Novembre 23:00 ora Italiana
Indirizzo: http://www.justin.tv/bossanovalive

PORTUGUES

German Bense ao vivo, Edição Europea!
Dada a diferença horaria existente durante o verão boreal, que faz impossível para o publico europeu assistir aos meus shows ao vivo pela Internet (as 4 da manha), vou apresentar durante o mês de novembro uma série de shows especiais, que vão ser transmitidos as 23:00h da Europa Ocidental (22:00h Portugal, 20:00 Rio de la Plata)
Sabados 21 de Novembro 20:00h RJ-SP
22:00 Portugal
Endereço: http://www.justin.tv/bossanovalive

ESPAÑOL

German Bense en vivo, EDICION EUROPEA!
Teniendo en cuenta la diferencia horaria existente durante el verano boreal, que imposibilita que el público europeo pueda asistir a mis shows en vivo a través de Internet (4 de la mañana), realizaré durante el mes de noviembre una serie de shows especiales que serán transmitidos a las 23:00 Horas de Europa Occidental.
Sabados 21 de Noviembre a las 20:00h Montevideo - 19:00h Buenos Aires)
23:00h España
Dirección: http://www.justin.tv/bossanovalive

ENGLISH

German Bense live, EUROPEAN EDITION!
Given the time difference existing during the boreal summer between Uruguay and Europe (5 hours), that make impossible that the European people can see my live shows through Internet (4am), I will make during the month of November a special show series that will be boradcasted at 11:00 PM Western European Time (10:00pm GMT hour, 08:00pm Rio de la Plata time)
USA SHOW TIMES: PST 2:00pm, MST 3:00pm, CST 4:00pm, EST 5:00pm
Saturday 21th November 10:00pm GMT
Address: http://www.justin.tv/bossanovalive

Soirée BÉNÉFICE Fiesta Nord-Sud dans le cadre du 5e anniversaire du CRAPO

2009-11-18T20:02:00.002-06:00

Date: Saturday, November 21, 2009
Time: 8:00pm - 11:00pm
Location: Centre Culturel et Sportif de Saint-Jean-de-Matha
Street: 86C, rue Archambault

LE CRAPO termine ses festivités de 5e anniversaire par un grand spectacle bénéfice mettant en vedette deux bêtes de scène de la musique traditionnelle, Yves Lambert et Joaquin Diaz. Samedi le 21 novembre, dès 20h, au Centre culturel et sportif de Saint-Jean-de-Matha, l’inimitable accordéoniste Joaquin Diaz, dominicain d’origine, chauffera la salle avec ses merengues traditionnels endiablés. Il sera accompagné pour l’occasion de Miguel Fenton aux percussions.

Yves Lambert & le Bébert Orchestra présenteront ensuite Le monde à Lambert, un spectacle créatif et explosif nourri de reels thérapeutiques actualisés et de chansons traditionnelles qui swingent. Un programme qui vous mettra des fourmis dans les jambes, une soirée interculturelle où l’accordéon fera le pont entre les traditions. C’est un rendez-vous pour ceux et celles qui veulent s’amuser ferme tout en soutenant l’œuvre culturelle du CRAPO, la maison de la culture traditionnelle dans Lanaudière. Les billets sont en vente à la librairie Martin à Joliette et au CRAPO à Saint-Jean-de-Matha.

Prix régulier 20$, membre 18$.
Informations et réservations au 450.886.1515 et au CRAPO.

Mélisande back in the scene!

2009-11-15T16:36:00.002-06:00

Bonjour à tous!

Je serai de retour sur scène Vendredi le 20 novembre à 21h30 au Quai des Brumes avec Marc Maziade (guitare électrique), Guillaume Landry (batterie) et Alexandre de Grosbois-Garand (basse électrique) - 7$

J'ai bien hâte de vous revoir et de vous faire voyager avec mon ami Sébastien Lafleur en première partie :)

Mettez ça dans vos agendas!

À bientôt :)

Mélisande

Josee Vachon - 2009 Christmas Concert

2009-11-09T11:51:00.000-06:00

La Veillée de l'avant-Veille 2010

2009-11-08T18:51:00.001-06:00

Planning your end-of-the-year holidays?? I have a nice suggestion for those that will be around Montreal and love a very musical party...

La 13e édition de La Veillée de l'avant-Veille sera présentée le 30 décembre au Club Soda. Un moment inédit de réjouissances de la période des fêtes, de ceux qu’on dit incontournables! Dans un décor planté en plein centre-ville de Montréal, plusieurs centaines de personnes s'y retrouvent année après année et apprécient l’expérience de la transe des sets carrés, cotillons et contredanses. Du pur bonheur pour les sens !

Un concert-veillée:
Fidèle à ses habitudes, la Veillée de l’avant-Veille propose trois parties à la soirée. D’abord, un concert double, puis une danse endiablée à laquelle participent, de manière spontanée, les musiciens invités. On y retrouvera deux formations québécoises reconnues pour leurs sons originaux respectifs soit Nicolas Pellerin et Les Grands Hurleurs, Le Vent du Nord ainsi que l’un des meilleurs câlleur-gigueur du Québec Pierre Chartrand.

Nicolas Pellerin et Les Grands Hurleurs
La Veillée accueillera, en début de soirée, Nicolas Pellerin en formule trio (Nicolas Pellerin, Simon Marion et Simon Lepage) qui vient de faire paraître un premier album. Rappelons qu’en 2007, Nicolas Pellerin a remporté un Félix pour l’Album traditionnel de l’année avec l’album Fred et Nicolas Pellerin. Plus de 45 000 copies vendues à ce jour !

Le Vent du Nord
Pour le quartet - qui rayonne essentiellement en Amérique du Nord et en Europe - ce rendez-vous représente un moment tout particulier du calendrier. Le Vent a en effet eu l’occasion, hôte de l’événement depuis sa fondation en 2002, de partager avec une famille élargie, l’enthousiasme et l’euphorie de ces rencontres exceptionnelles entre musiciens. En prenant part à cette soirée, Le Vent du Nord (Nicolas Boulerice, Simon Beaudry, Réjean Brunet et Olivier Demers) présentera entre autres les œuvres de son plus récent album "La Part du Feu". Ses quatre premiers albums ont été écoulés à plus de 50 000 exemplaires.

Quickie: Michael Doucet & BeauSoleil

2009-11-01T07:19:00.000-06:00

Michael Doucet & BeauSoleil will perform at the Barre Opera House, Barre, VT, on 14 Nov 09.

New work of Nicolas Pellerin!

2009-10-29T11:30:00.000-05:00

click image to see it larger

Opportunity for Irish dancers

2009-10-29T11:26:00.001-05:00

DMC promotions are producing a new hit Irish Dance Show - In Love With The Dance. They are currently recruiting male and female Irish dancers to join the show for the upcoming tour of Ireland

Please send your cv's to -
briantdonnelly at hotmail.com or contact 0044 7 549 387 237

Tab Benoit in New England

2009-10-29T11:06:00.002-05:00

Another Cajun guitarist touring around and not to be missed... Tab Benoit will be touring New England this Autumn.

11/12 Bayou Restaurant, Mount Vernon, NY ()
11/13 Sullivan Hall, New York, NY ()
11/14 Mal's Lounge, Haverhill, MA ()
11/15 Fairfield Theatre Company On Stage, Fairfield, CT
11/18 Red Fox Inn (another link), Bondsville, VT
11/19 Infinity Music Hall, Norfolk, CT
11/20 Narrows Center for the Arts, Fall River, MA
11/21 Bangor Opera House, Bangor, ME

Sonny Landreth in New England

2009-10-29T11:03:00.001-05:00

Cajun guitarist, Sonny Landreth, will tour New England this coming winter.

2/06 Boulton Center, Bay Shore, NY
2/11 Regatta Bar, Charles Hotel, Cambridge, MA
2/12 Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownsfield, ME
2/13 Iron Horse Music Hall, Northampton, MA

Steve

New tour dates: Riverdance and more!

2009-10-29T11:01:00.001-05:00

Celtic Legends
20th March 2010 - Centre Culturel, Bergerac, France, 8.45pm

Flames of the Dance
28th November - HarthArena, Hartha, Germany, 8pm
20th January 2010 - Kultur- und Festspielhaus, Wittenberge, Germany, 8pm
24th February 2010 - Theater an der Ilmenau, Uelzen, Germany, 8pm
25th February 2010 - Tivoli, Freiberg, Germany, 8pm
26th February 2010 - Theater am Capitol, Zeitz, Germany, 8pm
27th February 2010 - Capitol, Offenbach, Germany, 8pm
28th February 2010 - Stadthalle, Alsfeld, Germany, 7pm

Lord of the Dance
11th November - California Theatre, Escondido, CA, USA, 8pm
23rd January 2010 - Arena Fyn, Odense, Denmark, 8pm

Magic of the Dance
29th December - Emslandhallen, Lingen, Germany, 8pm
2nd January 2010 - MuK, Lübeck, Germany, 8pm
6th January 2010 - Stadthalle, Cloppenburg, Germany, 8pm

Riverdance
22nd-23rd December - Golden Gate Theatre, San Francisco, CA, USA, 7.30pm
23rd-24th December - Golden Gate Theatre, San Francisco, CA, USA, 1pm
26th-27th December - Golden Gate Theatre, San Francisco, CA, USA, 1pm
26th December - Golden Gate Theatre, San Francisco, CA, USA, 7.30pm
27th December - Golden Gate Theatre, San Francisco, CA, USA, 6pm
15th-17th January 2010 - Konserthus, Oslo, Norway, 7.30pm
19th-22nd January 2010 - Forum, Copenhagen, Denmark, 8pm
2nd-3rd February 2010 - Mesa Arts Center Mesa, AZ, USA, 7.30pm

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

Alex

Celtic Harp Music and more

2009-10-20T19:05:00.000-05:00

Celtic Harp and Song (family friendly!)
November 5, 2009,Thursday, 7pm

Free concert!

Bound Brook Memorial Library
Somerset County Library System
402 E. High Street
Bound Brook, NJ 08805
(732) 356-0043

EVERY SUNDAY!

Cafe Monet's Evening of Celtic Harp Music
Sundays at 6:00 pm

Cost: No cover, BYOB ( Great Food and Fabulous Cappuccinos)

Cafe Monet
309 Millburn Ave
Millburn, NJ 07041

Reservations recommended (973)376-8555
(Please confirm music for this evening when calling)

Feast of Trad @ The Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queens

2009-10-11T08:24:00.001-05:00

'A Feast of Trad' featuring:

The electrifying trad quartet of Máirtín O’Connor, Cathal Hayden, Séamie O’Dowd & Jim Higgins are joined by Iarla Ó Lionáird, lead singer for the Afro Celt Sound System; the aggressively infectious Lúnasa (“the hottest Irish acoustic band on the planet” Irish Voice); and Líadan whose exquisite and beautifully ethereal harmonies are reminiscent of an early Clannad.

Date/Time - Saturday 24th October. 8pm.

Venue - The Ulster Hall, 34 Bedford St, BT2 7FF.

Tickets - £ 22.50

Booking and information - (028) 900971197

Va-et-Vient spetacle

2009-10-11T08:17:00.004-05:00

Come and enjoy a night with Va et Vient!

Date: Saturday, October 24, 2009
Time: 8:00pm - 11:00pm
Location: Maison de la culture Gorges-Hébert Germain
Street: 270, Rue Notre-Dame
City/Town: Donnacona, QC
Phone: (418) 286-2211

O’Flaherty Irish Music Retreat

2009-10-09T23:54:00.001-05:00

Hello All,

We are down to just a few weeks to go before we hold our 6^th Annual O’Flaherty Irish Music Retreat, and we wanted to make one last contact with our friends and fellow players to invite them to enroll. It’s not too late. Here are some items that may interest you and, hopefully, persuade you to come:

Openings in Most Classes
The only classes that have closed so far are the intermediate fiddle classes and the basic instruments classes. Everything else is open including advanced fiddle, beginning whistle/flute, intermediate/advanced whistle, intermediate/advanced flute, bodhran, piano, dropped-D guitar, DADGAD guitar, standard guitar, piano, piano accordion, button accordion (C#/D and B/C), tenor banjo, bouzouki, mandolin, harp, uilleann pipes and Gaelic singing. We also still have openings in our youth program for kids ages 6-10 called the Kids Music & Heritage Workshops. HOWEVER, some classes are reaching their caps, so hurry!

We’ve Got Pianos
News Flash…. Our piano classes will now provide electric pianos so you don’t have to bring yours. We just received permission from Camp Hoblitzelle to use its piano room which is filled with pianos.

Dorms Open
We still have beds available both in our men’s and women’s dorms, and we have one of the nicest tent camping areas at Camp Hoblitzelle that I’ve seen. There are hotels in the area surrounding Midlothian that may still have rooms.

What Do You Get for Your Tuition?
Two 90-minute core classes each day; one 90-minute enrichment class each day; Texas Tune & Song Tussle friendly ensemble competition; concerts at every meal and evening; sessions in three levels each night; “Meet & Greet” on Thursday night; a lot of fun with motivated students and great instructors who love Irish music.

Take One More Look!

Last chance. We hope you’ll give it some serious thought. Everyone needs a break now and then to saturate yourself in good music and good times. Come to Midlothian and join the 200 who have enrolled so far!

Regards,

Ken Fleming
Director
O’Flaherty Irish Music Retreat

Nice events coming up...

2009-10-09T23:47:00.001-05:00

(click image to see it larger)

De Temps Antan

2009-10-01T19:13:00.000-05:00

The quebecois traditional music group, De Temps Antan, will be touring New England during this fall. It is composed of Eric Beaudry, Andre Brunet and Pierre-Luc Dupuis.

10/16/2009 Dana Center, St. Anselm College (Manchester, NH)

The Savoy Family Cajun Band

2009-10-01T19:09:00.000-05:00

The Cajun music group, The Savoy Family Cajun Band, will perform in concert with Yankee Chank, in Burlington, VT, on Sunday, 18 October 2009. Link.

Chants de Vielles 2009 - my personal view

2009-09-25T20:46:00.001-05:00

After my critic last year, I decided to be more open-minded. I know Nicolas Boulerice and Olivier Demers look for new influences, new styles and new experiments to bring to the participants of this festival, that not necessarily is all about Quebecois trad music. Once prepared for new experiences, I went to Chants de Vielles 2009, in Calixa-Lavallée, QC.

The opening of the festival to the public this year was a surprise. Instead of a gathering of musicians playing and singing lyrics of 200 years ago, we had three very expressive guys and many curious metallic tools on stage. From hammers and chains to keyboard, the story-tellers Simon Gauthier, Marc St-Pierre and Jean-Marc Massie caught the attention of the entire French audience with their show Les Hommes à Scie. It's hard to comment on scenes since my French isn't enough to fully understand all the stories told that night - my comments would be completely out of contest, but surely I got the comments related to their performance of the American anthem.

This year for the first time, Le Vent du Nord performed on the festival organized by two of its members. This was the first time I saw live a LVDN show with Rejean Brunet, although I've seen the band playing in other contexts. They presented some songs of the new album coming soon. The impression of many is that the tunes are becoming less trad and with more influences from other styles. I'm waiting to check on the lyrics... maybe the band is giving to the stories of the old days a modern angle of view. Anyway, their new album is coming up this October 3rd. I'm very curious about it. I really liked the tune they sang acapella during the festival. I hope it's in the new CD.

