Cupids Cove Chatter

On the final day of the Cupids Cove Soiree, the memory of the Beothuk People was evoked. In the afternoon, the Se’t A’newey Choir of Youth from the Miawpukek First Nation in Conne River performed as part of  Spirit of the Land, Sea and People Celebration.  They received  a long standing ovation from the audience.

Standing Ovation from the Audience!!

More photos of the Se’t A’newey Choir of Youth on Flickr > >

They honoured the Beothuk people with a special tribute, reminding us that John Guy and his settlers met and traded with the Beothuk in peace and friendship. Bill Gilbert, chief archaeolist with the Baccalieu Trail Heritage Corporation, also spoke. He has researched the Beothuk caribou hunting grouds at Russell’s Point in Trinity Bay, and retrieved the passages dealing with the Beothuk from journals and other documents written by the Cupids colonists. During the closing performance of “Seeds of Settlement,” on the evening of August 22nd, there was a reenactment of the settlers trading with the Beothuk in Trinity Bay, where the settlers had sailed in the Indeavour.

“Seeds of Settlement” – Meeting the Beothuk in Trinity Bay

More photos from “Seeds of Settlement” on Flickr > >

A portrait of Demasduit, one of the last of the Beothuk People, is part of “Portraits in the Street.” It is the only known portrait of a Beothuk, the last of whom died in 1829.

More photos of “Portraits in the Street”  on Flickr >>

When we look over the 400 years of settlement, it is appropriate to celebrate the lives of the Beothuk People, Squanto, and other native people people and remember “where once they stood, we stand.” We will never know their total story, just as we will never know the stories of many of the other people who have inhabited our land over the centuries. With modern technology, we hope that four hundred years in the future, people will care and know how we celebrated in 2010.

The magnificent celebrations over the weekend paid suitable tribute to all, from the aboriginal Beothuk People to the people of all religions, races, and cultures who reside in this beautiful place today.

Opening Ceremonies Cupids Cove Soiree with Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean were held on August 17th, 2010.

Lieutenant Governor  the Honourable John Crosbie charmed and entertained the very large audience for the opening ceremony.  Following the official opening, “Seeds of Settlement” was presented.  The evening ended with fireworks over Spectacle Head.

More photos of the Opening Ceremonies > >

“Seeds of Settlement” is an original production written and directed by Ged Blackmore. Main Stage on Pointe Beach Free Admission. It traces the history of the Cupids Settlement. It will be shown again on Sunday night at the closing of the Cupids Cove Soiree.

Photos from “Seeds of Settlement” > >

Opening Fireworks, Cupids Cove Soiree – 2010

More photos of fireworks on Flickr > >

Eight Days of Celebrations Begin!

Day long activities including a variety of children’s favourites such as amusement rides, face painting, and craft displays. The celebrations also include events featuring premiere Newfoundland and Labrador groups, family entertainment, community breakfasts, harbour tours by Ocean Quest Adventures, evening soirees and fireworks!

Don’t miss the Gala Soiree Opening & Closing, ‘Seeds of Settlement’ written and directed by Ged Blackmore.

A printable version of the schedule  > >

Map with traffic, parking, and shuttle bus information > >

The Main Stage on Pointe Beach is an outdoor venue where the Marquee Performances of “Seeds of Settlement” on August 17th and 22nd will be staged.  Headline groups will perform each evening.  Bring your own collapsible  chairs, and blankets (or fans) – whatever is necessary for outdoors in unpredictable Newfoundland weather!

Tuesday, August 17^th

10:00 am – Flag raising with Special Guest. During the Cupids Cove Soiree, three official flags, Canadian, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Union Jack will rise and fly proudly over Cupids.

1:00 – 8:00pm Ocean Quest Harbour Tours $25.00 Leaving from the public wharf at 1pm, 3pm and 5 pm

1:00 -8:00pm Craft Vendors, Pointe Beach

1:00 – 9:00 pm Children’s Amusement Rides (Ticketed) Behind the Post Office.

1:00pm -closing – Food Concessions at Pointe Beach

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm – Shawn Lidster Singer/Songwriter Shawn Lidster will perform songs from his CD “Legends of the Baccalieu Trail” including the ever popular “Cupers Cove” song. Pointe Beach Main Stage, Free Admission.  Shawn will also be launching his new CD “The Burning,” which was recorded in Australia, while he is home.

