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Are
you an artist?
Are you a talented dancer, juggler, singer,
musician, visual artist, photographer, artisan, comedian...in
short: Are you an ARTIST? If so, Nanaimo's Francophone
Association wants to know you! Send
us your portfolio, demo, resumé and
we will add your name to our Local Artist Data Bank. When
we require artists for various events, we'll think of
you first! |
SWING – Back by popular demand! |
It was kismet. An experienced musician who loves to get people on their feet and dancing to the sound of his fiddle meets an R & B singer returning from Nashville in the midst of rediscovering his French heritage. Opposites in just about every imaginable way, these two guys manage to pull their influences together to create a new sound: urban folk. And with that, SWING is born. Taking their act on the road, the group forges solid bonds. In Swing they rediscover their cultural roots while bringing pop influences into the mix. Swing evolves. The tours continue, along with passionate meetings against a background of ongoing enthusiasm fusing this musical voyage. Swing celebrates its 10th anniversary and makes its mark again at the Gala des Prix Trille Or with seven nominations, including Best Album, Best Group, Best Show, Best Video and more. Once the smoke settled, Swing walked away with the “Best Group” award. The big surprise for 2009 is a JUNO nomination in the category “FRENCH ALBUM OF THE YEAR”. The Maple Sugar Festival du Sucre d’Erable is thrilled to have this explosive group back for a third time proving that no one can rock the dance floor like Swing does!
Swing's Website |
ÉDITH BUTLER is one of the first artists to have brought Acadian culture to the masses, both in Canada and throughout the world. Fore more than 40 years, this kind-hearted, warm performer has celebrated her rich heritage through song and storytelling, while delighting audiences with with her down-home music and haunting melodies. Her reputation as a gifted entertainer is known both at home and abroad.
Édith Butler has received numerous awards and accolades. She is an Officer of the Order of Canada (1975); winner of the Montford Award from Canadian Heritage (2004); a Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Mérite de la République française (1999); recipient of the Dr. Helen Creighton Folk Art Award; honoured as a "princesse abénakise" of the Abénaquis First Nation; and recipient of three Félix awards, as well as three honourary doctorates, a Canada Post stamp acknowledging her contribution to Canadian performing arts, and the Governor General Award in 2009.
Watch Édith Butler on stage (YouTube video)
Édith Butler's MySpace page
Édith Butler's Website |
 The singer and fiddler are one – you could even say the instrument is the artist’s third
arm. On stage, he communicates an infectious joie de vivre through his energetic dancing, singing and playing. Born in Victoriaville, ALAIN FRANÇOIS has been going places in Quebec, both literally and figuratively, for the past 15 years.
Alain-François is not your average artist. Charismatic and with an obvious zest for life, Alain-François has shared the stage with artists such as Robert Charlebois, Garou, and Normand Brathwaite during memorable concerts. Alain-François is a storyteller, recounting our stories with a style all his own. In the world of traditional music, he combines the fiddle, electric guitars, drums, the bass and percussion instruments (cajón, derbouka and trash can). His music is neo-trad, a term that for him signifies a respect for tradition but with a new take – à la Alain-François! For Alain-François, being able to share his passion for music, fiddling and traditional music, both with his audience and artists such as Mara Tremblay, France D’Amour, Florent Vollant and Vincent Graton, all guest artists on his second album, is incredibly gratifying.
Demonic beats! A sizzling violin! Traditional music that will knock your socks off!
He brings the house down at every venue! Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
Alain-François's Website |
 Music + Speed + Violin = ERIC SPEED
Eric Speed discovered his true-life passion when his parents gave him a violin for his third birthday. Five years later, Eric pursued his quest at the Conservation de Musique de Montréal, where he spent 9 years. In 2005 Eric met his destiny in a music store. He discovered the electric violin and became the inventor of the Electro-Speed violin style.
In December 2006, Eric won the Talent Qualité Québec contest, which propelled the launch of his first album, Tour de Force, the following year.
Eric Speed's Website
|
 DALLAS ARCAND is an Aboriginal entertainer from the Alexander (Kipohtakaw) Plains Indian Cree Nation, located near Edmonton, Alberta. He is a multi-talented individual, but he best known for his achievements as a hoop dancer, a motivational speaker and a musician. Dallas has been a World Class Hoop Dancer for 14 years. He holds the title of World Champion Hoop Dancer for the second consecutive year. As well as being a dancer, Dallas was a finalist in the "Aboriginal Icon" national singing contest in Winnipeg, which featured Canada's best singers, songwriters, and performers. Dallas also plays Aboriginal acoustic instruments, most notably the native flute. Dallas is the 2007 World Champion, he delights in sharing his culture through this athletic and creative art form.
