Dear readers, It's been a while! I'm deep in the writing phase of my PhD dissertation on music, media, and memory in the English-speaking communities of the eastern Gaspé. This—along with car troubles and extensive travelling since last May—is largely why things have been so silent lately. A while back, some of you will remember I … Continue reading Songs of Wilbert Coffin – Article in Canadian Folk Music
fonds Leo Fitzpatrick
“It’s a Long Way to Tipperary” – St. Patrick’s Day With Leo Fitzpatrick (1981 & 2007)
Happy St. Patrick's Day dear readers, As much as this is a day for celebration for many in Gaspé and beyond, today I would like to pay a little homage to one of the longest supporters of Irish culture around Gaspé, Leo Fitzpatrick, who passed away last month. I'll try not to make this too … Continue reading “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary” – St. Patrick’s Day With Leo Fitzpatrick (1981 & 2007)
Preserving Gaspesian Musical Heritage and Leo’s First Tape (1958)
Today marks a milestone in my time as a researcher and community music advocate in the Gaspé. Over a year ago in August 2015, I approached Leo Fitzpatrick of Gaspé Harbour to express my interest in working with his massive collection of home recordings (over 440 tapes) that he made between 1958 and 2000. I … Continue reading Preserving Gaspesian Musical Heritage and Leo’s First Tape (1958)
Remembering Wilbert Coffin: “The Prospector’s Last Letter” Sung By Claude Rehel
Today marks the sombre 60th anniversary of Wilbert Coffin's execution in 1956 at Bordeaux Prison in Montreal. Wilbert Coffin was a mining prospector in the Gaspé area who had served his country in the Second World War. In 1953 he was accused of killing three American hunters in the woods near Murdochville even though he … Continue reading Remembering Wilbert Coffin: “The Prospector’s Last Letter” Sung By Claude Rehel
Merry Christmas from the Leo Fitzpatrick fonds
In archival terminology, a "fonds" describes a collection of unique documents created by an individual or organization through their regular activities. Modern archival practice largely traces itself to post-revolutionary France and the conscious effort to safeguard the records of the new republic; the idea of an archival "fonds" has its roots here and we still … Continue reading Merry Christmas from the Leo Fitzpatrick fonds
Upcoming Event – Barachois Wellness Centre: November 25, 2015
Just a quick note to let readers know that I'll be at Vision's Barachois Wellness Centre this coming Wednesday, November 25, 2015. Once again I'll be sharing music from our archives during the afternoon session to give you a sense of our collections and get your feedback. The event takes place at the Legion in … Continue reading Upcoming Event – Barachois Wellness Centre: November 25, 2015
Gaspesian Community Sound 