Sandra Le Couteur (Karine Wade Images)

Acadian singer Sandra Le Couteur will once more welcome artists from all over to the beautiful and poetic Miscou lighthouse this summer for a concert series. The concerts will be held from July 23 to August 27, 2011, on the Island located at the north east end of New Brunswick, in the Acadian Peninsula. A public launch of the series titled Voir Miscou et mourir will be held on Friday July 1st on the Miscou Pier at La terrasse à Steve restaurant.

Performing artists for this third instalment are: Annie Blanchard, Danny Boudreau, Denis Richard, Monique Poirier, and many others. Sandra herself will be performing her new show Emmenez-moi au bout de la terre accompanied by local musicians. The series will end with the famous singer and poet from the Magdalen Islands: George Langford.

Sandra will be offering various performances of her most recent show during the concert series in July (23, 24 and 29) and in August (1, 10, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25 and 26). The show features a mix of great French songs and songs featured on her two albums, the latest, Terre natale, launched in 2010. She will be accompanied by well known pianist and stage actor, René Cormier. On August 25 and 26, Sandra will be joined on stage by Théo Brideau at the violin, Nicolas Basque at the guitars, and Julien Breau at the bass.

Tickets
All concerts begin at 8 pm and tickets are on sale for $20 per show (+fees). The number of seats is limited to 75 per representation. For the complete program of the series and to buy tickets, visit www.billetterieacces.ca or www.sandralecouteur.com or the Facebook page Voir Miscou et mourir.

A dinner and a show
After a successful first year, the dinner and a show package is back. People can buy their tickets at $40 and enjoy a meal at La terrasse de Steve Bezeau Restaurant (located after the Miscou bridge) before the show. People making a reservation for dinner and a show will have a table ready for 6 pm or earlier. The drive from the restaurant to the lighthouse is 20 minutes.

Sandra Le Couteur
Sandra Le Couteur has two albums: La demoiselle du traversier (2005) and Terre natale (2010). As an actress, she has played many parts on the small screen as well as in theatre. She released a poetry book in 2002. Sandra will be touring France in the winter of 2012. Closer to home, she will be on stage this summer at the Festival acadien in Caraquet on August 11, 2011.

Le Pays de la Sagouine welcomes a new artistic director, Luc LeBlanc. Well known as the actor who has embodied the role of Citrouille for a number of years, Mr. LeBlanc is delighted to be able to contribute in a new way to the world of l’Île-aux-Puces: “Le Pays de la Sagouine is an ongoing love story for me… a place for the fantastic, an outstanding team, and a sincere and loyal audience. It just wasn’t possible to say no to this new adventure as artistic director… As Citrouille says this year, ‘the sky’s the limit!’”

The Acadian Kitchen Party Experience
Regular presentations in English will be held in good Acadian kitchen party style every day at 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm (hours may vary). Learn about Acadian culture through its history, past and present! With the help of our fiddler, we’ll even show you how to play the spoons in our engaging kitchen parties! For those with a sweet tooth, you’ll get to taste one of our famous Acadian desserts! The perfect occasion to discover the Acadian joie de vivre!

Four decades that have marked the Acadian imagination
The most famous character of Acadian popular culture first appeared 40 years ago. Played by Viola Léger and brought to life by the writer Antonine Maillet, La Sagouine is celebrating her 40^th anniversary this year. On July 24^th, we’re celebrating in style! An evening paying tribute to La Sagouine will be held in “le pays” that bears her name; as part of the tribute, a wine and cheese will take place at l’Ordre du Bon Temps Restaurant starting at 7 pm. Tickets cost $25.

From July 14^th, the new dinner theatre La Sagouine et le temps (La Sagouine 40 ans plus tard / La Sagouine 40 Years Later) with Viola Léger (text by Antonine Maillet) will begin its run (in French only). The play also features Denise Bouchard in the role of Mariaagélas and Luc LeBlanc in the role of Citrouille. It will be presented Thursdays and Fridays up to August 19^th at l’Ordre du Bon Temps. Tickets cost $53.

La Sagouine (in English)
All summer long, the public can enjoy evenings at Le Pays de la Sagouine with a delicious meal and a play during its famous dinner theatre. Not to be missed, La Sagouine (in English), is back. After 40 years on the stage, the character is certainly the most famous and enduring Acadian theatre phenomenon. The Acadian cleaning woman is sure to make the public laugh; she takes the stage on Sundays starting July 10^th through August 28^th (with the exception of Sunday, July 24^th). Other dinner theatres on the 2011 menu include: Un drôle de mariage (in French only) on Wednesdays and Saturdays from July 13^th to the 30^th and La Foire aux puces (in French only) on Wednesdays and Saturdays from August 3^rd to the 27^th. Dinner theatres are presented at l’Ordre du Bon Temps Restaurant (all tickets are $53). The shows start at 7 pm with the doors opening at 6:30 pm.

