City to country

By the way I still have that guitar,” reminisced Bouchard.

The musician said it was a cultural shock to find himself in the country with only two channels on television and nowhere to go. Living on the farm was really different from the weekends they spent visiting on the farm while his grandparents were alive.

Bouchard had plenty of musical influence from his mother’s side where everyone was a musician. His mother played violin while her brother was musically proficient with many instruments.

“There is my cousin Andy who plays just any instrument. He has a band called Andy and The Stingrays. We have always been close, and we still visit one another to this day. On my father’s side people were more into sports,” said Bouchard.

He recalled how there was always music playing in their house. He has two sisters, they both play an instrument. His sister Sylvie played bass in the school band but neither one ever pursued music.

While studying at Alexander Galt the only friends he had at home were his sisters’ friends. Because he didn’t know anyone, it left him with many hours to perfect his guitar skills.

“By that time, I had a new guitar, and I spent all my free time in my bedroom listening to Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings and all the great artists of the time trying to replicate on guitar and vocals what I heard and honing my skills,” he remembered.

He shared that they had a ball tournament in Austin near their house and he used to install his amplifier in the window so people could hear him sing.

Years later some people told him that they used to go to the ball game only to hear him sing and play. The first time he played in public was at the Austin Carnival when he was 18.

Debbie Drummond’s band invited him to go up for a few numbers. He said he had no doubt that he could do it but still he was nervous.

“From that time on I almost always played solo or replaced in bands for summer events. I also participated in several amateur competitions. I had the chance to play over a month with the band Back on Country at the Hotel Union in Magog. People were giving me very positive comments and it made me feel good,” he stressed.

Bouchard recalled that in the beginning he started dreaming. He could see himself on the road with two big tour buses going from city to city performing concerts for his fans.

Soon he had to snap out of the dream and make sure that his feet were firmly on the ground. Success in music depends on your talent but there’s also a bit of luck and of course timing.

In 2016 Dave Cormier formed the band Austin City Limitz (because the members were from Austin) including Bouchard on guitar and vocals, Benoit Lefebvre on the drums, Pascal Beaudin on bass.

They worked as a full band or sometimes as a duo just Bouchard and Cormier. In case of a bigger event the other guys join them. Country and rock from the 50s up till today’s hit best describes their repertoire.

“I appreciate every gig I play with Dave Cormier. I feel we complete one another musically. I don’t see myself playing without him, he really boosts my self-confidence. And with every gig I learn something new,” Bouchard explained.

He went on saying that he loves playing at Fairs and special events. The man is personable and there’s nothing he loves more than to meet people and exchange on any topics.

A few years back Bouchard went to audition for the TV show La Voix. He was eager to try his luck. He shared that this was the same year that Yoan, another country singer, won. Just the same he thought this was a great experience.

He loves to talk shop and also enjoys seeing and hearing other bands play. He was recently performing at a jam session for Stan Mckelvey’s celebration of life and stayed to watch the other shows. He stressed that he was very pleased to hear the Country Swingers (Dave Bessant’s band).

“I hope that I can keep playing music for years. Singing some Merle

Haggard, Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings so the younger generation gets to know these artists who have been entertaining us for years,” Bouchard added.

Austin City Limitz will be performing at the Stanstead Legion on May 25, 2024, as well as on the Ross Roach Appreciation Day on May 5, 2024, (Jam Session).

Happy Easter faithful readers!

to

all

of

you