Country legend Jo’anne Moreault returns to the stage at Burroughs Falls jamboree

The Country Music Appreciation Jamboree in Burroughs Falls has proven to be a very popular event over the last two years.

It is definitely taking things to the next level starting with a new house band to accompany singers and one special guest every month.

The Country Music Appreciation Jams were first organized by singer and musician, Bobbi Dee and her friend, bassist Stan Mckelvey. From the beginning, the afternoon jams created an occasion for country musicians from all over the Townships to meet up, exchange and play some of their favorite music together. They are now entering their third year of monthly thematic events. Since there are not many quality scenes where musicians can offer shows in such excellent conditions anymore, this day really meets the need. It is a real treat for musicians and dancers alike, as the hall also offers two large dance floors. These fun afternoons (1-6 p.m.) take place at the Burrough’s Falls dance hall in Ayer's Cliff, at the corner of Routes 141 and 143.

Dee and Mckelvey remain faithful to their mission to keep country music alive and kicking and allow the public to see their favorite local musicians.

Every month from now on, an artist or band will hold the spotlight during the Jam Session. In October, for the greatest pleasure of musicians and spectators' alike, Jo’anne Moreault, from former duo Jerry & Jo’anne, will take the stage for a special presentation.

Jo'anne is not planning a return to show business; she accepted the invitation because of her love for music and to get together with old colleagues.

On Saturday October 13, the very talented Jo’anne Moreault will grace the stage of the Burrough’s Falls dance hall and deliver a show made of old country music and favourites. It has been a long time since we had the chance to see her perform and a long road since she first started her career.

Being a singer was a little girl’s dream, and it came true. “When I started singing at Nick’s Barn Dance, I was 13,” said Jo’anne in an interview on my radio show on CFLX-FM. “It was my dream and I could learn a song in five minutes,” she stressed, about her eagerness to become a singer.

Jo’anne was raised in a family that had a special love for country music. She cites her mom and dad as one of the reasons for wanting to have a career in music. “Our parents always had an influence on us and my father was a huge fan of Johnny Cash and Buck Owens and country music, so my brother Yvan (also an excellent musician) and I were raised on country music,” she said.

“At the time, I didn’t understand English so I learned the songs with the sounds and didn’t know what I was singing,” she explained.

Jo'anne met Jerry Robitaille in 1968 while both were taping a country TV show (CHLT-TV) in Sherbrooke hosted by country star Levis Boulianne.

In 1969, Jerry was asked by Ti-blanc Richard to head-up a house band for the popular Nick's Barn Dance venue. This is when he brought Jo'anne Moreault into the group. A year later the two embarked on a career as a duo.

Jerry & Jo'anne went to Nashville to record their first album, We're Made For Each Other. The album was recorded in both French and English.

Jo’anne got her dream and her father finally got to meet Johnny Cash, which is one of Jo’anne fondest memories. While recording in Nashville, they got an offer to meet the man in black who would later enlist them to open for him in St-tite.

“We got to meet Johnny Cash on a