Something New at Le Pays!
This year, the family of l’Île-aux-Puces welcomes new actors and characters who know how to entertain with their colourful stories. Audience members are invited to meet the “gossipeuses” (in other words, people who like to gossip) and storytellers, who can help members better understand the wonderful world of Antonine Maillet. A new house band, Vieux Temps, will take the stage and make you swing to the Acadian rhythms of the good old times. Every day, audience members can tap their feet to the rhythms of Vieux Temps or of the group Les Cotchineux. Something else not to be missed: the gift shop of Le Pays has a new look, the perfect opportunity to find Acadian souvenirs to suit all tastes.

A New Play: C’t’un texte du Pays !,
Le Pays de la Sagouine is making room for new Acadian playwrights. C’t’un texte du Pays !, a play by Agathe Marie and Jenny Ferguson, will be presented at Le Hangar on Tuesdays from July 19^th to August 16^th at 8 pm. On stage: the characters of Florence and Marguerite à Pote played by the two playwrights. Tickets cost $15.

For the Kids!
Little kids can also join in the festivities at Le Pays de la Sagouine. On Saturday, July 9^th, they can sing with Roland and Monsieur Crapaud. Children and their parents are expected at l’Ordre du Bon Temps from 11 am. Tickets are already on sale for $10. On August 20^th, a very special presentation: the kids’ play Peigne… était une fois (Peigne… once upon a time). In the program: laughs, songs, and discoveries. The text and production are by Robert Gauvin and André Roy, with original music by Pierre-Guy Blanchard. Presented in collaboration with the Productions l’Entrepôt, the play will be shown exclusively at Le Pays de la Sagouine. Tickets are also on sale for $10.

Music at Le Pays!
On July 8^th, make room for musical evenings! On Fridays from July 8^th to the 29^th, as well as from August 5^th to the 26^th, Frolic Alpine will take over l’Île-aux-Puces starting at 9 pm (for those who are 19 years old and older). Appearing on stage are Jérémie Goguen, Hert LeBlanc, Louis Cormier, Paul Hébert, Maurice Belliveau, Rhéal LeBlanc, Freddy & Stéphane Daigle, and Réveil. Tickets are on sale only at the door for $8 for members and $10 for others. Every Friday from July 8^th to August 26^th, don’t miss evenings with local artists on La terrasse of l’Ordre du Bon Temps Restaurant from 5 pm to 8 pm. An opportunity to see and hear: Scott & Gerald, Daniel Goguen, Marc Babin, Serge LeBlanc, Richard Bourque, Mario Doiron, and Raymond Savoie. Admission is free!

Special Events in 2011
On Sunday, July 3^rd, the public is invited to an open house day, in collaboration with the Vestiaire Saint-Jean Baptiste (food bank) in Bouctouche. Admission is free. We encourage the public to make a donation or bring non-perishable food items. On August 15^th, Le Pays de la Sagouine is the place to be to celebrate Acadians’ National Holiday! Activities are planned for the entire day, including a Tintamarre at 3 pm and music in the evening with such big names in Acadian music as country star George Belliveau and the party band Tradition!

Acadian Culinary Delights
People can treat themselves to an Acadian buffet with savoury traditional meals at l’Ordre du Bon Temps Restaurant, Wednesdays to Saturdays, from July 13^th to August 20^th, between 11 am and 2 pm ($12.95). Sundays are the perfect occasion to have a meal with family and friends, and try the Restaurant’s famous Acadian brunch ($14.95) available from June 26^th to September 4^th, between 10 am and 2 pm. For something to eat between two presentations on l’Île-aux-Puces, make your way to the Paneterie, open every day from 10 am to 5:30 pm.

Le Pays de la Sagouine is located at 57 Acadie Street in Bouctouche, New Brunswick. It’s open to the public from June 26 to September 4, 2011, 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. Le Pays is open from September 5^th to the 11^th for guided tours of l’Île-aux-Puces only, at 11 am and 1:30 pm. For more information on the various activities and how to purchase tickets, visit www.sagouine.com or call 1-800-561-9188.

The official opening of the FrancoFête en Acadie will take place on Wednesday November 3^rd at 6:30 pm in the Capitol Theatre’s lobby. The event is open to the public. The opening will be followed by a Coup de coeur francophone concert featuring legendary Quebec singer, Robert Charlebois who will be on stage at 8 pm on the Capitol Theatre Main stage.

The SOCAN Singer Songwriter Circle is always a much anticipated evening during the FrancoFête en Acadie, a night filled with wonderful discoveries. This year, the circle will host Luc De Larochellière, Alexandre Poulin, Nathalie Renault and Radio Radio; taking turns, they will interpret their compositions and speak of their inspiration, on Thursday, November 4^th, at 8:30 pm, at the Capitol Theatre.

