The weekend temperatures of over 90 degrees did not stop
patrons at the New Bedford Folk Festival from listening to the Acadian songs of Vishtèn. The group
performed in the air conditioning of the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center on Saturday afternoon and Sunday evening, as well as
some outdoor tents throughout the festival grounds.
A short cellular phone video
The band has only three members; twin sisters Emmanuelle and
Pastelle LeBlanc from Prince Edward Island and Pascal Miousse from the Magdalen
Islands (Îles de la Madeleine). All play multiple instruments from flute to
fiddle to feet and sing in three-part harmony. The music is a blend of Celtic
and Acadian, but the lyrics are sung in French.
After the Saturday afternoon show, the group signed copies
of their CDs. Although I have seen them play before, this was my first occasion
to speak with them. It was like talking with old friends. Funny, humble, gracious,
and charming are a few adjectives that come to mind. “Do people ask why you don’t
sing in English”, I asked. Pastelle replied “Yes, they have asked, but I don’t
think we ever thought about it”. Why would they? The songs are Acadian. They
wouldn’t translate well or with the feeling they are meant to convey.
On Sunday, Vishtèn was joined on stage by Benoit Bourque and Son for a French Canadian Kitchen Party. The large outdoor crowd was treated to the singing, dancing, and comedy of both groups.
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