The Coopérative de développement culturel et patrimonial de Mont-Carmel (CDCPMC) is pleased to announce that the 14th edition of the Grand Ruisseau Song Festival will be taking place at the Mont-Carmel Parish Hall.
The first of four shows will take place on Sunday, September 10 at 7 p.m. at the Mont-Carmel Parish Hall and will feature Island-based singer/songwriter Michel Lalonde accompanied by Keelin Wedge, Caroline Bernard and Rémi Arsenault as well as a group featuring Peggy Clinton, her father Alphy Perry, Jordan LeClair & Johnny Ross.
With a long career as a writer, musician, singer and founding member of the legendary group Garolou, Michel Lalonde moved to the Évangéline region a few years ago. During this performance, he will bring you on a musical journey where songs and voices will be at the forefront. Accompanied by Keelin Wedge, Caroline Bernard and Rémi Arsenault, it’s with extreme pleasure that Michel Lalonde invites you to share his melodies, his words, his images and his stories.
Peggy Clinton has been singing since she was 5 years of age and playing guitar since she was 12 years old. In 2015, her self-titled CD received three Music PEI award nominations and she took home the Bell Aliant Weekend Warrior Award. With this album, she finished 23rd in Canada at the CBC Searchlight Contest in 2015.
Alphy Perry lives in St. Edwards and is Peggy Clinton’s father and Jordan LeClair’s grandfather. He has been entertaining Island audiences for many years with his genuine, laid-back approach to classic Country music. He performs songs from great Country artists like George Jones, Merle Haggard and many more. Recently, Alphy played to a crowd of over 9,000 people at the Calgary Stampede with his grandson Ben Chase. The crowd was astonished by his talent and charisma on stage at the age of 82.
Jordan LeClair hails from the Tignish region and has been performing on stage for close to 25 years. It’s thanks to numerous family members, including his mother, grandfather (Alphy Perry), aunts (including Peggy Clinton) and cousins, that he found his love for music. During his performances, he presents a mixture of Country, Southern Rock, Rock and Folk music.
For his part, Johnny Ross took an interest in the piano and has been performing on stage for numerous years. He has shared the stage with a wide range of artists, including his siblings, during The Ross Family Ceilidh. This PEI roots music show has been running over 15 years and was presented at two locations this past summer: Clinton Hills and The Guild. Johnny also plays with the '50s/'60s rock 'n roll band, Fallback, and he is a founding member of Haunted Hearts, an ECMA-nominated group that toured Canada and won six Music PEI awards for its two albums.
The show will start at 7:00 p.m. and the doors of the Mont-Carmel Parish Hall (5786 Route 11, Mont-Carmel) open at 6:15 p.m. During the evening, spectators will be able to buy 50/50 tickets and the canteen will be open. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for members of our Cooperative, $5 for students and free for preschoolers. Given that seating is limited, folks are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance at cdcpmc.eventbrite.com. If any tickets are left, they may be purchased at the door on the night of the show. Tickets for our other shows taking place during the Grand Ruisseau Song Festival can be purchased on site during this show.
The mandate of the Coopérative de développement culturel et patrimonial de Mont-Carmel is to showcase, develop and promote the rich cultural heritage of Mont-Carmel.