The public will have the chance to discover artists of various domains, some with a great baggage of experience and others who are just starting out in the industry. Artists featured in this 14^th edition of the FrancoFête are: Orange Orange, théâtre l’Escaouette, Mary Barry, Gypsophilia, Patrice Michaud, Les Surveillantes, Lina Boudreau, Chantal Fleury, Martin Robichaud, Les Parfaits inconnus, Hert LeBlanc, Les Chiclettes, Éric Bélanger, Tricot Machine, Daniel Léger, Bette & Wallet, Spectacle d’Impro modifié, Théâtre à Bout Portant, Alexis Normand, Vulgaires Machins, Les Tireux d’Roches, Alex Nevsky, Théâtre populaire d’Acadie, Annie Poulin, Christian Kit Goguen, Monique Poirier, Joseph Edgar, and Lisa LeBlanc.

Kids and teens are not left behind during la FrancoFête en Acadie. On Friday November 5^th, they will have the chance to see various acts on stage: Théâtre l’Aubergine, L’Arsenal à musique, and magician Daniel Coutu. High school kids will have the chance to take in Buzz cuivres, Taktika, and ZOGMA.

For a fifth consecutive year, the FrancoFête en Acadie presents the Oiseaux de nuit concert series, from Thursday November 3^rd to Saturday November 6^th. Artists from the Atlantic Provinces and all over will be playing for the public and FrancoFête delegates starting at 11 pm at the City Grill (130, Westmorland, 2^nd floor.) Tickets can be bought at the door.

Tickets
Tickets for the FrancoFête en Acadie can be bought in the Greater Moncton Ticket Network. They will also be on sale at the door on the evening of the shows (if still available).

The FrancoFête en Acadie is an annual event coordinated by the Réseau atlantique de diffusion des arts de la scène (RADARTS). It is one of the most important francophone cultural events in Atlantic Canada dedicated entirely to the promotion of the francophone and Acadian art scene. All the information on the FrancoFête en Acadie 2009 and its activities is available at www.francofete.com.

Grosses têtes

Daily
Visual arts exhibition Mordre la lumière self – portrait
Bernard Jean Art Gallery – Caraquet Cultural Centre

Tuesday, August 3, 2010
11 am – noon: Songwriting workshop for children with Mario Chenart
TPA rehearsal hall – Caraquet Cultural Centre – Tickets: $10

8 pm: Jazz with Steve Amirault followed by Hot guitars Mario Chenart & John McGale
Caraquet Cultural Centre – Adults: $16/Students and seniors 65+: $12 (+ box office charge and hall improvement fee)

Wednesday, August 4, 2010
8 pm: Richard Desjardins followed by Arizona
Caraquet Cultural Centre – Adults: $20/Students and seniors 65+: $16 (+ box office charge and hall improvement fee)

Thursday, August 5, 2010
7:30 pm: NICA Storytelling evening with Kevin Arseneau, Nelson Michaud and Yvette Pitre followed by storyteller Dominique Breau
Salle Hédard – Albert – École des pêches – Caraquet – Tickets: $12 (+ box office charge)

8:30 pm: Show event with the duet of Jean – François Breau and Marie – Ève Janvier
Carrefour cabaret – Carrefour de la mer – Tickets: $30, $25 and $22 (+ box office charge and hall improvement fee)

Friday, August 6, 2010
4:30 pm: Official opening of Festival acadien de poésie and introduction of invited authors: Jean Arceneaux, Marjolaine Beauchamp, Claudine Bertrand, Claudius, Rose Després, Joël Des Rosiers, Danielle Fournier, Dominic Langlois, Ron Léger, Joanne Morency, Brenda Mounier, Éric Roger, Christian Roy and Serge Patrice Thibodeau
Grains de folie Bakery – Free

5 pm: Festival acadien de poésie’s Grains de poésie with readings by Brenda Mounier, Christian Roy and ACADIEN
Grains de folie Bakery -Free

7 pm: Miscellanées…musicales classical concert. A selection of compositions by music teacher and critic Roger E. Cormier
Église Saint – Pierre – aux – Liens – Caraquet – Adults: $14/Students and seniors 65+: $12 (+ box office charge and hall improvement fee)

8:30 pm: Country cabaret evening with Mike Parker and Denis Landry
Alpine Stage – Colisée Léopold-Foulem< – Adults: $16/Students and seniors 65+: $14 (+ box office charge and hall improvement fee)

9 pm: RAG’s Dérives literary show part of Festival acadien de poésie with Réal – Gabriel Bujold, France Cayouette, Marie Nicholas de Ferrer, Nicole Filion (read by Raymond Bonin), Anick Fortin, Ginette Landry, Jocelyne Mallet – Parent, Joanne Morency, Gérald Tremblay, Patrick Tremblay, Rose – Hélène Tremblay and Gracia Couturier
Salle Hédard – Lanteigne – École des Pêches – Caraquet – Adults: $12/Students and seniors 65+: $10 (+ box office charge

Saturday, August 7, 2010
11 a.m.: Festival acadien de poésie Mille mots, mille images with readings by Claudius, Joanne Morency, Serge Patrice Thibodeau – Live art with Nicole Haché
Carrefour de l’Art Gallery – Carrefour de la mer – Caraquet – Free

