CTV News Montreal

Updated: Sat Jun. 13 2009 6:58:36 PM

ctvmontreal.ca

A group of Anglophone musicians has been banned from playing at a St. Jean Baptiste celebration.

The band, called "Lake of Stew", is made up of three brothers from the Mile End. They play folksy, bluegrass music - and they sing exclusively in English.

A few weeks ago, they were invited to perform at the first edition of a St. Jean Baptiste celebration called "L'Autre St-Jean".

"It's kind of a more inclusive alternative to the other St. Jean fete that usually happens," said Richard Rigby.

But the group recently found out they were no longer welcome to perform at the celebration on June 23. Organizers told them one of the sponsors threatened to pull out of the event, fearing the crowd would turn violent if English bands were allowed to play.

Rigby told CTV Montreal's Daniele Hamamdjian that he and his brothers were blindsided by the news.

"Here we are thinking, 'Wow, the consciousness and the attitude of the Quebecois people is finally becoming more inclusive!' And then this!"

The Rigby brothers said they take great pride in Quebec, even though they are not Francophone.

"I love the place. It's my home, it's where I grew up," said Mike Rigby.

Mixed opinions

Out on the streets, Montrealers offered mixed opinions on whether English bands should be able to perform at events in celebration of Quebec's national holiday.

"I'd be more for including only French bands for the national holiday, absolutely," said one man.

"Music is music," said another. "There shouldn't be any difference between French or English.

Please Add Comments

Eddy from Chateauguay
When will our government realize French separatists are a terrorist movement and jail them for treason? And disband that party.
If black, Jewish, or French were banned from taking part in English activities we would be racist and charge with discrimination.
I say cancel the whole St. Jean Baptiste celebration. It is a French separatist terrorist movement.
STOP GIVING IN TO THESE TERRORIST.

LB
Well, well, ignorance prevails once again. What gives anyone the right to determine which language is acceptable for "OUR FETE NATIONAL" ? Are they that uneducated to know that BOTH the English and the French built this great province TOGETHER ? Quebecois or Quebecer.....isn't it one in the same ? Thanks for making the anglophone community feel right at home! Maybe if
we weren't part of a 4th + 5th generation born and raised here, WE'D be more "reasonably accomodated" !

Giuliano Apruzzese
This shows how once again the separatists are narrow minded. First they say we are all inclusive, but as soon they hear english it's no.

Frank
Is it any surprise that the sponsor that demanded the group(s) be uninvited is associated with the SSJB?
This link will shed some light (in french) Pathetic....
http://bangbangblog.com/lautre-saint-jean-bye-bye-les-anglophones/

John Sternberg
Maybe the Fete shouldn´t receive any funding from the federal government since it is strictly a Quebecois affaire...let´s see if it flies...

Alex Dsm
It is sad to know that even today in this day and age that there would still be racists and people who discriminate against others, being language or culture. To see that there is still inequality in Quebec with no regards on how they come across to others. There is no etiquette or tolerance, that will be their downfall. No matter what Holiday, it is just an excuse to exclude other cultures, everyone should be welcomed. What kind of image is Quebec betraying to someone who comes from out of town or country and speaks English to be disrespected, leaves a bad impression to the one who goes back home to tell the tell of a Province with no regard for others or respect!

Reb
I think the sponsors who threatened to pull out of this event because of "Lake of Stew" should come forward and show themselves. Why do they remain anonymous? If they believe so emphatically that only french talent is the sum of Quebec's history on St Jean Baptiste, then why not step into the foreground and demonstrate how important it is to them. I for one, would like to know who they are. Could it be that they are afraid that their Anglo customers might "pull out" from their business if they know WHO they are?

Costas D
And then people wonder why everyone keeps leaving this province. I'm sorry but can someone remind me when being French gave you any more right to this province than a non Francophone? Maybe they'll force us to start sitting in the back of the bus while we're at it.

Dan L.
There would be no problem if the band sang in Italian, Spanish or even German.

Sandy
What!!?? Just because we are not French we are not true Quebecers even if we lived here and were born here in Quebec? Get real!! I say let the English band play, its about celebrating Quebec and they are Quebecers no matter the language they speak or sing in!! A language should not nor ever determine if we are true Quebecers or not. Just when we start getting along some yahoo pulls a stunt like that... I say lose that sponser and keep the band in. Lets keep moving forward, not backwards lol.

Andy Dodge, Montreal West
I am shocked and humiliated by this story which proves that xenophobia is still alive and well in Quebec. I would like to know who the so-called "sponsor" was, in order to organize a boycott against them. The excuse about "potential violence" is merely a ruse to hide their own prejudice.