French Toast: Multi-Cultural Fun at Shipyards Park

Sourdoughs remember with nostalgia the pleasures of last year’s Solstice-St-Jean-Baptiste event that took place at Shipyards Park.

Party addicts were dancing early into the morning following Brazilian rhythms, African percussions, bossa nova, gypsies, techno, rock … well, those days are back.

June 20 to 22 will offer a dynamic program: three events, three days of music and activities.

Francoforce Tour — Antoine Gratton, Karine Gallant, Dominic Desjardins and nine others – will share the celebration of Quebec City’s 400th birthday with Yukoners.

This tour provides an important cultural production produced by the French Canadian community.

The roaming show consists of a Francodôme, a 440-seat geodesic structure in which several artistic activities are featured: a multimedia display, exhibitions, listening stations and meetings with multidisciplinary artists.

Francoforce will start with an opening ceremony on Friday June 20.

Meanwhile, the cultural sector of the Association franco-yukonnaise, in partnership with Triple J’s Music, presents the celebration of the longest days of the year: The Sunstroke and Solstice Festivals consist of three days of activities targeted to youth. These musical shows are provided by French and English Yukon artists.

Shipyards Park festivities will be starting in conjunction with Sunstroke, which is organized by Triple J’s Music’s. It will be held on Friday June 20 from noon until midnight, with concerts featuring artists such as Gordie Tentrees Band, Soir de Semaine, Ben Mahoney and the Big-Eyed.

On Saturday, June 21, AFY’s activities for families will be taking place all day long. There will be music, dance, Tai Chi as well as the Kids Tent where children can enjoy the makeup stations and several workshops.

In the evening, AFY’s Solstice Festival will feature local artists such as Écoute Régis and Nicole Edwards as well as the band, Oztara.

The Montréal-based band Oztara will offer a mix of gypsy and world music that is highly danceable, promises Maryne Dumaine from l’Association franco-yukonnaise.

Multicultural Day will be Sunday, June 22.

An international potluck, an Aikido demonstration, activities for kids and grown-ups will be held all day long in Shipyards Park.

Indian vibrancy music will be brought by Wade Morissette.

During the weekend, there will be temporary restaurants in Shipyards Park.

There will also be Yukon artisans work and Shakespeare’s play, Much Ado About Nothing, on stage at the Shipyards Park until June 21.

Virginie Hamel will be reporting on how the culture and fun of the Yukon’s French community is shared with all. Contact her at [email protected].

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Virginie Hamel is a regular contributor to What’s Up Yukon who keeps tab on events in Yukon’s francophone community.

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