Métis Spring Festival throws spotlight on Métis heritage

The 5th annual Métis Spring Festival once more throws a spotlight on the rich vibrancy of Métis culture and heritage.

The festival, hosted by Poundmaker’s Lodge at Servus Place this coming Saturday and Sunday, May 18 and 19, showcases jigging, fiddling and square dancing performances.

Anyone who dares to enter the jigging and fiddling competitions could win a share of the $20,000 in prize money.

Don Langford, chairman of Poundmaker’s Lodge, estimates about six jigging groups will dance in competition including the Métis Child and Family Jiggers.

“Any professional dancers won’t be performing in the jigging contest. We wanted more amateurs to have an opportunity,” said Langford.

And after the Saturday fiddling competitions are finished, Langford adds there’s an open jam.

“We’re saying everybody with a fiddle can come out and play.”

Launching the festival on Friday, May 17 is the Seniors’ Opry, a three-hour concert with music by Country Swing. With players living in different towns and cities, it’s sometimes difficult to get together.

However, this band has an impeccable pedigree starting with fiddle champions Calvin Vollrath and Alfe Myhre, guitarist Ray St. Germaine, Richard Cherniski, Darryl Campbell, Ozzie Danyluk and Les Vincent.

St. Albert singer Jess Lee, a veteran of 30 years in the industry, has made a name in country, blues and aboriginal music, and will release a new album that night.

In addition the Métis Child and Family Jiggers will swing into action with their sweeping moves.

Jammers and singers are welcome to come out and perform with Country Swing. But they must register at Servus by 7 p.m.

“I think it gives people in the community a chance to get out and perform. It was a great idea Gwen Crouse had.”

Crouse, a member of the St. Albert National Aboriginal Day Committee, kick-started the Seniors’ Opry when she learned St. Albert’s 55 Plus Club had funds left over from the Winter Games. Community groups were encouraged to apply for a grant and the committee received a portion of the funds.

In previous years, the Métis Festival opened with a Friday night talent show. However, volunteers were difficult to find and festival organizers kyboshed the talent show. The opry filled the open spot perfectly.

“We just want as many people as possible to come out and listen to as much entertainment as possible,” Crouse noted.

For more information on the opry, e-mail [email protected]. For information on the spring festival e-mail [email protected].