Also this year at Chants, trad bands Ad Vielle Que Pourra, Dentdelion, Cercamon, Les Poules à Colin, Les Mononcles, Nightingale, among others, presented their tunes. I'm following the works of some of them for a while now and I enjoyed to see their shows. My personal favorite ones were Les Mononcles and Max Cohen and Donna Hébert. The Breton songs presented by Charles Quimbert and André Drumel at the church for the closure of the festival also charmed me. I need to research more the Breton music heritage...

Les Mononcles: Wow! I already knew the work of some of its members - well, basically 3 out 4 members of Mononcles are part of another trad band, Les Charbonniers de l'Enfer. This band performs trad music in acapella style and I saw their show (through video) in Paimpol, France. Because of that, I was very curious to go to Les Mononcles at Chants. And I wasn't disappointed at all. They are jazzy, they have great stage presence being so comfortable in front of the audience. Between their tunes, they always have funny stories to complement the performance, what gives the audience a feeling of a home party with people talking and playing right in your living room! Pity their work isn't easily accessible. They are not online yet but their album can be ordered here.

Max Cohen and Donna Hébert: I e-know them for a while now. Donna and Max do a great job presenting their work online, from tunes to scores to mp3 extracts... But that's not enough... you gotta see them live! Donna is a great fiddler! I basically cried when she played a particularly complex and difficult tune right in front of me. I barely could see her fingers... The audience stood up and applauded. Max on the guitar, performing with her, made everything look so easy I just wanted to jump on stage and play along... I was surprised and conquered by many of their compositions. Max tunes his guitar in an unusual way and his sensibility is transparent when he is playing. I left Calixa-Lavallée carrying their new work In Full Bloom - I highly recommend!

Apart the shows, the organization improved. The festival is getting bigger every year and more preparation is required. The area for parking expanded. Montreal pub brewer Dieu du Ciel took care of the drinks bringing their exotic flavors to the fest.

Another side of the festival that I enjoy in particular is the chance to meet with old friends: Liz, Sue, Shoja, Pam, Kara, Denis, Walt and so many others... also the chance to meet new ones like Anne, an esteemed reader that asked me few questions before planning her trip out to Quebec. Thanks Anne for the support! Also, my visit to Calixa-Lavallée, Chants de Vielles and Verchères (where I usually stay) has a special place in my heart since François and I met out there. This year we celebrated our 1-year anniversary, on site! :)

Le conte en Estrie : du 16 au 25 octobre!

2009-09-25T20:33:00.003-05:00

Productions Littorale vous convie à venir découvrir le conte, cette forme d’expression millénaire que, depuis plus de 17 ans, nous réactualisons pour tisser de manière contemporaine le fil d’une parole de partage, de rassemblement et de réjouissance. En plus de notre programmation régulière de l'automne, nous avons deux événements à ne pas manquer: Rencontre internationale sur Le Conte à Sherbrooke du 16 au 18 octobre 2009 et 17e édition du festival Les jours sont contés en Estrie du 22 au 25 octobre 2009. Info.

Riverdance, Spirit of the Dance, Lord of the Dance, Feet of Flames - New tour dates

2009-09-25T20:29:00.001-05:00

Feet of Flames
16th December - County Stadium, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, 7.30pm
18th December - City Fulfillment Amphitheatre, Taichung, Taiwan, 7.30pm
19th-20th December - Arena, Taipei, Taiwan, 2.30pm & 7.30pm

Lord of the Dance
21st October - Frauenthal Theater, Muskegon, MI, USA, 7.30pm
22nd November - Memorial Hall, Pueblo, CO, USA, 7.30pm
18th February 2010 - Municipal Auditorium, Morganton, NC, USA, 7.30pm
21st February 2010 - Times Union Center, Jacksonville, FL, USA, 7pm

Spirit of the Dance
9th October - Schouwburg, Venray, Netherlands, 8pm
10th October - Fulcotheater, IJsselstein, Netherlands, 8.30pm
11th October - Theaterhotel de Oranjerie, Roermond, Netherlands, 8pm
13th October - De Hanzehof, Zutphen, Netherlands, 8pm
14th October - Agora Theater, Lelystad, Netherlands, 8.15pm
15th-16th October - Theater De Leest, Waalwijk, Netherlands, 8.15pm
17th October - De Meervaart, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 8.15pm
18th October - De Reehorst, Ede, Netherlands, 8.15pm

Riverdance
10th-12th November - Orpheum Theatre, Omaha, NE, USA, 7.30pm
13th November - Orpheum Theatre, Omaha, NE, USA, 8pm
20th-21st November - Lutcher Auditorium, Orange, TX, USA, 7.30pm
21st-22nd November - Lutcher Auditorium, Orange, TX, USA, 2pm

Fil Campbell in US

2009-09-25T20:26:00.001-05:00

Fil Campbell, one of the best lady singers we have in Ireland is currently on a short USA tour and well worth catching up with.

Fil had a wonderful TV series here, on RTE, called "Songbirds" featuring music of pioneering women singers in Ireland from the 30s and 40s.

In the USA, her band includes Jay Ansell who is a great songwriter and multi instrumentalist musician who also does excellent covers of Robin Williamson Incredible String Band songs.

Fil's website for dates and some video clips of Fil performing.
video 1
video 2

John of Celtic Ways

Maison de la Culture de Donnacona - Portneuf, QC.

2009-08-31T21:39:00.001-05:00

My dear friend Gaétan sent out this message and I'm letting you all know, in case you are around this October 3rd...

Bonjour à tous

Je fait appel à vous tous pour m'aider à trouver un vidéaste;

Je suis en train de monter un événement; avec l'aide d'Étienne B. Denis, qui se tiendra le 3 octobre prochain à la Maison de la Culture de Donnacona, dans le comté de Portneuf.

Nous voulons faire sortir les derniers vieux joueurs de tambours à mailloche de la région de Portneuf et les faire jouer devant public en après-midi. En même temps ; une exposition d'anciens tambours sera présentée sur place. Par la suite ; nous pourrons voir des joueurs plus jeunes et plus modernes. Un spectacle de groupes de musique traditionnelle prendra le relais en soirée.

Nous recherchons une personne qui a des connaissances pour prendre des vidéos de cette journée ? Ce sera probablement une des dernières fois ou l'ancien son des tambours à mailloche prendra le plancher sur scène. Qui sait; peut-être pourra-t-on obtenir assez de matières pour en sortir un cd-rom qui serait disponible pour les archives de musique traditionnelle du Québec ?

Je vous remercie à l'avance ; pouvez-vous transférer ce message dans vos réseaux ?

Gaétan Morissette

418-286-2211 (maison)
418-380-2100 poste3287 (travail)

4th ANNUAL WFMT MIDNIGHT SPECIAL FOLK FESTIVAL

2009-08-27T18:46:00.004-05:00

SLATED FOR SEPTEMBER 20

Four-Hour Concert and Live Broadcast to Be Staged on North Shore

Lineup to Include Special Guest Kathy Mattea, John McCutcheon, Michael Smith, Claudia Schmidt, Randall Williams, Haines & Leighton, and the Austin Lounge Lizards.

CHICAGO, August 4, 2009 — Grammy Award-winning folk, roots, and country music singer Kathy Mattea will be the special guest at the fourth annual WFMT Midnight Special Folk Festival on Sunday, September 20, 2009, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., in Skokie, Illinois.

98.7WFMT has announced a lineup of seven artists of national and international stature for its four-hour extravaganza to be presented on a single stage at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Boulevard.

Rich Warren, producer and host of WFMT’s the “The Midnight Special” program, assembled the festival’s talent roster, which includes Mattea, John McCutcheon, Michael Smith, Claudia Schmidt, Randall Williams, Haines & Leighton, and the Austin Lounge Lizards.

“Our goal was to choose a musically diverse group of artists who are incredibly good at connecting with individual listeners,” Warren says. “All these people have mastered the craft of entertainment.”

Warren describes the festival as “a lively celebration of songs with substance, songs that are touching and topical, sublime and satirical.”

A Chicago Tribune article noted that Mattea, who has earned two Grammy Awards and enjoyed great success on the country music charts in the late 1980s and early 90s, “was always more literate folkie than mainstream country queen.” Her 2008 CD, "Coal" (Captain Potato Records), a heartfelt album of mining and mountain songs, is the West Virginia-born singer’s tribute to her Appalachian coal mining heritage. "Coal" was nominated for a Grammy Award in the Traditional Folk category. A CD review in American Songwriter said, “Mattea sings like a woman with a true understanding of the words”.

McCutcheon, an acclaimed singer-songwriter, has received praise from folk icon Pete Seeger, to whom he has been compared for his musicianship, stage presence, and commitment to social and economic justice.

An icon of the 70s Chicago folk scene, Smith has written songs recorded by Steve Goodman and other luminaries. Folkwax magazine calls him an artist who “has repeatedly proved that he is adept at focusing on the ordinary and conjuring the exquisite and extraordinary”.

Schmidt is a versatile singer-songwriter whose discography embraces fourteen albums of mostly original songs. The San Francisco Chronicle’s Derk Richardson called her “contemporary folk music's front-line ambassador of wonder.” A reviewer for the Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange found “a sense of adventure and integrity in every song she does. Schmidt’s voice has a strength and soul of its own”.

Williams, a 30-something performer who trained as a classical singer at a European conservatory, is an audience favorite at folk festivals around the country. Sing Out! magazine says, “Randall Williams explodes onto the scene like a bolt of lightning. … Combine that voice with highly articulate guitar work and superlative songs for a most powerful presence”.

The humorous and engaging Canadian duo of Mark Haines and Tom Leighton perform original and traditional songs influenced by their Celtic and North American folk roots. When these high-energy multi-instrumentalists play multiple instruments at the same time, they sound more like a quartet or even, as the Toronto Sun observed, “a symphony orchestra”.

The Austin Lounge Lizards, a rollicking quintet of satirical folk, bluegrass, and country gadflies, recently released a single inspired by government bailouts. The song’s hard-luck narrator asks, “How do I get to be too big to fail?” (A music video is available here)

Tickets are $25 for balcony seats, $55 for main floor seats, and $125 premium main-floor seats with admission to a backstage VIP reception. Tickets are available by phone at (847) 673-6300 and online. Free on-site parking is available behind the theater. Public transportation: El: Yellow to Skokie, then bus: 97 Skokie (Old Orchard).

The all-ages festival will also air live over WFMT 98.7 FM, with a simultaneous live Webcast.

The festival takes its name from “The Midnight Special,” the station’s eclectic, long-running Saturday night program of contemporary and traditional folk music, comedy, show tunes, and more.

The WFMT Midnight Special Folk Festival is underwritten by the Maxine Yefsky Family Trust.

Festival Schedule

The performance schedule for the 2009 WFMT Midnight Special Folk Festival is as follows (all times are approximate):

3:00– 3:02 p.m.: Introduction by Rich Warren of 98.7WFMT

3:02–3:27 p.m.: Randall Williams

3:29–3:54 p.m.: Claudia Schmidt

3:56–4:21 p.m.: Michael Smith

4:25 –4:55 p.m.: The Austin Lounge Lizards

4:55 –5:15 p.m. Intermission

5:15–5:20 p.m.: Song (“Kisses Sweeter Than Wine”) dedicated to longtime WFMT listener and folk music supporter Art Yefsky, whose family trust underwrites the festival. Artist to be announced.

5:20–5:45 p.m.: Haines & Leighton

5:47–6:20 p.m.: Kathy Mattea

6:20¬–6:54 p.m.: John McCutcheon

6:54–7 p.m.: Grand Finale with all festival artists

Celtic Harp Music and more

2009-08-20T18:01:00.002-05:00

Slight Imperfection concert at Salem Roadhouse (family friendly!)
Saturday, September 19, 2009 7:30pm

Two full sets of original, celtic, and contemporary music with a lovely array of refreshments and home baked goodies!

Cost: $15
Salem Road House Cafe
(Townley Presbyterian Church)
829 Salem Road
Union, NJ 07083

Celtic Harp and Song (family friendly!)
November 5, 2009,Thursday, 7pm

Free concert!

Bound Brook Memorial Library
Somerset County Library System
402 E. High Street
Bound Brook, NJ 08805
(732) 356-0043

EVERY SUNDAY!

Cafe Monet's Evening of Celtic Harp Music
Sundays at 6:00 pm

Cost: No cover, BYOB ( Great Food and Fabulous Cappuccinos)

Cafe Monet
309 Millburn Ave
Millburn, NJ 07041

Reservations recommended (973)376-8555
(Please confirm music for this evening when calling)

Festival in Randolph, Vermont!

2009-08-20T17:47:00.004-05:00

For those of you around Vermont on Sunday 6th of September, take your time to enjoy this one-day festival in Randolph! It's the New World Festival, starting at noon and going into the night till midnight. A full day filled with Celtic and French Canadian music and dance!

Enjoy the performances of Les Batinses, Dent de Lion, Fiddleheads, Gadelle, Reveillons!, and many more... I know many of my friends will be around! Have fun!

Bengal.

Sessions in Bretagne?

2009-08-20T17:38:00.001-05:00

Bonjour!

Here are four dates for your agenda.
Open sessions and musicians are welcome.

Bretonne Session
Friday, August 21.
All musicians welcome.

Irish Session
Friday, September 4.
All musicians welcome.

Two Extra Sessions

Irish Session
Thursday, August 27

Will Flewitt and girlfriend Sue from Brighton in East Sussex will play at the Le Cheval Blanc on Thursday 27 August. Sue plays fiddle and Will plays the Uilleann pipes and mandolin. Will and Sue would like to meet French musicians playing Irish music.

Scottish Session
Wednesday 2 Septembre
Andrew MacIntyre: small pipes and whistles
Ros Gasson: fiddle
Corinne Clarke: fiddle
Gordon Wilson: fiddle
Ann Ward: concertina and flute
Roy Carbarns: guitar
Marta McGlynn: concertina
Carol Rae: piano
Musiciens Bienvenue!

Merci pour votre soutien!
Thank you for your support!

A bientôt!

Micheál

Hotel Le Cheval Blanc
34, Rue de la Madeleine
22130 Plancoet
Brittany

Réveillons!

2009-08-20T17:30:00.002-05:00

Réveillons! is coming to the French Farmers Market on Saturday, Sept. 12!

