Acadian Group - Vishten - Coming to Maine August 12

The popular Acadian band Vishten will perform in Rockland at the Strand Theatre on Saturday, August 12 th at 8:00 p.m.

Vishten's music is a hardy mixture of French, Irish and Scottish styles unique to the Acadian culture of Eastern Canada, with powerful step dancing taking front and center. Their stage show re-creates the joy and energy of the kitchen party, the informal community gatherings where all are welcomed to sing, play and dance.

Since their formation in 2000, Vishten has played major festivals in the U.S. and Canada, from Lafayette, LA to Winnipeg, Manitoba and all through the Maritime provinces of eastern Canada, as well as Europe. The group has now expanded to four members: Pastelle (accordion, piano, dance) and Emmanuelle (bodhran, tin whistle, piano, dance) Le Blanc; Remi Arsenault (guitar, percussion) and Pascal Miousse (fiddle, mandolin).

All the members in the group contribute to the choreography and musical arrangements, and they all sing. On stage, they work with individual wooden blocs that they sit on, dance and play on top of, and use as percussion instruments with both their hands and feet. Audiences are struck by their whirlwind energy, dancing as they play, and by the unbridled enthusiasm they feel for their native culture.

In 2001, Vishten was awarded the prize for the best musical showcase at the East Coast Music Awards, Eastern Canada's version of the Grammys, and in 2002, they were invited to participate in the ECMA's opening spectacular along with Natalie MacMaster.

Audiences relate to the pleasure Vishten takes in performing on the concert stage, and the desire to bring their unique culture to audiences throughout the world. As they like to say, "Wherever Vishten goes, a party is sure to follow."

Vishten will play Saturday August 12 th at 8:00 p.m. (Maine Boats & Harbors Weekend!) Tickets for Vishen are $20, available at the Strand Theatre Box Office, or by calling 594-0070 or online at www.rocklandstrand.com.

Contact:

Donna Daly
Strand Theatre
345 Main Street
Rockland, ME 04841
(207) 594-0070
donna@rocklandstrand.com