Alliance Francaise Celebrates the Feast of the Three Kings

Cindy Dressler, Eugene McNulty, and Nancy Bredback

Why do things always sound better in French?

Newport’s active Alliance Francaise chapter held its annual dinner (Dinêr Annuel) and La Réunion pour La Fête des Trois Rois at the Canfield House recently. With entertainment by a beret-sporting, very French Bertrand Laurence on guitar, and Marc Chênevert on clarinet, lively conversations in French (and French music) created a Parisian atmosphere.

Julie McAlpine, Joan Fletcher and Mme. Suzanne Merciol

President Freda MacLeod greeted guests, and French teacher Joan Fletcher spoke polished French with members. Eugene McNulty looked quite dapper, and Mme. Suzanne Merciol conversed with table mate Julie McAlpine.

Bob & Claire Velardi with Nancy Jamison

A native of Normandy, Bertrand grew up absorbing the American Folk and Blues guitar masters, and was inspired to develop his own personal, contemporary, modern sound, which he demonstrated at the Fête.

Jim Wiles, Fred MacLeod, and Alison Ells

“Actually, my early life’s moves followed the trajectory of Joan of Arc," he told Newport Seen, adding that local lore had it that ”it that is was not Joan of Arc who was actually put to death, but someone else. She escaped.” Bertrand's memorable songs, sung in English and French, were woven into a tapestry rich in imagery and his own life experience, sung feelingly.

Enjoying French conversation

A world traveler, Bertrand has had significant international exposure as a festival, concert and club performer, including North America, Europe and Asia.

“We were very lucky to have him here with us to celebrate the evening,” Joan Fletcher commented.