1:30 pm: Festival acadien de poésie’s Douceurs et poésie with readings by Jean Arceneaux, Marjolaine Beauchamp, Claudine Bertrand, Danielle Fournier and Ron Léger Event host: Christiane St – Pierre. Herbal teas and sweets served
In the big tent – Gîte de l’Isle – du – Randonneur – Free

3:30 pm: Festival acadien de poésie’s Café poème with readings by Marjolaine Beauchamp, Rose Després, Éric Roger and Christian Roy in an intimate setting
Café Phare – Free

7 pm: Loraine Félix, Vivianne Roy and Kevin McIntyre
Rogers Stage – outside the Carrefour de la mer – Free

8 pm: Festival acadien de poésie’s Grande soirée de poésie Voir Miscou et mourir… in collaboration with Les Productions Île Miscou, with readings by Claudius, Claudine Bertrand, Rose Després, Dominic Langlois, Ron Léger, Brenda Mounier and Serge Patrice Thibodeau Wine and cheese served
Miscou Lighthouse – Miscou (allow 1 hour and 10 minutes from Caraquet) – Tickets: $10 (+ box office charge)

9:30 pm: Méchant party with Blou and Alain – François
Alpine Stage – Colisée Léopold-Foulem – Adults: $16 (+ box office charge and hall improvement fee); must be 19 years and over<

Sunday, August 8, 2010
1 pm: Festival acadien de poésie’s Les poètes à la plagewith readings by Danielle Fournier, Joanne Morency and Éric Roger
Parc des Fondateurs, at the entrance to town – Bas-Caraquet – Free

2 pm: Children’s show Les Oui – Oui – Chéris
Caraquet Cultural Centre – Tickets: $9.50

2:30 pm: Festival acadien de poésie’s Mille mots, mille images with readings by Claudine Bertrand, Joël Des Rosiers and Brenda Mounier. Live art with Nicole Haché
Carrefour de l’Art Gallery – Carrefour de la mer – Free

4 pm: Book launch Éditions Perce – Neige of Christian Brun, Jean- Paul Daoust, Ronald Després, Hélène Harbec, Georgette LeBlanc and Dominic Langlois
Librairie Pélagie/Grains de folie Bakery – Free

5 pm: Festival acadien de poésie’s Grains de poésie with readings by Claudius, Dominic Langlois, Ron Léger and Joanne Morency
Grains de folie Bakery – Free

8 pm: Angèle Arsenault accompanied by the voice of Marcella Richard on guitar and Alice Bérubé on violin and cello
Caraquet Cultural Centre – Adults: $20/Students and seniors 65+: $16 (+ box office charge and hall improvement fee)

8:30 pm: Belle soirée de poésie Martin-Pître followed by the Shaun Ferguson Orkestra show. Guest poets: Jean Arceneaux, Marjolaine Beauchamp, Joël Des Rosiers, Danielle Fournier, Éric Roger and Christian Roy
Salle Hédard – Lanteigne – École des Pêches – Caraquet – Adults: $14/Students and seniors 65+: $10 (+ box office charge)

Monday, August 9, 2010
11 am: Round table on the Festival acadien de poésie’s theme of “Writing, (Re)constructing” with Barry Jean Ancelet, Joël Des Rosiers and Serge – Patrice Thibodeau
Caraquet Cultural Centre – Free

12:45 pm: Festival acadien de poésie’s Derniers mots, dernières images with readings by Rose Després and Dominic Langlois. Unveiling of Nicole Haché’s work Mille mots, mille images
Bernard Jean Gallery – Caraquet Cultural Centre – Free

8 pm: Lina Boudreau followed by Patsy Gallant sings Piaf
Caraquet Cultural Centre – Adults: $20/Students and seniors 65+: $16 (+ box office charge and hall improvement fee)

9 pm: Cabaret du Réverbère with Cédric Vieno, Serge Brido, John Jerome and the Great 88 and Tortuh – Salle Hédard – Lanteigne – École des Pêches – Adults: $12/Students and seniors 65+: $8 (+ box office charge)

Tuesday, August 10, 2010
7 pm: La Trâlée
Rogers Stage – Vieux couvent site – Free

8 pm: Damien Robitaille and Hélène Godin
Caraquet Cultural Centre – Adults: $18/Students and seniors 65+: $14 (+ box office charge and hall improvement fee)

Wednesday, August 11, 2010
7:30 pm: Classical show with soprano Christina Lanteigne Haldane, violinist Isabelle Fournier and pianist Carl Philippe Gionet
Église Saint – Pierre – aux – Liens – Caraquet – Adults: $14/Students and seniors 65+: $10 (+ box office charge)

9 pm: Éric Lapointe and Lisa LeBlanc
Alpine Stage – Colisée Léopold-Foulem – Adults: $25 (+ box office charge and hall improvement fee) – Students and seniors 65+: $20

