BeauPhare (Nova Scotia) –
Five young men from Saint Mary’s Bay, Nova Scotia, come together to form BeauPhare. BeauPhare is a party band with a reputation for fi lling the dance fl oor with their Celtic, Acadian and Cajun sound, performing folkloric and traditional pieces.  The band has been active over the past seven years. Notably touring with La Baie en Joie, a traditional Acadian dance troupe, at the 25th Mondial des Cultures in Drummondville, Quebec in 2006, as well as with Grand Dérangement, Suroît, Blou and Waylon Thibodeaux.

Cadien (Nova Scotia) –
A group of Saint Mary’s Bay musicians unite to perform
the traditional music of Louisiana. They joined together to perform at a Mardi Gras in Saint Mary’s Bay and have been playing ever since. Through the accordion, fi ddles, guitar, bass and drums, follow the rhythm of traditional Cajun waltz and two-step sounds. Cadien will transport their audiences to Cajun country through their music.

Chantensemble (Nova Scotia) –
Chantensemble’s members are from Pubnico and Saint Mary’s Bay. Inspired by the joy of singing, Chantensemble present numbers from both the traditional and contemporary songbook.

Chatouille ma BourRique (Nova Scotia) –
Chatouille ma Bourrique was formed in 1992 in Saint Mary’s Bay by Daniel Lewis (BeauPhare), Daniel LeBlanc (Grand Dérangement) and Briand Melanson (Grand Dérangement). This band is a source of musical freedom for its three founders. The group incorporates original compositions from Daniel Lewis, traditional Acadian sounds with rock, country and top 40 pop which allows them to reach their audience in energetic fashion!

Cocodrie (Louisianna) –
Cajun musician collective featuring members of recent Grammy
nominees The Pine Leaf Boys.

Dixacadie (Nova Scotia) –
In May 2000, a group of young dancers presented a piece in a school variety show. The Tourism Association’s Executive Director, who was in attendance, then invited the girls to perform at the inaugural launch of the international ferry, the CAT. From that time, Dixacadie continues to celebrate the Acadian culture through song and dance. Their show reconstructs Acadian history from the time of its fathers to present day.

Dwight D’Eon (Nova Scotia) –
Dwight D’Eon is a singer/songwriter and former lobster fisherman from West Pubnico, Nova Scotia. In 2007, he reached the top 4 position on CTV’s Canadian Idol and is currently in studio,fi nishing up his newest project, with his band, The Nation. The album is slated for a July-August release with a national tour in the works for the fall of 2008.

Fayo (New Brunswick) –
Fayo’s fi rst recognition came in 2000 upon winning the Discovery of the Year award at the Gala des Éloizes and claimed another singer/ songwriter award at the Gala de la Chanson de Caraquet that same year. His fi rst album “fi ève des fèves” (2001) sold over 5000 copies. Fayo followed up his success with European touring and a second album “Accent aigu.” Fayo is passionate about his identity, culture and native tongue. This passion is easily felt in his music and touches his audience.

Fused For Tonight (Nova Scotia) –
Fused For Tonight plays a «fusion» of contemporary rock and pop music, combined with fresh, original songs and rich harmonies. The group is currently working on recording a full-length album

George Belliveau, Paul Hébert et Monique Poirier (New Brunswick) –
Bluegrass, country and folk, a very pleasant mix of styles unite in this trio performance. These singers/songwriters promise an intimate show paving the way for a great mix with beautiful harmony and plenty of surprises.  Visit George Belliveau and Paul Hébert's web pages!

Grand Dérangement (Nova Scotia) –
Grand Dérangement is a band hailing from the Saint Mary’s Bay region of Nova Scotia’s Southwest Shore. The electric group, inspired by its culture, fuses Celtic, rock, folk and Broadway comedy which audiences can’t get enough of. It cannot be forgotten to underline the instrumental pieces and the captivating dancers which help make this band so special.

Julian Babin (Nova Scotia) –
Singer/songwriter Julian Babin was born and raised in the small Acadian fishing village of Wedgeport, Nova Scotia. He fell in love with the guitar at the age of 12 and began to create his own material in his twenties.  He has recorded two albums in 2007 and has a third on the way.

Simon et André (Nova Scotia) –
Simon et André are a duo from Par-en-Bas that have been playing together for three years. They have a very wide range of music, making them versatile to any crowd.

La Virée (New Brunswick) –
There is no shortage of energy when this band is involved. A love for life,a love for music and a great attitude fl ows from the band to the audience through its’ live performances. From their beginnings in 2001, this group of Acadian musicians has managed to throw their audiences into dance in all four corners of la Francophonie.

Oumou Soumaré (Mali / New Brunswick) –
As all good things in Mali are labeled, Oumou Soumaré is known as the ”Gazelle of the desert˝ for her allure as well as the elegance and poise of many of her dances. Oumou Soumaré fi nds her inspiration in her heritage and traditional music and incorporates only the essential components of modern music to her sound. Her album sales for “Woyei” soared above  expectations.

Pascal Lejeune (New Brunswick) –
A master of word games, originality and pleasant melodies, Pascal Lejeune has a genre of his own. Having charmed all audiences, his songs are extremely well written, intelligent and amusing, always incorporating poetry. With a strong stage presence and great voice, Pascal Lejeune is truly a complete artist. His fi rst album “Le commun des bordels” was released in 2007.

Zachary Richard (Louisianna / Québec) –
Singer, songwriter, musician, poet, Zachary Richard is one of the most influential and important French artists in North America. His sound is truly a musical gumbo. Zachary continues to outdo himself with his latest album “Lumière dans le noir”.

Others not to be missed!
Joseph & Suzanne, Keith & Joyce Delong et Easy 2