Journal
This 2011 edition of the Festival Interceltique de Lorient had a special meaning for us because the festival decided to honor celtic diaspora around the world. BZH New York was represented in a number of ways over the week.
Monday 8/8 Program
Press
8/6 Ouest-France - 8/6 LeMonde.fr - 8/6 ABP -
8/9 Ouest-France -
8/8 - Video Le Télégramme
Picture of Christine Melou (early BZH New York member, now back in Brittany) with the new
BZH New York / Breizh Punisher T-shirt
15,000 visitors attended Bastille Day in Brooklyn.
Many went away with a better appreciation of Brittany and its gastromony after visiting the BZH New York stand.
Many thanks again to the volunteers that were invaluable and the many Bretons of NY that came to support us.
BZH NY's Pictures - More pictures - French Consulate's Pictures
Ouest-France 7/21 Article: Online - Scanned
A special thanks to our sponsors Tout Va Bien and Cannelle Patisserie who have always been great supporters of our activities!
At Connolly's Times Square with live musicians Sylvain Barou, Ronan Pellen & Ndiaz (Yann LeCorre, Youen LeCam, Jean-Marie Nivaigne).
World Music night where Brittany met India with jazz as a horizon - At Shrine in Harlem
June 1st Article in Ouest-France
May 30th Article in Agence Bretagne Presse
In recent years St Yves day has become a date on the calendar where Bretons everywhere celebrate Brittany and all things Breton. This year was no different with over 200 events organized worldwide.
2011 marked the 5th year Breton events were held in NY to celebrate St Yves.
Last year's NY events were centered on honoring Breton artist Youenn Gwernig. A poetry reading of Youenn's works in English, Breton, and French; a documentary in Breton on his life shown at NYU; a concert; and fest noz were all part of the festivities.
The 2011 edition focused on musical exchange of traditional and contemporary cultures between Brittany and India with jazz as a horizon. This mixing of cultures based on exchange and improvisation offered opportunities of exploration and artistic expression among the 5 talented musicians coming from Brittany and locally based Indian and jazz musicians.
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.
In what may have been a first in New York, 20 persons of diverse backgrounds (American, french, breton, irish, basque, alsacian) eager and interested in learning and in the history of the Breton language, took part in a Breton initial class instructed by Dewi Siberil from Diwan.
Article in the Breton Language
Very Appetizing: Cafe Triskell
Kelly Choi cooks with chef Philippe Fallait of Cafe Triskell and shows us what a true, authentic crepe is!
An article in the Ouest-France mentions the partnership between the CLC Cycling Team and BZH New York
Charles Kergaravat, BZH New York's president and Anne-Sophie Zegers, BZH New York's vice treasurer met with Magalie Le Floch and Anne-Sophie's grand-parents in Brech, Brittany (Morbihan). Article in Ouest-France.
The US flag was displayed at the Bar Breton to welcome BZH New York's ambassadors!
Anne-Sophie Zegers, BZH New York board member, was interviewed by Le Telegramme.
Anne-Sophie : le goût de l'aventure
For the 4th consecutive year, BZH New York organized a ski weekend in the Catskills with lodging and dining at
La Duchesse Anne operated by renowned chef Fabrice Vittoz from Lorient.
The 2nd Annual Interceltic Festival of NY was an evening of music and dance celebrating the common heritage, traditions, culture, and story of immigration of Celtic peoples in New York City. Thirty musicians locally based or from abroad, created a ceilidh or fest noz like atmosphere highlighting the dancing nature of Celtic music.
Event description in English, Breton and French
| 2/02/11 | Article in Le Télégramme |
| 2/03/11 | Article in Ouest France |
| 2/15/11 | Article in Ouest France |
CNN's Simon Hooper reports on the continuing struggle to pass on the Breton language in France's Brittany region.
VideoOn December 11th, 95 Bretons and friends of Brittany celebrated BZH New York's annual Christmas lunch.
The lunch highlighted the gastronomic talent of Bretons in NY, from a traditional kig ha farz recipe from North Finistere perfectly executed by Jean-Christophe to the buche de noel from Breton-owned Cannelle patisserie.