Dallas Arcand's Website |
 ATAENSHA PRODUCTIONS from Wendake, Quebec, offers Festival participants a unique multicultural experience unlike any other. The hosts of this performance-workshop “L’UNION DES PEUPLES! THE PEOPLE UNITE!” visit the diverse cultural traditions of numerous indigenous nations and their union over the centuries. These marriages have been enriched and symbolised by the sound of the drum. Throughout history, the drum has been a significant emblem for many nations: First Nations, Africans, Americans, Asians and Europeans, all state that the drum beckons us and speaks to us with its heart.
Ataensha's Website |
Patti Lamoureux is three-time Canadian Grand Masters Champion. She was the first woman, and the first person from Western Canada to ever win this prestigious title. Now residing in Courtenay, Patti keeps busy with performing across Canada, teaching private lessons, judging competitions, and teaching at fiddle camps.
Alex Lamoureux is the 2008 and 2009 BC Fiddling Champion and is ranked among the top 10 nationally. He's currently in Grade 12 and teaches and performs regularly. Check out his new release entitled Groove.
Joël Lamoureux is an inspirational speaker, certified coach practitioner, guitar player, singer, and driver of the truck. He keeps the rhythm going on the old acoustic guitar.
We dare you to keep your feet still during this Lamoureux family performance! Enjoy the rhythmic sounds of their Métis and Québecois fiddle styles and they play the music they love. Make sure you check out the CDs for sale after their performance.
Patti Lamoureux's Website
Alex Lamoureux's Website |
LES CORNOUILLERS (The French name for BC's provincial
flower, the dogwood) is a group specializing in French-Canadian
traditional dance. This group has existed for two generations.
The current group was created in 1991 as a result of former
dancers reuniting for the 50th anniversary of the Société
francophone de Victoria. Since then, Les Cornouillers
has become the largest French-Canadian traditional dance
group in British-Columbia. We offer performances of traditional
dances, participatory dance sessions for adults and children,
and workshops in traditional dance. |
 THE NANAIMO FIDDLERS comprise the newest string ensemble at the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music, offering intermediate and advanced players a chance to explore traditional fiddle music from around the world. In addition to playing tunes from Ireland, Scotland, Scandinavia and Cape Breton, the Fiddle Ensemble enjoys playing Quebecois tunes both old and new. Their repertoire offers tunes drawn from the rich and vibrant fiddle traditions of Quebec, arranged by the group's director, Trish Clair Peck
Nanaimo Fiddlers' Website
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 The Earth Wizards Starchild & Company
Clowns, mimes, face-painters, storytellers, puppeteers, magicians, dancers, poets, jugglers, balloon sculptor, lovers of the earth, if it has to do with whimsical, delightful entertainment The Earth Wizards offer it.
Singer/songwriter FANNY STARCHILD combines her solid musical skills and theatrical talents with gifted Caribbean composer and arranger VEGARI CENDAR, who in turn adds his own Calypso, Raggae, Latin and Pop/Rock influences to the mix, both dazzling audiences of all ages. Drawing from their CD " Magic is in the Air", they sing in English and French involving their audience with movements, hand clapping and lots of sing along fun. Warmth and joyful energy is the key to this delightful duo that enjoys an enthusiastic following along the West Coast.
Starchild & Company's Website |
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 WIND WEAVER Terry Mack, Native American Flute Player and enthusiast, has
a found a way to free the music in her soul. The haunting
sound of the flutes is what called Terry to pick up her
first native american flute and begin playing in 2005. Her
music offers a unique blend of sounds and styles taking the
listener on a soundscape journey that touches both heart and
soul. Terry often works with guitarist Paul Bezooyen of the
Hermits Music
Wind Weaver's Website |
LA GRANDE COULÉE / THE MAPLE MAN |
On the Trail of René Turmel
 Following in the footsteps of his ancestors, René Turmel,
alias the Maple Man, discovered the West just as his
predecessors did. A third-generation maple producer from the
Turmel family, René returned to work in British Columbia
every year. Once he understood the temperature, mountains,
lakes, fruits, as well as the ambience in summer, René chose
the Okanagan Valley as home. For the past 20 years, he has
criss-crossed the Canadian West, sometimes planting trees,
sometimes picking fruit. Today, he continues his Western
journey by sharing his passion for the maple tree, still
considered a mystery by many British Columbians.
