By Steve Newton
Metro Vancouver folk-music fans should set their sights on Coquitlam next month, as Festival du Bois–the annual celebration of francophone music–returns to Maillardville’s Mackin Park for its 35th anniversary run.
The three-day festival kicks off on Friday (March 8) with a free, all-ages evening event that includes Podorythmie’s French Canadian music and step-dance, followed by a contradance with the Sybaritic String Band and caller Maureen Collier.
Podorythmie performs Friday and Saturday
The celebration continues on Saturday and Sunday (March 9 and 10) with mainstage performances in the licensed Grand Chapiteau by acts from B.C., New Brunswick, PEI, Quebec, and Washington State.
“This year, Festival du Bois celebrates the history and culture of the community of Maillardville,” says artistic director Joanne Dumas in a press release, “and 35 years of showcasing great francophone music and culture that spans geography, traditions, cultures, and genres.
“In recognition of the 2024 Acadian Congress,” adds Dumas, “we’ll shine a spotlight on the grand Acadian music tradition, presenting some of its finest artists.”
Performers from B.C. include the Métis Jiggers, Robin Layne & the Rhythm Makers, College Trad, and the North Shore Celtic Ensemble.
The North Shore Celtic Ensemble performs Sunday
Out-of-province artists include Prince Edward Island’s Vishtèn Connexions, featuring multi-instrumentalists Emmanuelle LeBlanc and Pascal Miousse, who arrange traditional Acadian songs in a wholly unique way; Washington State’s La Famille Léger, an old-school family band that plays Acadian and French-Canadian tunes, showcasing music from the backwoods and kitchen parties of Québec and New Brunswick; and New Brunswick’s La Famille LeBlanc, who perform lively 19th-Century tunes deeply rooted in Celtic and Acadian traditions.
La Famille LeBlanc performs Saturday and Sunday
As well as the mainstage concerts, there will be shows in the children’s tent by La Famille Leger, Will’s Jams, Marieclown, storyteller Lyne Chartier, and Monsieur André, with his songs from the great French-Canadian songbook.
There’s also workshops at Mackin House, a showcase of Métis culture and history in the Métis Village Experience, roving performers, and a jamming tent, where musicians gather to play.
Festival-goers can enjoy a variety of food and drink options, including maple taffy on snow in Cabane à Sucre André Beauregard Sugar Shack, traditional poutine, and sugar pie.
maple taffy on snow
Ticket prices for Festival du Bois are $32.50 per day for adults, $23 for students/seniors, and $10 for kids five to 12 years (children under five years are free). Family packages are also available at $75 per day for two adults and two kids. Sunday morning breakfast tickets are $10 adults and $5 children, available at the gate only.
For the complete festival schedule go here.
(The above article was made possible by the support of sponsor Société francophone de Maillardville. For information on Ear of Newt’s sponsored content email steve@earofnewt.com.)
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