Brittany, former independent kingdom and duchy, is a province/region of France since 1532.
Brittany is one of the six Celtic Nations.
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NEWS BOARD
May 2013, Fête de la Bretagne Week in NYC and New Mexico
The theme of the 2013 Fête de la Bretagne in NY/NM will be Breton Music meeting American-Indian Music.
The Samuel Le Henanff Quartet will come to NYC and then to New Mexico where they will meet and play with local native Americans.
Le Télégramme Article 12/28/12
Ouest-France Article 01/10/13
La Gazette de Pluvigner Article 01/18/13
Samuel Le Henanff Quartet, inspired by the traditional music of Brittany, France infused with a mosaic of influences ranging from latin to Flamenco with a hint of jazz touched off with blues. The original arrangements offer a refreshing and contemporary expression offering an energetic take on traditional Breton dance music. Samuel LeHenanff, a veteran of the traditional Breton music scene having collaborated or been member of Trio Dédé Le Meut, Tri Pichon Noz, Kanerion Pleuigner, duo Le Gallic - Le Hénanff, Kevrenn Alré, Bagad Ronsed Mor... but also Gilles Servat - Tilsam - Trio Jézéquel, Le Hénanff, Quéméner - Ag ar Choej; having traveled extensively throughout the Europe, USA, Reunion and Rodrigues islands, and China seeking to mélange and blend traditional music.
La Fête de la Bretagne week is celebrated in cities worldwide from Brest, Paris, Pekin and New York.
Fête de la Bretagne official website
55th anniversary dinner of jumelage of the cities of Rochester, NY and Rennes
Wednesday, May 15th
Special dinner at Bistro Vendome (405 East 58th street) at 8:30pm
$45 3-course meal, tip, tax included
reserve by emailing us at info@bzh-ny.org space is limited!
St Yves’s Fest Noz
Saturday, May 18th
7pm-2am at Connolly’s Times Square
121 45th street 3rd floor
$10 for members, $15 for non-members
Performances by Samuel LeHenanff Quartet, Duo Helias/Gerard, and Sylvain Payot
Fest-Noz is a festive gathering based on the collective practice of traditional Breton dances, accompanied by singing or instrumental music. The strong Breton cultural movement has preserved this expression of a living and constantly renewed practice of inherited dance repertoires with several hundred variations, and thousands of tunes. About a thousand Fest-Noz take place every year with participants varying from a hundred to several thousand people, thousands of musicians and singers and tens of thousands of regular dancers. Beyond the practice of the dance, the Fest-Noz is characterized by an intense camaraderie among the singers, musicians and dancers, significant social and intergenerational diversity, and openness to others.
Breton and Native American music meet in concert
Sunday, May 19th
Samuel LeHenanff Quartet and pre-eminent Native American flute instructor, John Sarantos bring together breton and native american cultures
Art Oasis-Inner Garden Maggie Studio, 80 Bowery street, Suite 302, 7pm Tickets $10 at door
Samuel LeHenanff Quartet Concert
Monday, May 20th
7pm @ the LivingRoom (154 Ludlow st)
Cover $10
BZH New York in association with
Irish Arts Center presents
Tuesday, May 21
Tasting from 7:30 pm – 8 pm | Music 8 pm – 9 pm
A Fête de la Bretagne / St. Yves's Day celebration bringing together Breton and Irish cultures by featuring live Breton-Irish music from Samuel Le Henanff Quartet with a Breton whisky from Distillerie Warenghem and Irish cheese tasting
Admission: FREE
Reserve through irishartscenter.org or call 866-811-4111
Fete de la Bretagne in New Mexico
BZH New York will partner with AMP Concerts and L'Alliance Francaise to bring la Fete de la Bretagne to the great state of New Mexico.
Samuel LeHenanff Quartet Concert
Thursday, May 23rd @ 7pm
A special concert to celebrate St Yves day at Outpost Performance Space
210 Yale SE, Albuquerque
Concert & Discussion
on Breton culture, history and language
Thursday, May 23rd
12pm at Los Griegos Library
1000 Griegos Rd NW, Albuquerque
Concert & Discussion
of Breton culture, history and language
Friday, May 24th
3pm at Taylor Ranch Library
5700 Bogart NW, Albuquerque
June 22-23, Outdoor Weekend in Catskills
BZH New York's Ski Weekends have been such a success that we decided to organize a weekend at the same location
(Four Corner Country Inn in Mount Tremper, NY)
in the summer.
The Catskill Mountains have a lot to offer in warmer days:
Kayaking, Whitewater Tubing, Sightseeing, Hiking, Fishing, Cruises on the Hudson River,...
