Acadian entertainer Nicole LeBlanc releases CD - Entre deux portes
Rosie Aucoin-Grace

Acadian entertainer Nicole LeBlanc accompanied by singers Michelle Deveau and Elyse Delaney during her CD release, Entre deux portes.

2012 ended with a bang at La place des arts Pand#61520;re Anselme Chiasson at École NDA in Chéticamp where approximately 350 people gathered to celebrate entertainer, Nicole LeBlanc’s first CD release titled Entre deux portes on Saturday, December 29th.

Born and raised in Chéticamp, daughter of Daniel and Anne Louise Deveau, this very talented entertainer is no stranger to the stage and has become quite popular in the francophone region. Inspired by the love and pride of her Acadian roots, her family and community, Nicole has always thrived as a performer, and it just keeps getting better. Song and dance has been a part of her life since she was born. She is a prime example of C’est dans l’sang (It’s in the blood)!

Nicole started dancing at the young age of five years old, playing the piano when she was six, followed by the fiddle at twelve. She was a member of La Swing du Suand#61516;te dance troupe from 1996 until she graduated, and is now their artistic director. Involved in various productions with Le Conseil des arts de Chéticamp, Nicole soon realized that her passion for performing would be a focal point in her future. Upon graduating from École NDA, she studied musical education at Université de Moncton where she learned to play the guitar and other instruments. She has since returned to École NDA as a music teacher where she is very much respected by her co-workers and students for her many musical talents, upbeat and positive attitude towards life. There is simply something magical about being in Nicole’s entourage where students thrive to deliver outstanding performances through various musical venues. Her nothing is impossible type of attitude shows up in the pride and joy of these performers.

During a recent chat, she described, “I grew up with music in the air. Old French songs with my grandmother and my mother; although neither of my parents are performers, they still so enjoy our musical family.” She added, “My brother Darren and I have been playing together since 2004, even more so now in bars and restaurants. We have great kitchen parties where we get together and play music with aunts and uncles and especially with my first cousin, who is actually more like a little sister, Michelle Deveau.”

Very devoted to her teaching career, Nicole thrives as she shares her passion with others, young students and the not so young in our community, whether it be at school, church, in a kitchen party or on stage. Sometimes, she needs to take a step back and nurture her love and passion for performing on stage as this can get neglected along the way. Last summer, Nicole spread her wings, performing in over thirty concerts in local restaurants/bars, as well as Le Conseil des arts de Chéticamp, all while working on her first CD. She is the artistic director for various productions with Le Conseil as well as La Swing du Suand#61516;te dance troupe.

LeBlanc has become a favorite performer among the Acadian community. She has a very unique style, a strong, yet gentle voice and her joie de vivre that blends in with just about any celebrations, especially Le Festival de l’Escaouette and any other activities happening in the Acadian region. She was involved in some very special musical productions such as Le Grand Cercle, La Soirée Chez Gélas, the 40th anniversary of La FANE (Acadian Federation of Nova Scotia), the Canada Games in Halifax, Luc et Luc (French talk show in Moncton), played for the ECMAs and the list goes on. She described her love of the stage: “I love performing, but I mostly enjoy sharing my passion for music. Keeping the Acadian culture alive through music is my passion. To see that what I do brings joy to others, either for tourists, children, or seniors at the Le Foyer Pand#61520;re Fiset: every performance brings me a sense of happiness and pride.”

We spoke about this new CD, and Nicole expressed, “I only started composing a few years ago. I was a little intimidated to share my songs with my community – it is as if you are revealing everything that you feel inside: quite scary. Thanks to wonderful friends who first listened to my songs and gave great criticism. This inspired me to seriously consider recording my very own CD.” She continued, “Last winter, I approached entertainer, studio technician Adrien Aucoin. He was quite encouraging, and we started recording during the spring, finalizing the CD in October.” She added, “I couldn’t decide between traditional songs or my own, so I included three traditional songs (my favourites) which I rearranged with a new twist. We did the recording at Adrien Aucoin’s studio here in Chéticamp, and I am very proud of the result!”

When we talked about the CD launching, Nicole proudly expressed, “What a great reaction and support from the community. I was nervous, more than I have ever been on stage. What a feeling to perform to a sold-out crowd when they are all there to celebrate your very own achievement!” She continued, “I had the best on stage with me: Luc Deon (Pubnico), Adrien Aucoin, Darren Deveau, Maxim Cormier, Colin Grant (Sydney), Michelle Deveau and Elyse Delaney. I was very proud of Michelle as she started the show with three of her own compositions. Hopefully she will be making her own CD soon!”

“There were some pretty emotional and touching moments as songs were shared with Elyse Delaney and Luc Deon. During the song, Libellule, a song I wrote on memory of Danielle Muise, I invited five girls to come sing with me: Lilianne Cormier, Amélie Larade, Louise Aucoin, Marie Rose Deveau and Hope Deveau. They were so cute and a very special addition to the concert.” She added, “I was so overwhelmed and could not have asked for a better evening!”

LeBlanc spoke about her appreciation to all who helped along the way: “Special thanks to my community – without you, I wouldn’t be doing what I love the most! To my family, thanks for all your support. As well, to my friends and co-musicians who encourage me every day and Adrien Aucoin for his guidance throughout the whole process.” For those interested in learning more about entertainer Nicole LeBlanc, or purchasing her new CD, you can find her on Facebook, musiqueleblanc.wix.com/nicoleleblanc (to listen to a few songs/videos) or you can reach her via musiqueleblanc@hotmail.ca.

Influenced by the Acadian traditional style of music, she wants to share her Acadian roots with everyone. “I believe that our ancestors left us with a rich culture full of beautiful traditional songs, music and dance which sends a strong message to all of us – that of never forgetting our Acadian way of life, our language and culture and, most of all, to keep our heritage alive and thriving for generations to come! My 2013 New Year’s resolution is to find a comfortable, happy balance between my musical career and my teaching career,” says LeBlanc. She finished with, “La musique est le lien le plus étroit entre moi et ceux qui sont venu avant moi (music is the closest link between me and those who came before me).