Good food, reuniting friends, and celebrating the holiday season have become hallmarks of this annual festive event.
Many thanks to JC, Alan, Breton artist Mikael Jegou, Cannelle Patisserie, and Isigny Ste Mere.
Pictures by Capucine Bourcart
The Merlus de NY once again faced their celtic cousins.
Pictures
The board reviewed the major events over the past year, the association's financials, our partners & sponsors,
and coming events in 2010/2011.
Members elected the new board for 2010/2011.
"Je suis américain, français et breton"
Charles Kergaravat, BHZ New York's president interviewed by Ouest-France Bretagne - Article
On October 5th, a delegation from the region of Normandy took part in an evening of business networking with a number of Breton professional and entrepreneurs.
The following firms and entities were present during an evening of exchange and conviviality: Isigny Sainte Mere, Cidrerie Plessis, Biscuiterie de l'Abbaye, chambre de commerce Basse Normandie, et la Region Normandie.
Picture
BZH New York had its first Breton dance class of the fall at O'Lunney's Times Square Pub.
Guest instructor Magalie LeFoch focused on the dance traditions of the region of Auray.
Magalie is a member of la Kevrenn Alre, who have won the Bretagne dance championship on 10 occasions.
For the second time (last time in 2008) BZH New York had a booth at Celtic Classic in Bethlehem, PA.
PicturesOn September 19th, 15 cyclists pedaled across Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan in hopes to raise funds of the Eugene Marquis cancer center in Rennes, France. The ride was followed by a gouter breton at Tout va Bien restaurant where patrons could make donations. A total of $1000 was raised for the Eugene Marquis center.
Pictures - Ouest-France Article - Le Petit Bleu Article
C.L.C Team Cyclosport, a partner on the ride, is composed of current and ex-professional cyclist of Breton origin. ""C'est un grand honneur pour nous membres du ""CONTRE LE CANCER TEAM-CYCLOSPORT"" de constater que notre action pour la lutte contre cette maladie mobilise des gents en dehors de nos frontières."" le president, Christophe Lefort.
Les Merlus made it to the final only to lose on overtime penalty kicks!
BIG THANKS TO CANNELLE PATISSERIE
,
THE TOUT VA BIEN RESTAURANT,
LES DELICES DU CHEF AND BREIZH PUNISHER'S
FOR THEIR SPONSORSHIP!
For the fourth consecutive year, BZH New York had a booth for Bastille Day.
This year's event was held in Brooklyn,
in concert with the Brooklyn Bastille Day Petanque Bar-Tabac
Tournament
on Smith Street.
Julien Micault, pastry chef & member of BZH New York gave 3 cakes to the musicians of Lo'Jo, Tabou Combo & Salif Keita on Sunday June 20th during their participation at La Fête de la Musique at Central Park Summer Stage.
Picture: Julien Micault with Lo'Jo's leader Denis Péan, an activist, poet, singer and musician. The man who brought Tinariwen to the world!
The ICDBL and BZH New York recently participated in the annual Potomac Celtic Festival in Virginia.
The Potomac Festival highlights the cultures of numerous Celtic nations. ICDBL and BZH NY's presence helped promote Brittany and Breton culture with a Breton dance workshop and stand that presented Breton language, music and products.
The ICDBL (International Committee for the Defense of the Breton Language) is an international association with the US branch founded in 1981, and has members in 38 states. The ICDBL is a non-profit organization with the aim of teaching people about Brittany, the Breton language and culture, and to support the development of the Breton language education
and culture in Brittany.
From May 19th to May 22nd 2010,
BZH New York celebrated St Yves
for the 4th consecutive year.
For the 2010 edition BZH-NY honored the contributions to Breton culture by Youenn Gwernig.
All Details - Press Release - Flyer (Front) (Back)
Covered by FRANCE 3 BRETAGNE
Video of the St Yves week in NYC
Click on "Dimanche 30 Mai"
Cyber Fest Noz - Duplex from New York
"New-York fête la Bretagne" in Ar Men magazine.
Louise Ebrel, Iffig Flatres and Diese 3 interviewed on WFMU. Listen to the show online!
