Café-Héritage Festival takes the stage June 12-15

Sudburians can experience the history of Canada through music and drama in the grand two-hour production of Kanata 1534.

The production is part of the 2014 Café-Héritage Festival that is taking place June 12-15 at different venues in Azilda.

Kanata 1534 was written by Maurice Berthiaume, artistic director for Café Musique, and choreographed by Helene Dallaire, making the musical production a local masterpiece. The period costumes, in which 200 were sewn by local seamstresses, are worn by more than 80 local performers.

Berthiaume said Kanata 1534 is basically a Francophone production. However, they have an English character who explains the story in English.

“It has been six years in development, and last year we were able to bring it to fruition as a full-length feature,” said Berthiaume. “Now we are taking it up again and continuing to evolve it into something more. This year, we are bringing it to a new level, always adding new things and continuing to develop it.”

Gary Michalak, event co-ordinator, said the Café-Heritage Festival is all about providing opportunities for local performers to tell Canadian stories.

“The program starts Thursday morning, June 12, with three one-hour shows for students, and we are expecting between 750 and 1,000 students to come out,” said Michalak.

Saturday and Sunday offers a children’s festival while adults can enjoy vintage engines, vendors and 10 local musicians including Kevin Closs, Ray Leclaire Metis Music and The Tremonics, who will perform outdoors at the Rick McDonald Memorial Park, so make sure to bring a lawn chair.

On Saturday afternoon, the Youth Superstars program and competition takes place at the Azilda Arena.

“Incredible singers,” said Michalak. “A participant from two years ago, Mimi Obansawin, is releasing her first CD very soon.”

For more information about festival activities visit their website www.cafe-musique.ca.