Summertime, Summertime, Sum- Sum- Summertime...

8/1/2008

This August, PEI’s favorite Acadian duo will be dancing, playing and working up a sweat on numerous hot stages. Along with “French Toast” which opened last week in Summerside, Chuck & Albert will be performing at Celebration 2008 in Souris, on August 16 before ‘crossing the line’ once again into the United States to take part in the American Folk Festival. The boys then travel to Quebec City for a solo performance on August 26th as part of “Odyssée” before returning home for the final French Toast show on the 28th and for a one-hour Radio rendez-vous on August 30th starting at 11AM with the popular Radio Canada show, “Anne et Compagnie”. Ahh, the summer goes by so fast!! If you happen to be on PEI on one of the next three Thursdays, don't forget to check out the Harbourfront Jubilee theatre's 2008 production of “French Toast”.Hosted by Chuck & Albert, “French Toast” is a rousing Acadian soiree featuring performances by legendary Acadian songstress Angèle Arsenault, fiddler Melissa Gallant and the dance troupe Les Tappageuses. Each evening of music, dance and laughter is complemented by samplings of delicious Acadian cuisine and and the works of fine Acadian artisans displayed in the theatre lobby. Make sure you arrive on time to catch the pre-show 8-minute video, created by Laurence Véron in collaboration with Chuck & Albert. This video takes you into the heart of PEI’s Acadian culture, past and present… with a few surprises along the way! “It’s a very cool show. We’re going to be able to showcase a lot of different aspects of Acadian culture, all on one night.“ “ Chuck Arsenault said. “Last summer, « French Toast » was a huge success! People really seem to like the format. The support and quality of this year’s show has been just phenomenal.” Tickets are going fast for this limited run (August 7, 14, 21, 28), so call the theatre in Summerside for tickets at 1-800-708-6505. As part of the activities commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Deportation of PEI’s Acadians, Chuck & Albert will be performing at Celebration 2008 in Souris, on August 16. After a successful first visit to New York to play the Old Songs Festival, the boys venture to perform the American Folk Festival. “Performing in music festivals is such a different feeling from performing in a theatre setting.” Chuck said recently in an interview. “It's pretty cool to see Acadian music getting a spotlight in such a respected festival.” Taking place on the waterfront of Bangor, Maine, the festival presents music, dance and other performing arts representing cultural traditions from across America and the world. Sharing the stage with Chuck & Albert at the festival include Genticorum, The CASYM Steel Orchestra, J.P. and Joe Cormier and Jeffery Broussard & the Creole Cowboys. Right after the American Folk Festival, Chuck & Albert travel to Quebec City for a solo performance on August 26th as part of “Odyssée”, a series of activities and training sessions for Canada’s language assistants organised by the Canadian Council of Ministers of Education. The boys then return home for the final French Toast show on the 28th and a one-hour Radio rendez-vous on August 30th starting at 11AM with the popular Radio Canada show, “Anne et Compagnie”.