Press Release : Medley of French accents, Bannerman Park, August 3 - 5

 

 

 

 

For Immediate Release
July 17, 2012

 

Press Release

Fifth anniversary of the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival French tent

Medley of French accents, Bannerman Park, August 3 - 5

 

St. John´s, Newfoundland and Labrador, July 17, 2012: Slated for August 3 – 5, 2012 in Bannerman Park, St. John´s, more than twenty performers will take the stage under the francophone tent during Newfoundland and Labrador´s Folk Festival. This unique blend of traditional and contemporary sounds will celebrate the French Cultural Network of Newfoundland and Labrador´s fifth year of participation.

The Network has entrusted singer-songwriter Mary Barry with program management of the event. She will also kick off the festivities on Friday evening, accompanied by guitar virtuoso Charlie Barfoot. “I wanted to offer the public a heartfelt connection with the beautiful, diverse sounds of La Francophonie from here and abroad,” adds Mary.

Throughout the weekend, tent visitors will discover a beautiful medley of French accents and rhythms. The impressive lineup includes local performers as well as artists from Ontario, Québec, Prince Edward Island, Saint Pierre et Miquelon and Africa.

Tributes, traditions and discoveries

Besides celebrating the fifth year of collaboration with the Folk Arts Society, tent programming will emphasize, through song and music, the substantial contribution to Franco-Newfoundland culture by the late Emile Benoit from l´Anse-à-Canards, who passed away 20 years ago. The tribute performance will feature the talented Anita Best and Pamela Morgan, who have already shared the stage with the musical legend, as well as Charlotte-Anne Malischewski, Jim Fiddler and Duane Andrews, who were all deeply inspired by his musical genius

French tent patrons will enjoy performances from some past tent alumni such as: Collen Power, Aneirin Thomas and members of the Rose des Vents Choir. Duncan Cameron, Sabrina Roberts and Erin Best, accompanied by the legendary Sandy Morris will offer their respective francophone repertoires.

« Integration of the Francophone culture by so many English speaking artists in the province inspires me profoundly», notes Mary Barry.

« Late afternoons, several groups will keep the atmosphere upbeat and toes tapping; Vishten, from Prince Edward Island as well as les Benoit, from Newfoundland´s Port-au-Port Peninsula, will invigorate crowds with their enthusiasm and joie de vivre », adds Mary. Festival goers will also be invited to shake things up under the tent during a Sing It Back workshop Sunday at noon.

French tent programming is made possible through financial support from Canadian Heritage and Musication. The French Cultural Network of the Francophone Federation of Newfoundland and Labrador would also like to acknowledge the Folk Arts Society for their valuable contribution as well as the artists and performers, from here and abroad, who carry the torch of the French language and its rich musical traditions with dedication, talent and heartfelt generosity.

A detailed schedule of French tent programming and activities is available at www.nlfolk.com/fest2012/fest2012.html.

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The French cultural Network of Newfoundland and Labrador upholds the development of francophone culture in Newfoundland and Labrador as well as the development and promotion of francophone artists in the province.

 

For additional programming information or interview requests:

• Mary Barry (709) 722-0474 / 728-0951
  Programming Director
  info@marybarry.ca Skype : mary.barry55

Source:

• Gaël Corbineau, Executive director
  Fédération des francophones de Terre-Neuve et du Labrador
  French Cultural Network of Newfoundland and Labrador
  65, Ridge Road, suite 233, St. John´s, NL A1B 4P5
  Telephone: (709) 757-2852 Fax: (709) 722-9904
  culture@fftnl.ca www.francotnl.ca/ReseauCulturel www.facebook.com/ReseauCulturel

 

The presence of the francophone tent at the Folk festival is made possible through financial contributions of Canadian Heritage and Musicaction Canada.

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