Until August 15th, Caraquet is the place to be! Many cultural events celebrating French-speaking culture, from Acadie and beyond, are on the program: concerts featuring Acadian music, rock, Cajun style, Québec artists, rap and electro-pop, classical, jazz, a special theatre play celebrating Haiti, and much more. There is something for everyone at the 48th edition of the Festival acadien de Caraquet!
The Festival acadien de Caraquet is proud to showcase many talented artists from here and beyond. On August 4th, the public will have the chance to see great Quebec singer-songwriter, Richard Desjardins, whose respected work has been critically acclaimed from all over. Acadian Peninsula born Jean-François Breau, now a well-known artist in la Francophonie, will present a show with the charming Marie-Ève Janvier, his partner on stage as well as in life, on August 5th. An evening of country music with Mike Parker and Denis Landry will take place on August 6th and on August 7th people will dancing with Nova Scotia act Blou and Quebec singer Alain François. Legendary Acadian singer, Angèle Arsenault, will be bringing her positive energy and joie-de-vivre onstage on August 8th.
The next day, Pop singer, Patsy Gallant, will interpret the songs of Edith Piaf following a concert by Acadian singer Lina Boudreau. The crowd will be rocking on August 11th with Quebec singer Éric Lapointe. Young NB singer songwriter Lisa LeBlanc will the opening act. On August 14th, an evening with two popular bands : Tradition and Swing.
Hip hop and electronic fans are spoiled this year with Misteur Valaire and La Patère rose (August 2nd) and Acadian rap hip hop act Radio Radio whose music are on constant play on music stations such as Musique plus, Bande à part, and CBC Radio 3. Two classical music concerts are on the program. On August 6th, Miscellanées… musicales will feature a selection of compositions by music teacher and critic Roger E. Cormier and on August 11th sit back and enjoy a concert by renowned Canadian soprano Christina Lanteigne Haldane, violinist Isabelle Fournier, and Caraquet-born pianist Carl-Philippe Gionet. Both concerts are at the Saint-Pierre-aux-Liens Church in Caraquet. Other artists on the program include Ontario’s Damien Robitaille, Moncton’s Hélène Godin, PEI native Lennie Gallant, Roland Gauvin, Joseph Edgar, Acadian band Grand Dérangement, and many more!
August 15 is Acadian Day and the town of Caraquet celebrates in full colours and with lots of noise! People start meeting at 1 pm in downtown Caraquet to get ready for the event. Music, street performers, various kiosks, and a beverage service will be on site. At 6 pm sharp, the traditional Tintamarre is on! Colourful costumes, “Grosses têtes”, people with whistles and horns, pots and pans, the Caraquet Tintamarre is a full blown carnivalesque event which attracts thousands of visitors and party-goers each year. For the Acadian population, the Tintamarre is a way of showing the vivacity of its people. At 8 pm, let the music begin with Vishten followed by the concert l’Acadie en fête with Gaspésie band Quimorucru, Acadian legendary band 1755, and Swing, a francophone duo from Ontario and regulars at the Festival who really know how to get the crowd moving! The concert l’Acadie en fête is open to all and will take place outside near the Caraquet culturel center. Tickets are on sale.
Many concerts and activities for children are also on the program. For the complete concert list, locations, and ticket prices, please visit www.festivalacadien.ca. Tickets are on sale through the Ticketing Network Accès at www.billetterieacces.ca or by calling 1-800-992-4040.