They will be performing from 12:30 to 3 pm at River Island Park and from 5:30-8:30 at the Marketeers Reception to be held at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs School Hall (both located in Woonsocket, RI). Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Romeo Berthiaume
Northern RI Council of the Arts

Flames of the Dance, Riverdance, Lord of the Dance, Magic of the Dance, Spirit of the Dance - All about Dance! :)

2009-08-20T17:27:00.001-05:00

Flames of the Dance
14th January 2010 - Theater Itzehoe, Itzehoe, Germany, 8pm
15th January 2010 - Neues Theater, Emden, Germany, 8pm
16th January 2010 - Stadthalle, Kleve, Germany, 8pm
17th January 2010 - Medio.Rhein. Erft, Bergheim, Germany, 7pm
19th January 2010 - CCN Weimarhalle, Weimar, Germany, 8pm
21st January 2010 - Stahlpalast, Brandenburg a. d. Havel, Germany, 8pm
22nd January 2010 - Kulturhaus Stadtgarten, Neuruppin, Germany, 8pm
23rd January 2010 - Kulturhaus, Bischofswerda, Germany, 8pm
24th January 2010 - Kulturzentrum, Wittenberg, Germany, 7pm
26th January 2010 - Kaiser-Friedrich- Halle, Mönchengladbach, Germany, 8pm
27th January 2010 - Stadthalle, Wilhelmshaven, Germany, 7pm
28th January 2010 - Stadthalle, Gifhorn, Germany, 8pm
29th January 2010 - Deutsches Haus, Flensburg, Germany, 8pm
30th January 2010 - Kolosseum, Lübeck, Germany, 8pm
31st January 2010 - Festhalle, Stadthagen, Germanym 8pm

Lord of the Dance
23rd November - Spencer Theatre, Alto, NM, USA, 7.30pm
19th January 2010 - De Geerhallen, Norrköping, Sweden, 7.30pm
29th April 2010 - Fisher Auditorium, Indiana, PA, USA, 8pm
1st May 2010 - Hershey Theatre, Hershey, PA, USA, 2pm & 8pm

Magic of the Dance
15th January 2010 - RAI Theater, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 8.15pm
13th February 2010 - Philharmonie am Gasteig, München, Germany, 8pm
22nd February 2010 - JAKO Arena, Bamberg, Germany, 8pm

Riverdance
18th-19th December - California Theatre of the PA, San Bernardino, CA, USA, 8pm
19th-20th December - California Theatre of the PA, San Bernardino, CA, USA, 2pm
20th December - California Theatre of the PA, San Bernardino, CA, USA, 7pm
23rd-24th February 2010 - Stadsschouwburg, Antwerpen, Belgium, 8pm
25th February 2010 - Kursaal, Oostende, Belgium, 8pm
26th February 2010 - De Soeverein, Lommel, Belgium, 8pm
27th February 2010 - Vorst nationaal, Brussels, Belgium, 8pm
28th February 2010 - Vorst nationaal, Brussels, Belgium, 2.30pm
6th-8th April 2010 - Stanley Center for the Arts, Utica, NY, USA, 7.30pm
9th-10th April 2010 - Hanover Theatre for the PA, Worcester, MA, USA, 8pm
10th April 2010 - Hanover Theatre for the PA, Worcester, MA, USA, 2pm
11th April 2010 - Hanover Theatre for the PA, Worcester, MA, USA, 1pm
11th April 2010 - Hanover Theatre for the PA, Worcester, MA, USA, 6.30pm

Spirit of the Dance
7th October - Southport Theatre, Southport, U.K., 7.30pm
13th October - Princess Theatre, Torquay, U.K., 7.30pm
14th October - Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone, U.K., 7.30pm
22nd October - Hexagon Theatre, Reading, U.K., 8pm

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

Jean-Paul Loyer

2009-08-20T16:52:00.002-05:00

Quebecois composer / performer Jean-Paul Loyer is very ill at the moment and unlikely to recover. This was a message I received from Peter Jellard:

A quick message to let you know about Jean-Paul. We heard from Camille that he is in hospital in Joliette, in palliative care. She doesn't know how long he will be around, but says that it is a matter of weeks. Sounds like he still has his sense of humor, and is receiving good care.

Jean-Paul is best known for his CD OJNAB: Le Messager and his work with Andre Marchand in Detournement Majeur and Les Freres Labri. He has composed dozens of fantastic tunes on banjo and guitar.

Lisa Ornstein

Wilfred Beaudoin

2009-08-20T16:50:00.001-05:00

Willie Beaudoin passed away this week. He was a wonderful guitarist and fiddle player, a member of the Beaudoin family of Burlington, Vermont. He had a long and full life, and was much loved by his family and friends.

Please visit the Obituary for WILFRED BEAUDOIN

Best,

Lisa Ornstein

Gérald Côté

2009-08-07T19:15:00.000-05:00

Salut la compagnie!

Pour ceux qui restent dans la région de Québec, ou bien, même pour ceux qui restent un peu plus loin, je tiens à vous signaler du prochain spectacle solo a capella de Gérald Côté, le vendredi 14 août au cabaret l’Intendant (sur la rue en face de la gare du palais à Québec). Il y a un site Internet où vous pouvez le voir à l’affiche, www.intendant.net, et il y aussi la possibilité de réserver par téléphone.

Or, s’il y en a de ma région qui veulent y aller (car moi, je veux *vraiment* y aller), s.v.p., faites-moi signe et peut-être qu’on pourrait aller le voir ensemble. C’est tout d’abord une question de covoiturage (car c’est un peu long, aller tout seu' à Québec) mais si on se mettait à deux ou à trois, pour faire un ‘tit voyage de même, peu-être que ça pourrait faire l’affaire...!

En tous les car, sérieux, il faut aller voir Gérald en spectacle. Je l’ai vu une fois en 2007, et je peux vous dire qu’il donne tout de lui-même, corps et âme et voix! En d'autres termes, y'é bon, celui-là!

Salut ben vous autres!

Benoît

[Merci, Benoît!]

«Chante et conte» - Vendredi 14 août 20h

Gérald Côté: Né à Arthabaska quelque part dans les années cinquante, Gérald Côté a tout
pour sortir d’un conte de Louis Fréchette. Chanteur et déclameur avec une voix à débâcler des rivières, il livre a capella ses compositions et interprétations dans un style traditionnel disons très… personnalisé! Fin raconteur, il nous propose aussi un survol de sa vie en jobs, en voyages
mais surtout, en anecdotes sur ce qu’il a appelé : « son école de théâtre »c’est-à dire : ses trente ans passés comme préposé aux bénéficiaires dans une résidence de personnes âgées ou, devrait-on plutôt dire : de personnages âgés. En découle, une première pour lui qui en rêve depuis des années, un spectacle mis en scène par Michel Faubert, où se côtoient le rire et l’émotion mais aussi, le charisme d’un québécois haut en couleur.

Paimpol this weekend!! Festival du Chant de Marin 2009!!

2009-08-06T19:13:00.000-05:00

The Sea Shanties festival of Paimpol (Festival du Chant de Marin) is starting tomorrow with many attractions for the visitors! I actually planned to be there but my vacation days didn't overlap unfortunately. I was so excited to be there and be part of this great event that counts with many great artists and many activities to everyone! Besides that, I would love to see François performing with the band Sol'Marin.

The festival counts with one night of celebration of Quebec culture, presenting many Quebecois Trad artists as Bernard Simard, Le Vent du Nord, Les Charbonniers de l'Enfer, and others.

Check out more names and references on the festival:

A musical journey towards America and some of the big names of overseas music such as Buena Vista Social Club, Lénine, Barbatuques, Mariana Caetano, Marissa Nadler… These bands will complete an already appealing programme: Yuri Buenaventura, Pascale Picard Band, Zachary Richard, Les Tambours du Bronx (Drums from the Bronx), Cocoon, Soft… and last but not least the icon of Rock, Marianne Faithfull.

There will also be a high quality programme of Breton music giving way to new talents (les Grooves Boys, Raggalendo, Skilda, Franci Jackson Project…) who will stand next to the one thanks to whom everything (re)started: Alan Stivell. Creations will also be part of the programme, those of the 40th anniversary of the ‘Bagad de Lokoal Mendon’ named « Kejaj », with numerous guests (Gilles Servat, Louise Ebrel, Pascal Lamour, Dom DufF, Pat o’May…).

Finally, there will be plenty of Sea Chanties, with the great seniors (Cabestan, Michel Tonnerre, Djiboudjep…) and the newcomers of the maritime scene, a creation by ‘Les Souillés de Fond de Cale’ with the ‘Bagad’ (traditional Breton music) of Plouha, and more than 50 bands and our special favourite: the Johnson Girls, breath-taking chanty-women coming from New York.

On August 7th, 8th and 9th, music and singing, but also the wooden vessels of the Navy will be on the front stage on the quays of Paimpol.

I am excited for the many Brazilian artists too! That will be a great festival with lots of fun! If you are around and have the chance, stop by and enjoy!! And then come back and share a bit your experience... :)

The Kransky Sisters

2009-08-04T20:10:00.001-05:00

Links

2009-07-30T19:07:00.000-05:00

Dear all:

Thanks for staying tuned! I'm creating a group of lists to upload here: associations, bands, artists, etc. I started with a humble list of bands and artists, and obviously I didn't finish it yet. Anyone can tell many names that are out of it. But slowly I'll complete it. Of course, all of you can help me sending suggestions and links that you are missing. :)

Meanwhile, thanks for stopping by and I hope you are enjoying your visit!

Have a great weekend!

Bengal.

Champlain Valley Folk Festival - this weekend!!

2009-07-30T19:06:00.001-05:00

Date:	Jul-31-2009 - Aug-02-2009
Location/Sponsor:	Kingsland Bay State Park - Ferrisburgh
Category:	Art and Music

About the Event:
The Champlain Valley Folk Festival celebrates the cultural heritage of the Lake Champlain region with a family-friendly weekend at beautiful Kingsland Bay Park featuring music performances at six stages and a fully-programmed dance stage. Artists from the Yankee, Irish, Native American and French-Canadian traditions are joined by performers from the American folk and world music communities and by international craft and food vendors. A children's tent presents special performances for younger audiences, an outdoor stage by the shore of the lake allows festival-goers to swim while they listen, and nearby camping is available. The Champlain Valley Folk Festival receives regular support from the Quebec Government and the Canadian Consulate (Boston) to program leading traditional artists from Quebec, as well as elsewhere in Atlantic Canada. In addition, the Festival presents artists from other cultural traditions such as the music and dance of the ethnic and national communities that have lately established a significant presence in the Champlain Valley region, such as the Bosnians and the Sudanese.

Festival Ma Rivière en Chanson du 31 juillet au 2 août 2009

2009-07-30T18:57:00.000-05:00

Festival Ma Rivière en Chanson

VENDREDI (Musique country)

16h00 - Bluegrass Saint-Côme
17h00 - Black Stallion
19h30 - Mot de bienvenue
20h00 - Manon Bédard
21h30 - Paul Dwayne

SAMEDI

10h00 - Tournoi de pétanque (Informations: Henri Dufresne 450-883-5646)
12h00 - Course de radeaux Les joyeux naufragés (Informations: Bertrand Riopel 450-883-1739)

Après-midi musique du monde

13h00 - Sakay Ottawa (Musique amérindienne)
15h00 - King Melrose (Musique blues)
17h00 - Jab Jab (Musique africaine, soca et reggae)

20h00 - Soirée Jeune Relève (Direction musicale François Marion)

DIMANCHE (Musique traditionnelle)

10h00 - Exposition de voitures anciennes (Stationnement du Centre de Loisirs Marcel Thériault)

11h15 - Messe à l’église
12h00 - Bernard Simard et compagnie
12h15 - Randonnée pédestre
13h00 - Baqqhus

13h00 - Course de canards sur la rivière L’Assomption accompagnée par le groupe
Le Beau, Le Gros, L’Agrément (Informations: André Riopel 450 883-5234)
14h00 - La Giroflée
16h30 - Hommage aux aînés

• Animation pour enfants, maquillage jeux gonflables et restauration sur place toute la fin de semaine
• Exposition d’artisans le samedi et le dimanche

New dates for the tours!

2009-07-26T22:52:00.001-05:00

Flames of the Dance
2nd January 2010 - Theater am Marientor, Duisburg, Germany, 8pm
3rd January 2010 - City-Forum, Euskirchen, Germany, 7pm
4th January 2010 - Bürgerhalle, Coesfeld, Germany, 8pm
5th January 2010 - Forum, Leverkusen, Germany, 8pm
6th January 2010 - Stadthalle, Meschede, Germany, 8pm
7th January 2010 - Stadthalle, Northeim, Germany, 8pm
8th January 2010 - KiK Wernigerode, Wernigerode, Germany, 8pm
9th January 2010 - Bürgersaal im Stadthaus, Rotenburg-Wümme, Germany, 8pm
10th January 2010 - Aula des Gymnasiums a. Fredenberg, Salzgitter, Germany, 8pm
12th January 2010 - Kieler Schloss, Kiel, Germany, 8pm
13th January 2010 - Kongresshalle, Husum, Germany, 8pm

Lord of the Dance
16th October - Casino Rama, Rama, ON, Canada, 2pm & 9pm
17th October - Casino Rama, Rama, ON, Canada, 9pm
25th November - Fred Kavli Theatre, Thousand Oaks, CA, USA, 8pm
14th-15th May 2010 - Kimmel Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA, 8pm
15th May 2010 - Kimmel Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA, 2pm
16th May 2010 - Kimmel Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA, 1pm & 6.30pm

Magic of the Dance
26th December - CCS Stadtgarten, Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany, 8pm
30th December - Saalbau, Neustadt, Germany, 8pm
4th January 2010 - Musical Dome, Köln, Germany, 8pm
7th January 2010 - Paderhalle, Paderborn, Germany, 8pm
8th January 2010 - Westfalenhalle 3A, Dortmund, Germany, 8pm
9th January 2010 - Weser-Ems-Halle, Oldenburg, Germany, 8pm
10th January 2010 - Stadthalle, Ahlen, Germany, 8pm

Riverdance
30th September - Hala Tivoli, Ljubljana, Slovenia, 8pm
1st October - Hala Tivoli, Ljubljana, Slovenia, 8pm
1st-3rd December - Bass Performance Hall, Fort Worth, TX, USA, 7.30pm
4th-5th December - Bass Performance Hall, Fort Worth, TX, USA, 8pm
5th-6th December - Bass Performance Hall, Fort Worth, TX, USA, 2pm
6th December - Bass Performance Hall, Fort Worth, TX, USA, 7pm
26th-28th January 2010 - Orpheum Theatre, Phoenix, AZ, USA, 7.30pm
29th-30th January 2010 - Orpheum Theatre, Phoenix, AZ, USA, 8pm
30th-31st January 2010 - Orpheum Theatre, Phoenix, AZ, USA, 2pm
31st January 2010 - Orpheum Theatre, Phoenix, AZ, USA, 7pm
5th-6th February 2010 - Popejoy Hall, Albuquerque, NM, USA, 8pm
6th-7th February 2010 - Popejoy Hall, Albuquerque, NM, USA, 2pm
7th February 2010 - Popejoy Hall, Albuquerque, NM, USA, 7.30pm

Spirit of the Dance
28th-30th September - Theatre Royal, Brighton, U.K., 7.45pm
5th October - Hawth Theatre, Crawley, U.K., 7.30pm

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

What is going on this weekend?

2009-07-24T23:39:00.000-05:00

DAZKARIEH agenda - 2009

2009-07-18T21:36:00.002-05:00

The "Hemisférios" tour is still on the road with concerts in Portugal, Germany, Poland and Malaysia.

Link1
Link2

Hemisférios Tour 2009: (DD/MM/YR)

27/06/2009

Festival ECT – Encontro de Talentos Criativos - Barreiro

Portugal

3/07/2009

Festival Internacional de Gigantes, Pinhal Novo

Portugal

8/07/2009

Kuching, Amphitheatre

Malaysia

10/07/2009

Kuching, Sarawak Cultural Village, Rainforest Music Festival

Malaysia

17/07/2009

Parque da Várzea, Torres Vedras

Portugal

7/08/2009

Krotoszyn

Poland

14/08/2009

Ourique

Portugal

16/08/2009

Dortmund, Micro!Festival

Germany

11/09/2009

Castelo, Abrantes

Portugal

12/09/2009

Selb

Germany

2/10/2009

CAE, Portalegre

Portugal

24/10/2009

CCC, Caldas da Rainha, Grande Auditório

Portugal

19/11/2009

Kammgarn, Kaiserslautern

Germany

20/11/2009

Villa Leon, Nurnberg

Germany

21/11/2009

Kulturzentrum Dieselstrasse, Esslingen

Germany

Camp Violon Trad - Quebec

2009-07-18T01:03:00.001-05:00

The Violon Trad Québec Camp's main objectives are to introduce people to, instruct on, and thoroughly examine traditional Québécois fiddle music while developing the skills of the musician/camper. This six-day training programme is led by professionals in the field of traditional Québécois music and welcomes students of all levels between the ages of 6 and 99.