"Le tour de chant de Louise Ebrel à New York"
Article in Ouest France
Before
Louise Ebrel - Fest Noz à NYC in the Télégramme.com
antourtan.org - In an interview, Louise Ebrel mentions her coming trip to New York
Many thanks to Esperanto, Tout Va Bien and Café Charbon for their sponsorship!
Les Merlus de New York played the sailors
of the French Navy ship La Jeanne d'Arc.
Ouest-France noticed Capucine's project
"To immigrate does not mean to forget: a piece of identity"
and more specifically the last edition
about Marie Martin of Lanester. Article
On Sunday, February 28th, at Tout Va Bien, BZH New York organized a 3-course brunch featuring a concert from Breton singer Nolwenn Monjarret.
Pictures - Article in French Morning
Capucine's Pictures - Snowshoeing Pictures
On Saturday, January 30th over 400 spectators celebrated Celtic identity at
the Interceltic Fest Noz
presented by BZH New York.
Fest Noz means night party in Breton, the celtic language of Brittany, and
the Interceltic was certainly that with performances from 40 musicians of
Brittany, Ireland, Scotland, Wales,
and Galicia.
The conviviality and revelry between the large number of dancing
participants, experienced and non, augmented the feeling of Celtic unity.
All Details - Flyer - Pictures by Capucine Bourcart
Press articles:
Irish Central -
Armen Magazine - Ouest France
Videos of Interceltic: Video 1 - Video 2
Bluesman and BZH New York's friend,
Ladell McLin, on France 5: La Route du Blues
www.ladellmclin.com
Ladell McLin with Mamadou Konate & Jean-Pierre Riou from Red Cardell. Saint Yves 2009 in NYC.
For the 3rd consecutive year and with increasing success, BZH New York held its Christmas party
at Café Charbon - Pictures by Capucine Bourcart
In prelude of the World Cup Qualifier France vs. Ireland, the Merlus of NY played against an Irish team in NYC.
Following this "friendly" match between Celtic cousins everybody went to watch the game at Tout Va Bien.
Pictures - Press Release (in French) - Article in Ouest-France - Article in ABP
On October 31st, BZH New York participated in a ceremony at Cypress Hills cemetery to honor 25 French sailors (18 of whom were of Breton descent) who died in NY harbor in 1918 during World War I. The sailors were serving on French war vessels la Marseillaise, le Montcalm, and la Glorie when they were victims of the Spanish Flu a few weeks before the Armistice.
Pictures by Capucine Bourcart - Names of sailors buried in Cypress Hill cemetery in Queens
On October 30th, BZH New York in conjunction with the Consulate of Ireland and the Office of the First Minister of Wales organized a lively and enriching cultural evening of Celtic music, song, dance, and poetry.
This unique event celebrating Celtic Halloween also gave the participating Celtic groups an opportunity to offer the guests enticing samples of their food and beverage, information on tourism opportunities as well as further information about their respective countries culture, geography and points of interest.
Program - Pictures by Capucine Bourcart
On October 29th, BZH New York organized a dinner for the Breton runners participating in the 2009 NYC Marathon.
40 runners from University of Nantes, the runners club of St Gregoire, and Bretons from Colmar, Alsace joined BZH New York for an evening in the spirit of camaraderie and conviviality at Tout Va Bien restaurant in Manhattan.
Pictures from the dinner -
Article in Ouest France.
Marion Thomas, from St Brieuc, Bretagne, is embarking on an around the world tour where she will meet with Bretons and partake in challenges in numerous cities and countries. youandme-aroundtheworld.com
She was in NYC from October 11th to 16th and BZH New York challenged her to Tro Breizh New York style by bike. Video
The stade Olympique de Montréal was awash with Gwenn ha Du flags for the Trophée des Champions match between En Avant de Guingamp and Bordeaux.
BZH New York was on hand presenting gifts to representatives of football clubs L'Impact de Montreal and En Avant Guingamp. (Most notably, Guingamp President, Noel Le Graet.)
BZH New York had a booth offering crepes and other Breton specialties.
Bruno Le Berre and Samuel Le Henanff
performed on the stage.
