We did not attend the opening ceremonies as we had other commitments but we did not miss the opening concert in the evening. It had been raining off and on over the day but cleared up and the sun came out just before the concert got underway. Rain would not have bothered us as the concert was held in a large tent that could hold 1600. All we had to bring were our own chairs.
The first two acts were very good local musicians who played a combination of jigs and reels, modern music and traditional music. The hit of this portion was a young lady of about 12 years old who wowed the audience with a number of great vocal performances.
During the times that the acts were changing on the stage (different instruments being hooked up and different electronics) we were entertained by Baie en Joie. (www.baieenjoie.ca). They were absolutely fantastic. Twenty local young ladies ranging in age from 12 to 18 were as skilled and as well choreographed as the famed Riverdance Show. They are recognized internationally and have performed in France and were part of the opening ceremonies at the winter olympics. If you ever get a chance to see them, don't miss it! You're feet will not stop dancing as you watch them!
The highlight of the evening was the almost two hour non-stop performance of Angele Arsenault. (www.admirateurangelearsenault.freeservers.com/index.html) Her music career has spanned 35 years and she considered to be one of the top stars and icons of french music. She was backed up by a trio of ladies who in themselves were very talented, played several different instruments and contributed vocally to many of the songs. Many of the traditional songs that were performed by Angele were hits with much of the audience bringing cheers and tears as she performed. Baie en Joie came on stage and performed in one of her numbers.
Just after eleven o'clock, the final group came on stage. Hert LeBlanc and his group play bluegrass, country and rock and roll. They certainly are popular and loud! I had to remove my hearing aids. After their first number , we, along with most of the other "older" people in the the tent, made our way to the parking lot. As we were exiting, a new younger crowd was entering and you knew it was going to a long loud night of fun and dancing. All in all it was a fantastic evening of music and song. Going to be back next year for sure!
Sunday was sunny and hot. A lot of activities happening but we decided to stay put on the beach and walk up to Church Point later in the day. We missed the grand parade, the lumberjack competition and a demonstration of circus skills, but later in the day we did make it up to the Bazaar. Many people were on the way home, hot, tired and sunburnt but the Bazaar was still going strong with multiple food outlets, handcraft stalls, entertainment for the kids and of course the all time favorite Bingo.
Monday was a much slower day with sandcastles being built as Mavillette Beach, kitchen parties at many of the local restaurants and a quilt expo. This was a great exhibition. The church was full of quilts designed and quilted by local people, both male and female! You can see their work at (www.Quilt-Expo-Couvertes.com).
Early Tuesday morning the severe t-storms began and lasted until 4pm, about 12 hours of solid rain, heavy at times, thunder and lightning and high winds. Any festival activities we either postponed or cancelled, if they were outdoors.
Our next big night is this Saturday when the second big concert takes place. Three groups are appearing, Les Malfecteurs. Cedric Watson and the Cadiens. The focus will be on Cajun and Creole music. Will tell you all about it next week.
Quote of the day:
In Heaven all the interesting people are missing. Friedrich Nietzsche