Based in Lanaudiere region in Quebec province, this camp is unlike any other: It promotes openness towards the legacy of traditional Québécois song by encouraging both its development and a universal mastery of the genre. The camp supports cultural and intergenerational exchanges, and allows musicians to practice the violin while enhancing their skills and technique. It is the perfect place to learn and share a common repertoire, and keep the rich traditional culture of Quebec alive.

Camp Mariste at Rawdon (Quebec)

André Brunet, Stéphanie Lépine, Michel Bordeleau, Valérie Gauthier, Éric Beaudry, Martine Billette

Northern Week at Ashokan - July 19 - 25, 2009

2009-07-18T00:57:00.001-05:00

Contradance July 18th! Photos View last year's class schedule

New England • Québecois • English • Scandinavian

CLASSES & ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: Contras, squares, Québecois step and social dances, English Dances, Scandinavian Turning Dances, Fiddle, Hardingfele, Guitar, Piano, Singing, Calling, Band Clinics, Dance Parties, Jam Sessions, Song Swaps and more . . .

DANCE STAFF:

David Kaynor - Contra dancing
Susan Kevra - English & French dances, contras & squares
John Krumm - contras & squares
Ingvar & Sally Sodal - Scandinavian dances

MUSIC STAFF: (Includes Tidal Wave and the Greenfield Dance Band)

Rachel Aucoin - Québécois piano
Peter Barnes - Flute, whistle, piano & guitar
Mary Cay Brass - piano, piano accordion and community chorale
Eric Favreau - Québécois fiddle
Laurie Hart - Scandinavian fiddle, Nyckelharpa & Hardingfele
Peter Puma Hedlund - Swedish music for nyckelharpa and fiddle
Sabin Jacques - Québécois button accordion
David Kaynor - Swedish & contradance fiddle
Stuart Kenny - bass and Northern banjo
Susan Kevra - French songs
John Krumm - choral singing, instrumental music
Mary Lea - English fiddle and band
Molly Mason - waltzes and contra dance music
Abby Newton - cello
John Roberts & Tony Barrand - songs and singing
Lissa Schneckenburger - New England fiddle
Jacqueline Schwab - English and New England piano
Peter Siegel - guitar and mandolin
Jay Ungar - waltzes, experimental band
Andrew VanNorstrand - Scandi and New England fiddle and guitar
Noah VanNorstrand - fiddle, mandolin and percussion

15th Annual Sebastopol Celtic World Music Festival

2009-07-18T00:53:00.001-05:00

The 15th Annual Sebastopol Celtic World Music Festival — a combination of three evenings and two full days of events — will take place September 25- 27 at the Sebastopol Community Cultural Center. Saturday and Sunday daytime events take place from 11:00 - 6:00 pm and are held at the Sebastopol Community Center and Laguna Youth Park and ball field next to the Community Center.

About the Festival

With a wide array of Celtic crafts and wares, fine foods, workshops, dancers, children's activities, microbrewed ale, and choice wines, The Sebastopol Celtic Festival has developed a reputation for presenting quality world-class entertainment in a warm and inviting setting, influencing many of the performers to stay during daytime festivities over the weekend. This year's line up of performers will live up to that reputation in the highest regard.

FLOOK announce one-off gig in BELFAST

2009-07-18T00:47:00.002-05:00

As you’re undoubtedly aware, the musical phenomenon that was FLOOK officially decided to call it a day in late 2008. After much arm twisting however, they’ve agreed to play a one off
concert, as part of the biggest event ever to hit the island of Ireland – the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge (13-16 August 2009).

As the Gateway to the Tall Ships, Custom House Square in Belfast will play host to a veritable feast of fantastic folk, trad, roots and world music over the four day period, culminating in what is turning out to be possibly the most exciting evening of traditional music this year.

The ‘Titanic World Ceilidh’ runs from 8pm-12midnight on Sunday 16th August and features Brian Finnegan, Sarah Allen, Ed Boyd and John Joe Kelly (aka FLOOK!) PLUS very special guests.

Eager not to miss the chance to film this unique event, BBC Blas Ceoil will be hosting the evening and also presenting a variety of ‘special guests’. Contractually we can’t give you the details of who all those people are just yet – but if folk, roots and traditional music are
your cup of tea, we guarantee you won’t find a more exciting line up this year!

Tickets are priced at a recession busting £12 each and are available here.

For further details, visit:

link 1
link 2

Also appearing at ‘The Energy Saving Trust Gateway to the Tall Ships’ are:
Four Men and a Dog, Lau, The Battlefield Band, Orchesta Cache – and many, many more!

Rendez-vous d'août et Grande Rencontre

2009-07-18T00:36:00.002-05:00

Première édition du Rendez-Vous d’Août : stage estival de musique, de danse et de chanson traditionnelles québécoises à Montréal, les 12, 13 et 14 août 2009

Ateliers de danse, de gigue, de call, de podorythmie, de répertoire, de chanson, d’accompagnement au piano et à la guitare. Avec Normand Legault et Pierre Chartrand, Daniel Lemieux, Richard Forest, Louis-Simon Lemieux, Gabrielle Bouthillier, Mario Loiselle, André Brunet, Pierre-Luc Dupuis et Éric Beaudry.

Tarifs : 170$ et 150$ pour les membres, passeport pour le festival La Grande Rencontre inclus ! (et 10% de moins si inscription avant le 20 juillet)
Pour plus d’informations.

Festival Mémoire et Racines - Joliette Du 22 au 26 juillet 2008 – 15e Édition

2009-07-18T00:32:00.000-05:00

Le Festival Mémoire et Racines présente au centre-ville de Joliette et au Parc Saint-Jean-Bosco de Saint-Charles-Borromée dans la belle région de Lanaudière plus de 150 artistes dont La Volée d’Castors et la Sinfonia de Lanaudière, Norouet, Crooked Still, Les Gitans de Sarajevo, Galant, tu perds ton temps et plusieurs autres. Tous les détails sur la programmation du festival (jour et soir), les tarifs et les services offerts au lien.

BÉNÉVOLES À CHANTS DE VIELLES 2009

2009-07-18T00:24:00.000-05:00

Bonjour à toutes et tous,

Et oui ! C'est déjà le temps de solliciter votre aide en prévision du Festival Chants de Vielles qui se déroulera encore cette année, à Calixa-Lavallé e les 11-12-13 septembre 2009 pour une 6e édition haut en musique, chant, instruments pour tous les goûts, bonne bouffe, bonne bière, belle ambiance, mais surtout du bien beau monde. Nous avons des invités de choix encore cette année et pensez que vous pouvez profiter de tout cela gratuitement si vous nous offrez quelques heures de votre temps. Il est entendu qu'encore cette année vous aurez droit à un coupon bière et un coupon repas pour chaque bloc de quatre heures travaillé.

Le Festival est en grosse partie un succès par ce que vous, les bénévoles, êtes indispensables à son bon fonctionnement. Il ne pourrait avoir lieu si vous n'en faisiez pas parties.

Vous trouverez en attacher une fiche d'inscription complète avec tous les choix d'horaire. Je vous demanderais de bien vouloir la remplir et me la retourner par COURRIEL. Si vous avez besoin d'éclaircir certains points, n'hésitez pas à me contacter. Vous trouverez au bas toutes les coordonnées nécessaires pour me joindre.

Nul besoin de vous rappeler que premier arrivé, premier servi. Alors plus vite vous me répondrez, plus vous risquez d'avoir vos premiers choix; Je vous promets de faire de mon mieux pour satisfaire tout le monde, et ce, dans la plus grande honnêteté. Alors, j'attends vos nombreuses réponses avec grande impatience et je vous remercie à l'avance de votre générosité et implication.

Au plaisir
Chantale Emond
cemond01@sympatico. ca
450-583-5612

AMERICAN FOLK FESTIVAL 2009

2009-07-03T22:33:00.003-05:00

American Folk Festival
August 28, 29, 30, 2009
www.americanfolkfestival.com
207.992.2630

2009 Performers

We are pleased to announce the full line-up for the 2009 American Folk Festival. From Jamaican reggae, to Ethiopian music and dance, the AFF offers a diverse sampling of traditional music and dance. Prepare to be WOWed!

Clinton Fearon, Jamaican reggae
The Lost Bayou Ramblers, Cajun
Cherish the Ladies, Irish
Joshua Nelson, Kosher Gospel
Lil' Ed & the Blues Imperials, Chicago Blues
Gadelle, Acadian
Rob Curto's Forró for All, Brazilian forró
Mighty Sam McClain, Soul
Los Texmaniacs, Conjunto tejano
Terry "Harmonica" Bean, Delta blues
Paschall Brothers, African American a cappella gospel
Andes Manta, Andean
Music from China, Chinese
Nikolay Kolev & Bulgarika, Bulgarian
Maestro Modesto Nieves y Herencia Musical, Puerto Rican cuatro master
Brice Chapman, trick roper
Pride of Maine Black Bear Marching Band, University of Maine
Gene Tagaban, Tlingit storyteller, musician & dancer
The Nile Ensemble, Ethiopian music and dance
The Claire Lynch Band, Country and bluegrass
Les Charbonniers de L'Enfer, Québécois a cappella song
Danny Paisley & the Southern Grass, Traditional Bluegrass
Mythili Prakash and the Dance of India Ensemble, Bharata Natyam

To learn more about our 2009 Perfomers, visit the Festival's website.

A full schedule will be available in mid-July.

The Official Festival Program Guide will be in the August 15th edition of the Bangor Daily News. The Program Guide has the full schedule, information about performers, food, craft and Taste of Maine vendors, the Children's Area, Folk Life Stage Demonstrations and more!

Volunteers Still Needed!

Help spread the word!! Volunteers are still needed for the 2009 American Folk Festival. Everyone who submits a volunteer registration form by June 30th is guaranteed a volunteer t-shirt in the size they selected on their form.

Here is where help is still needed:
Bucket Brigade - be out in the crowd collecting donations and handing out thank you stickers - many people still needed for Saturday and Sunday. Public Surveyors - collect important information from Festival-goers - many people still needed for all 3 days. Stage Area Services - be close to the music - assisting backstage, helping with seating - 64 shifts still available. Vending - sell Festival merchandise, soda and water to visitors - 47 shifts still open. On-Call Volunteers - help where it is most needed - 41 shifts left to fill. Music Sales - sell performer CDs to thousands of Festival-goers - 45 shifts still available. Site Strike - after the party is over it's time to strike the site - 21 openings left on Sunday night and Monday. Want to help record the sounds of the 2009 AFF? 20 more Music Logging shifts need to be filled. Help Festival Folk Art & Craft Marketplace vendors - 17 shifts still open. Like to answer questions? 16 shifts still available at Festival Information Booths. Like to multi-task? Dance Tent Sales, a combination of Information, Vending and Music Sales, has 11 shifts open. There are a few shifts left for our Festival Desk, Valet Bike Parking, Site Set-Up, Super Bucket Greeters and Volunteer Registration. Register online or call Debbi at 207-974-3216.

2009 Sponsors

Virtuoso
Bangor Daily News
City of Bangor

Soprano
Bangor Savings Bank
Chevrolet
FairPoint Communications
LL Bean
National Endowment for the Arts

Alto
Anonymous
Cellardoor Vineyard
Coca-Cola Bottling Company
Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems
Hannaford
Hollywood Slots Hotel & Raceway
Sea Dog Brewing Company

A complete listing can be found on our website.

The American Folk Festival is produced by the non-profit Bangor Folk Festival, in partnership with the City of Bangor, Eastern Maine Development Corporation, the Maine Discovery Museum, the National Council for Traditional Arts and the Maine Folklife Center at the University of Maine.

Falling in love at a coffee shop

2009-06-18T21:05:00.002-05:00

[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

Let me be myself

2009-06-18T21:00:00.002-05:00

[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

Franco-American Heritage Festival

2009-06-16T21:36:00.000-05:00

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

Franco-American Festival Week

2009-06-16T21:34:00.000-05:00

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 - Tour Dates

2009-06-16T21:33:00.000-05:00

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 -->

French Accent Camp at Old Songs Festival (NY)

2009-06-16T21:29:00.000-05:00

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 in Chassell, Michigan July 8

2009-06-16T21:20:00.001-05:00

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 - PBS live show - Ireland

2009-06-16T21:11:00.000-05:00

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)

New Agenda - Lord of the Dance, Riverdance, Spirit of the Dance

2009-06-16T21:10:00.000-05:00

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

LIZ MADDEN & NIAMH FAHY

2009-06-10T07:45:00.000-05:00

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..

News

2009-06-08T16:54:00.001-05:00

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!

Riverdance Statement - Eithne Walls

2009-06-04T09:17:00.000-05:00

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

Walls family statement

2009-06-04T09:09:00.000-05:00

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

2009-06-03T07:49:00.001-05:00

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.

Le Vent du Nord - Bernard Simard : New albums coming soon

2009-05-30T07:22:00.003-05:00

This fall, the Quebecois group Le Vent du Nord will be launching La Part du Feu, their latest album. For more information [in French], check Chroniques Trad. I'll bring more information on the same subject during the summer.

Another album coming soon... well, not that soon. The album is scheduled for next January 2010! This is the newest work of Bernard Simard. Three of the songs featuring in this album can be downloaded now through his official site. More information can also be found on his MySpace.

Enjoy!

Beau Monde du Quebec

2009-05-27T19:24:00.000-05:00

Du 08 Août 2009 au 15 Août 2009

Réservations: 05 55 69 27 81

Cet événement, qui aura lieu cette année pour sa sixième édition, fera une grande place à la danse. Pour la première fois en effet, les danses traditionnelles québécoises et la danse country seront au programme...

Les festivaliers pourront s'inscrire à des stages et mettre en applications leurs savoirs faire lors des deux concerts dansants qui seront organisés. Il sera dailleurs possible de danser tous les soirs...

L'association Haut Limousin - Québec invite cependant, comme à son habitude, une belle gagne d'artistes québécois :

- Les Tireux d'Roches (8 août 2009)

- Genticorum (9 août 2009)

- Johanne Provencher (10 août 2009)

- Pierre-Etienne Rouillard et Pierre-Luc Brilland (11 août 2009)

- Les Batteux Slaques (12 août 2009)

- Le Trio Barbecue (BBQ) (13 août 2009)

- Abitibi Pure Laine (14 août 2009)

- Dentdelion (15 août 2009)

Chants de Vielles 2009 - Program / Programme

2009-05-25T19:31:00.003-05:00

Dear all:

I know everybody is excited for the program of Chants de Vielles festival this year. While it will take a bit more till it's published on their official page, the names I was informed that will be performing next September are:

Le Vent du Nord
Les Mononcles
Nightingale
Ad Vielle Que Pourra

See you all there!

Bengal.

Maeve Gilchrist, Ed Pearlman and Neil Pearlman

2009-05-25T19:03:00.007-05:00

Amazing Scottish harper and singer Maeve Gilchrist teams up with fiddler Ed Pearlman and pianist Neil Pearlman for concerts and workshops in June. It's traditional music blended at times with jazz influences.

Maeve has played for such events as the opening of the Scottish Parliament, and the Edinburgh Harp Festival, as well as performing with well known Scottish and jazz performers. Ed has worked for 30 years with many of the top Scottish and Cape Breton fiddlers; Neil is both a Scottish and jazz pianist and a Cape Breton stepdancer with a number of great performers; he's teaching piano next month at Alasdair Fraser's Sierra Fiddle Camp.