Thursday, August 12, 2010
8:30 pm: Cabaret evening with Lennie Gallant and Roland Gauvin and La Grosse Band
Colisée Léopold-Foulem - Adults: $18/Students and seniors 65+: $12 (+ box office charge and hall improvement fee)

11 pm: Late showcase with Radio – Radio followed by a guest DJ
Salle Hédard – Lanteigne – École des Pêches – Caraquet – Tickets: $7 (+ box office charge)

Friday, August 13, 2010
2 – 3 pm: Seniors’ show with Roland Gauvin
Villa Beauséjour – Free

3 pm: Francophonie showcase with Marie – Philippe Bergeron, Christian Kit Goguen, Daniel Léger and Mary Barry
Salle Hédard – Lanteigne – École des Pêches – Caraquet- Tickets: $7 (+ box office charge)

7 pm: 132 Est
Rogers Stage – Outside the Carrefour de la mer – Free

9 pm: Cabaret evening with Isle Dernière, Joseph Edgar and Grand Dérangement
Carrefour Cabaret – Carrefour de la mer – Caraquet – Adults: $18/Students and seniors 65+: $12 (+ box office charge and hall improvement fee)

Saturday, August 14, 2010
11 am: Children’s show with Éloïse
Louis-Mailloux School – Tickets: $8

7:30 pm: Haitian theatre with Comédie Sans Frontières d’Haïti performing Georges Béleck’s Haïti, cri d’espoir
Boîte-Théâtre – 15 years and over – Adults: $12/Students and seniors 65+: $8 – Tickets on sale at the door or by reservation at TPA (506.727.0920) or Festival acadien (506.727.2787)

9:30 pm: Méchant Party with Tradition and Swing
Alpine Stage – Colisée Léopold-Foulem – Adults: $18 (+ box office charge and hall improvement fee) – 19 years of age and over

Sunday, August 15, 2010
10 – 11 am: Acadian National Day mass
Sainte-Anne-du-Bocage chapel

1 pm: Opening of the Tintamarre site with kiosks, animated activities and beverage service

2 – 6 pm: Grand preparation for the Tintamarre
Behind Saint-Pierre-aux-Liens Church

2 – 3 pm: Revival of the 1884 Acadian Convention by the Village Historique Acadien team – Place du Vieux couvent – Free

2 pm: Animated activities on stilts
Behind Saint-Pierre-aux-Liens Church

3 – 5 pm: Musical segment with Louise Vautour, Lisa LeBlanc and Vishtèn
Place du Vieux couvent – In the event of inclement weather: Église Saint – Pierre – aux – Liens – Caraquet – Free

6 – 7 pm: The 31st Tintamarre
Saint – Pierre Blvd West, from Vieux couvent to Cormier St.

8 pm: Vishtèn Followed by the Acadie en Fête show event with Quimorucru, 1755 and Swing
Butte du Calvaire (behind Caraquet Cultural Centre) – Adults: $26/Students and seniors 65+: $18 (+ box office charge) – Free for children 12 years and under

Blessings of the float

Until August 15^th, 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 48^th 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 4^th, 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 5^th. An evening of country music with Mike Parker and Denis Landry will take place on August 6^th and on August 7^th 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 8^th.

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 11^th with Quebec singer Éric Lapointe. Young NB singer songwriter Lisa LeBlanc will the opening act. On August 14^th, 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 2^nd) 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 6^th, Miscellanées… musicales will feature a selection of compositions by music teacher and critic Roger E. Cormier and on August 11^th 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!

Tintamarre

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.

La Sagouine (Photo by: Dolores Breau)

La Sagouine, a play featuring one of Acadia’s most famous characters, was recently featured at Toronto’s Pleaides Theatre and enjoyed great success. Penned by Antonine Maillet, La Sagouine is portrayed by Viola Léger who embodies completely this 72 year old shrewd Acadian washerwoman. She presented a series of monologues in front of a Toronto audience asking for more. Theatre critics were full of praise and described La Sagouine as a “national treasure”. The play was presented in English for two weeks at the end of May and in French from May 31^st to June 5^th. The last time La Sagouine was played in Toronto was in 1979.

Many cultural critics gave a perfect score to Viola Léger in the role that has made her a well-known figure on the Canadian theatre scene. Praises were also given to the team surrounding Léger: Director John Van Bureck, set designer Yannick Larrivée, and lighting director Robert Thompson.

“La Sagouine is a cultural and artistic treasure,” simply states The Globe and Mail. Cultural critic Christopher Hoile of Toronto’s Eye Weekly states: “La Sagouine is simply essential viewing. (…) There really are no words to describe the quiet brilliance of Léger’s performance. You simply cannot imagine anyone else so fully and so compassionately embodying such an immensely rich character.” Robert Crew of the Toronto Star says: “It is, in fact, one of the little gems of Canadian theatre — gritty, honest and utterly true to life. I’ve never seen La Sagouine in French and my feeling is that it would add an extra dimension to what is already a warm, wise and wonderful piece of theatre.” Critics praised the universality and realism of the monologues and gave notice to a solid direction and the glorious lighting.

