French Heritage Day
Recognized by Yankee Magazine as a 2010 "Top 20 Vermont Event"
Vergennes City Park & Vergennes Opera House
Friday, July 9, 2010
“Veillée” (evening) in the Vergennes Opera House! Come and enjoy a traditional French Canadian supper from 6 -7 pm, then enjoy an evening of Quebecois music, including song and dance with instruction. Whether you’re French or not, sit and watch or join in the fun, you’re sure to have a “veillée” to remember! Purchase your tickets early; this will be an early sell-out!
Friday's Musicians
Playing at Friday evening’s Veillee are Pete Sutherland and Jeremiah McLane.
Pete Sutherland—Monkton’s resident fiddler is a musician, composer, songwriter, record producer and educator. Pete plays at concerts, dances, and festivals across North America and Europe. Visit his website: www.epactmusic.com/PeteBio.html
Jeremiah McLane—The music of composer, accordionist, and pianist Jeremiah McLane is a unique blend of Franco-American, Celtic, jazz, and roots influenced music that is at once exuberant and introspective, tender and passionate. He places familiar sounds in unusual settings, and combines a gift of improvisation with a keen appreciation for the power of melody. Visit his website: www.jeremiahmclane.com
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Don’t miss this free, educational fun-filled family day! Franco-American music, French Canadian fiddling, learn French response songs, step-dancing, clogging, re-enactors, French food, antique vehicles and engines, traditional craft demonstrations, fencing demonstrations, exhibits, hands-on fun such as churning ice cream, pumping water, old time games, horse and carriage rides, French Canadian Genealogical Society will help you trace your roots, children’s educational activities, farmer’s market, Bastille Day Waiter’s Race, narrated English and French historical walking tours. French mass at St. Peter’s Catholic Church plus performances in the Opera House! Sponsored by the Vergennes Chamber of Commerce and the City of Vergennes.
Saturday's Musicians
All three of these groups are back by popular demand!
Va-et-Vient—Our own local Franco-American group whose focus is French music from Quebec, France and Louisiana. They celebrate the music of the wonderfully rich French culture and keep its presence alive for both young and old listeners through performance and education. Visit their website at: www.vaetvient.net
Les Ruine-Bottines—This trio from Quebec will be sure to keep your feet tapping Gaetan Morissette recently returned from a trip to Ireland, where he continued his research of ancient instruments and led a Québecois fiddling workshop. Jacqueline Lefebvre is well known for her show “Jacqueline Sings Piaf’ all over the province of Quebec. Jacques Dupuis is known for both his expertise with the violin and piano
Les Familles Roy-Côté—Three generations of a Quebec family, from grandparents to the nine- and twelve-year-old grandchildren, perform traditional songs, step-dancing, fiddling and more. You won’t want to miss this authentic performance! Visit their webpage at: www.myspace.com/familleroycote
Click here to view a complete schedule of events. Please check back for updates!
For more information, contact 802-388-7951 or 800-733-8376
