How It’s New York: It’s happening here, and there are, according to Charles Kergaravat of BZH-New York (who is on this week’s podcast) over 50,000 Bretons here. In addition to the music fest at Conolly’s on the 21st, (flyer below), there is also a concert on Wednesday, May 18, which blends Indian sounds from locally based musicians with the sounds of Brittany, with “jazz as the horizon,” at Shrine in Harlem.
How It’s Irish: Brittany is one of the Celtic nations. One of my favorite tunes ever is “Breton Gavottes” played by Kevin Burke and Mícheál Ó’Domhnaill on the album Portland
Here’s what Charles has to say on his Facebook Page:
BZH New York will be celebrating St Yves week for the 5th consecutive year from May 16th – 22rd. St Yves day has become in recent years a date on the calendar where Bretons everywhere celebrate Brittany and all things Breton. This year will be no different with over 250 events organized worldwide.
Sylvain Barou, Ronan Pellen, Ndiaz (Yann LeCorre, Youen LeCam, Jean Marie Nivaigne) are experts of Breton music but also multi-instrumentalist who are frequently exploring, performing celtic and world musics. They will be joined by talented jazz artist Bill Cole and members of his Untempered Ensemble and New York based Indian artists Gargi Shinde and Naren Budhkar.
Shrine World Music Venueis at 2271 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd, Harlem, NY. 8-12.
On Saturday, May 21st St Yves week will end with a bang as BZH New York organizes the Grand Fest Noz with live performances from Sylvain Barou, Ronan Pellen, Ndiaz and many more.
Fest Noz means night party in the traditional language of Brittany and are known for their very festive, convivial atmosphere.
