Francofete ready to take the stage
Published Saturday October 31st, 2009
Annual festival promoting Acadian talent runs Nov. 4-8
Thirty years ago, a small group of Moncton residents decided to do something about the lack of support for Acadian artists in the region.
Out of that dream came Contacte Acadie, a Moncton-based cultural event where local Acadian artists showcased their work, sharing ideas and creating a network of talented young musicians struggling to break into Moncton's vibrant music scene.
"There was a real need at the time to create a space for the networking of Acadian artists," says the festival's executive director, Jacinthe Comeau. "The festival allowed artists to meet with other artists and share their music and their experiences."
In 1996, the event began to grow, gaining national and international recognition as a leading Acadian music festival. To capture the event's vibrant festival atmosphere, organizers decided to change the name to its current title, FrancoFête en Acadie.
Formerly closed to the public, the newly-named event also opened to public audiences, allowing the artists to gain much-needed exposure within their community.
"For the artists, it's the number one reason they come to the festival, to be seen by the public," Comeau says. "We want the public to see the talent and realize that this talent is right here in our city and in Atlantic Canada."
While public participation in the festival was small at first, public interest has quickly grown, no doubt aided by the addition of larger acts such as Lennie Gallant and Quebec's Boom Desjardins to the roster.
A popular Acadian folk singer, Boom Desjardins will host the SOCAN Singer/Songwriter Circle, one of the highlights for the participating artists and the public alike. This year's featured circle artists are New Brunswick native and 2003 Star Académie winner Wilfred LeBouthillier, Moncton native Louise Vautour, and Quebec's Amylie.
During this public performance, artists will be able to speak candidly about their musical inspirations and offer interpretations of their songs after the performances.
Half of this year's acts are from Atlantic Canada, with the remaining artists flying in from Quebec, Ontario and Europe. Along with music, dance companies such as Moncton's DansEncorps and Quebec's Destin Croisés will showcase their talent through a variety of performances.
"FrancoFête en Acadie grows each and every year," says Comeau. "This year we have a beautiful program and I'm very proud of it. It opens up markets not only for Acadian artists from Atlantic Canada, but also for artists from Europe and other provinces in Canada."
Along with shows throughout the week, the event features exclusive workshops and meetings for the participating artists, encouraging the flow of creativity and Acadian talent among artists from all backgrounds.
"It's not just a big show, it's a learning experience," Comeau says. "It's a beautiful way to exchange skills and talents with artists, writers, producers and the public."
Event co-ordinator Veronique Godin says she can't possibly choose which act she's looking forward to the most, but the prospect of Lennie Gallant performing on their stage has got her and her colleagues excited.
"We've been waiting and waiting for (Gallant) to come for a long time, so we're very excited to have him play this year," Godin says.
Gallant will perform from his first-ever francophone album, 'Le Coeur Hanté,' which celebrates the award-winning artist's Acadian roots. Gallant will play an intimate show at the Capitol Theatre's Empress Room on Thursday, November 4, along with Montreal's Marie-Pierre Arthur, internationally-renowned singer/songwriter Bïa, and Quebec's Acadian folk group Alcaz.
Having mainstream acts such as Lennie Gallant participating increases the festival's exposure, Godin says, which is good for the public and the acts themselves.
"I think the public doesn't always understand what FrancoFête is all about," she says. "In only one night they can see five or six artists performing."
Along with the array of popular Acadian artists, the festival features a variety of venues for emerging and lesser-known artists. This aspect of the event, known as 'Les Oiseaux de Nuit' (Birds of the Night) features artists who didn't make the official schedule performing at local bars and pubs throughout the festival. This year's participating venues are Kramer's Pub and Le Caveau, located in the basement of the Studio 7 Hundred building. The majority of these acts are from Atlantic Canada.
"Emerging artists need that place to perform," says Godin. "Even if they didn't make the regular showcase this year, their performance as a Oiseaux de Nuit will increase their exposure and then maybe next year they will be one of the official acts."
The annual Moncton festival is organized by RADARTS, a Caraquet-based agency that works toward promoting Atlantic Canadian French arts and entertainment. Comeau says Francofête is imperative for Acadian musicians and citizens, as the culture thrives on the success of its musicians.
"When you're talking about the Acadian society, they need their artists," she says. "The artists are the ones who invoke the creativity in all of us. It nourishes all the Acadians to see our artists perform."
Comeau says she hopes to see the festival grow even more in the next decade, with different cities hosting the event. For now, Moncton is more than accommodating with its airport and number of hotels, she says, and the Acadian demographic makes it the ideal location for the festival.
FrancoFête en Acadie officially kicks off Wednesday, November 4 at the Crowne Plaza, where the public is encouraged to welcome the artists and mingle with participants. After five full days of music, dance and theatre, the event will come to a close Sunday, November 8 with the RADARTS award ceremony and performances by 12 different artists.
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