alex silver

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Tag: Franco-American

  • C’est le temps: La Kermesse Festival next Saturday

    Alex Silver staring at the camera in front of a blooming yellow bush and a house with white siding.

    “C’est le temps.” This is the beautiful motto of La Kermesse Franco-Americaine Festival in Biddeford, Maine. I just finished the school year yesterday and it feels appropriate. I’ll be playing outside with a lighter-hearted set to celebrate, mostly recognizable songs but a few of mine too. George Harrison, Leonard Cohen, Simon & Garfunkel. I’m especially happy to be learning “Le temps de vivre” by Georges Moustaki, a song I’ve loved for a while but really my first in French. Feels good to sing in a language I speak.

    2:30-4:00pm, Outdoor Stage. Tickets are $8 for a day pass, or $13 for a weekend festival button. Historical souvenirs don’t make themselves… probably worth it!

    https://www.pressherald.com/things-to-do/do-this-calendar/#!/details/alex-silver-at-la-kermesse-franco-americaine-festival/15922952/2025-06-21T14

  • La Kermesse Franco-Americaine and Skowhegan Farmer’s Market in June

    "The La Kermesse float passes on Jefferson Street in Biddeford as riders wave to spectators during a parade kicking off the 36th annual La Kermesse Franco-Americaine Festival. — Staff photo by Derek Davis." This is a quotation from the Portland Press Herald website describing the original photo. The float includes many of the circular emblems for the festival, which include a green frog and the year, as well as "C'est le temps," the motto of La Kermesse.
    Photo from the Portland Press Herald: “A parade through downtown Biddeford kicks off the 36th annual La Kermesse Franco-Americaine Festival. The La Kermesse float passes on Jefferson Street as riders wave to spectators.” (Photo by Derek Davis/Staff Photographer)

    Two new performance dates in June to share, and both are in the spirit of intimacy, “plein-air,” perception, and local community. I’m especially honored to play at La Kermesse Franco-Americaine Festival this year. The festival has served to preserve French Canadian heritage in Biddeford-Saco, Maine for over 40 years. A lot of my middle school students and their families know it simply as their local fair. I’ll be playing for 90 minutes, with a mix of my own stuff and covers, perhaps some in French! I’m thinking especially of “Le temps de vivre” by Georges Moustaki—one because it’s the summer solstice; and two, because the festival’s motto is “C’est le temps.” “It’s time.“

    La Kermesse Franco-Americaine Festival is June 21, 2025 at 2:30pm. The fairgrounds are at St. Louis Field, 284 Hill Street in Biddeford, Maine.

    https://www.lakermessefestival.com/

    The second date is at the Skowhegan Farmer’s Market. There’s a friendly community of people in that area that I know through my partner’s family. This year’s organizer of the music often plays at the East Madison Grange Hall open mic when I’m there—and she’s wonderful. I played a few years ago and left with a lot of gorgeous complimentary produce.

    Skowhegan Farmer’s Market is June 28, 2025 from 10am to 1pm. The market is at 42 Court St in Skowhegan, Maine.

    https://www.skowheganfarmersmarket.com/