Zachary Richard - Sounds of Louisiana

Zachary Richard - Edmonton Folk Music Festival
Originally uploaded by raise my voice

Zachary Richard is many things: an environmentalist, poet, advocate for culture, children's author, and more. What I know him best as, is a singer/songwriter from Louisiana who teaches about his history and culture through his music. Richard is from Louisiana and his style encompasses Zydeco, Cajun, as well as straight-ahead folk. Well known in the French speaking world, Richard is very much into the preservation of Cajun culture and the use of the French language in Louisiana. However, he sings in English and presented songs in both languages during his concert at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival.

Most of the audience was not familiar with Richard and his music. Only a few of us started to cheer when he launched into "Au Bord du Lac Bijou," one of his best-known French songs. However, applause from the majority came at the wrong moment during the song, when he pauses before resuming the final verse and chorus, resulting in his use of hand signals. It reminded me of people unfamiliar with classical music clapping in between movements.

Whether they knew him or not, Richard had people clapping and moving, especially during his final number. He has an incredibly smooth voice that sounds great in any language. I certainly hope people who have now been exposed to his music for the first time will do their research and discover all the music that this incredible artist has to offer.

For more photos of Zachary Richard at the EFMF, click here. ~ Paula E. Kirman

Blou at the International Children's Festival

Blou at the International Children's Festival
Originally uploaded by raise my voice

The International Children's Festival in St. Albert is probably the only local festival I have never attended. As a non-parent, the displays and performances exclusively geared towards children, simply do not appeal. However, I was forced to reconsider when I found out that Blou was coming to this year's festival.

Blou is a four-piece band that centers around front man Patrice Boulianne (from Nova Scotia) and his Acadian/Cajun/Zydeco accordion stylings. The music is very energetic and, to risk sounding like a movie rating, suitable for all ages. Of course, this show at the festival was geared towards children and included a lot of audience participation, which was strictly enforced as my guest and I discovered when we were singled out several times!

The bilingual show was an obvious hit with the audience (which consisted of the mostly 10 and under set) and the adults enjoyed it as well.

Here is a collection of photos from the show (and a few random ones from the festival grounds) as well as videos of two songs: Oh Madeleine and Pauvre Johnny. ~Paula E. Kirman