Prince Edward Island musicians will perform in a celebration of the province’s rural heritage and varied cultures during the Royal tour, says Tourism and Culture Minister Robert Vessey.
“Prince Edward Island is rich in culture. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s visit to our province is an incredible opportunity to showcase to the world what makes our province truly unique,” said the minister. “Some of the best music is produced right here in Prince Edward Island and musicians representing our province’s various cultures will participate in these special celebrations.”
Musicians representing Prince Edward Island’s Mi’kmaq, Acadian and Celtic cultures will perform on different stages during Their Royal Highness’ visit to Dalvay-by-the-Sea National Historic Site before joining together for a grand finale performance. The musicians include:
• The Chaisson Family
• The College of Piping and Celtic Performing Arts of Canada
• Les Steppeuses
• Meaghan Blanchard
• Mi’kmaq Thunder
• Richard Wood
In addition, the Confederation Centre Youth Chorus and Confederation Centre of the Arts Young Company will perform for Their Royal Highnesses during their visit to Charlottetown at Province House National Historic Site and Great George Street.
BIOGRAPHIES
The Chaisson Family:
The Chaisson Family is from eastern Prince Edward Island and features generations of musical performers. The performance is anchored by the eldest generation – Peter Chaisson on fiddle, Kevin Chaisson on piano, Kenny Chaisson on guitar – and brought full circle by children, grandchildren, nephews and nieces, featuring musicians Tim Chaisson, Brent Chaisson, J.J. Chaisson, Koady Chaisson, Darla MacPhee and Logan Chaisson-Richard. Collectively, members of the family have performed from coast to coast in Canada, New England, New York, Boston, Memphis, Cuba, Scotland and Ireland.
The College of Piping and Celtic Performing Arts of Canada:
The only year-round institution of its kind in North America, the College of Piping has developed a world-class reputation as an international school of excellence in Highland bagpiping, Scottish-style snare drumming, Highland dancing and Island step dancing. The College of Piping’s performances are comprised of high-energy production pieces woven seamlessly together through Celtic music and dance.
Les Steppeuses:
Les Steppeuses is a group of francophone Acadian dancers from the Evangeline region of Prince Edward Island. Aged 14 to 16 years, these five young ladies have been dancing individually throughout their childhood, before coming together to form Les Steppeuses. Under the direction of renowned Acadian stepdancer, Tracy Arsenault who has been performing for over 20 years, Les Steppeuses’ highly energetic repertoire includes traditional stepdance, gumboot and clog waltzes, to name a few of their styles.
Meaghan Blanchard:
Meaghan Blanchard hails from Hunter River and her Island roots shine through in each and every heartfelt performance. Laureate of East Coast Music Awards and Music PEI Awards for her work, Meaghan has appeared on national television and internet broadcasts such as the East Coast Music Awards Show and the Canada Games Opening Ceremonies.
Mi’kmaq Thunder:
Mi’kmaq Thunder includes dancers Alyssa-Jo Bernard and Shelby-Lynn Arsenault from Lennox Island First Nation and Schurman Peters from Abegweit First Nation, as well drumkeeper Cory GooGoo from Wagmatcook First Nation and Prince Edward Island drummers Danny Knockwood and Korey and Kreighton Larkin.
Richard Wood:
For more than two decades, Richard Wood has impressed audiences across Canada, the United States, Europe and Japan with his fiddling flair. His performance highlights include television guest appearances with Shania Twain on top American shows “The Late Show with David Letterman” and “Good Morning America.” He has also performed at Carnegie Hall with Irish legends The Chieftains. Over the years, Richard has played for Canada’s Prime Minister and Governor General, for the Queen of England in Toronto, and for the Emperor of Japan in Tokyo. He has five album recordings and has won three East Coast Music Awards. MacLean’s Magazine, one of Canada’s top news publications, named him one of the Top 100 Canadians to watch in the 21st Century.