Evangeline Bluegrass
Traditional music celebration includes young performers
New York’s Beartracks, along with more than a dozen Atlantic Canadian bands, will hit the stage at the Evangeline Bluegrass and Traditional Music Festival from July 11–13 on the Exhibition Grounds in Abram-Village. The festival will also showcase three newer bands made up of teens and young adults.
The special guests at this 23rd annual edition of the festival, Beartracks, have recorded six albums since their inception in 2004. The group includes co-founders, vocalists, and cousins Tom Venne (acoustic guitar) and Julie Hogan (electric bass), along with fiddler Freeman Corey and mandolin player Sten Isachsen. They perform everything from traditional to rock’n’roll- and country-styled bluegrass. Beartracks will perform three times during the weekend: July 11 at 7:35 pm, and July 12 at 3:45 pm and 8:55 pm.
Among the other featured acts are several bands from New Brunswick, including Eddy Poirier & Grassline, Bluegrass Diamonds, Ray Légère & Acoustic Horizon, and High River. Also performing, from Nova Scotia, is the band Bluegrass Traditions. PEI bands taking the stage include Janet McGarry and Serge Bernard of Eastern PEI, Heartfelt Bluegrass, SK Bluegrass, and The Treble Makers. Three younger country-bluegrass bands will be featured for the first time: Country Connection from Nova Scotia, along with Dawson & The Country Boys, and Les Jeunes musiciens Évangéline from PEI.
A pre-festival country show will take place on Thursday from 7:30–10 pm in the Acadian Festival Barn. On Friday night, a Country Music Cabaret featuring Leon Gallant begins at 9:05 pm, also in the barn. Free entry for weekend bracelet holders.
The bluegrass festival’s stage shows begin Friday at 1 pm with an open mic session. The rest of the day features eight sets until 9 pm. Official opening ceremonies will be held at 7:15 pm. On Saturday, entertainment starts at 9:45 am with another open mic, followed by 14 sets throughout the day, wrapping up at 10:30 pm. Sunday’s eight sets run from 10 am to the closing circle at 4 pm.
Weekend bracelets, as well as day and evening passes, are available at the gate. Camping is available on-site but must be reserved in advance by calling 902-854-3300 or by emailing info@evangelinebluegrass.com or info@villagemusical.com. The campground opens July 6. Visit evangelinebluegrassfestival.com for more information.