First off: Sat June 20 at Hooker-Dunham Theater in Brattleboro VT - Maeve with Highland Soles (Ed with dancer Laura Scott & family - the Boston Globe called Laura a "showstopper" ). Enjoy harp, song, fiddle, & dance!

Tue June 23 in Bemus Point, NY (near Lake Erie, between Buffalo and Cleveland) - afternoon workshops and evening concert and jam session with Maeve, Ed, and Neil. Email Sue at fiddlehead55 at yahoo.com for info.

Thu June 25 at Nighttown Cleveland; dinner show with Maeve, Ed and Neil.

Maeve, Ed and Neil will also be teaching at the Ohio Scottish Arts School, June 27-July 3.

2nd Annual O’Flaherty Irish Music Youth Camp

2009-05-25T18:57:00.002-05:00

Hello All,

It’s hard to believe that our O’Flaherty Irish Music Youth Camp is just a month away. This will be our second year, and we are expecting a great learning experience for our students, and of course, two very fun days. Here are some of the highlights of the Youth Camp and later in this email we’ll address the O’Flaherty Irish Music Retreat.

2^nd Annual O’Flaherty Irish Music Youth Camp

Dates: Monday & Tuesday, June 29-30, 2009

Location: the Springhill Retreat Center in Richardson, Texas

Ages: 6-16

Classes: 45-minute classes in fiddle, flute, tinwhistle, guitar, piano, mandolin/tenor banjo/bouzouki, and bodhran. In addition to our core instrument classes, we will introduce a new class called “Fun with Irish Music” that is an interactive introduction to the basic elements of music in general as well as how these relate to traditional Irish music . Children will have fun while learning the basic elements of rhythm, melody and harmony through engaging group activities such as marching, playing instruments, dancing and singing. Children may bring their own instruments and use them to explore the elements taught in the class and learn a simple Irish tune. Traditional Irish music will be used as the basis for the activities where appropriate.

Teaching Staff: Our instructors are some of the top professional players of Irish music in our area.

Other Activities: singing, dancing, games, concerts, sessions, a cookout and more. On the last day of the camp, the campers will participate in a Tune Tussle when they will get to perform musical acts that they prepared during the two days of camp.

Costs: tuition is $75 for two days and $50 for one day. Online registration is underway.

Lodging: There are limited number of dorm beds available at the Center for out of town guests. There are many hotels in the area.

Meals: Lunches must be brought to the camp each day. The cookout on Monday evening is open to campers and their families and is free.

Other Info: Instructor concert will follow cookout. A limited number of scholarships are available. If you’re interested in attending, visit the youth camp’s website or call our Camp Director, Gordon McLeod at 972-530-0757. Please note that we will only have the capacity for about 75 campers so we recommend that you register as soon as possible.

Hope you can come and please help us spread the word!
Regards,

Ken Fleming

Director
O'Flaherty Irish Music Retreat

6th Annual O’Flaherty Irish Music Retreat

2009-05-25T18:55:00.002-05:00

Dates: Friday – Sunday, Oct. 23-25, 2009 The retreat will officially begin on Thursday night, October 22, with a “meet & greet” BBQ and bonfire. Classes start Friday morning and continue through Sunday late afternoon.

Location: the Hoblitzelle Camp and Conference Center in Midlothian, Texas, about 30 minutes south of Dallas.

Ages: 6 through adult

Classes: 90-minute classes in fiddle, flute, whistle, guitar (standard, dropped-D & DADGAD), piano, bodhran, harp, uilleann pipes, button accordion (C#/D & B/C), piano accordion, concertina, tenor banjo, bouzouki, mandolin and Gaelic singing. Enrichment classes teaching Irish music history or exploring Irish music today will also be offered. Additionally, workshops presenting music theory, use of ABCs (cyber notation), learning by ear, and basic sound system operation will be available. This year the retreat will introduce a special program for youth called “Kids Irish Music and Heritage Workshops.” These workshops are for elementary school-age children ages 6 to 10 and offers an introduction to Irish music, dance, history, language, and customs. It will include the following activities: games, arts and crafts, singing, instrumental instruction, learning simple Irish Gaelic phrases and songs, folk dancing, cooking, and storytelling. This is a highly-structured, educational program designed to teach Irish music but in a way that provides context for the music through cultural appreciation.

Teaching Staff: An exceptional lineup of instructors will teach including such great players as Manus McGuire (fiddle), Brian Conway (fiddle), Mickey Dunne (uilleann pipes), June McCormack (flute), Pat Egan (guitar), Michael Rooney (harp), Enda Scahill (tenor banjo), Brendan Dolan (piano) and Patty Furlong (button accordion). They will be joined by 22 other respected teachers from throughout the U.S.

Other Activities: Each evening there will be concerts by instructors and mini-concerts during meals with a “farewell” concert on Sunday evening. On the Saturday night program, there will be a “Texas Tune & Song Tussle” which features friendly competition among ensembles that form at the retreat vying for “O’Diddley Awards.” Sessions will be plentiful and organized by levels with some instructor-led and others not.

Costs: Tuition is $200 and just $120 for youth 18 and under and seniors 65 and older.

Lodging: A variety of lodging options on campus will be available from Thursday evening through Sunday night including cottages, motel rooms, dorm beds, RV spaces and tent camping.

Meals: Meals will be offered Thursday dinner through Monday breakfast.

Transportation: The retreat will offer a shuttle service to and from the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport and Dallas Love Field Airport for $15 per trip per person. There is parking for personal vehicles at the camp.

Other Info: A limited number of scholarships are available. If you’re interested in attending, visit the retreat’s website or call the retreat office at (972) 238-8724 or email info at oflahertyretreat.org. Online registration has now begun. Because there are caps on class sizes, early enrollment is best.

Benoit Bourque - Concert Maison

2009-05-18T21:16:00.003-05:00

[Dear all: if you are in Quebec and can participate of this event, I strongly recommend. A house concert is always a more intimate musical journey, which means close audience-musician interaction making this experience much more personal for each participant. Enjoy! Bengal.]

Vendredi 29 mai à 20h

Bill Garrett et Sue Lothrop - chanteurs folk;
Benoit Bourque - musicien, danseur, chanteur - membre de La Bottine Souriante;
Simon Gauthier - conteur et lamiste (scie musicale);
Antoine Pigeon-Bourque - accordéoniste et tubiste;

au 262 Marie-Victorin, à Verchères
information et réservations : 450.583.6918 ; pigbourque (at) aei.ca
Régulier : 20 $ - étudiant : 15 $
_____________________________________

Bill Garrett et Sue Lothrop : "deux voix en parfaite harmonie", c'est ainsi qu'on ce duo montréalais. Un couple sur scène comme dans la vie, Bill et Sue se sont produits dans de nombreux folk clubs et festivals d'un océan à l'autre. Bill Garret est un des fondateurs de la maison de disques torontoise Borealis et a été réalisateur à la radio de la CBC pendant dix-huit ans. Sue Lothrop, native des Cantons de l'est, a fait partie de différents groupes folks et folk-rock avec lesquels elle a fait des tournées dans tout le Canada et aux États-Unis. Aujourd'hui, en plus des spectacles en duo avec Bill, elle fait de l'animation en musicothérapie auprès des aînés.

Benoit Bourque souligne cette année ses trente ans de vie professionnelle en tant que musicien traditionnel. Plusieurs groupes ont pu profiter de ses talents et de son indéniable charisme et depuis quelques mois, c'est au sein de la célèbre Bottine Souriante qu'il partage son amour de la musique traditionnelle québécoise à tous les publics.
Pour en savoir plus : La Bottine Souriante [The band's page is finally updated!]

Simon Gauthier : originaire de Sept-Iles et établi en Montérégie depuis quelques d'années, Simon est arrivé au conte comme on tombe amoureux, avec fougue et passion. Depuis plus de dix ans, il captive tous les publics par son imaginaire débridé, son énergie incandescente et sa sensibilité de poète. Simon est aussi lamiste, c'est-à-dire qu'il joue de la scie musicale. Pour ce concert maison, il s'exécutera à la scie musicale, en solo, en duo, en trio...

Antoine Pigeon-Bourque vient de terminer ses études au programme de musique du cégep St-Laurent, où il a étudié le tuba avec Robert Ellis et l'accordéon-piano avec George Camitsis. Il s'intéresse à plusieurs styles musicaux. Il exécutera, à l'accordéon, des pièces de Tony Murena, René Dupéré (Le cirque du soleil), Yan Tiersen (Le fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain), J. Ivanovici.

Thanks!!

2009-05-17T11:27:00.002-05:00

Dear all:

Thanks for so many kind messages. I didn't know I was reaching so many people and so far. I'll be moving by the end of the month from my current home, so things are a bit messy around here, but I'll try my best to keep online at least propagating the links to the fests and events coming up. There are so many great shows announced for this summer.

Anyway, let's see how time will evolve from my end.

Thanks again for all your support. I really appreciate!

À bientôt!

Bengal.

2009 Stage de Chant - Chant de Vielles [Official page link]

2009-05-16T15:56:00.023-05:00

Voir sur le web | Désabonner | Préférences

Stage de Chant

Dans le cadre de sa programmation, la petite équipe du festival propose, en collaboration avec Charles Quimbert, Robert Bouthillier et quelques formidables invités surprises (qui viennent de très loin!), de renouveler l’expérience du Stage de Chant tant appréciée en 2008. Télécharger le descriptif du stage (212K PDF).

Stage de Vielle à Roue

Aussi dans le cadre de sa programmation, le festival, en collaboration avec Gilles Chabenat (qui doit traverser l'Atlantique!), met sur pied un premier Stage de Vielle à Roue. Télécharger le descriptif du stage (140K PDF).

Hurdy-Gurdy Workshop

Also being offered this year at the festival, our first hurdy-gurdy workshop, with Gilles Chabenat (France). Download the workshop info sheet (140K PDF).

La date limite d’inscription pour les deux stages est le 1er juin 2009. Hâtez-vous, les places sont limitées! Deadline for workshop signup is June 1, 2009. Hurry, space is limited!

Inscription : Geneviève Nadeau, Coordonnatrice, info@chantsdevielles.com, 450-583-5631.

2009 Stage de Chants - Chants de Vielles [English]

2009-05-16T15:55:00.003-05:00

Who is this workshop for?

Intermediate hurdy-gurdy players who have their own instrument.
Contents: The workshop will be devoted to instrumental technique over a common repertoire (PDF & MIDI files to provided by the teacher).

Maximum participants: 10
Where: Sacristy of Ste-Théodosie Church, Calixa-Lavallée

Workshop Master: Gilles Chabenat (FRANCE).

Born in 1963 in Lignières (Centre France), Chabenat started playing hurdy-gurdy with folk art and traditions organization Les Thiaulins at the age of 13. After studying with Georges Simon, he won several folk music awards. Then, he turned to the corpus of his area and became interested in other music styles. Following in the footsteps of Valentin Clastrier, he had to reinvent his instrument and how it is played. Simultaneously, after several years of research, instrument-maker Denis Siorat designed a modern electroacoustic instrument that made it possible for the hurdy-gurdy to foray into the field of new music. In 1992, Chabenat joined the Corsican group I Muvrini, with whom he played for 12 years. During this period, he performed with several high-profile artists, including Véronique Sanson, Florent Pagny, Stephan Eicher, Jean-Jacques Goldman, and Sting, but also Frédéric Paris, Edouard Papazian, Alain Bonnin, and Gabriel Yacoub. Lately, he has been working on various creative projects with jazz musicians, among others Vincent Mascart, Jacques Mahieux, Alain Bruel, Alain Gibert, and Jean-Marc Padovani. In other words, his musical background and evolution have been constantly shaped by musical encounters. He sees the hurdy-gurdy as a multifaceted instrument that has been morphing and reinventing itself for over a thousand years.

SCHEDULE (subject to change)
Thursday, September 10
10 AM - NOON Master Class (1/4) with Gilles Chabenat

Lunch at the Manoir in Calixa, with all participants

Concert dinner at La Brunnoire in Verchères

2 PM - 5 PM Master Class (2/4) with Gilles Chabenat
Friday, September 11

10 AM - NOON Master Class (3/4) with Gilles Chabenat

Lunch at the Manoir in Calixa, with all participants

2 PM - 5 PM Master Class (4/4) with Gilles Chabenat
Saturday, September 12
2:30 PM Hurdy-Gurdy Meeting, with Gilles Chabenat and workshop participants
Sunday, September 13

2 PM Concert with Gilles Chabenat
4:30 PM En avant toute: Parade with singers, musicians, on-lookers

*Activities in GREY are optional

FEES:
$150: Workshop THURSDAY & FRIDAY

$200: Workshop THURSDAY & FRIDAY + Cafeteria (includes: 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, Thursday dinner & weekend pass

Goodbye for the moment

2009-05-09T23:31:00.000-05:00

Dear all:

I have so many pending posts piling up and not enough time to go though half of them. I always had so many ideas for Bengal's Corner, that already deviated a bit from it's original intention... still, I appreciate all of you that took the time to visit and comment.

I'm thinking about closing this blog though. Either it’s permanently or not, I’m not sure at this point. I wish I could dedicate more time to make it the way I envisioned. I have a group of interviews, including one with Eric Beaudry done last year during Chants de Vielles 2008, that weren't published yet. Eric's interview was done in an ambient with music around. In the end, the tunes covered Eric's voice. It took a long time to clean up the recording to have it in clearer French, but not enough time after that to transcript, translate and upload... this is one of the reasons why I want to stop.

Also I had the idea of adding articles about the curious instruments we discover in Folk music. Surely for the past 5 years I learned about musical instruments I never even heard before. Gaétan Morissette wrote a great article about the tambours de Portneuf. I even contacted some musicians about it and the idea was well accepted, but I didn't have the necessary time after to be on top of that...

At this point, I'm just advertising the events as they come and I'm doing half of the job I was doing before. I would love to have enough time to dedicate to those ideas and make this blog much more informative and interactive. But right now, my professional life is demanding more time and I have to focus.

During the next weeks I'll upload a list of references and links to bands, associations, festivals, artists, agencies, producers, etc, that you can contact for more information in any of the topics spread in this blog. It will be just like the links for the radios that I already added to Bengal's Corner. Please, feel free to add any more links to the comments session, or to contact me through the email published in my profile. I'm not disappearing. :)

I have to rearrange my time. I'll let you know whether I can continue with Bengal's Corner or not.

For now, thank you to those who took time to stop by. I really appreciate it.

À bientôt,

Bengal.

Summerfest - New Bedford, MA

2009-05-09T23:02:00.002-05:00

Hello, everyone!

The Summerfest is coming up and this year it's promised to be even greater! The list of performers is very tempting... Check out the message below...

[Forwarded message by Stephe B. Johns, forwarded by Benoit Shoja]

Bonjour,

Several francophone musicians will perform at the Summerfest, New Bedford, MA, 3-5 July 2009.

Benoit Bourque (Quebecois)
Gadelle (Acadienne)
Reveillons! (Quebecois)
Dave Surrette (Franco-American/Breton)
Daniel & Luc Thonon (Belgian/Quebecois)

North Sea Gas - Folk Music From Scotland

2009-05-09T22:53:00.002-05:00

Thursday, May 14, North Sea Gas, one of Scotland's most popular folk bands, will perform at the Echo Lake (Town Hall, 9 Montague Rd., Leverett, Massachusetts), at 7:30 pm.

Admission at the door is $8-$10.

North Sea Gas: Dave Gilfillan, Ronnie MacDonald and Grant Simpson, playing Guitars, Mandolin, Fiddle, Bouzouki, Bodhrans, Whistles, Banjo, with great vocals and tremendous three part harmonies.

