My partner captured this minute and a half of my performance at La Kermesse in June. It was a hot summer day and the breeze on those flags was not reaching us! She captured other songs, but this was our favorite—Neil Young’s “Tell Me Why,” based on his version from Live at Massey Hall 1971.
Tag: summer festivals
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C’est le temps: La Kermesse Festival next Saturday
“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
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/
