Va-et-vient

We're excited to share this small local venue with Richard Ruane and Beth Duquette, friends and long-time collaborators who play original music with a clear traditional-roots influence steeped in tradition, but of its own time. Par la suite, Va-et-Vient (Carol Reed, Suzanne Germaine, and Lausanne Allen) will take you through the centuries from France to Québec and New Orleans with lively dance numbers, touching love songs, kickin’ Cajun and Créole tunes, and rollicking Québecois favorites. Bring what you will:  folding chairs, beverage of choice, blankets and the like.  Remember to bring some cash or Venmo. (freddanforth1@gmail.com ) We ask for $20 each, but emphasize that Read More

We are so happy to see this wonderful celebration of French Heritage in Vermont resume in Winooski.  Va-et-vient is delighted to again join the line-up singing at this outdoor festival by the old Champlain Mill in Winooski's Falls Mill District.   Hosted by the City of Winooski, and sponsored by the Alliance Française of the Lake Champlain Region, the date has now moved to be closer to Québec's beloved Saint-Jean-Baptiste.  From 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, the area will be bustling with music, food, and all things fun.  It coincides with the weekly farmer's market as well.  À tantôt !

It's always a joy to perform at Middlebury College, particularly in the building that was Carol's dormitory forty-some years ago.  Please have fun following the Summer School's Language pledge--your grammar and spelling won't count against you!  Et surtout, chantez avec nous, les ami.e.s !

We are honored to return in concert to Middlesex in July.  Martha Pellerin, for whom the bandstand is named, was a particularly important inspiration for Va-et-vient to form, providing us with wonderful Québecois trad songs to get us started.  Back in 1998, one of the first concerts Suzanne and Carol performed was for her memorial--a brilliant musician gone way too soon, and we still miss her.  Venez chanter avec nous pour conserver ces traditions.

Gary Schmidt of Stone Valley Arts has designed a perfect summer concert series.  We will be performing outdoors on the porch in Poultney, Vermont, for the First Friday series.  Pack yourselves a lovely picnic supper, bring your favorite lawn chairs, and come join in with the fun!  For more details, call Gary at 802-325-2603.

Va-et-vient is looking forward to performing at this two-day event (Friday and Saturday) in Maine.  Lots of bands, cultural cuisine (did someone say pot luck pies?), a giant slip and slide, wagon rides, and boating on the Saco River...  Put your sunblock on, and come find us for the fun!

We had an amazing time performing in Saint Albans, Vermont for this series pre-pandemic.  Located so close to the Québec border, lots of folks felt encouraged to join in, so we are excited to return for another show!  Venez nous retrouver, et invitez vos ami.e.s au nord et au sud de la frontière !

We are so happy to return to Saint J for its wonderful First Night North event, after performing for its remote versions in 2020 and 2021.  The exact schedule is forthcoming, so we’ll update the site when we have our specifics.  But you can be there with us so we truly can chanter ensemble!  Au plaisir de vous voir !

We had a fantastic time last year, and will be performing again in Poultney, Vermont, for Stone Valley Arts' 2nd Fridays Summer Concert Series.  We will be playing in the art gallery on the ground floor, then moving upstairs for some traditional French and Québécois dances, under Lausanne Allen's masterful direction.  A good time will be had by all! Set your GPS for:  145 E Main St, Poultney, VT 05764

Va-et-vient is delighted to perform in a new series of live music on the Bristol Trail, near 110 Airport Drive, in Bristol, VT 05443, held each second Sunday of the month.  There will be chairs and refreshments, and we'll be playing under a tent (happy to make room for you if the weather threatens!).  A grant has been secured, so this is a free event.  Come and enjoy an early summer hike on the beautiful trail, and plan to sit a spell at the beginning, ending, or both ends of your hike pour chanter avec nous !