Pictures
BIG THANKS TO CANNELLE PATISSERIE
AND THE TOUT VA BIEN RESTAURANT
FOR THEIR SPONSORSHIP!
BZH New York's Business Committee
organized a dinner at the
Tout Va Bien after the Fancy Food Show.
There was a cocktail in honor of Benoit Lequin and Pierre Yves Moreau who presented their incredible sailing challenge.
About Red Cardell - www.redcardell.com
At Connolly's: Pictures - Video
Red Cardell in New York - Videos: Episode 1 - Episode 2 - Episode 3
This marked the first time that two Breton teams met in the final of the Coupe de France.
87,000 Bretons made the trip to the Stade de France in 8 special TGV's, many buses and cars.
La Région Bretagne provided 20,000 Gwenn Ha Du for the game.
The Breton anthem, "Bro Gozh ma Zadou" sung by Alan Stivell was played before the kickoff.
Agence Bretagne Presse Article -
Le Telegramme Article
The Tout Va Bien restaurant was packed with people invited by BZH New York to watch the game.
WATCH THE VIDEOOuest-France Article
Tinariwen is a band of Touareg musicians that plays great rock/blues music.
They are a BZH New York favorite and they now have BZH New York T-Shirts!
Capucine took some pictures during their recent visit to New York.
Many BZH New York members were there. The pictures
The 2nd Breton dance course was a success with 15-20 participants.
Gavotte des Montagnes, Laridé, Bal and Scottish. Thank you Samuel for your patience!
Pictures
Many thanks to the French Embassy,
the Lycée Français, the Tout Va Bien,
Cannelle Patisserie and Dive Bar
for their support!
Bagad St Nazaire in NYC - The Story
| PRESS | |
|---|---|
| Agence Bretagne Presse | France-Amérique |
| 3/16 - Ouest France | 3/18 - Ouest France |
| 3/21-22 - Ouest France | |
| PICTURES | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1st Evening | Concert #1 | Concert #2 |
| Parade #1 | Parade #2 | Shrine |
| Fest Noz #1 | Fest Noz #2 | Miscelaneous |
Yoann Le Goff, a BZH New York member,
and three of his fellow American bagpipers competed in the "Championnat de Bretagne de Première Catégorie des Bagadou" in Brest. Sean Buchta, Mike McNintch,
and Jake Otto were the first Americans ever to take part in this competition when they performed with Bagad Kemperle this past Sunday.
Picture #1
- Picture #2
- Ouest-France Article
More than 20 people attended this event. Dancers of all levels and a great teacher. Thank you, Lenaig!
At Café Charbon. The Pictures by Capucine
Capucine's Pictures
Capucine in the pictures...
BZH New York's president, Laurent Corbel,
meets with the FC Lorient (aka "Les Merlus")
and gives BZH New York t-shirts. See the pictures
BZH New York had a booth. See the pictures
BZH New York had a booth. See the pictures
Big thanks to Cannelle Patisserie and the Tout Va Bien restaurant for their sponsorship!
BZH New York Celebrated St Yves by organizing multiple events
and by inviting 5 first-class musicians from Brittany.
| Full weekend program | |
| Fest Noz Pictures | Beer Garden Pictures |
| Montauk pictures | Shrine pictures |
François Maheux, BZH New York music consultant, in a picture with Yelle.
Yelle is a rising electropop star from St Brieuc, Brittany. www.yelle.fr
BZH New York organized a ski weekend at "La Duchesse Anne" Inn, in Mt. Tremper, NY.
With 5 inches of fresh snow on Friday night and perfect
blue sky on Sunday,
the
conditions were ideal.
Combined with Fabrice's warm welcome,
this really was a memorable week-end!
Click here to see the pictures.
The 2008 tournament has started! Click here for the pictures
Last Saturday, December 8th, BZH New York
organized its first Christmas party
at Café Charbon...
Click here for more details and the pictures
30 runners from Brittany were greeted by
BZH New York and Jean-Pierre Touchard
at the "Tout Va Bien" Restaurant
Click here to see the pictures
Well, France lost, but what a moment! Click here to see the pictures
Fantastic weather, delicious crepes,
lively petanque games
and electric ambiance after France
won the Rugby game.
