National Acadian Day show line-up announced
Performances by some of the most recognized and celebrated names in Acadian music, including award-winning Friends of Acadia, will take to the stage at the Yarmouth Airport on Aug. 15 as part of the Congrès mondial acadien 2024 (CMA 2024).
The free event, open for all ages, starts with a pre-show at 6 p.m. followed by the main concert at 9 p.m. Salebarbes, Zachary Richard, Édith Butler, Lisa LeBlanc, P'tit Belliveau, Jourdan Thibodeaux et les Rôdailleurs, Vishtèn Connexions, La Famille LeBlanc, Arthur Comeau, Kenneth Saulnier, Jacques Surette, Morgan Toney, Vickie Deveau and Sylvie Boulianne, as well as performances by regional dance troupes La Baie en Joie and KidzAct, will fill the two-hour show.
The artists will be supported by a house band that includes Charles Robichaud, Jacques Blinn, Benoit Morier, Briand Melanson – all musicians from the Grand Dérangement bands, Lisa LeBlanc and P'tit Belliveau, among others – under the musical direction of Daniel LeBlanc, who also acts as coartistic director of the show.
Acadian actors Ryan Doucette and Anika Lirette, who also acts as co-artistic director, will be emcees for the evening.
Local food vendors and craft breweries will be present on-site.
Parking is available on-site and will begin at 5 p.m. at the entrance gate on Hardscratch Road. The pre-show will feature Les Hirondelles and a collective of local musicians who will present a set of favourite Acadian songs.
"With all the artists we have on this stage, it's going to be an unforgettable show for everyone," said Daniel LeBlanc and Anika Lirette in a media release. "This is a critical time for southwestern Nova Scotia. A World Acadian Congress rekindles pride and this unifying event at the airport will create a memorable memory.”
The World Acadian Congress will be held in Yarmouth and the municipalities of Clare and Argyle Aug. 10-18.
This Aug. 15 concert is the culmination of a full range of activities organized by the CMA 2024 throughout the day to celebrate National Acadian Day. More details on this daily programming, including community activities and Tintamarre schedules and locations, will be announced