Arts Alive! Québec: Wakefield Continues with Music, Theatre, Dance Kids' Events, and More!

The performing arts land in Wakefield for Arts Alive! Québec's (AAQ) next stop on September 7 and 8. This year's TaDa! Festival features top-notch performers in six mainstage shows over two days, with circus arts and other activities and workshops in between.

Now is the time for a visit to this charming town on the Gatineau River and its covered bridge to take in entertaining, funny and thought-provoking theatre, dance and music. From ELAN Executive Director Guy Rodgers: "ELAN's Arts Alive! Québec is collaborating with Wakefield's TaDa! Festival for the fourth year. A fun-filled, family-friendly weekend of entertainment is the perfect pretext for a day trip to this picturesque, artsy village."

Outstanding stage events include: solo shows Are They Thinking of Me?, Lesley Parlane's light-hearted yet touching stories as a Sixties Scoop adoptee, and Michael Burgos' hilarious theatrical parody, The Eulogy; The Lion's Roar, a powerful program from classical Indian dance artist Deepti Gupta with live tabla and harmonium players; Beaver Dreams, a bilingual piece for all ages audiences with a unique look at commercial development; and the popular Morro and Jasp, two gentle clowns and their whimsical rendition of Steinbeck's classic Of Mice and Men. The Festival closes at the Black Sheep Inn with Ian Tamblyn and Friends, a dozen musicians performing pieces from Janet Irwin's recently staged Up to Low, as well as his Gatineau Trilogy. The next day, events pick up again during the Wakefield Market with more live music and enlightening community activities.

Andrea Rowe, TaDa! artistic director, wants to share 'TaDa!' moments through the magic of theatre, dance and music. "I've loved choosing pieces that I think the greater community will enjoy; a bit of everything really. This is my first time as producer and it's somewhat of a whirlwind for sure!" she adds.

As always, this year's Festival will feature the best from local artists and beyond.

Wakefield programming below.

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Most events take place at the Centre Wakefield La Pêche, 38 chemin de la vallée-de-wakefield

Most shows are $15. Beaver Dreams offers an affordable family rate of $25 for two adults and children. Ian Tamblyn & Friends is $20, tickets at the Black Sheep Inn. Outdoor events are free.

Friday, September 7

6:00pm: Welcome-bar opens (Lobby of community centre)

7:00pm: The Eulogy, absurd, award-winning one-man play (Gwen Shea Hall)

8:45pm: The Lion's Roar, South Asian dance and music (Gwen Shea Hall)

9:45pm: Opening Gala with Alise Marlane and James Stevens (lobby)

Ian Tamblyn, Deepti Gupta, Luther Wright, Lesley Parlane

Saturday, September 8

9am-1pm: Wakefield Market

10am-1pm: Music at the market with Luther Wright ?

Noon-12:45pm: Yoga-on-the-Hill

1pm: Beaver Dreams play for all ages, bilingual (Gwen Shea Hall)

2:00pm-4:00pm: Outdoor workshops and demonstrations of circus arts for everyone-poi (fire spinning), mime, juggling, face painting, tie-dyeing, hoola-hooping and silk dancing (free)

2:00pm-4:00pm: Community art project-in-ground mandala mosaic

3:00pm-3:50pm: Community Barn Dance on the lawn

4:00pm: Of Mice and Morro and Jasp interactive clown play (ages 12+) (Gwen Shea Hall)

8:30pm: Are They Thinking of Me? Indigenous one-woman show (ages 12+) (Gwen Shea Hall)

9:00pm: Concert with Ian Tamblyn & Friends (Black Sheep Inn)

ARTS ALIVE! QUÉBEC is a moveable feast of music, theatre, dance, visual arts, film and so much more. Initiated by ELAN (English-language Arts Network) in 2015, six dynamic regions-Hudson, Huntingdon, Knowlton, Québec City, Wakefield and Montreal-produce six individual festivals to showcase Québec's diverse cultural communities and innovative artists with activities and performances for the entire family! Visit ELAN's AAQ page and stay connected for the rest of the summer. Upcoming- Arts Alive! Quebec Library Series: Brossard Sept. 8, Montreal West Sept. 26, Beaconsfield Sept. 29

About ELAN

ELAN (English-Language Arts Network) is a not-for-profit organization that connects, supports, and promotes Québec's English-speaking artists and arts communities. Its members include artists and organizations representing a multitude of artistic disciplines and regions of Québec. ELAN's philosophy is inclusive, encouraging an evolving Québec identity that recognizes French as the public language and celebrates social, cultural, and artistic diversity. To find out more about ELAN's various programs, visit www.Québec-elan.org.

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