Details coming soon
July 14th, Breton stand for Bastille Day Brooklyn
For the last 6 years, BZH New York has organized a Breton Stand on Smith Street in Brooklyn. The stand features numerous products from the region of Brittany, France.
JOURNAL
Breton language classes in NYC
BZH NY has organized a Breton language course for beginners that will run from April to June 2013. The classes are held at the offices of the Endangered Language Alliance.
UNESCO has classified Breton language as "severly endangered" with the number of speakers decreasing to under 250,000 with over 60% of those over 60 years of age.
In a first for NYC, we are organizing a class for beginners to learn the basics of Breton language. We have been pleasantly surprised by the strong interest our classes have generated with around 15-20 students per class. The students are composed 50% Americans, 50% of persons of Breton origin living currently in NYC.
4/26/13 Jo cycles across America
BZH NY hosted a dinner for Jo Le Bouter before he embarked on a tour of America (5500km from NY to San Francisco) by bike for Wolfram syndrome researchArticle - France Amerique
4/19/13 Coupe de la Ligue
85 Breton soccer fans watched the final of the French Coupe de la Ligue between St Etienne and Stade Rennais at Legends Football Factory
4/17/13 BZH vs French Fregate L'Aquitaine
A special match was organzied between the sailors of French navy vessel, L'Aquitaine and the Stade Brestois NY. Final score 7-2 for SBNY. All the players were cheered on by members of the Breton community and French War Veterns.
Article - France Amerique
Article - RP Defense Blog
3/23/13, Paris-Brest Classic - Leg 1
On 3/23, Stade Brestois NY's players defeated courageous
PSG NY Club's soccer fans 5-1 in Queensbridge Park to get a secure margin before the 2nd leg.
The aggregate winner will grasp
the 2013 'Paris-Brest classic' trophey.
Leg 2 will take place on the same field on 5/18, just prior to the professional game in France between PSG and Stade Brestois 29.
3/16/13, Stade Brestois NY YMCA champions!
One year after the sponsorship agreement with
Stade Brestois 29, the Bretons of New York won
their first major title!
On 3/16, SB NY players made the most of themselves to outclass valorous Alsacians of SR Colmar NY and won the LIC YMCA Winter 2013 championship.
Starting with 7 other teams from other nationalities last December, SB NY demonstrated their superiority amongst the 4 remaining teams in play-off.
However, no rest for the Bretons since they're starting playing in Urban Soccer league on Mondays this month.
En route for the double title!
Finistère Foot Article and Pictures
3/13/13-3/18/13, ST PATRICK'S WEEK
St Patrick’s week in NYC had once again a Breton touch to it with 80 musicians and dancers performing throughout the week cumulating to their participation in the 252nd St Patrick’s Day Parade.
Brittany was represented by Bagad du Moulin Vert,
Eostiged ar Stangala and Kan ha Diskan singers
Armel An Hejer & Alan Le Clère
A delegation of more than 100 that included musicians, dancers, elected officials, entrepreneurs and business executives could be found across NYC representing Brittany in numerous locations during St Patrick's week.
| LIST OF EVENTS | |
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| Wed. 3/13 |
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| Thur. 3/14 |
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| Fri. 3/15 |
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| Sat. 3/16 |
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| Mon 3/18 |
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St Patrick's Day Parade Pictures
Photo Album for all other week events
St Patrick's Day Parade Video
| PRESS/MEDIA COVERAGE | |
|---|---|
| Ouest-France | 3/18/13 Article #1 - 3/18/13 Article #2 3/17/13 Videos |
| Le Télégramme | 3/19/13 Video |
| Coté Quimper | 3/15/13 Article and Videos |
| 7seizh.info | 3/16/13 Article |
| USA21.tv | 3/16/13 Video |
| Irish Central | 3/22/13 Article |
2/16/13, SB29 - Interceltic Trophy
BZH NY organised the first 'Pennkampionad ar Peder Gwlad' trophy, gathering four Celtic sides to play a soccer tournament in Queensbridge Park.
The top winner was friendship and the Celtic teams promised each others to come back in the future to perpetuate this new-born competition.
2/2-2/3/13, Ski Weekend
The ski weekend in the Catskills has been a BZH New York tradition since 2008.
La Duchesse Anne is now called Four Corners Country Inn
and its new management did a great job lodging and feeding the group in the cozy B&B style Inn.
Like expected there was a good friendly atmosphere, good food, Breton dancing, belote late in the night and of course good exercise and invigorating air on the ski slopes.
1/27/13, General Assembly
BZH New York, reviewed and recapped a very successful 2012 by discussing events, objectives, financials, our partners & sponsors, followed by the election of
the 2013 Board.