7:30 pm – Official Opening Cupids Legacy Centre Official ribbon-cutting by Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean. Other dignitaries, community members, and visiting friends and relatives will be present. Cupids Legacy Centre – Parking Lot. Free Admission.

8:30 pm – Opening Ceremonies Opening Ceremonies Cupids Cove Soiree with Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean. Main Stage on Pointe Beach Free Admission

8:45 pm – Seeds of Settlement - an original production written and directed by Ged Blackmore. Main Stage on Pointe Beach Free Admission.

In August 1610, John Guy and an intrepid group of settlers from Bristol, England landed at Cupers Cove on the island of Newfoundland where they would establish the first official English Colony in what is today the country of Canada. “Seeds of Settlement” is a musical production that tells the story of those first settlers and the generations of people and events that shaped us as a people.

10:00 pm – Opening Fireworks over Spectacle Head Immediately following Seeds of Settlement

10:15 pm – Live Entertainment – Ron Rose. Main Stage Pointe Beach. Free Admission. 1:00 pm

Brew House Pub – Pointe Beach.  Cupids Cove was the site of the first Brew House in what was to become Canada. Throughout the Cupids Cove Soiree, The Brew House Pub, a tented venue, will be open daily from 1:00 pm. Free Admission. 19 Years and older.

Wednesday, August 18^th

10:00 am – Flag raising with Special Guest. During the Cupids Cove Soiree, three official flags, Canadian, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Union Jack will rise and fly proudly over Cupids.

1:00 pm – Brew House Pub – Pointe Beach Cupids Cove was the site of the first Brew House in what was to become Canada. Throughout the Cupids Cove Soiree, The Brew House Pub, a tented venue, will be open daily from 1:00 pm. Free Admission. 19 Years and older

1:00 pm – A Midsummer Night’s Dream with Andy Jones. The Indeavour Stage. General Admission: $25.00, Groundling: $10  Tickets are available at the  Cupids 400 Box Office, 467 Seaforest Drive, Cupids NL 709.528.1610

1:00 – 4:00 pm – Showcase of Choral Music Main Stage on Pointe Beach Featuring celebrated Newfoundland choirs. La Rose des Vent- Francophone Choir. Cantare Youth Choir. Newman Sound. Baccalieu Sound. Free Admission.

1:00 – 8:00pm Ocean Quest Harbour Tours $25.00 Leaving from the public wharf at 1pm, 3pm and 5 pm

1:00 -8:00pm Craft Vendors, Pointe Beach

1:00 – 9:00 pm Children’s Amusement Rides (Ticketed) Behind the Post Office.

1:00pm -closing – Food Concessions at Pointe Beach

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm – Wonderbolt Buskers – Legacy Centre Parking Lot Enjoy the spirited and jovial acts of the Wonderbolt Buskers.

3:00 pm – The Music Came With Them by “Pastime with Good Company,” Cupids Orange Lodge, Free Admission. “Pastime with Good Company” is an amateur, four member recorder consort whose name derives from a song composed by Henry VIII. The group specializes in playing early music of the 16th and 17th centuries. (An open session of music and storytelling where people can come and go as they please.

5:00 – 6:00 pm – YYT Pointe Beach Main Stage Free Admission YYT is a five piece high energy rock band from St. John’s. They play clubs from St. John’s to Gander and bring everything from ABBA to Zeppelin.

8:15 pm –9:45pm  Ennis – Pointe Beach – Main Stage Free Admission Ennis is a dynamic, original group with a unique contemporary voice flavored by deep roots and Celtic traditional Newfoundland influences. Maureen and Karen are powerful, interesting and humorous story tellers with a broad mix of Maureen’s accessible original songs and uniquely interpreted tunes and ballads.

10:00 pm – Greeley’s Reel Pointe Beach Main Stage – Free Admission Known for their great mixture of Irish and Newfoundland music, with a little bit of folk and bluegrass thrown into the mix, crowd pleasing jigs and reels, and shanties such as The Islander and Excursion Around the Bay, Greeley’s Reel have performed at many high profile Newfoundland venues, events, and functions.

Thursday, August 19^th

10:00 am – Flag raising with Special Guest. During the Cupids Cove Soiree, three official flags, Canadian, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Union Jack will rise and fly proudly over Cupids.