Check them out.
For more information, call 413-548-9394 (Contact Info: Diane Crowe)

North Sea Gas

Folk Music From Scotland

Scottish folk entertainers North Sea Gas are first and foremost a Scottish folk band that have now been performing for over 29 years. The band's eclectic career includes live performances in a variety of venues, from national theatres to private functions, oilrigs, folk clubs and open-air concerts. They have recorded 13 albums, and have maintained a large and diverse repertoire. North Sea Gas' philosophy is one of quality folk music coupled with entertainment. Over the years they have played to audiences all over Great Britain, Europe, Scandinavia, Canada and the U.S.A. In 1998 the band collected a Gold Disc award from the Scottish Music Industry for their album "Caledonian Connection." Silver Disc awards have been received for "Keltic Heritage," "Live from Edinburgh," "Scottish Destiny," "power of Scotland," and "Dark Island" Albums.

Dave Gilfillan. Lead and Harmony Vocals, Guitar, Banjo, Mandola, and Bodhran. Dave is the founding member of North Sea Gas and has built up a reputation for rousing vocals, heartfelt ballads and a sense of on-stage fun. Add to that a wicked tongue-in-cheek humor and you'll soon see why his music and personality has taken him all over the world.

Grant Simpson. Fiddle, Mandolin, Harmony Vocals. Grant a full time musician who has played with many leading musicians in the folk world. He has recorded with various artists and is always working on one project or another, whether it is with his association with North Sea Gas, fiddle tuition, or organizing and fronting many of the folk music sessions in and around Edinburgh.

Ronnie MacDonald. Lead and Harmony Vocals, Guitar and bouzouki. Ronnie, or Mac as everyone knows him, was a member of North Sea Gas 19 years ago. He left to follow his own career, which took him to Australia for 12 years, as founding member of the Celtic City Sons. Mac has a great love of Scottish folk music not to mention a great sense of humor. Together they will entertain you with songs, new and old, great instrumentals, history and more! Their approach is professional, their arrangements thoughtful. Add to that strong vocals featuring three part harmonies and a sense of fun and you have North Sea Gas.

Reveillons! - Updated agenda

2009-05-09T22:48:00.001-05:00

[by Stephen B. Johns]

Bonjour,

The quebecois traditional music group Reveillons! will be performing in New England.

6/26-28: Old Songs Festival, Altamont, NY

7/04-05: Summerfest, New Bedford, MA

8/01-02: Champlain Valley Folk Festival, Ferrisburgh, VT

8/06: Bates College, Lewiston, ME

8/07: Callahan Hall, Public Library, Lewiston, ME

9/06: New World Festival, Randolph, VT

Lisa Ornstein - Burlington - May 24th

2009-05-09T22:45:00.000-05:00

Lisa Ornstein will be giving a 90-minute fiddle workshop on May 24th in Burlington, Vermont at the home of Carmen Bombardier (one of the daughters of fiddler Louis Beaudoin) from 2:30-4 pm.

It's a split shift between the Southern Appalachians (via tunes from the legendary Tommy Jarrell) and the French Northeast (via tunes from the rich repertory of Louis Beaudoin and Acadian fiddler Avila LeBlanc of the Magdelan Islands). Amazing tunes with turbo-charged bowings and variations, explained coherently and succinctly for your hands-on-playing pleasure.

Workshop fee: $20
Contact: Mark Sustic for registration (mrksustc at together.net).
Questions? Contact Lisa Ornstein (lisa.ornstein at hotmail.com).

LA MECQUE DU CHANT DE MARIN

2009-05-04T19:06:00.003-05:00

Le Festival du Chant de Marin de Paimpol joue la carte de l’ouverture en diversifiant sa programmation et en invitant des groupes de « musiques du Monde ». Une partie de cette programmation a déjà été dévoilée… la suite ne devrait plus tarder.

Il n’en reste pas moins que le Festival demeure, comme son nom l’indique, le haut-lieu du chant de marin : aucun autre événement en Bretagne, en France… ne laisse autant de place à ce genre musical si particulier et haut en couleurs. Et rares sont les Festivals qui l’égalent, en Europe ou sur d’autres continents… Paimpol est bien la Mecque du Chant de Marin.

En témoigne encore la programmation de l’édition 2009 : pas moins de cinquante groupes de chansons de mer trouveront à s’exprimer, les 7, 8 et 9 août prochains, sur les quais de Paimpol. Ils viennent de …partout, et notamment de Bretagne, mais aussi d’Amérique, puisque tel est le thème de Paimpol 2009.

Bretagne :

Michel Tonnerre, Djiboudjep, Cabestan, Sol'marin, Les Matelots en Bordée, Hervé Guillemer, Soldat Louis, Taillevent (Sarzeau), Babord Amures (Saint Malo), Nordet (Lorient), Abysskan (Pont Aven), Ar Vag (Nantes), Cap Ouest (Guérande), Dames de Nage (Quimper), Diatonik Penn ar Bed (Léon), Fortunes de Mer (Binic), Grato$$e (Plouha), Les Boulinerien (Plozevet), Les Fous de Bassan (Le Pouliguen), Les Gabiers d’Artimon (Lorient), Les Gourganes (Dinan), Les Soucoulous (Plougastel), Maltavern (Trégor), Rhum & Eau (Lorient), Mouezh Port Rhu (Douarnenez), Les Voix du Four (Porspoder), Les Naufrageurs (Pordic), Vents et Marées (Dinard), Les Gabiers du Canut (Pipriac), Captain Malo et Monig (Le Croisic)

Sans oublier les locaux de l’étape que sont : Les Souillés de Fond de Cale (en création avec le Bagad de Plouha), les Cent Z’Escale, Charly et les Gaillards et les Kanerien Pempoull.

Côtes de France :

Marée de Paradis (Tocqueville Les Mûrs, Normandie), Les Tribordais de l’Ile d’Yeu, Choeur d’Hommes d’Yport (Normandie), Vent de Noroîse, Les Vents Marine (Rochefort sur Mer), Sur les Docks (Dunkerque), Femmes de Marin (Granville), Chor’Hommes (Vrigne aux Bois – Ardennes), Marinade (Cherbourg), Sol’Marin (Vendée), Les Brouilleurs d’Ecoute (La Rochelle)

Des Amériques

Bernard Simard (Québec), Tom Lewis (Canada), Les Moules Marinières (Québec), Mille Sabords (Québec), Le Vent du Nord (Québec), Les Charbonniers De L'Enfer (Québec), La Marée Chante (Saint Jean port Joli – Québec), The Johnson Girls (USA)

Et d’ailleurs…

Deux retours attendus : Stormalong John (GB) et les Banana Boat (Pologne), qui avaient fait un tabac en 2005.

Stage de Chant - Chants de Vielles 2009

2009-05-04T18:48:00.000-05:00

Bonjour,

La 6e édition de Chants de Vielles se tiendra du 10-13 septembre 2009 dans le village de Calixa-Lavallée (Québec).

Dans le cadre de sa programmation, la petite équipe du festival propose, en collaboration avec Charles Quimbert, Robert Bouthillier et quelques formidables invités surprises (qui viennent de très loin!), de renouveler l’expérience du Stage de Chant tant appréciée en 2008.

DATE LIMITE D’INSCRIPTION : 1er JUIN 2009 - Hâtez-vous les places sont limitées.

Merci!

Geneviève Nadeau

Coordonnatrice
info (at) chantsdevielles.com
450-583-5631

Stage de Chant - Chants de Vielles 2009

2009-05-04T18:28:00.004-05:00

STAGE DE CHANT
La 6e édition de Chants de Vielles se tiendra du 10-13 septembre 2009 dans le village de Calixa-Lavallée (Québec). Dans le cadre de sa programmation, le festival propose de renouveler, l’expérience du Stage de Chant qui a été tant appréciée en 2008.
DATE LIMITE D’INSCRIPTION : 1er JUIN 2009

PROGRAMME A : TECHNIQUE VOCAL ET CHANT TRADITIONNEL
Dans un groupe restreint, on y abordera à partir du répertoire que les stagiaires pratiques, la voix comme un geste, on y (re) découvrira le timbre, la posture, la respiration. L’objectif poursuivi est d’être le plus heureux possible lorsque l'on chante, supprimer toute gêne et efforts inutiles, conscientiser le corps comme instrument

Animateur : Charles QUIMBERT (Bretagne)
Connu comme collecteur, chanteur et pédagogue dans le domaine de chanson traditionnelle. Il chante actuellement avec le trio Brou, Hamon, Quimbert en duo avec une violoncelliste, Gaëlle Branthomme ainsi qu’avec le groupe les Six Troncs. Il a participé à de nombreuses animations, festou-noz ou concerts, aussi bien en Bretagne que dans de nombreux pays étrangers dont au Québec où il est venu à plusieurs reprises. Parallèlement, il passe son diplôme « DE » en musique traditionnelle et a à cœur, depuis plus de dix ans, de transmettre son répertoire et son amour du Chant. Il est l’un des premiers à se pencher sur la spécificité des techniques vocales employées dans le chant traditionnel.

PROGRAMMATION PRÉLIMINAIRE
(sujette à des modifications)

Jeudi 10 septembre
10 H - 12H Classe de maître Chant (1/4) avec Charles Quimbert
Dîner au Manoir de Calixa avec les stagiaires de vielle à roue
14h-17H Classe de maître Chant (2/4) avec Charles QuimbertSouper concert : Restaurant La Brunnoire, Verchères

Vendredi 11 septembre
10 H - 12H Classe de maître Chant (3/4) avec Charles Quimbert
Dîner au Manoir de Calixa avec les stagiaires de vielle à roue
14H-17H Classe de maître Chant (4/4) avec Charles Quimbert
17h30 : Souper d’ouverture du festival
20 H La Nuit du Chant

Samedi 12 septembre
12H30 : Roue de chansons - Québec-Bretagne: Charles Quimbert, André et Irène Drumel,
Louis Bernier et Robert Bouthillier.
15h30 : Chansons de Bretagne avec Charles Quimbert et André Drumel
17 H : Apéro chanté avec Charles Quimbert, Robert Bouthillier et les élèves du stage

Dimanche 13 septembre
11h30 : Chansons de Bretagne avec Charles Quimbert et André Drumel
16H30 : En avant toute : Défilé des chanteurs et musiciens

*les activités en GRIS désignent des activités optionnelles

À qui s’adresse le stage: Aux chanteurs traditionnels de niveau intermédiaire
Nombre maximal de stagiaires admis: 12
COÛT:
150$ : Stage JEUDI ET VENDREDI
200$* FORFAIT STAGE 2 JOURS + Cantine incluant: 1 déjeuner, 2 repas midi et souper jeudi + passeport fin de semaine

PROGRAMME B : LES VOIX DE LA TRADITION ORALE
Que ce soit au Québec, en Acadie, en Bretagne ou ailleurs dans la francophonie, les voix de la tradition orale, sans être impénétrables, sont incroyablement diverses. Pour caricaturer un peu, disons que la tradition orale ne se réduit pas aux chansons à répondre...À partir de l’audition de documents de collectes, on explorera un répertoire aussi varié que méconnu, tant dans ses thèmes, ses formes, ses structures musicales et ses usages. On découvrira, du coup, différentes formes de l’esthétique vocale particulière des porteurs de tradition à qui nous devons cette mémoire irremplaçable.

Animateur : Robert Bouthillier (Québec) (avec la participation d’André et Irène Drumel ainsi que de Louis Bernier (Bretagne))
Reconnu tant au Québec que dans les vieux pays de Bretagne pour ses collectes québécoises et acadiennes. Grand spécialiste de nos traditions chantées, il a fait le saut « sur scène » il y a une dizaine d'année au sein du groupe Serre l’écoute. Sa voix grave, raffinée et puissante entonne les chansons d'ici, d'Acadie et de Bretagne où il a vécu 18 ans. Des complaintes dramatiques aux chansons à boire, Robert nous plonge dans son monde. La tradition orale dans tous ses états.

Jeudi 10 septembre
10H-12H Stage (1/2) avec Robert Bouthillier
Dîner au Manoir de Calixa avec tous les stagiaires chant et vielle à roue
14H-17H Stage (2/2) avec Robert Bouthillier
Souper-concert : Restaurant La Brunnoire, Verchères

Vendredi 11 septembre
10H-12H Stage (1/2) avec Robert Bouthillier
Dîner au Manoir de Calixa avec tous les stagiaires chant et vielle à roue
14H-17H Stage (2/2) avec Robert Bouthillier
17h30 : Souper d’ouverture du festival.
20 H : La Nuit du Chant

SAMEDI 12 septembre
14 H Atelier de chant à la marche avec Robert Bouthillier
17 H Apéro chanté avec Charles Quimbert, Robert Bouthillier et les stagiaires

DIMANCHE 13 septembre
16H30 En avant toute : Défilé des chanteurs et musiciens

*Les activités en GRIS désignent des activités optionnelles

À qui s’adresse le stage: Aux chanteurs traditionnels de tout acabit
Durée du stage : Deux jours (avec possibilité de « prendre le train en marche » et de s’inscrire pour deuxième journée seulement)
Nombre de participants: Max 20 personnes
COÛTS :
75$ JOURNÉE STAGE JEUDI
75 $ JOURNÉE STAGE VENDREDI
200$ FORFAIT Stage 2 jours + Cantine (incluant : 1 déjeuner, 2 repas midi et souper jeudi + passeport Fin de semaine)

Gilles Chabenat - Festival Chants de Vielles

2009-04-29T22:17:00.003-05:00

Bonjour à tous!

Voici le premier formulaire d'inscription pour le premier stage de vielle du Festival Chants de Vielles. Nous avons l'honneur de vous proposez une rencontre avec un des plus grand joueur de vielle à roue: Gilles Chabenat. Passez le mot à tous les interressés.

On vous attend du 10 au 13 septembre prochain dans le village de Calixa-Lavallé e, tout près de Montréal, pour la 6ème édition de cette incroyable rencontre de musique trad.

Nicolas Boulerice
Calixa-Lavallée, Québec

[Merci, Nicolas!]

12th Annual Grand Lake National Fiddle Fest

2009-04-28T22:44:00.000-05:00

This is a favorite festival with nationally sanctioned competitions, great performances, air-conditioned comfort by day in a Civic Center and lots of fun jamming, lakeside barbecue dinners, etc in the evenings.

June 11, 12, 13, 2009 are the dates for the 12th Annual Grand Lake National Fiddle Fest in Grove, OK on Grand Lake O' the Cherokees with $1000 Grand Prize for the fiddle contest. It's nationally certified by Weiser, with the five great judges for this year confirmed: Valerie O'Brian, TX; Junior Daugherty, NM; Bobby Taylor, WV; Vi Wickam, IN; and Dale Morris, TX, who will also give a fiddle workshop.

You can register online for fiddle, flatpicking, mandolin, dobro, banjo, twin fiddle, hot fiddle, and group competitions

Enter one fiddle division: Open, Pee Wee, Jr. Jr., Junior, Adult, or Senior Enter many other contests: Twin Fiddle, Hot Fiddle, "Take Me Back to Tulsa" (best rendition of a Bob Wills tune), Jukebox (best acoustic group with at least one fiddle), Honeycreek Special (gambler's draw), 30 Minute Band Contest Pickin' Contests are held on Friday, June 12: Flatpicking, Dobro, Banjo, Mandolin - all pickers welcome!

The American Heritage Music Festival has the Fiddle Fest and also nationally sanctioned clogging contests on another stage. Call Lou Maiuri, 304-872-5803.

Try to register or get tickets BY MAY 15 for earlybirds.