La Sagouine was presented for the first time in 1971. She is the wife of a fisherman and, at 72 years old, scrubs floors for a living. She tells us stories in her own way, speaking of life in general, politics, and poverty with great wisdom and a wonderful sense of humour.

La Sagouine back in her hometown!

La Sagouine is back in her hometown. As every summer, the Dinner Theatre La Sagouine will be presented at Le Pays de la Sagouine in Bouctouche, New Brunswick. For the first time in many years, presentations in English will take place in July and August. Presentations in French are also on the schedule. Le Pays de la Sagouine kicked off its 2010 season on June 20^th. More information at www.sagouine.com.

La Sagouine (Photo by: Dolores Breau)

La Sagouine in English

This year, the dinner theatre La Sagouine will be presented in English. This cleaning woman, with little schooling who has forgotten her own name, continues to surprise, move, and make people laugh with her ruminations on the world and life in general. La Sagouine will be presented in English every Sunday in July and the first two Sundays of August. Presentations in French will also take place in July and August. Tickets on sale now!

All you want to know about Acadian Culture

The opportunity to discover the Acadian joie de vivre! Visitors can join the Pays’ tour guide for daily English presentations and learn about Acadian culture through its history, past, and present! Learn how to play the spoons and taste one of many famous Acadian desserts. English presentations are at 11 am and 2 pm every day.

Mega concert with 1755

The legendary Acadian group, 1755, will entertain the crowd with their popular songs and lively music on Saturday, July 24^th. Tickets are on sale $25 in advance and $35 at the door. Marc Babin will be on stage for the opening act.

Le Pays de la Sagouine in Bouctouche, NB.

Music and entertainment

The public can enjoy an evening of music by local artists on the patio of L’Ordre du Bon Temps restaurant, every Friday from 5 pm to 8 pm. Admission is free.

The popular Alpine Frolics are back! Every Friday night from July 2^th to August 27^th, many groups and artists will perform starting at 9 pm. Tickets are on sale at the door only ($8 for member and $9 for others). The Alpine Frolics are reserved for those 19 years and older.

L’Ordre du Bon Temps restaurant

L’Ordre du bon temps restaurant will open on June 20^th. The Acadian Brunch will be on the menu every Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm and the Acadian Buffet will be served Wednesday to Saturday, from July 14^th to August 21^st , 11 am to 2 pm. Many specials will be offered throughout the week.

The complete 2010 program is available on the website at www.sagouine.com . The public can buy tickets by calling the box office at 1 800 561-9188 or on the website.

A video of the artists in repetition for the summer is available at http://sagouine.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=38 .

Antonine Maillet (Photo by Gilles Landry)

The National Film Board of Canada (NFB) and Améri Ka Productions present the world premiere of Ginette Pellerin’s eagerly awaited documentary Antonine Maillet – Les possibles sont infinis (Antonine Maillet – The Possibilities Are Endless), at 8:00 pm, Wednesday, November 18, at the Capitol Theatre in Moncton. This public event, held in cooperation with the Université de Moncton, marks the 30th anniversary of Maillet winning the Prix Goncourt for her novel Pélagie-la-Charrette. The acclaimed Acadian writer, the only Canadian winner of the prestigious award, will be present at the launch, along with the film’s director and special guests, including Monique Simard, Director General of the NFB French Program, and Yvon Fontaine, Rector of the Université de Moncton. The launch will be followed by free e-cinema screenings of the film between December 1 and 3, in five cities across New Brunswick, as part of Les Rendez-vous de l’ONF en Acadie.

“Ginette Pellerin’s film offers a heartfelt tribute to Antonine Maillet on the 30th anniversary of her winning the Prix Goncourt. The documentary paints a sensitive and unforgettable portrait of the great writer, one of the best-known and most powerful voices of Acadian culture and the Canadian Francophonie. It makes the life and work of this unique artist even more accessible. As a promoter of Acadian talent for the past 35 years, the NFB’s Acadia Studio is glad to have collaborated with Améri Ka Productions and the Université de Moncton in making this project a success and an enduring record for future generations,” said Monique Simard.

Université de Moncton Rector, Yvon Fontaine, said he was especially pleased with the university’s contribution to the documentary on Antonine Maillet: “The film, on which Université de Moncton Chair in Acadian Studies, Marie-Linda Lord, closely collaborated, reveals the uncommon dedication of Antonine Maillet, who for over 50 years has not let Acadia peacefully doze, but has tirelessly contributed to its edification by giving it, among other things, a body of French literature and repeatedly urging Acadians to pursue their dreams and be proud of their identity.”

