Nearly 100 performers to hit the stage during “2 to 2 for Fort McMurray”

Touching video on 4 Fort Mac residents to be presented

louise et JonathanABRAM-VILLAGE – June 3, 2016 – Knowing that Fort McMurray residents in Alberta are in great need since a major fire devastated much of their city, nearly 100 PEI performers have offered their services, free of charge, to play during a “2 to 2 for Fort McMurray” benefit concert Saturday, June 11, from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. at the Acadian Musical Village in Abram-Village.

Singers, musicians, dancers and comedians are coming forward every day to confirm their participation in the benefit, say members of the event’s organizing committee. Already on the list of confirmed performers are sisters Kendall Paugh and Krysten Cameron, Kaylee and Britney Arsenault, 112 Accords, the trio of Jonathan, Louise and Shane Arsenault, the group Imagine (Paula Arsenault, Alice Bérubé and Marie Arsenault), the band Kavorka (Yves Arsenault, Stéphane Bouchard and Marcel Arsenault), Gary Gallant and friends, Debbie Montgomery and friends, and the trio of Dawson Arsenault, Tianna Gallant and Gilbert Arsenault. Others are signing up every day.

One of the most touching parts of the day will be the presentation of a video of interviews with four young adults formerly of PEI who live and work in Fort McMurray. Mitchell Richard, Caleigh Burhoe, Brandon Arsenault and Kayla Arsenault will talk about their adventures regarding the fires and how they were able to get out safe and sound. Mitchell and Brandon, well-known musicians from the Evangeline region, will close off the video by playing a fiddle tune. The video was shot a couple of weeks ago when the four had come home to seek temporary refuge with their parents, here on the Island. This video will be presented at three times over the course of the day.

At the end of the evening, an adult dance will be held (with bar service); it will feature music from the popular David Doyle Band and 45 Knots.

Admission to the show and dance are free but the committee will accept donations for the cause. “Let’s rally together, as a community, to offer our joint support to all these people in need, including many people formerly from our very own region of PEI,” adds the committee.

VARIOUS ACTIVITIES

The day’s events, which will last 12 hours, will include much more than just a concert and dance. A number of other activities are being organized, at the same location, to raise funds for the cause or to entertain the crowd:

  • a barbecue by the Evangeline Richelieu Club;
  • a light supper sold by the Acadian Musical Village;
  • a silent auction;
  • a 50-50 draw;
  • face painting;
  • arts and crafts;
  • activities organized by the Cap enfants Centre;
  • soccer-baseball;
  • a called square dance featuring hosts Sylvie Toupin, Helen Bergeron and Louise Arsenault from 8 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.

Other events being held the same day at other locations to support the cause:

  • A carwash and barbecue by donation by firefighters at the Wellington Fire Department from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.;
    A ball-hockey tournament at Evangeline Recreation Centre in Abram-Village.

200 CHALLENGE

Organizers of the “2 to 2 for Fort McMurray” are challenging families to get together to raise and contribute $200 to the cause. Those who register for the “200 Challenge” and who contribute that amount or more will get their family photo included in a PowerPoint presentation that will be played throughout the day on a screen at the Acadian Musical Village. Those interested in registering are asked to contact Gilles Arsenault at 902-854-3542 or 902-393-2376 or by email at gxarsenault@edu.pe.ca.

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CUTLINE: Among the nearly 100 performers who will play at the “2 to 2 for Fort McMurray” benefit show June 11 are well-known fiddler Louise Arsenault and singer-musician Jonathan Arsenault.

 

For more details:
Edna Gallant
Administrative Assistant
Evangeline School-Community Centre
902-854-2166
reception@csceevangeline.ca