Mattawa Voyageur Days – Day 3 Review

Mattawa Voyageur Days celebrated its 19 year, July 22, 23 and 24th, 2016. Every year organizers work at making it something for everyone to enjoy. This year was no different. By Sunday, it was hard to believe that the weekend was almost over but, there was still plenty of music to be heard with the Mattawa Bands Reunion Concert, featuring five local area bands, and the Sunday Wrap-up with Devin Cuddy and Alan Doyle & the Beautiful Gypsies.

As I was walking into the park, I could hear a band doing a sound check. Once I was in eye shot, I could see that it was Devin Cuddy. The man has a strong resemblance to his famous Dad, Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo fame. It would seem this apple didn’t fall far from the gifted family tree. Devin is a fabulous musician in his own right and has brought his own unique sound to the table. It is one of those sounds that is hard to categorize – It’s kind of Country with a little Blues/Jazz feel to it. It’s a great sound! The audience was into it.

Devin Cuddy Band

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Finally, the last act of the festival was on. Alan Doyle and the Beautiful Gypsies brought that east coast kitchen party feel to the stage. Doyle, who spend a good 20 years as a founding member of Great Big Sea, couldn’t help but perform a few of those classic songs that everyone has come to love. There is just something about that east coast sound and a fiddle that makes you want to get up and dance! His solo career hasn’t stopped his momentum as an artist. He has two albums under his belt and, I’m sure, more on the way. The Beautiful Gypsies complimented the night’s performance.

Alan Doyle and the Beautiful Gypsies

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Following the music, there was a fantastic fireworks display that was choreographed to music, including several pieces by artists who had performed over the weekend. It was a really incredible experience to witness.

This was my first Mattawa Voyageur Days weekend but, it won’t be my last. The organizers, volunteers and security were so helpful and friendly. It was a wonderful opportunity to be there. Thank you for all you did!

Special thanks to Terry Roy for her fantastic photos!

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