(WOONSOCKET, R.I.) – The Museum of Work & Culture, in association with the Blackstone River Theatre of Cumberland, RI, and the Dana Center at Saint Anselm College of Manchester, NH, will present a virtual concert featuring the Québécois band, Genticorum, on Friday, June 25 at 7:00pm. This event will celebrate La Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Québec’s National Holiday.
On June 25 at 7pm, ticket holders can view the hour-long, pre-recorded concert in a Zoom call with the band, who will be answering fan questions live in the chat. Ticket holders will also be able to join an 8:00pm afterparty on Zoom with the members of Genticorum. The Zoom link will be sent out to all ticket holders on June 25 by 2 p.m. Tickets are $10.00 and unlimited access to the concert recording will be available for 96 hours after the show. To purchase tickets, visit https://bit.ly/3vShbHI.
This virtual concert is made possible through the support of our generous sponsor, Délégation du Québec in Boston.
Over the past 20 years, the traditional Quebec group Genticorum has become a fixture on the international folk and Celtic music circuit. The band’s six albums met with critical acclaim in Canada, the U.S., and Europe, and their newest album was just nominated for two Canadian Folk Music Awards for “Best Ensemble” and “Best Traditional Record.” Firmly rooted in the soil of their native land, the energetic and original traditional power trio weaves precise and intricate fiddle, flute, and accordion work along with gorgeous vocal harmonies, energetic foot percussion, and guitar accompaniment into a high-energy musical feast. Their distinctive sound, sense of humor, and stage presence always make for an amazing show. Genticorum has given more than 1,000 concerts in more than 15 countries.
Pascal Gemme (fiddle, feet, voice) is widely recognized as a cultural ambassador for Québécois music. Yann Falquet is one of the most active and creative acoustic guitar players in the Québécois and New England music scenes. Since completing a bachelor’s degree in jazz, he has developed his own personal guitar style for Québec folk music. Nicholas Williams has developed a reputation as a versatile and sought-after musician in the traditional music scenes of Québec and New England. His rhythmic yet nuanced style of flute-playing draws from Irish and Scottish traditions, as well as from his studies of classical North Indian music.
One of the most important holidays in Quebec, as well as in French Canada more broadly, is Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day. Celebrated annually on June 24th, it’s commonly referred to as La Saint-Jean. The general origin of Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day comes from pre-Christian rituals around the time of the summer solstice on June 21. As Catholicism spread into France, the summer solstice celebrations evolved during the 5th century into the feast day of John the Baptist. Traditionally, bonfires would take place on the evening of June 24 in order to honor the saint. Designed to promote Québécois language and culture, the first “official” Saint-Jean-Baptiste festival in Montreal occurred on June 24, 1834.
About the Museum of Work & Culture
The Museum of Work & Culture presents the compelling story of immigrants who came to find a better life in the mill towns along the Blackstone River. Visitors recreate this journey, beginning in a Quebecois farmhouse before making their way to the workday world of Woonsocket at the turn of the century. Guests explore the lives of immigrants at home, work, and school through nine immersive exhibits.
About the Rhode Island Historical Society
Founded in 1822, the RIHS is the fourth-oldest historical society in the United States and is Rhode Island’s largest and oldest historical organization, as well as its only Smithsonian Affiliate. In Providence, the RIHS owns and operates the John Brown House Museum, a designated National Historic Landmark, built in 1788; the Aldrich House, built in 1822 and used for administration and public programs; and the Mary Elizabeth Robinson Research Center, where archival, book, and image collections are housed. In Woonsocket, the RIHS manages the Museum of Work and Culture, a community museum examining the industrial history of northern Rhode Island and of the workers and settlers, especially French Canadians, who made it one of the state’s most unique communities.