Snail mail still works: Grand Lake Festivals, P.O. Box 451590, Grove, OK, 74345. Their phone is 800-526-2523

Spread the word, it's a fun time with great musicians and lots of pickers.

Pierre Chartrand, André Brunet and Marine Billette

2009-04-28T20:13:00.000-05:00

On May 15, Le Foyer will be hosting Pierre Chartrand, André Brunet and Marine Billette, three outstanding performers from Montréal, Québec. They will conduct a FREE - 3 PM - dance workshop for Elementary & High school students and by invitation, the students from the French-American School in Providence. In the evening, we will host an encore performance from 7 - 10 PM. Admission to the evening event is also FREE for Students and $12/adults.

If you or your organization have an interest in helping us to underwrite a portion of the $1500 cost to bring this event to our community, please contact me, your generosity will be very much appreciated.

Thank you in advance for all your help in publicizing this event.

Roger Bonin

Contact Info:
Roger Bonin, President Le Foyer
2 Foxx Dr
Lincoln, RI 02865
401-728-8328

Chantarelle with Jeremiah Mclane - This May!!

2009-04-26T01:57:00.000-05:00

Young Trad Weekend in May

2009-04-23T20:29:00.003-05:00

Click the image to see it bigger or visit their MySpace.

Beoga - 2009 Orkney Folk Festival

2009-04-23T20:16:00.004-05:00

Actually, a friend of mine is arriving tomorrow for a visit, and we will try to see Beoga this weekend in Texas... I'm very excited about it!

Bengal.

Beoga are a five-piece Irish band based in Count Antrim, that was drawn together after a ferocious jamming session in 2002.

The group's unique sound features the twin dueling accordions of Seán Óg Graham and Damian McKee, alond with four times All-Ireland bodhrán champion Eamon Murray and pianist Liam Bradley. The recent addition of Niamh Dunne on fiddle and vocals has strengthened their reputation as one of the most exciting acts to emerge in recent years.

In 2005, Beoga were nominated by Irish Music Magazine for Best Newcomer, and since then have gone from strength to strength. The group released their thid album, The Incident, at the beginning of 2009.

Genticorum will also participate of this festival!! :)
Bengal.

Ongoing: Festival International de Louisiane

2009-04-23T20:10:00.002-05:00

Formed in 1986, Festival International de Louisiane is a community-based, non-profit arts organization that provides a FREE family event celebrating the French cultural heritage of southern Louisiana – primarily a combination of French, African, Caribbean and Hispanic influences. Historic downtown Lafayette is transformed into an entertainment mecca featuring six music stages, food court areas, street musicians and animators, arts and crafts boutiques, art galleries, beverage stands, cultural workshops, and a world music store. Celebrate the 23éme Festival International de Louisiane from April 22-26, 2009 in historic Downtown Lafayette, Louisiana.

If you would like more information, please contact the Festival office at:
(337) 232-8086 or info@festivalinternational.com or visit the official website.

Genticorum will be performing at the festival during this weekend! Enjoy it!

Step dancing: A Canadian Tradition

2009-04-23T19:50:00.002-05:00

Ottawa Valley - Cape Breton - Step Dance - Stepdance - Stepdancing
Chanda Gibson, Mary Ingram, Celeste Warren, Nicole Magson
(1996)

INTRODUCTION

Stepdancing is an old and energetic form of art and has recently surfaced as a new trend in dance on the Canadian scene. The following discussion of stepdancing outlines the fundamentals of this unique form of dance and gives an explanation of what it is. We talk about the history of stepdancing, its development from European roots to the Canadian form, the benefits of stepdancing as a form of leisure expression, and the present and future trends that characterize stepdancing in Canada.

FUNDAMENTALS OF STEPDANCING

Stepdancing is not like other forms of dances of tap, clogging or Irish dancing. Stepdancing is purely a unique art. A simple definition of stepdancing is:

"A fast paced, rugged and energetic style of dance usually performed to traditional fiddle music and requiring limited surface movement. The dance is concentrated on foot work involving limited hand and arm motion. Stepdancing requires a board with a hard, smooth surface, character shoes with special clickers attached to the toe and heel, and music."

Stepdancing follows the popular pattern of an eight-bar step. Four bars are danced on the right foot followed by the same pattern on the left foot, making an eight-bar step. The ten "step" is understood to include both right and left foot. Often steps are longer, and consume sixteen bars of music.

Although the traditional method of right then left foot is most common among dancers, many times dancers creatively dance only one foot before moving on to the next step. This is usually done when creating steps defined for a specific piece of music.

Methods of developing steps vary from one dancer to the next. Many dancers create a series of steps then dance them to any selection of music which is of the same quality. Other dancers develop more effective routines when they listen and understand the music and develop steps to "fit" that music or play with the music. This is a special art and requires the ability to "feel" the music. Throughout history, dancing has always been noted as a form of music much like playing the piano or the fiddle. Dancing on most occasions replaces other forms of percussion and adds value because of its high energy and visual aspect.

There are many different types of stepdances to be danced which all have different tempos, timing and accents. The different dances throughout Canadian stepdancing include: reels, jigs, clogs, strathspeys, hornpipes, waltz-clogs, polkas, and two-steps. In all cases, stepdancing requires much flexibility and a relaxed nature of the feet and ankles.

Reel

This dance is the most popular and preferred dance for all dancers. It is played at a fast pace or tempo, is highly energetic, and lasts the length of 96 bars of music. The reel originated around 1750 in Scotland and the Irish dance masters brought it to full development (Haurin & Richens). The music is 4/4 time with a count of (ONE-two-three-four). The reel is most commonly used in routines as the last dance in the set because of its fast speed.

Jig

The jig is a very popular dance amongst the Irish and the Cape Bretoners. This music is played in 6/8 time which means the hard beats are on the first and fourth count (ONE-two-three FOUR-five-six). In a contest routine, Jigs are danced as the middle dance of the routine and last the length of 48 bars.

Clog

The clog is a slower dance and is much more graceful than the reel or the jig. A clog is played in either 414 time or 2/4 time and the accent is on the first and third beat (ONE-two THREE-four) or the first and second beat (ONE-and TWO-and). The clog is usually danced as the opening of a routine and is short, only lasting the length of 32 bars.

Hornpipe

Hornpipes are also played or danced in 4/4 time and are reminiscent of a slow reel with accents on the first and third beat: (ONE-and-a two-and-a -and-a four-and-a) (Haurin & Richens). This dance is most popular among Irish dancers both male and female and is danced in hard shoes as opposed to soft shoes. Ottawa Valley stepdancers also dance this dance, but it is danced much the same as a reel is danced.

Strathspey

This is traditionally a Scottish dance, danced by females in soft shoe and is very graceful. This dance resembles a very slow reel with more melodic embellishment and the dancer uses more floor space than in the other dances. The music is played in 4/4 time and is characterized by a dotted eighth note or a sixteenth note that is a rest instead of a note, known as a Scottish "snap’ (Fiddlers Fake Book p. 1).

Polka

A polka is a very sprightly dance, similar to a reel but sounding slower than a reel because it is in 2/4 time. It is characterized by a paradigmatic rhythm and one measure includes two sets of an eighth note attached to two sixteenth notes. The Polka was brought to Canada with the Germans and the Slavs and became popular west of Ottawa and in western Canada (Brody, 1983, p. 12).

Two-step

The two-step is also in 2/4 time and is like a slow polka or more characteristically like a fox trot.

Canadian Stepdancing Styles

Although stepdancing is unique to Canada, there are three distinct styles within the country including: Cape Breton Style, French Canadian Style and Ottawa Valley Style. To speak of stepdancing as a whole for the purpose of this paper, we will term it "Canadian Stepdancing". Canadian stepdancing has been formed and has evolved over many years from the influences from Irish, Scottish and French dancers. This evolution will be explained in the next section on the history of stepdancing.

Although Canadian stepdancing originated from other of dances, it looks like no other dance and has unique characteristics. The three different dances stated above all have their unique differences are explained as followed.

Cape Breton

Cape Breton Style is a style unique to the Cape Breton Region of Nova Scotia. This dance is performed with straight arms as compared to the Ottawa Valley Style. Dancers are noted for dancing with straight backs and emphasis of the body is from the knees down while the upper portion of the body, mainly arms, are held straight at the dancers’ side so that they are not a distraction from the footwork (Mclnnes). The footwork in Cape Breton Stepdancing is close to the floor with fragments of the steps repetitive, meaning that the same movement is repeated several times in a row as compared to the other two styles of dance. The most popular types of dances danced in Cape Breton are Strathspeys, jigs, reels and hornpipes.

French Canadian

French Canadian style of stepdancing developed as its own in the province of Quebec in the lumber camps. This style is characterized by intricate footwork close to the floor but includes spurts of aggressive energy at times throughout the routine. This adds to the excitement of the dance because it is usually unexpected. It is also typical for French Canadian stepdancers to hold their arms straight at their sides but not as tight as the Cape Breton stepdancers. There is more freedom for arm movement but this is not characteristic of the dance. Reels are the most common form of French Canadian stepdancing. The traditional clothing worn by the French Canadians for dancing is a simple costume consisting of black pants, white shirt with a long sash worn around the waist and dangling on the side of the dancer.

Ottawa Valley

Ottawa Valley Style stepdancing originated in the Ottawa Valley which includes a large area North of Ottawa and a small area across the river on the Quebec side. This dance is very different than the other two styles of stepdancing, but still has influences from the Scottish and Irish. The Ottawa Valley style is characterized by the constant aggressiveness of the dance and the steps are danced high off of the floor. The better dancers include a wide variety of steps and different moves in their routines so that no step looks similar to another. The dancers’ legs look very "rubber like" and much coordination is required of the legs, feet and ankles. A distinguishing factor in this style is that there, is use of the dancers arms. Arms are controlled to an extent but because this dance is done high off of the floor, arms are placed out from the dancers body and are used to naturally flow with the dancers movements. This emphasizes the aggressiveness and energy of the dance and is as much a part of the dance as the feet are. Both men and women dance the same dances and also compete against one another in contests.

Clogs and two-steps are often danced in this style more commonly compared with the other two styles of dance. There is no required costume to be worn for this dance. The individual may chose his/her own wardrobe for contests and shows in which it is fairly conservative and dressy.

Contest Dancing

Contests are a big focus for many stepdancers and fiddlers alike. There are many contests around the Ottawa Valley in the summer and a few throughout the winter. Competing is used to encourage dancers and fiddlers to dance and play and helps keep the tradition alive. Contests are mostly made up of solo dancers of all ages; however, there is a category for group dance also. Solo dancers are required to dance a routine made up of a clog, jig and reel danced consecutively in that order. The routine cannot go over 4 minutes or a bell will ring and judging will cease at that time and the dancer will be docked marks. Competitors are judged 25% on timing, 25% on variety of steps meaning that the steps in the routine incorporate different footwork and different beats. Twenty-five percent of the mark is on the execution of steps or clarity of steps and the last 25% is on showmanship which takes in the presentation as a whole.

Music & Equipment

Fiddle is the most popular source of stepdance music now for all styles of stepdancing. A variety of instruments, including accordions, flutes as well as fiddles were traditionally played for dancers in Ireland at their feises or contests (Haurin & Richens). The Scottish traditional music used for dancers was tunes played on the bagpipes as well as the fiddle.

Stepdancers usually dance on hardwood boards, masonite boards or on sanded Plexiglas. There is no other equipment really necessary except for the main items which are the shoes. Canadian stepdancers dance in typical leather shoes made for jazz which have a genuine leather sole. There are special clickers (staccato) made from metal to amplify the sound. The clickers include two pieces of the metal held together by a rivet to create the "jingle" sound made by the dancers. These clickers are placed on both the toes and the heels of the shoes and are held on with either small nails or screw nails. As described, stepdancing is a very low cost sport or hobby.

THE HISTORY OF STEPDANCING

In the late 1700’s there was the beginning of a mass exodus from the Scottish Highlands that continued throughout the 19th century. The settlers were full of hope and dreams about their new home, eager to begin again and seek a better life. The Scots came to Canada and settled in ‘pockets’ of which some were situated in Ontario and the Maritimes. Stepdancing came with these early settlers into the new land. Traditional dance "provides an instrument for exploring our unique heritage" (Maclnnes). Stepdancing was a symbol of national allegiance, a traditional dance that has evolved from simple leisure and entertainment into serious leisure and entertainment. It is essential to begin a discussion of stepdancing with a history of this form of dance and distinguish the various styles of stepdancing that have evolved in the past few centuries. All forms of stepdancing eventually trace their roots back to Scotland and Ireland.

Roots of stepdancing stem all the way back to the ancient Gaels, or Celtic peoples who, in the 10th century and earlier, once covered many areas of ancient Europe. They were conquered by the Germanic and Roman empires but were able to preserve their Celtic culture in Ireland. There are records of types of stepdancing in the 16th century, some jigs and sword dances. Irish dances were known to "have a faster tempo and included side steps" (Haurin & Richens, 1996). Severe repression and depression was characteristic of the Irish people in the 17th century. Culture was sacred and had to be kept in secrecy to some degree as a result of the English oppression. Initially, even the early forms of Irish stepdancing were kept in secrecy (Haurin & Richens, 1996). Dances became a focal and celebratory part of weddings and other special occasions. In the mid 18th century, there was the evolution of Dance Masters, who were people who traveled around and would stay in a village for a few weeks, teaching forms and techniques of stepdancing. These teachers were highly respected and would often have another skill that would add to their repertoire of skills. First, the dance students would learn the jig and the reel. These Dance Masters enabled dance to be a widely respected and sought after skill. They were paid quite well, and occupied many established dance schools.

Dance Masters were influential and a transition for the Irish culture at the time. In the late 19th century, Irish culture no longer needed to be repressed and it was free to express itself once again. The Dance Masters laid the groundwork for modern Irish Dance. For example, the tradition of using half doors and table tops for teaching and performing as "stages" has continued until today. The places of competitions have changed as well, transformed from flatbed trucks to hotels and fairgrounds. With this revival of Irish culture came a desire for traditional Irish costume for dance performance. Males wore kilts and female dancers have evolved by majority from shawls and cloaks to a simple small cloak, a tassel around the waist and a simple outfit. As for the feet, hard shoes with fiber glass soles have been a trend in the past century, different from the no shoe tradition of dancing.

Though Ceili dances are French in origin their characteristics are Irish because of the influence imposed upon them by the Dance Masters. "A Ceili is a gathering for music and dance" (Haurin & Richens, 1996).

Stepdancing has used a variety of instruments that add colour and life to the dance. The most traditional and characteristic to Irish dancing is the pipe and the pipers who were the musicians. However, with the repression of the Irish culture in the 17th and 1 18th. centuries, these traditional pipers did decline. Fiddles are popular in the Scottish tradition as well as the accordion, the mouth organ, and the cute little ‘ew’s harp.

As stepdancing was distinctly Irish, there were dominant Scottish roots as well. Both evolved and moved with the Irish and Scottish settlers to North America.

Scottish dance heritage is a rich and colourful story of tradition and art- Scottish stepdancing tradition is most prevalent in the Cape Breton style of stepdancing. At the end of the eighteenth century and the beginning of the nineteenth century there was an exit from Scotland known as "the infamous Highland Clearances" (Moore, 1995). Because many did not settle in the Cape Breton area much of the Scottish culture was retained in this area until today. As Stanford Reid outlines, "Cape Breton’s relative isolation from the rest of Canada" has resulted in the old culture of stepdancing remaining true and continually revived. Up until the mid 20th century there was minimal travel by road or vehicle in Cape Breton. Therefore, there were less means for external influences, such as radio or other forms of mass communication, to be pumped into the area. Thus, the Scottish tradition and its method of entertainment became and remained a popular and favourite pastime. Cape Breton developed a means of social cohesion as it remained isolated to the rest of Canada. The Dance Masters, described earlier, came from Scotland and began teaching communities here in Canada, passing along this traditional dance. As Moore writes in an interview with Dan Beaton of Mabou Coal Mines (a family of famous stepdancers), there is obviously a strong generational tradition of stepdancing: "Dancing is in the blood and will go from one generation to the other" (Moore, 1995). This passing down of skills and culture is not just prevalent in the Scottish tradition but as well in the Gaelic roots of Irish tradition.