Thanks to
his business, LA GRANDE COULÉE/THE MAPLE MAN, René has
been touring Canada for the past five years with his
traveling show, spreading his knowledge across the country
about traditional sugar shacks. Follow the adventures of La
Grande Coulée with the Maple Man! Having lived through a
thousand and one experiences all across Canada, he will
transport you in a unique way through the different tasks he
performs all year long.
The Maple Man, the Man Behind the
Legend...
La Grande Coulée's Website |
 Fiddle master Calvin Vollrath said, "The kids are amazing in what they have accomplished at such a young age." Kai and Lia have been performing as the FIDDLIN' FRENZY (aka Old Time Fiddle Kids) playing from jazz, traditional, bluegrass, roots to classical music at numerous festivals and gatherings repeatedly for a few years now and are always a hit. They have been nominated for the Abbotsford Arty Award. They are also a "Face of Abbotsford" who represents Abbotsford's art and culture. Both started learning classical music at age 4 but soon discovered the fiddle. These two young fiddlers are classical violin prodigies, they also do clogging dance, play piano and Lia is an accomplished cellist too. They are BC and Grand North American fiddle champions who won countless competitions around North America.
Flddlin' Frenzy's Website |
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BOLT THE DOOR / BARRE LA PORTE |
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 BOLT THE DOOR / BARRE LA PORTE brings together a diverse collection of musical influences, from French and English Canadian folk, to Celtic, Bluegrass and Cajun music, and beyond. Jacques Léger is the band’s lead vocalist, guitarist and percussionist; Rory Dafoe plays Irish Bouzouki, Weissenborn slide guitar and banjo; Rhonda Schultz is on fiddle; and Frank Sehr adds bass and guitar. A tasty assortment of songs, instrumentation, harmonies and rhythms make Bolt the Door / Barre la Porte an exciting musical ride. |
 TUNEFULLY YOURS is Trish Clair-Peck on Fiddle and Piano and Paul Gitlitz on Fiddle and Guitar. As well as both being composers of contemporary tunes, Trish and Paul play a rich mix of dance music that dates from the 1600s to the present. Tunes that they play are from many traditions including Quebecois, Irish, Scottish, New England, Appalachia, and Eastern Europe. For The Maple Sugar festival they will concentrate on playing the music of Quebec.
Trish Clair-Peck's Website
Paul Gitlitz's Website |
 Since 2002 Langstaff, along with her sister Melissa Hall, have been performing and recording as Summer Sage, entertaining audiences with their genetically matched harmonies and humorous Métis perspectives and anecdotes. The sisters strongly believe that humour and music are two necessary tools in bridging gaps and building bridges of understanding among diverse cultural groups. Both Laura and Melissa are Saskatchewan-born Metis descendants from the historic Red River Metis community of St. Boniface, Selkirk County, Manitoba.
Summer Sage is a concept created by Langstaff in 1997 to reflect the inherent gifts of mature Aboriginal women in the Arts to an industry focused on youth.
Summer Sage's Website
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VIBRANT DANCE STUDIO (VIBE) |
 Serra Stewart was able to live her dreams by opening Vibrant Dance Studio (VIBE) in 2006, which has grown in only three years to a thriving dance community. The forms of dance offered at the studio are break dance, hip hop, house & grooving, popping & locking, contemporary technique, jazz technique and core training. Her enthusiasm and passion for dance is reflected in the performances offered by her many talented students.
Vibrant Studios is Nanaimo's Premier Hip Hop and Break Dance School in a non-competitive environment where the goal is to have fun while learning!
VIBE's Website |
Let
me introduce
Twister...
Tourbillon
TOURBILLON (Marcel the Twister) got his start
performing at the age of 6 when he was given a magic stand
with the words "The Great Marcello" imprinted on it. He
practiced diligently trying follow in the footsteps of Harry
Houdini and Doug Henning. In the 5th grade he was juggling
anything that was not nailed down. He went on to perform for
family, friends and anyone else who would watch. As a child
he dreamed of joining the circus, today Marcel is an
elementary school teacher in the Performing Arts (a
different kind of circus of sorts). In the last few years he
has pulled his skills together to create Twister the Clown.
Marcel enjoys wearing two hats as a professional teacher and
a clown.
• Balloon Twisting
• Crazy Juggling
• General Buffoonery
• Sing-a-longs
Tourbillon's Website |
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