World Premiere

The public is invited to attend the launch of the film in Moncton on November 18 in the presence of Antonine Maillet. Tickets can be purchased at capitol.nb.ca or by calling 506-856-4379 or 1-800-567-1922, or in person at the points of sale listed on the Capitol Theatre’s website.

Free E-Cinema Screenings in Five Cities, Starting December 1st

There will also be free e-cinema screenings of Antonine Maillet – Les possibles sont infinis in the five New Brunswick cities hosting Les Rendez-vous de l’ONF en Acadie. These screenings will be attended by Antonine Maillet and Claude Joli-Coeur, NFB Assistant Commissioner, in Caraquet (December 1), Bouctouche (December 2) and Moncton (December 3), and by Ginette Pellerin in Caraquet (December 1), Kedgwick (December 2) and Edmundston (December 3). For more details, go to onf-nfb.gc.ca/eng/rendez-vous.

About the Film

Antonine Maillet first made her name in 1971 with the hugely successful La Sagouine and achieved international recognition on winning the Prix Goncourt for her novel Pélagie-la-Charrette in 1979. For 50 years, she has been a voice for the Acadian people throughout the world. The only Canadian winner of the Prix Goncourt to date, she has published close to 50 works in as many years. Ginette Pellerin’s documentary invites viewers to accompany Maillet to the important places in her life, from Bouctouche to Montreal by way of Moncton and the Théâtre du Rideau Vert. Rarely has the writer spoken of herself with such candour and generosity, revealing a tremendous discipline, energy, self-assurance and lucid appreciation of her life and work. The result is a remarkable autobiography: Antonine Maillet – Les possibles sont infinis, produced by Murielle Rioux-Poirier of the NFB’s Acadia Studio, in co-production with Pauline Bourque of Améri Ka Productions.

About the Director

Ginette Pellerin, co-founder of Productions Phare-Est and Améri Ka Productions, has been working in television and film/video production since 1981. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Visual Arts from the Université de Moncton, she became interested in documentary, directing L’Âme sœur, in 1990. This was followed by many more films produced or co-produced by the NFB, including Se donner des « elles », Évangéline en quête, Mathilda, la passionnaria acadienne and Durelle, as well as several episodes of the documentary series Trésors vivants. Pellerin has received a number of awards and honours, including the 2002 Prix Historia from the Institut d’histoire de l’Amérique française for Anna Malenfant d’Acadie, which was also short-listed for a Gémeaux Award. She spent three years working on Antonine Maillet – Les possibles sont infinis.

About the NFB

Canada’s public film producer and distributor, the National Film Board of Canada creates social-issue documentaries, auteur animation, alternative drama and digital content that provide the world with a unique Canadian perspective. In collaboration with its international partners and co-producers, the NFB is expanding the vocabulary of 21st-century cinema and breaking new ground in form and content, through community filmmaking projects, cross-platform media, interactive cinema, stereoscopic animation – and more. Since the NFB’s founding in 1939, it has created over 13,000 productions and won over 5,000 awards, including 12 Oscars and more than 90 Genies. In 2009, the works of NFB animation pioneer Norman McLaren were added to UNESCO’s Memory of the World Registry. The NFB’s new website features over 1,000 productions online, and its iPhone app has become one of the most popular and talked about downloads. Visit NFB.ca today and start watching!

“Much more than a working event for the cultural industry, the FrancoFête en Acadie is the ideal occasion to discover the best in francophone talent from the Atlantic Provinces and elsewhere in music, dance, theater, etc., explains France H. Levesque, Chair of the FrancoFête en Acadie. It is an extraordinary event showcasing the vitality and the creativity of our artists and a unique rendezvous during which we can honour the work and efforts of our colleagues and all those who evolve in the world of creation and distribution.”

The official opening of the FrancoFête en Acadie will take place on Wednesday November 4^th from 5 pm to 7 pm in the event headquarters at the Crowne Plaza. CBC French radio host on Espace Music, Monique Giroux, will be hosting her show live on site. The event is open to the public.

Colourful events, concerts for all
The SOCAN Singer Songwriter Circle is always a much anticipated evening during the FrancoFête en Acadie, a night filled with wonderful discoveries. This year, the circle will be hosted by Quebec star Boom Desjardins and take place at the Capitol Theatre on Thursday November 5^th. Guest artists are: Wilfred Le Bouthillier, violinist Louise Vautour, and Montreal rising star Amylie; taking turns, they will interpret their compositions and speak of their inspirations with the host.

Music, dance, theater, variety, the public will have the chance to discover artists of various domains, some with a great baggage of experience and others who are just starting out in the industry. The showcases will take place from Thursday November 5^th to Saturday November 7^th at the Capitol Theater, the Empress theatre and the Jeanne-de-Valois concert hall on U de M campus. Artists featured in this 13^th edition of the FrancoFête are: Lennie Gallant, Annie Blanchard, Marie-Philippe Bergeron, Danny Boudreau, Sandra Le Couteur, Norbert Pignol, Geneviève Toupin, Pascal Lejeune, Tricia Foster, Guillaume Arsenault, Denis Landry, Chloé Lacasse, Suroît, and Nathalie Choquette as well as Marie-Ève Janvier and Jean-François Breau, Kirbo, Bia, Mathieu Lippé, Bam, Galant tu perds ton temps, Gaële, David Marin, and Misteur Valaire.