1:00 pm – Brew House Pub – Pointe Beach Cupids Cove was the site of the first Brew House in what was to become Canada. Throughout the Cupids Cove Soiree, The Brew House Pub, a tented venue, will be open daily from 1:00 pm. Free Admission. 19 Years and older

1:00 pm – A Midsummer Night’s Dream with Andy Jones. The Indeavour Stage. General Admission: $25.00, Groundling: $10  Tickets are available at the  Cupids 400 Box Office, 467 Seaforest Drive, Cupids NL 709.528.1610

1:00pm – 4:00 pm – Cultural Showcase of Traditional Music, Song and Dance Pointe Beach Main Stage – Free Admission. Vanda Maunder Dancers, Celtic Fiddlers, Baccalieu Trotters, Baccalieu Square Dancers

1:00 – 8:00pm Ocean Quest Harbour Tours $25.00 Leaving from the public wharf at 1pm, 3pm and 5 pm

1:00 -8:00pm Craft Vendors, Pointe Beach

1:00 – 9:00 pm Children’s Amusement Rides (Ticketed) Behind the Post Office.

1:00pm -closing – Food Concessions at Pointe Beach

3:00 pm – The Music Came With Them by “Pastime with Good Company,” Cupids Orange Lodge, Free Admission. “Pastime with Good Company” is an amateur, four member recorder consort whose name derives from a song composed by Henry VIII. The group specializes in playing early music of the 16th and 17th centuries. This is an open session of music and storytelling where people can come and go as they please.

5:00pm – 6:00 pm – Pour Mouths.
Pointe Beach Main Stage Free Admission The Pour Mouths are the latest incarnation arising from the traditional music scene in St. John’s. Forged from such legendary groups as the Sons of Erin and the Irish Descendants, the Pour Mouths are ready to make a name for themselves in Newfoundland and beyond. Jason Simms, Duncan Cameron, and John Barela are all veteran musicians, having developed an acoustic sound which is influenced by celtic, folk, traditional Newfoundland, bluegrass, and popular music.Jason “belongs to” Georgetown NL and provides lead vocals and rhythm guitar. Duncan hails from Toronto ON and adds lead and harmony vocals while tearing the house down with his fantastic fiddle playing. Last, but not least, John is from St. John’s NL and provides lead and harmony vocals as well as the group’s musical foundation through his superb bass playing.

6:00 pm – Wonderbolt Circus Show “Tricksters” Akerman Building Tricksters is a cross-cultural celebration of circus movement and dance. Themed around the unifying image of a circle, Wonderbolt’s show features Anahareo White-Malone, an internationally recognized aerial hoop artist and world champion hoop dancer, Terrance Littletent from Saskatchewan, accompanied on drums and vocals by his brother Jason. The ringmaster is master clown, Beni Malone. Innovative techniques such as black-light Aboriginal hoop dancing and LED lit hula hooping and solo and group juggling add to the fun and mystique of the show. Free Admission. All ages.

7:30 pm – NL Comedy Showcase Pointe Beach Main Stage Free Admission Renowned Newfoundland artists Amy House and Bernie Stapleton are joined by comedian John Sheehan.

9:30 pm – The Masterless Men
Pointe Beach Main Stage Free Admission Formed in 1991, The Masterless Men are a well-known Newfoundland group who have played at international venues world wide. Their music is a combination of Newfoundland folk and Celtic music.

Friday, August 20^th

10:00 am – Flag raising with Special Guest. During the Cupids Cove Soiree, three official flags, Canadian, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Union Jack will rise and fly proudly over Cupids.

1:00 pm – Brew House Pub – Pointe Beach Cupids Cove was the site of the first Brew House in what was to become Canada. Throughout the Cupids Cove Soiree, The Brew House Pub, a tented venue, will be open daily from 1:00 pm. Free Admission. 19 Years and older

1:00 pm – A Midsummer Night’s Dream with Andy Jones. The Indeavour Stage. General Admission: $25.00, Groundling: $10  Tickets are available at the  Cupids 400 Box Office, 467 Seaforest Drive, Cupids NL 709.528.1610

1:00 – 8:00pm Ocean Quest Harbour Tours $25.00 Leaving from the public wharf at 1pm, 3pm and 5 pm

1:00 -8:00pm Craft Vendors, Pointe Beach

1:00 – 9:00 pm Children’s Amusement Rides (Ticketed) Behind the Post Office.

