Five reasons to check out this year's Festival du Bois
Credit to Author: Shawn Conner| Date: Sun, 01 Mar 2020 19:00:46 +0000
Festival du Bois
When: March 6-8
Where: Mackin Park, 1046 Brunette Ave., Coquitlam
Tickets: $20/13/8 in advance at ticketzone.com
1. Yves Lambert Trio. One of the stars of Quebecois trad music, Yves Lambert is a founding member of Quebec folk band La Bottine Souriante (“the smiling boot”), which came together in 1976. The accordionist brings his trio to the 31st annual celebration of Quebec culture in B.C., the Festival du Bois.
2. The Métis Experience. According to Métis Nation B.C., there are nearly 90,000 self-identified Métis in the province. As 2020 is a significant year in Métis history — it marks the 150th anniversary of the Red River Resistance of 1869-70 — the festival has, in conjunction with provincial Métis organizations, put together The Métis Experience. This special presentation features elder storytelling along with history, tradition, music (fiddlers Keith Hills, JJ Lavallee and Kathleen Nisbet), dancing and more.
3. Tipsy 3. Jocelyne Bourque (fiddle, from Moncton, NB), Kimberley Holmes (piano and fiddle, from Carrolls Corner, NS), and Susie Lemay (accordion, from Lévis, QC) perform traditional music of Québec, Acadie, Ireland, Scotland, Ontario, and the Maritimes.
4. Griottes Polyglottes. As part of the kids’ programming, Joannie Gill (Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation in Quebec) and Ingrid Broussillon (West Indies) perform this co-creation inspired by Metis tales and legends, with a touch of the Antilles. Isabelle la Wonderful and Madame Diva are among the children’s performers.
5. Froggers. If you don’t have your official (or unofficial) “Frogger” hat yet, now’s your chance. This handcrafted fashion accessory (that yes, resembles a frog) is a must-have at the Festival du Bois. The design also comes in tea cozies.