In October 2009, two more artists, one from the ROSEQ and one from the Contact Ouest, will be selected to take part in the FrancoFête. Dance and theater fans will have the opportunity to catch highlights of shows by Théâtre la catapulte (winner of the Acadie/Ontario Prize) and dance companies DansEncorps and Destins croisés.

On Friday November 6^th at noon, showcases will feature theater and storytelling with le Théâtre populaire d’Acadie, le théâtre l’Escaouette, les Productions L’Entrepôt, and Marie-France Comeau. They will show highlights of their projects for the next season to be presented in the schools. These showcases are reseved for the delegates of the FrancoFête en Acadie.

On Friday November 6^th kids will have the chance to see various acts on stage: Nuages en pantaloon (winner of the Acadie/Rideau Prize), Le moulin à musique, and a presentation by Solaris Production. High school kids will have the chance to take in Créason, Ariel Ifergan, and the dance company Destins croisés. All the showcases for the young public are to take place at the Jeanne-de-Valois concert room on the Université de Moncton campus and are free of charge. However, seats are limited.

This year, two concerts from the Coup de coeur francophone will make a stop in Moncton during the FrancoFête. New Brunswick born Fredric Gary Comeau will be on stage Wednesday November 4^th at 8:30 pm on the Capitol Theater stage. On Sunday November 8^th, discover artists from every Canadian province with the evening Les rencontres qui chantent at 8:30 pm also at the Capitol Theater.

For a fourth consecutive year, the FrancoFête en Acadie presents the Oiseaux de nuit concert series, from Thursday November 5^th to Saturday November 7^th. Artists from the Atlantic Provinces and all over will be playing in various downtown Moncton bars for the public and FrancoFête delegates starting at 11 pm. Locations include the Paramount, Manhattan, and Studio 700. More details to come on the FrancoFête website.

Tickets for the FrancoFête en Acadie can be bought in the Greater Moncton Ticket Network: Capitol Theater, théâtre l’Escaouette, Université de Moncton Student Centre, and Frank’s Music, by phone at 506.856.4379 or 1.800.567.1922 or by Internet at www.admission.com. Tickets will also be on sale at the door on the evening of the shows (if still available). Tickets for the 13^th edition of the FrancoFête en Acadie will be on sale this Friday September 18^th 2009.

The FrancoFête en Acadie is an annual event coordinated by the Réseau atlantique de diffusion des arts de la scène (RADARTS). It is one of the most important francophone cultural events in Atlantic Canada dedicated entirely to the promotion of the francophone and Acadian art scene.  All the information on the FrancoFête en Acadie 2009 and its activities is available at www.francofete.com.

Produced by Halifax-based New Scotland Pictures Inc. in association with CBC Maritimes, the show features Isabelle Thériault, François Émond, Christian KIT Goguen, Benoit Picard, Monique Poirier, Patricia Richard, and Louise Vautour.

Ode à l’Acadie is a celebration of Acadian culture and history. The best Acadian songs of all time have been rearranged and contemporised in a show that is a dazzling blend of music, theatre, cinema, and choreography. These seven exuberant young Acadians are great musicians, entertainers and genuine show people. Their songs tell stories of the Acadians over three centuries. The program is packed with crowd pleasers like the mysterious and dark Marie Caissie, the sublime and powerful Grand-Pré, and Évangéline Acadian Queen, a delightful spoof showing how Longfellow’s heroine has been commercialized in present day Acadia.

Ode à l’Acadie created in 2004 by Le Festival acadien de Caraquet and produced since 2005 by Les Productions Ode. The Artistic Director is René Cormier and the Musical Director is Isabelle Thériault. The show was originally planned for only 25 dates, but the tremendous success of the production has brought that number to more than 400 performances in front of almost 200,000 people. The show has toured all over the Maritimes, in Quebec, Ontario, the United States, France, Switzerland, and Burkina Faso in Africa.

New Scotland Pictures www.newscotlandpictures.ca is the only television production company in Atlantic Canada dedicated exclusively to creating performing arts programming. Ode à l’Acadie was produced for CBC Maritimes by Charlie Cahill. The show was directed by Moya Walsh and Jim Spitler.

Ode à l’Acadie was produced with the participation of Film Nova Scotia, CBC Maritimes, ARTV, and Radio-Canada.

Les Productions Ode is a nonprofit organization which benefits from the support of the governments of New Brunswick and Canada. All the information on Ode à l’Acadie and other shows by Les Productions Ode is available at www.ode.ca .

The one-hour music special Ode à l’Acadie will be broadcast on Radio-Canada Acadie and ARTV at a later date.