What's Happening in Aberdeen, WA…

A musical group that is almost impossible to classify is coming to Aberdeen.

Bon Débarras is a collaboration among three artists from Montreal, Véronique Plasse, Jean-François Dumas, and Dominic Desrochers. Over their career, the artists have created a repertoire that is entirely original, blending rhythmic sounds, dance, poetry, and music, seasoned with a distinct flavor of Quebec.

The artists play an array of instruments including harmonica, violin, banjo, and guitar, as well as using body percussion, a term that refers to using the body as an instrument by snapping fingers, stomping, slapping, and so on.

Véronique Plasse is an actress as well as a musician, who has been working to enhance the cultural heritage of Quebec, including its unique traditional music. She works with several other projects including Hurlevent, and Barbo.

Jean-François Dumas is a multi-instrumentalist who began traveling when he was 17, visiting Europe, Latin America, and the United States, and learning their folk traditions. His experience gave him the ability to work with artists from all cultures, leading to the creation of Bon Débarras.

Dominic Desrochers found his artistic vision in family gatherings where accordionists, dancers, and singers played. He also discovered percussive dance and is a founding member and choreographer of Zogma, an urban folk group.

Bon Débarras will perform at the Bishop Center for Performing Arts on April 25. Performances like this, where the venue is on campus, benefit when organizers use flyer printing to create handouts that can be distributed throughout the area.