1:00pm -closing – Food Concessions at Pointe Beach

2:00 pm – Invitation to the Dance Pointe Beach Main Stage Free Admission Come see and hear the English Country Dancers accompanied by the Tenacious String Ensemble for an afternoon of lively tunes and traditional English dances of the 17th century! Kick up your heels yourself if you dare, as you’re invited to “chasse to the right or left” just as John Guy might have done 400 years ago. This event is an informal, fun demonstration of dances of the 17th and early 18th century, with a chance to try some yourself – a wonderful experience to share with the whole family.

3:00 – 4:00 pm – Wonderbolt Buskers – Pointe Beach Enjoy the spirited and jovial acts of the Wonderbolt Buskers

7:00 pm – Madrigals, Mathematics & Mayhem – Music and Tales of the Renaissance Cupids United Church Admission Free The Tenacious String Ensemble invites you to come hear the magical music, tales and poetry of the Renaissance. The period of John Guys life was a fascinating one with many changes – the Earth was found not to be the center of the universe, a new Christian religion was being born, and Western Europe was taking its first fledgling steps into the New World. Come hear the music of William Byrd and the poetry of William Shakespeare, and learn of the fascinating figures of the time – Gallileo, Copernicus, Elizabeth 1, Oliver Cromwell and Sir Walter Raleigh to name but a few. The evening promises to soothe the musical ear and take your imagination into the world of the turn of the 17th century.

7:30 pm – One Night Stand Pointe Beach Main Stage Free Admission One Night Stand is a 4 piece group specializing in popular tunes from the 70s and 80s. The band features Peter Noel, vocals, keyboards and guitars; Bruce Blackwood, bass and vocals; Paul Monahan, guitar and vocals and Bob Davis, drums. Get ready to dance to the tunes that make you “remember where you were when?”.

9:30 pm – Billy and the Bruisers Pointe Beach Main Stage Admission Free Billy and the Bruisers, formed in 1991, is a ten piece band from St. John’s. Highly professional, these veterans of the music scene have gained a loyal following and have achieved a well deserved reputation as one of the most versatile and entertaining musical acts in Eastern Canada.

Saturday, August 21^st

10:00 am – Flag raising with Special Guest. During the Cupids Cove Soiree, three official flags, Canadian, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Union Jack will rise and fly proudly over Cupids.

1:00 pm – Brew House Pub – Pointe Beach Cupids Cove was the site of the first Brew House in what was to become Canada. Throughout the Cupids Cove Soiree, The Brew House Pub, a tented venue, will be open daily from 1:00 pm. Free Admission. 19 Years and older

1:00 pm – A Midsummer Night’s Dream The Indeavour Stage. General Admission: $25.00, Groundling: $10  Tickets are available at the  Cupids 400 Box Office, 467 Seaforest Drive, Cupids NL 709.528.1610

1:00 – 8:00pm Ocean Quest Harbour Tours $25.00 Leaving from the public wharf at 1pm, 3pm and 5 pm

1:00 -8:00pm Craft Vendors, Pointe Beach

1:00 – 9:00 pm Children’s Amusement Rides (Ticketed) Behind the Post Office.

1:00pm -closing – Food Concessions at Pointe Beach

1:00pm – 5:00pm – Cupids Cove Soiree Folk Festival Main Stage Pointe Beach – Ken Snow and Friends, Harbour Boys, Web Dawe, Kevin Mercer, Legion Boys, and Steve Stockley

2:00 pm – Wonderbolt Circus Show “Tricksters” Akerman Building Tricksters is a cross-cultural celebration of circus movement and dance. Themed around the unifying image of a circle, Wonderbolt’s show features Anahareo White-Malone, an internationally recognized aerial hoop artist and world champion hoop dancer, Terrance Littletent from Saskatchewan, accompanied on drums and vocals by his brother Jason. The ringmaster is master clown, Beni Malone. Innovative techniques such as black-light Aboriginal hoop dancing and LED lit hula hooping and solo and group juggling add to the fun and mystique of the show. Free Admission. All ages.

5:00 pm – 6:00 pm – Rio Samaya Band Pointe Beach Main Stage Free Admission The Rio Samaya Band will be performing many popular and original songs in a magical combination of Latin, Reggae and Rumba with Guitar, Bombo, Charango, Quena, and Accordian and Sax.They bring a musical caravan full of treasures and surprises, Their shows can be shared in many ways with the audience and many other musicians among the audience. Refreshing is one of the concepts of the band… adding new beats and effects and turning traditional tunes into contemporary music….

