From the through line of villages on the Northern French shore (le Par-en-Haut) to the coastal inlets that pepper the Southwestern tip of the province (le Par-en-Bas), the Congrès mondial acadien 2024 (CMA 2024) invites participants on an exhilarating and unforgettable journey celebrating Acadian culture, identity, and heritage.
Having already unveiled key stopping points on the nine-day itinerary– the Opening Festival in Church Point, NS and the National Acadian Day Concert in Yarmouth, NS – today, the CMA 2024 details its remaining flagship events ushering in the end of the voyage.
This final weekend of activities (August 17 & 18) includes a Family Celebrationat the Village Historique Acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse in Lower West Pubnico, NS, l’Ultime Tyme (the Ultimate Party) - a high-energy eclectic musical variety show at the Mariners Center in Yarmouth, NS, and l’Au revoir (The Goodbye) - an intimate afternoon closing concert at Église Saint-Michel in Wedgeport, NS.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 17
FAMILY CELEBRATION @ VILLAGE HISTORIQUE ACADIEN DE LA NOUVELLE-ÉCOSSE
Beginning early Saturday morning at 9:00am, the Village Historique Acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse in Lower West Pubnico, NS hosts a day-long Family Celebration. Offering free entry to the museum, its scenic grounds, and its historic recreations, the family-focused event will also feature children's games and other fun activities for all ages. For those looking for a seafood fix, the Café du Crique - the Village’s in-house restaurant – serves up a locally-sourced fish chowder for lunch.
The Family Celebration wraps up with an afternoon of music on an outdoor stage that overlooks storied Acadian salt marshes and the shores of the Pubnico harbour.
Beginning at 2:00pm, New Brunswick’s La Famille LeBlanc performs a repertoire of traditional Acadian and Celtic tunes. At 3:00pm, Louisiana-based Cajun artist Bruce Daigrepont brings his two-steppin' Zydeco accordion tunes to Lower West Pubnico.
Whether to enjoy the music or to simply enjoy the day, participants are encouraged to bring picnic baskets and blankets to fully take advantage of the beautiful grounds. While the day’s events are free for everyone, the Village will also be accepting donations.
L’ULTIME TYME @ THE MARINERS CENTRE
Saturday evening’s l'Ultime Tyme (Ultimate Party) takes you on a very different kind of voyage. This eclectic high-energy party at the Mariners Center abandons terrestrial means of transportation for a rocket ship that beams you directly into an alternative space-time where a multiplicity of Acadies not only exist but thrive.
Taking its cue from 80s & 90s cable access television and presented as a channel surfing Saturday night with the volume turned all the way up, l’Ultime Tyme is where vintage, contemporary, and futuristic elements collide for a party unlike any other.
Simultaneously drawing out touchstones of the past, anchoring them in an open-armed present, and embracing a diversified future, the show – curated by artistic directors Céleste Godin and Trevor Murphy – shines a light on the explosive and immersive vision of Acadian culture as presented through the eyes of today’s shining stars.
Please note that, unlike the other CMA Flagship Events, l’Ultime Tyme is a ticketed event. Details such as the cost and on-sale date will be announced in the coming weeks.
ULTIME TYME TV GUIDE:
CHANNEL 1 – 7:00pm – Bingo avec Johanne (The Pre-Party)
A favourite rural pastime jumps off the screen and onto the big stage. But this isn’t your average bingo! Bingo avec Johanne mixes the atmosphere of a psychedelic Frenchys with a good dose of humor to create an ultimately unique and interactive experience. Who will win the prizes and who will appear as a special guest in Johanne's world? Anything is possible.
CHANNEL 2 – 8:00pm – L'Ultime Tyme, en direct! (The Big Party)
Lights, camera, action! L'Ultime Tyme, en direct! is an eclectic music variety show spotlighting some of Acadie’s hottest talent and a slew of special guests. Hosted by poet and effervescent online personality Xénia, the show features incredible performances from the Grammy Award-winning Louisiana act Lost Bayou Ramblers, the majestic and glittering mega star Lisa LeBlanc, and Baie Sainte-Marie punk rockers Peanut Butter Sunday. Pop-disco band Baie provides the show's beating heart, performing their own tunes and acts as the house band throughout the night. L'Ultime Tyme, en direct! also features performances by Ruby Foxglove, Wolf Castle, Denzel Subban and a one-of-a-kind collaboration between Cheval and Jacques Surette.
CHANNEL 3 – 10:30pm – Disco Minko (The After Party)
DJ LU of Moncton's Worry Pas Club takes to the decks for an unabashed dance party of the highest order. Paying homage to the original name of a teen dance club in East Pubnico that ran from 1979 to 2004, Disco Minko invites you to an atmosphere inspired by Much Music's Electric Circus, where the vibes, rhythms and spirit of the community will guide you into the foggy Yarmouth night.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 18
L’AU REVOIR DU CMA @ SAINT-MICHEL'S CHURCH
After traversing time and space on Saturday night, l’Au revoir provides a gentle comedown on Sunday afternoon. This intimate, free concert acts as the official closing ceremonies for CMA 2024 and begins at 2:00pm.
Drawing inspiration from the historic Saint-Michel Church in Wedgeport, NS that hosts this special concert and the charm of the Southwest region, l’Au revoirdelivers a beautiful finale family photo for CMA 2024 framed by performances from Zachary Richard, Vishtèn Connexions, Ronald Bourgeois, Isabelle Cyret Yves Marchand, Yvette d’Entremont and the Voix de la mer Choir, Paul Saulnier, Hirondelles, Emma Stevens and Carter Chiasson, and Vickie Deveau with Charles Robicheau and Daniel Leblanc.
Through musical exchanges and collaborations created specifically for this event, CMA 2024 ends on a sweet note. Full of emotion, hope, joy, and love, l’Au revoir harnesses the voices of the sea, the earth, and the constant winds that take us away and continually bring us back together to present a unique binding moment that will leave enduring ripples in the hearts of those who participate.
“What a great honor to be able to live my Acadie, body and soul, alongside such monumental artists and talented people,” says Yvette d’Entremont, co-artistic director of l’Au revoir. “I can’t wait to let our visitors experience the flavors of our region, in all its beauty.”
“Collaborating in the creation of this type of show and being part of it is a moment that I have dreamed of for a long time,” says Ronald Bourgeois, co-artistic director of l’Au revoir. “It is rare to have such a unique opportunity with such talented people. I have goosebumps just thinking about it.”
With details of the final flagship events unveiled, the Congrès mondial acadien 2024 prepares for a much-anticipated moment: the launch of its full programming schedule. Day-to-day details about community events, conferences, gatherings, vendor markets, art expos and much more will be released at the beginning of June.
The Congrès mondial acadien 2024 recognizes the financial contribution of the Government of Canada, the province of Nova Scotia, and the municipalities of Clare and Argyle.