AG Photo Album - France-Amérique article
Video1 Video2 by J.F.Baudet (BTA)
Your 2013 BZH New York Board
- President: Charles Kergaravat
- Vice President: Julien Micault
- Secretary: Michèle Moreau
- Deputy Secretary: Jacky Faucheux
- Treasurer: Anne-Sophie Kergaravat
- Deputy Treasurer: Bernard Le Bris
1/19/13, "American Noz"
in Quimper
In preparation for their coming trip to
New York, Bagad Moulin-Vert
and Dance Group
Eostiged Ar Stangala
organized an "American Noz"
at Chapeau Rouge in Quimper.
1/8/13, Nolwenn Leroy in NYC
Top-charts Brittany-born singer
Nolwenn Leroy made her NY Debut at Drom.
Nolwenn and her musicians also spent good quality time with BZH New York at
Café Triskell the next evening.
The high-audience French Sunday News "Sept à Huit" on TF1 covered Nolwenn's debut in NYC, including her meeting with BZH New York at Café Triskell (at the end of the video).
Video on TF1's website (not viewable from the US)
Video on Nolwenn's Facebook site (viewable from the US).
Nolwenn Live on Good Day New York (Fox NY)
Nolwenn interviewed by Charles Kergaravat.
Article in France-Amérique
Article in Le Télégramme
Article France 3 Auvergne
A unique name and heritage, a French token and national emblem, Nolwenn Leroy brings us her self titled album Nolwenn with adaptations of traditional Celtic songs. As a French pop star and author-composer, native from the foreign land of Brittany, it was no surprise that one day Nolwenn would make an album dedicated to the very roots that taught her the love of music.
12/14/12, Christmas dinner
The annual Christmas dinner has become a favorite of bretons and friends of Brittany who come year after year for the convivial atmosphere, new encounters, good food, and entertainment.
12/08/12, Breton Derby Live in NY
Au pied de l'Empire State Building, BZH New York a organisé une retransmission "live" du derby Breton entre le Stade Rennais et le Stade Brestois au Legends Bar NYC. Une dizaine de bretons de NY étaient présents pour supporter leurs équipes.
11/30/12, NYPD Expo
In Plougastel-Daoulas, an exhibit of the pictures taken during the visit of the PD Bagad
for the 2012 St Patrick's day parad.
11/19/12, Website Redesign
Many thanks to Mog Design,
Romain Moguen, graphic designer
who partnered with us for this effort.
Tell us what you think!
11/19/12, Donation to New York Cares
BZH New York and Irish Network NY are happy to announce that they made a donation of $1000 to
New York Cares going to recovery efforts for Hurricane Sandy victims. Thanks to all who attended our Halloween Fest-Noz and made donations!!!
New York Cares is now the city's largest volunteer organization, running volunteer programs for 1,300 nonprofits, city agencies, and public schools. New York Cares prides itself on a culture of excellence, defined by integrity, reliability, and professionalism. The 2009 Winner of the New York Times Company Nonprofit Excellence Award.
11/17/12, NYC Celtic Cup 2012
Stade Brestois NY vs. Irish Network NY
The Stade Brestois NY defeated Irish Network NY (7-3) for the bragging rights to the NYC Celtic Cup in what has become the hotly contested match of the year as Celtic cousins come together in friendly competition.
11/3/12, Interceltic Halloween Fest Noz
BZH New York and IN-NYC joined forces for an evening of Celtic celebration featuring exciting live music from numerous celtic nations.
Many forms of Celtic music and dance created a ceilidh, fest noz like atmosphere to properly ring in the Celtic New Year.
Headline acts included The Mickey Finns (named one of the BEST Celtic Rock bands in the world by Paddy! Rock Radio), Emerald Fire Dance, Darrah Carr Dance, Sylvain Payot (Brittany), Terra Nosa (Galicia), flying in especially from Brittany, France the Thomas Moisson Trio and traditional Irish music from Martin O'Connell, Marie-Louise Bowe, Eamon O'Leary and Steve Holloway.
France Amérique Article
Pictures - Video
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9/29/12-9/30/12, BZH NY at Celtic Classic
This year again, BZH New York represented Brittany by having a booth at the Celtic Classic Festival in Bethlehem, PA
9/24/12, Breton Dance Class
A great crowd of around 30 people attended our Breton dance class about the dances from the terroir Breton of the Loire Atlantique, masterfully instructed by members of Cercle Celtique Breton of Nantes and Cercle Celtique of Olivier de Clisson.
Special thanks to Tiffany, Emmanuel, Sylvie, and Christine for being such great teachers.
