Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Acadian
The Acadians are scattered in small groups throughout Atlantic Canada and were often
very remote and isolated before the modern advent of roads; Acadian music has therefore
evolved in many different directions. Scottish influences are very apparent in areas such
as Cape Breton, and, as you move up the Cabot Trail from Mabou's Scottish fiddling to
Chéticamp's Acadian kitchen parties, you'll be struck by how similar the sounds are.
Generally, Acadian music is a little more soulful than Scottish music, with more percus-
sion from tricky hand-clapping, foot-tapping and the spoons. The lyrics, of course, are in
French.
In southwestern Nova Scotia the local music is far more influenced by rock, bluegrass
and country, as well as Cajun styles introduced by descendants of those caught up in the
Great Expulsion. The most popular Acadian band today, Blou, is from this region, and
they call their sound 'Acadico' - a mix of Acadian, Cajun and Zydeco (an American
Creole folk music). The group's accordion-based rock tunes regularly win the East Coast
Music Award title for Best Francophone recording of the year. Meanwhile, from the
same region, Jacobus et Maleco, which eventually became Radio Radio, was the first
Acadian rap group, and internationally renowned Grand Dérangement sings movingly of
Acadian reality through its traditional tunes.
Many Acadian groups head to Montréal where there's a much stronger Francophone
music scene and it's easier to get recognized. New Brunswick Acadian groups are often
very influenced by the traditional Québecois poetic style. Acts from Atlantic Canada that
have made names for themselves include Marie-Jo Thério (soothing and lyrical from
New Brunswick), Suroît (Cajun and fiddle from the Magdalen Islands), Borlico and
Barachois (lively kitchen-party-style duo from PEI), and Felix and Formanger (an
accordion-and-guitar group from Newfoundland).
PARTYING AT THE PUB
Pubs are by far the best way to experience local music and, fortunately, finding a
good one is about as easy as finding a public restroom. With Halifax and St John's
vying for the title of most pubs per capita, you'll actually have a harder time finding
a nightspot that's not hosting a live gig. The following is a list of our favorites:
»
Rarre B
e Biird P
d Puub(
Click here
)
, Guysborough, Nova Scotia; folk and fiddle
»
Red Sh
e Puub(
Click here
)
, Mabou, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia; folk and fiddle
»
SSeaahorrse T
d Shoe P
e Taverrn(
Click here
), Halifax, Nova Scotia; indie, punk and metal
»
Benevole
olent Ir
t Irish So
ish Sociietty(
Click here
), Charlottetown, PEI; Irish
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