CALEB NICKERSON
FORT COULONGE Nov. 15, 2018
On Thursday night, Francophone country music up-and-comer Cindy Bédard brought her talents to École secondaire Sieur-de-Coulonge (ESSC), playing to an enthusiastic audience decked out in cowboy hats and plaid.
Bédard’s appearance was made possible by a partnership between MRC Pontiac, CHIP 101.9 FM and Dotoris Hall in Témiscaming, explained Claudee Galipeau, territory marketing agent for MRC Pontiac. Certain acts that are playing at the hall are requested for an extra stop in the Pontiac, since they’re already in the area.

“It’s country music so it’s a pretty good fit for the Pontiac,” said Galipeau, of Bédard. “The collaboration is working really well, and a lot of the artists end up coming back to the region as tourists.”
The singer-songwriter’s 2016 album Coeur Sédentaire secured her a win as Female Performer of the Year at the Country Gala 2017, as well as a nomination for the Association Québécoise de l’industrie du disque (ADISQ) country album of the year. She’s up for three more nominations at the Gala Country 2018, for Female Performer of the Year, Spectacle of the year and Public Choice.
A contingent of dedicated fans were dancing just below the stage as Bédard began her set and didn’t stop moving for the entire song.
The next performer to appear through the program will be popular Quebequois comedian Mathieu Cyr, who will be bringing in the new year with some laughs on Feb. 20, 2019.