Filmmaker Louise Lalonde has announced the production of a documentary celebrating the legendary band Garolou as it marks the 50th anniversary of its founding.

The National Film Board of Canada is producing the film, which will trace the remarkable journey of the group, a musical phenomenon in Quebec and throughout French-speaking Canada. The story, however, begins in Prince Edward Island, where the musicians who would eventually form Garolou, then known as Lougarou, first met.

The first musical collaborations that led to the band’s official formation in 1975 took place on the Island and involved founding members Michel and Marc Lalonde, Michel Deguire, Steven Naylor, Emile Lefebvre, and the late George Antoniak.

As part of their research, the filmmaker and producer are hoping to connect with people who attended one of the group’s performances in the mid-1970s. They are looking for individuals who would be willing to share memories, provide archival photographs or other materials, or put them in touch with others who were there.

“If you attended one of these performances, or know someone who did, we would be delighted to hear from you,” says Director Louise Lalonde.

Every story, no matter how brief, can help preserve an important chapter in the francophone musical heritage of PEI and Canada. 

Contact Louise by email at louise@louiselalondeproductions.com.