This truly was an exceptional event! Click here to see the pictures
BZH New York was there and met with
the
Celtic Cultural Alliance's Board organizing the event.
They were very excited about working with
us to have Brittany
better represented at their events.
Click here to see the pictures
Click here to see the pictures
BZH NY was present in force. Click here for pictures
Click here for pictures
Click here for pictures
Last Monday, BZH New York soccer team played with the Fregate Primauguet team on Riverside and 103rd street.
The fregate was a few days in New York City harbor before exercising in Norfolk with the US Navy.
Informal soccer games are organized every Saturday 11AM in Central Park, 103rd street and East, near the baseball playgrounds. For more information, call Laurent at 646 229 9900.
Click here for the pictures.
The two 3-mast schooners "Le Bel Espoir" and "Rara Avis" from Brest, Brittany were in New York harbor last week.
BZH New York was invited to share dinner with Michel Jaouen and the crew.
Michel Jaouen is a famous sailor, founder of the association "les Amis de Jeudi-Dimanche" which organizes transatlantic cruises open to all public.
Click here for the pictures of this great moment on the Hudson Rivera.
The older pictures and video are still in the old Website format. click here to see them.
L’avion Air France a atterri a Kennedy Airport Samedi. Le Bagad Saint Nazaire aussi. Deux membres de BZH New York etaient presents pour les accueillir. Michele Moreau avait meme accroche un Gwen Ha Du sur un manche a balais. Un bus a emmene tout le monde a l’auberge de Manhattan ou le Bagad va sejourner. Apres avoir mis bagages et instruments en securite le groupe a file se desalterer dans le pub le plus proche.
Le Dimanche matin, les Nazairiens sont alles se recueillir dans une eglise gospel a Harlem avant d’aller dejeuner au Baobab, un restaurant africain de la 116eme rue. Alors que la majorite du bagad faisait du tourisme dans le bas de la ville, deux sonneurs ont joue a la reception officielle de la Parade Saint Patrick. A cette occasion, Christian Mehat, le directeur du bagad, a remis un cadeau au Grand Marshall.
Lundi matin l’ensemble Nazairien etait recu au Lycee Francais de New York. Apres une courte demonstration suivie d’un concert, tout le monde a dejeune a la cantine. En soiree le bagad a donne un concert d’une heure et demie a Symphony Space sur Broadway Upper West Side devant un public nombreux, ebahi mais conquis. La soiree n’etait pourtant pas terminee puisque quelques virtuoses Nazairiens sont alles jammer au Dive Bar, 96eme Street & Amsterdam Avenue.
Mardi 17, jour de la Saint Patrick. New York City devient Irlandais. Le Bagad Saint Nazaire s’est elance sur la cinquieme Avenue a 11h15. La parade en chiffre, 200000 participants pour plus d’un million de spectateurs et des dizaine de millions de telespectateurs. Gwen Ha Du en tete, la delegation bretonne a recu les ovations de la foule. Ensuite, sonneurs et accompagnateurs se sont retrouves au restaurant Tout Va Bien pour un dejeuner bien arrose. Plus tard, au Club Shrine a Harlem, les sonneurs ont partage la soiree avec deux griots Burkinabes, le bluesman Ladell Mac Linn acompagne du batteur Swiss Chris devant un public metisse qui n’a pas cesse de danser.
Mercredi 18 mars, le bagad Saint Nazaire a marche sous un soleil printanier jusqu'a PS84, une ecole publique de l'Upper West Side. Apres un dejeuner offert par l'Ambassade de France, le bagad a fait une presentation dans un auditorium avant de jouer devant une centaine d'enfants ebahis d'abord, enthousiastes ensuite. Apres un buffet pris au restaurant Tout Va Bien, la journee s'est terminee en apotheose par un Fest Noz au Connolly's Pub Times Square. Pendant que les Nazairiens sonnaient, les bretons de New York dansaient. La fete s'est terminee tard dans la nuit. C'est ainsi que le Bagad Saint Nazaire et BZH New York sont devenus amis pour la vie!