7:30 pm – The Once Pointe Beach Main Stage Free Admission The Once is an award winning trio of young folk musicians, building on the traditions of their native province. After their debut release in August of 2009, The Once discovered the demand for their indie folk group was growing more quickly than anticipated. The career highlights they have amassed are impressive.

9:00 pm – The Idlers Pointe Beach Main Stage Free Admission The Idlers are an eleven
-piece, self proclaimed ‘reggae circus’ from St. John’s, Newfoundland. Their unique sound comes from a love of reggae, ska and afro-beat, peppered with their Atlantic influences. Ringmaster Mark Wilson fronts a solid rhythm section with heavy horns and tight harmonies, and has been bringing audiences to a dancing frenzy since the band came together in 2006.

10:30 pm – The 8 Track Favourites The 8 Track Favourites cover the old time country hits in their own unique style. The band includes Larry Foley and Patrick Moran (The Punters), Chris LeDrew (Brothers In Stereo), Sandy Morris, Barry Hillier and George Morgan.

Sunday, August 22^nd

10:00 am – Flag raising with Special Guest. During the Cupids Cove Soiree, three official flags, Canadian, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Union Jack will rise and fly proudly over Cupids.

1:00pm The Tiring House: The Indeavour Stage  Tickets $10.00  Tickets are available  at the Cupids 400 Box Office, 467 Seaforest Drive, Cupids NL 709.528.1610

1:00 – 2:30 pm – Spirit of the Land, Sea and People Celebration Pointe Beach Main Stage Free Admission Spirit of the People Celebration with music and narration is a spiritual hour devoted to celebrating the peoples of NL. Join us as we celebrate with music, song, and dance and pay tribute to the generations of inhabitants who make up the culture and traditions of the land and sea. Special guests will include Se’t A’newey First Nations Youth  Choir, Chief Mi’sel Joe, Rev Chris Andrews, Father Gerald Wescott. BCG Men’s Choir, Presentation of King James Bible, Emmaus Singers

1:00 – 8:00pm Ocean Quest Harbour Tours $25.00 Leaving from the public wharf at 1pm, 3pm and 5 pm

1:00 -8:00pm Craft Vendors, Pointe Beach.

1:00 – 9:00 pm Children’s Amusement Rides (Ticketed) Behind the Post Office.

1:00pm -closing – Food Concessions at Pointe Beach

2:30 pm – Wonderbolt Circus Show “Tricksters” Akerman Building Tricksters is a cross-cultural celebration of circus movement and dance. Themed around the unifying image of a circle, Wonderbolt’s show features Anahareo White-Malone, an internationally recognized aerial hoop artist and world champion hoop dancer, Terrance Littletent from Saskatchewan, accompanied on drums and vocals by his brother Jason. The ringmaster is master clown, Beni Malone. Innovative techniques such as black-light Aboriginal hoop dancing and LED lit hula hooping and solo and group juggling add to the fun and mystique of the show. Free Admission. All ages.

2:30 pm – The Ray Walsh Family Band Pointe Beach Main Stage Free Admission
The Walsh Family Band has roots in the Newfoundland fishing community of Bay de Verde – a community rich in musical heritage, culture and history. Formed in 1995, the band’s repertoire includes a blend of traditional Newfoundland, Irish, Scottish vocals and instrumentals as well as original material influenced by the place and people they come from – Bay de Verde.

3:00pm Hamlet (one show only) The Indeavour Stage  Tickets $30.00  Tickets are available  at the Cupids 400 Box Office, 467 Seaforest Drive, Cupids NL 709.528.1610

3:30 pm – The Morgan Brothers Pointe Beach Main Stage Free Admission
Listen to the phenomenal southern gospel harmonies of the Morgan Brothers, Corey, Blair, and Scott. Accompanied by George Bartlett on piano and Barry Gosse on bass.

8:30 pm – Soiree Closing Ceremonies Pointe Beach Main Stage Free Admission

8:40 pm   Seeds of Settlement - an original production written and directed by Ged Blackmore. Main Stage on Pointe Beach Free Admission.

In August 1610, John Guy and an intrepid group of settlers from Bristol, England landed at Cupers Cove on the island of Newfoundland where they would establish the first official English Colony in what is today the country of Canada. “Seeds of Settlement” is a musical production that tells the story of those first settlers and the generations of people and events that shaped us as a people.

10:00 pm – Closing Fireworks

10:15pm Join us afterwards for live entertainment with Shanty at Brew House Pub which opens after the shows.