Preparations are now underway for the 2nd annual Rufus Guinchard
Music Festival. The festival, which will take place during the
weekend of July 28-30, was originally set to honour the late
and respected fiddler, Mr. Rufus Guinchard of Hawke's Bay, Newfoundland.
Mr. Guinchard, originally from Daniel's Harbour, could have
been seen as a carpenter, fisherman, logger, or trapper when
he wasn't busy performing at dances along the coast from Sally's
Cove to Flowers Cove. The discovery' of Rufus Guinchard
occurred in the mid 70's. Upon his discovery', folklorists
invited him to perform at Memorial University and The Arts &
Culture Centre in St. John's.
Rufus Guinchard seen here playing at one of his many world wide,
entertaining performances.After this, with the help of musicians
such as the Breakwater Boys, Jim Payne and Kelly Russell, Rufus
Guinchard began his journey around the world. He appeared in
countless places such as Japan, Australia, France, England, Ireland,
USA and all across Canada. Mr.Guinchard dazzled audiences with
his unique fiddling talent and love for music. His music was
delivered on many radio and T.V. stations being accepted by a
wide variety of audiences and receiving countless awards.
View
a video clip of Rufus Guinchard performing with Jim Payne. |
Rufus Guinchard seen here playing at one
of his many world wide, entertaining performances. |
The legacy and history of this great individual is the main
focus of the upcoming festival. Nova Hoddinott, festival spokesperson,
seems to have high hopes for the upcoming events, "Last
year's festival went over extremely well, but this year it's
expected to be even bigger and better." She says that there
will be a larger influx of people in the area due to other festivals
such as the Come Home Year 2000 in Port Au Choix and the Viking
Millennium Festival planned for the St. Anthony area. She went
on to say, "Already there has been several inquires from
residents as far away as the United States, Ontario, and St.
John's, by means of Internet, telephone and mail."
With much time and effort being concentrated on making the
festival a much enjoyable one, there are new and improved events
for this years festival. The Miss Teen Hawke's Bay Pageant, and
more exciting, competitive, family, fun filled events. Hoddinott
strongly encourages all residents of surrounding areas to come
out and get involved. Local talent is wanted. Anyone with questions
concerning events can contact Nova Hoddinott @ 709-248-5107.
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