Your attention please. This is the pre-boarding announcement for the National Acadian Day concert taking place at the Yarmouth Airport in Yarmouth, NS on Thursday, August 15 during the Congrès mondial acadien 2024 (CMA 2024).
Presented as a flight that begins in Southwest Nova Scotia towards a destination of cultural pride, this free, all ages show invites concertgoers to reach new heights through a massive celebration of Acadian heritage and the resilience of the French language across communities.
Departing from the airport at 9:00 p.m., our 2-hour voyage features in-flight entertainment from some of the most recognized and celebrated names in Acadian music alongside heralded friends of l’Acadie. Salebarbes, Zachary Richard, Édith Butler, Lisa LeBlanc, P'tit Belliveau, Jourdan Thibodeaux et les Rôdailleurs, Vishtèn Connexions, La Famille LeBlanc, Arthur Comeau, Kenneth Saulnier, Jacques Surette, Morgan Toney, Vickie Deveau and Sylvie Boulianne are the artists who will accompany you along the way. The trip also includes performances by La Baie en Joie and KidzAct – two regional dance troupes.
These talented artists are supported by our house band flight crew, which includes Charles Robichaud, Jacques Blinn, Benoit Morier and Briand Melanson – all members of Grand Dérangement and the backing bands for Lisa LeBlanc and P’tit Belliveau, among others – under the musical direction of Daniel LeBlanc, who also acts as co-Artistic Director for the show.
At the head of the plane, you will find our two flight attendants – Acadian actors Ryan Doucette and Anika Lirette, who also acts as co-Artistic Director – here to help guide you throughout the journey.
We are also delighted to offer food and beverage service aboard this special flight. Local food vendors and craft breweries will be serving on site both before and throughout the trip.
Pre-boarding for all zones begins at 5:00 p.m. at the entrance gate on the Hardscratch Road. Parking is available on site. Take advantage of a pre-show starting at 6:00 p.m. featuring Les Hirondelles and a collective of local musicians performing a set of your favorite Acadians songs.
“With all the artists we have on this stage, it’s going to be an unforgettable show for everyone,” says Daniel LeBlanc and Anika Lirette. “This is a pivotal time for Southwestern Nova Scotia. A Congrès mondial acadien helps us radiate with pride and this unifying event at the airport will create an indelible memory.”
This concert is the culmination of a full slate of activities hosted by the CMA 2024 throughout the day to celebrate National Acadian Day. Further details including community activities and tintamarre times & locations will be announced in the coming weeks.
Welcome aboard and have a pleasant flight!
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.