The Reel is the frost popular and most traditional form of Scottish dance. It is famous for its distinctly Scottish heritage. "Reels of one sort or another were known in every district of Scotland, in all classes of society"’ (Moore, 1995). When danced well, reels are brilliant and lively.

Solo dances, rather than four or eight person dances were once more popular. The complexity that solo dances demanded, though once taught by the famous dance masters, required more time and effort to practice with more precision demanded of the dancer. Many people abandoned this solo form of dancing. However, it should be noted that in the 19th century, there were still solo dances regularly seen in competitions and performances, in larger arenas as compared to the informal leisurely based forms and styles of stepping. To this day the best dancers are measured as to whether they can dance solo, are light on their feet and appear relaxed as if "dancing on a dime".

The style and art of stepdancing was not carried into the 20th century by the once famous and revered Dance Masters. Rather, that integral and unique inherited characteristic of stepping being passed from generation to generation, became the medium of learning. Interestingly, the essentials had to be observed, not verbally or literally taught.

It was through observation and imitation that the rhythm of the steps were learnt to perfection. As Moore compares, "this method of learning is similar to learning music by ear rather than from a written score" (Moore, 1995). Music and dance are intimately related. It is essential for a stepdancer to know and understand the music experientially rather than theoretically. As Moore explains, "it is hard to over-emphasize just how closely the music and the dancing are linked".

Cape Breton Style

The step dance is a rich and vital component of Cape Breton. There has been a resurgence of stepdancing in Cape Breton in the past generation. The history of stepdancing coming to Cape Breton began from those years of exodus from Scotland and Ireland. In the late 1700’s, many British immigrants chose to settle on this island off present Nova Scotia. The style of stepdance that evolved here was again, passed down from generation to generation. This link to one’s past in the Mother Land provided, undoubtedly, comfort and subsided pangs of loneliness for the new Scottish and Irish settlers.

Because of the fear that the Cape Breton style may be dying, there has been an interest placed upon the younger generation to take classes and instruction from the well known stepdancers. This does however, lead to the emphasis being placed more on mechanics of theory and not on the music or on the tradition and colour of centuries gone by. However, the tradition is still rich and abundant in Cape Breton:

Step into the kitchen of a weathered Cape Breton house where the floors have had the plan’er down treatment from the neighbours lively steps as they danced to the jigs and reels of the fiddler. The walls still resonate with the haunting strains of the harp and chanter ... the same feeling is there too! http://www.morandan.com

Ottawa Valley Stepdancing

This style of stepdancing is a very powerful dance that needs energy to execute and hard work, stemming from the Scottish and Irish roots of the late 18th century. Interestingly, American tap dance is an ingredient to this unique style of stepdancing.

There were also settlers who came from the British Isles who settled in the Ottawa Valley. Here, they set up villages and lumber camps. Hard work and toil on the long days needed a balance of relaxation and recreational avenues. The settlers had no material possession to offer so they used what they already knew: their traditional and valuable dance. They shared what they held most dear to their hearts: their music and their culture. Combining fiddle and the traditional stepdancing, the Scottish settlers created a unique blend of Scottish tradition that brought in a new style heard in the ringing rhythm of the fiddle in the night air long ago. Today, old time fiddle music is incredibly popular in the Ottawa Valley. There are many step and fiddle competitions in this area which supports the statement that there are "more fiddlers and step-dancers per capita in the Ottawa Valley than anywhere in Canada, except possibly in Cape Breton" (Wadden, 1996).

BENEFITS OF STEPDANCING

Stepdancing is a recreational activity dust can be enjoyed by members of all age groups and of all ability levels. This " of dance is quite unique since it can easily be altered in order to allow both passive and active participation. It is an extremely individualized exercise that can begin at a level that is appropriate to any skill level and that can increase in intensity at any time the participant requests. Stepdancing, no matter how it is enjoyed, can have physical, mental, and social benefits on those that engage in it or just even watch.

Physical Benefits

Since Stepdancing is an activity that requires the movement of body parts, it can be considered a form of exercise. A book ~ the benefits of dance called, Choosing an Active L stated that cardiovascular fitness, improved muscle tone, a fitter body, and weight loss are all results of engaging in exercises such as dance (King, 1990). This " of exercise has also been associated with a decrease in stress levels of participants (King, 1990). Because stepdancing is so versatile in how it can be done, individuals at all levels of physical ability can engage in it. The only few exceptions would be those who do not possess any use of their legs, although they would still be able to benefit in social and/or mental ways by being a spectator.

If stepdancing is properly learned and the challenge equals the participants’ skill, it can possess other excellent physical benefits. Such an exercise has been found to slow the processes of physical aging (i.e., due to increased blood circulation), reduce muscle pain, increase levels of flexibility, and decrease the chances of a person developing diseases (Levy, 1983). Because Stepdancing programs can be individualized based on skill and ability, everyone, including those who are disabled, can enjoy the benefits of this exercise. A book called Leisure Today stresses that it is not physically beneficial for someone to engage in an exercise that is too challenging or strenuous for his/her body to handle (Levy, 1983). This is the reason why stepdancing is an ideal activity for the 90’s: it can be enjoyed as either a high or low impact exercise.

Stepdancing is fun, versatile, and non-threatening since it is fairly simple to learn as a leisure activity. Some final physical benefits of Stepdancing include: increased coordination, balance, and strength.

Social Benefits

In the Ottawa Valley, a huge following of Stepdancing has accumulated over the past years. The people who come to enjoy the dancing also come for other reasons, like to listen to the music, to engage in the social aspect, and to feel that they belong to something. Once people begin learning how to stepdance, they often find themselves meeting others that enjoy this same art. Eventually, they may travel to or see or participate in stepdance/fiddle contests. There is a strong sense of satisfaction of being around people who possess similar interests as you and this is what is often experienced within the stepdance/fiddling community.

Stepdancing experiences can encourage: communication with others, a feeling of control of the situation, a level of satisfaction, and a sense of group effort in watching or participating (Levy, 1983). There is a strong sense of togetherness of the people who gather to watch stepdancing, especially if they have decided to take it up as an interest of their own. This togetherness can be said to satisfy the belonging needs that are described by Abraham Maslow which be states help to make a per-son feel whole" (Meyers, 1993). If a dancer becomes good enough to participate in contests, he or she will often travel around with others who compete, become friends with them, and develop their own social networks. Even for people who are disabled, going different places to watch stepdancing can help them to develop closer social ties with friends, other spectators, and even the competitors.

Becoming involved in an exercise like stepdancing can prove to be socially rewarding in many ways. One other common characteristic of being involved in such an activity is that it provides an opportunity for family members to also become involved by either participating with you or just by watching. It is often soon observed that those who engage in stepdancing are often accepted into a friendly atmosphere. Someone just entering this type of activity will quickly learn that it is a really fun, safe and healthy environment to meet new people and it is a chance to improve communication skills. For all of these reasons, getting involved in stepdancing can be extremely socially rewarding.

Psychological Benefits

One of the most profound psychological benefits of engaging in an exercise such as stepdancing is its ability to help a person to relax (Levy, 1983). The social and physical benefits of an activity such as this can really reduce stress, anxiety, and tension to create an overall sense of well-being which can contribute to relaxation. This sense of well-being can in turn help a person to achieve "self-actualization", which is also described by Abraham Maslow (Meyers, 1993). It is stated by Joseph Levy that individual appropriate leisure and exercise can provide a person with the opportunity to explore the meaning of life, and to explore ourselves (Levy- 1983).

Individuals who engage in some form of the Stepdancing experience are said to be better able to achieve a healthy psychological balance between their body, mind, and emotions (Alvin, 1975). Some psychological benefits of watching, listening or engaging in a stepdance experience include: communication (to self and others), identification (with self and others), association (i.e., feelings of happiness associated with uplifting music), creativity, self-expression, and self-knowledge (Alvin, 1975).

Overall Benefits

There are so many beneficial aspects of stepdancing that social, mental, and physical ones are only the beginning. If a person becomes quite serious in this area, there are also financial rewards (i.e., through competing), rewards associated with being able to entertain others, and even possible rewards of knowing that the capability exists to be able to spread such knowledge of a wonderful activity to others (i.e., through teaching). Stepdancing is adaptable, enjoyable, energetic, and often group-oriented so the benefits can be clearly seen to encompass a broad range. It is definitely not an activity that is just appropriate for one specific age or skill level; it can easily be enjoyed by all.

TRENDS

Although stepdancing has a vast history of being a Canadian tradition the popularity is only now increasing. Growing interest can be attributed to the trend of Celtic music in the last decade. In the 1940s, swing was the major dance component of the big band trend, much like stepdancing is the major component of the trend of Celtic music. Characterized by the fiddle, Celtic music has been received with open arms by the Canadian population. With artists such as Ashley McIsaac, Mary Jane Lamond, Barra McNeils, Rankin Family and Brenda Stubbert, the Celtic wave of music is gaining popularity and becoming recognized as part of Canada’s culture. The trend of stepdancing and fiddle music has increased awareness to new levels. With increased awareness comes increased demand. Stepdancing has never before been so popular.

Numerous contests are held each year all across Canada and the United States. With anywhere from 30 to 300 people competing. The biggest stepdancing and fiddling contest in North America is the ‘Pembroke Old-time Fiddle and Stepdancing Contest’, held labour day weekend in Pembroke. Ontario. It attracts thousands of people from all over North America. Contests offer an opportunity for people interested in this form of dance and music to experience a localized gathering of experts. competitors. and spectators. Contests and competitions are social events which promote the trend of fiddle music and stepdancing to all who attend.

Stepdancing is fairly popular among people of almost any age, including those under the age of twenty. Summer camps for stepdance and fiddle are another trend that is steadily increasing every year. They are offered across North America, including, Montana, Nashville, and Orangeville Ont., Emma Lake Sask., and in British Colombia. These camps are instructed by professionals and offer children and adults the opportunity to learn and increase their stepdancing and fiddle skills. The youth of Canada now have more opportunities than before to experience and learn stepdancing.

The traditional dance masters are now represented by stepdancing professionals, who offer their expertise to the general public. No longer is stepdancing a family and community orientated tradition. The demand is high, and professionals are teaching in many areas across Canada. Along with the leisure aspect of stepdancing, there is also a business side to stepping. Instructional stepping videos are available for those who do not want or who cannot take lessons. People are now beginning to devote much time to promoting Canadian stepdancing because of its potential profitability.

From music, magazines, Internet, museums, competitions, youth organizations, camps, and professional teachers, stepdancing has become a popular and essentially long-lasting trend for the Canadian public. What started as a family oriented tradition passed down from each generation, is now developing into a mass population activity.

CONCLUSION

Stepdancing is a leisure activity and reflects freedom of choice in that each dancer has his/her own personal expression. This reason alone gives credence to the fact that this art form is indeed a true form and valid means of expression through the arts. Each individual has his/her own style that adds colour and new tradition to the centuries old tunes that have coloured the art of stepdancing. This discussion on stepdancing has outlined the history, development, fundamentals, benefits and trends in stepdancing. Through its development, the unique styles found in Canada have allowed this wonderfully energetic art form to become a true Canadian tradition.

REFERENCES

Alvin, Juliete. Music The@. (1975). London: Hutchinson & Co. Publishers Ltd. Brody, David. Fiddlers Fake Book. (1983). New York: Oak Publications.

King, Billie Jean. The Bodywise Woman. (1990). New York: Prentice Hall Press. Levy, Dr. Joseph. Leisure T. (1983). Toronto: Back Door Press.

Meyers, David G. Social @chology-4th Ed. (1993). Michigan: McGraw-Hill Inc. Reid, W. Stanford. The Scottish Tradition in Canada. (1987). New York: McCielland Stewart.

INTERNET

NOTE: Many Internet sites that we referenced from did not have authors, year of publication, and other information that the "Electronic Sources: APA Style of Citation" outlined. Therefore, we have included as much information as possible in the following reference list of Internet publications.

Boughner, Nancy. Debbie McWatty Reid.. Keeping In Step in the Ottawa Valley.
Maclnnes, Sheldon. Cape Breton Stepdancing: An Irish or Scottish Tradition?. (online)
Wadden, Nix. Fiddling Flourishing in the Ottawa Valley.
No Author. (no date). Ceilidh Trail School of Celtic Music! (online)
Moore, Maggie. (1995). Scottish Stepping. [I have this article. If someone is interested, send me an email... Bengal.]
Haurins, Dan and Richens, Ann. (no date). Irish Step Dancing. (online)

Sonnier to headline Texas Cajun Heritage Festival

2009-04-21T19:20:00.003-05:00

Jo-El Sonnier will perform at 7 P.M., Saturday, May 16, at the Fourth Annual Texas Cajun Heritage Festival in Orange. Read more.

CHANTERELLE FEATURING JOSÉE VACHON

2009-04-21T19:12:00.001-05:00

Since 1993, Chanterelle has brought audiences into the heart of New England's warm, lively French culture. Distinctively beautiful voices, virtuoso French fiddling and trademark trio harmonies are hallmarks of Chanterelle performances, taking the listener on an unforgettable journey from Québec to Acadia and beyond. Invoking their culture in music, story and song, singer Josée Vachon, fiddler Donna Hebert, Alan Bradbury on accordion and bass, and new member, accordionist/pianist Jeremiah McLane, of Nightingale fame, make the audience part of the soirée.

Laughter and music will ring together as hands and feet keep time with the music! Born in Quebec and raised in Maine, BRT favorite Josée Vachon loves to share her Franco-American culture through traditional folksongs from Quebec and Acadie featuring her warm voice, guitar, and unrelenting foot percussion. Josée's 12-year stint as host of French-language cable TV show Bonjour made her name a household word to Francos in the northeast. Her mix of traditional ballads, chansons à répondre and humorous originals, plus her warm, engaging stage presence make an immediate connnection with any audience. Josée has moved away from New England so we hope you will come out and catch one of her increasingly rare local performances! *This show will sell out so make
sure you plan ahead!

BLACKSTONE RIVER THEATER, CUMBERLAND, RI

Friday, May 1, 8 PM, $15.00 Tickets: 401-725-9272

CHANTERELLE FEATURING JOSÉE VACHON
Songs, stories and fiddle music of the French in America
With opening set by Daniel Boucher and Friends
Sponsored by Navigant Credit Union
Advance ticket purchase strongly recommended!

Josée Vachon Solo Concerts

2009-04-21T19:11:00.000-05:00

*April 26 – Putnam, CT*, Putnam Science Academy, 2 PM, benefit concert for Daughters of Holy Spirit, Info: 860-928-0891 ext. 148

*June 18 – Berlin, NH*, St. Kieran Performing Arts Center, 155 Emery St., 7 PM, Info: 603-752-1028

*June 20 – St. Albans, VT*, Knights of Columbus Hall, 6:30 PM, dinner & concert, Info: 802-527-2469

*June 21 – Chicopee, MA* (tentative; check website for updates)

*July 9 – Plattsburgh, NY*, Clinton Community College, 6:30 PM