9/23/12, Paté Hénaff Picnic in Central Park
Great attendance and beautiful weather at this year's
Paté Hénaff picnic in Central Park.
Great thanks to Paté Hénaff for their sponsorship!
Pictures
8/7/12, NYC St Patrick at Lorient's Festival
"La plus grande parade au monde, avec des centaines de milliers de spectateurs, c'est à New York, mi-mars, chaque année, pour la Saint-Patrick. Une fête essentiellement irlandaise, mais pas que. Des Bretons y participent parfois, comme les Quimpérois du Moulin Vert l'an prochain. Le patron de la parade est à Lorient ces jours-ci pour mieux connaitre le festival interceltique. Avec une idée derrière la tête..."
Article in Le Télégramme
photos
7/31/12, Breton Flag at Red Bull Arena
"Le drapeau Breton est interdit aux JO, mais le Gwenn Ha Du a été le drapeau le plus en vue au Trophée des Champions au Red Bull Arena de NY samedi dernier."
7/15/12, Bastile Day
Our annual Breton stand in Brooklyn was again a great success and we'd like to thank all the sponsors and volunteers that made it possible. The Smith Street Bastille Day event was visited by over 10,000 people and we are proud to be able to share a taste of Brittany with so many New Yorkers.
Photos of our stand
A special thanks to Cannelle Patisserie, Bacchus Bistro,
Les Délices du Chef, Armor Lux, and Café Triskell
for their support.
7/7/12, Maire de Brest à NYC
Les Bretons de New York ont organisé un dîner pour marquer la visite du maire de Brest et de son équipe. La municipalité de Brest s'est déplacée à New York ce week-end à l'occasion du départ de la Krys Ocean Race, lancée samedi 7 juillet de la Grosse Pomme et qui rejoindra Brest le 14 juillet pour les Tonnerre de Brest. Les Français ont profité d'une soirée conviviale au Bistro Vendome et BZH NY a offert au maire un maillot du Stade Brestois New York, l'équipe de foot née du partenariat entre l'association new-yorkaise et le Stade Brestois.
Pictures
Article in France Amérique
Krys Ocean Race recap and Bretons of NY by Tebeo TV
7/6/12, Krys Ocean Race
"Krys Ocean Race", à la North Cove Marina, New York
www.krys-oceanrace.com
Article in French Morning
6/15/12, BZH New York on Echappées Belles
BZH New York featured on the popular TV show
Echappées Belles on France 5 TV.
BZH New York: Stade Brestois NY & Fete de la...
by BZH-NY
5/29/12, French Navy's Schooners in NYC
Les Goelettes de la Marine Nationale; la Belle Poule et L'Etoile, en mission de 4 mois dans l'Atlantique sont actuellement a New York pour la Fleet Week. A cette occasion, le Stade Brestois New York a decide d'organiser un match de football amical avec les marins des Goelettes. Apres une premiere mi-temps difficile (0-2), le Stade Brestois s'est impose 3-2 face aux marins. Les deux equipes ont ensuite partager le verre de l'amitie dans un bar de Long Island City.
5/18-25/12, Fest Yves Week NY 2012
Brittany and Breton culture will again in the global spotlight over coming days as "la Fete de la Bretagne" is celebrated with over 300 events organized worldwide. BZH New York is proud to continue to highlight over the next week the creativity, imagination, and dynamism of the region and culture of Brittany but also of the Bretons that have decided to settle in the Big Apple. Six famed Breton musicians will be making the voyage from Brittany to share their music and traditions (new and old), and conviviality that Bretons and friends of Brittany have come to love and expect.
5/19 Fest Noz in Times Square
5/20 Apero Breton at Armor Lux store
5/21 Breton music and dance session at Theatre 80
5/22 Concert at Zebulon, Brooklyn
On rooftop over looking Times Square, concert of breton music with expo of breton artist Mik Jegou and Ronan Pennec. Video
Video in Le Télégramme
Pictures
Article in Ouest-France
Article in France Amérique
Article in French Culture guide
Article in Le Télégramme
4/25/12, Hervé Lossec in NYC
City University of New York welcomed Herve Lossec, best selling Breton author on April 25th. Herve Lossec’s book “Les Bretonnismes” which details the ways Breton language influences the way people in Brittany speak French is the third most sold book ever in Brittany. “Les Bretonnismes” has received numerous awards notably le Grand Prix du Livre “Produit de Bretagne”. The conference presented his work but also presented endangered status of Breton language and the linguistic influence it has had on French. The conference was be followed by a book signing.
Article in French Morning
Pictures
More on the Journal page