Musique de la Baie

Musique de la Baie (also known as Music by the Sea) presents local music nightly in restaurants throughout Yarmouth & Acadian Shores all summer long. The music performed is either about the region, written by someone from the region, or reflective of the region. Music is performed in both English and French, and is a fun way to meet locals and take part in a real kitchen party!

There is no cover charge to take in a Musique de la Baie performance, but a meal must be purchased. Advanced reservations are always recommended, as performances quickly sell out.

What is Musique de la Baie?

Yarmouth & Acadian Shores is renowned for its vibrant and unique music. Many famous Canadian musicians come from this area, and musical expression is seen as a cornerstone of local culture. Maritimers are known for fiddles romancing us with soft melodies and then exploding into jigs and reels that shake up the desire to dance, sing, or pick up an instrument and join in the fun. In fact, Acadians have their own special word for this--a good party with lots of music is referred to as a "tyme."

Yarmouth & Acadian Shores wants to cherish and nurture our musical culture and heritage. That's why, during July, August and September, local musicians perform nightly in participating restaurants throughout the area. Visitors are invited to take part, and should look for "Musique de la Baie" performance signs and brochures.

At a Musique de la Baie kitchen party, expect just that--a kitchen party. Informal performances and interactions with the audience are key, and you might even be invited to join in. The traditional and original compositions make for wonderfully diverse repertoires, which in turn keep the performances fresh and entertaining. Entertainment will take place in both French and/or English, depending upon which local community you are in.

Participating Restaurants

Roadside Grill (902) 837-5047 | 3334 Hwy 1, Belliveau Cove. Offering Acadian dishes, including rappie pie, seafood platters, steamer clams, and homemade pies. The restaurant overlooks St. Mary's Bay, and has a patio for your enjoyment.

Les Beaux Vendredis (902) 769-8618 | 3255 Hwy 1, Belliveau Cove. Enjoy fresh lobster, clams and snow crab cooked on site at the Belliveau's Cove wharf in an outdoor setting overlooking beautiful Saint Mary's Bay. A truly unique Acadian experience by the sea!

Around the Bend (902) 645-3313 | 8837 Hwy 1, Meteghan River. Around the Bend offers a large variety of dishes sure to suit everyone's tastes. Specializing in seafood, this family friendly restaurant has been delighting locals and tourists alike for the past 7 years.

Trout Point Lodge (902) 482-8360 | 189 Trout Point Rd, East Kemptville. The intimate, secluded restaurant, flanked by two granite fireplaces and a wood-burning grilling oven, serves dinner en famille at long wooden tables. The house-smoked seafood, including salmon, scallops and swordfish are not to be missed!

Rudders Seafood Restaurant and Brew Pub (902) 742-7311 | 96 Water Street, Yarmouth. Located in an historic sail loft on the Yarmouth waterfront, Rudder's specializes in fresh seafood and houses a ten-barrel gravity flow brewery onsite. Enjoy a large outdoor patio overlooking picturesque Yarmouth harbor.

Peg's Family Restaurant (902) 742-7347 | 222 Main Street, Yarmouth. Located in the heart of downtown Yarmouth, Peg`s offers home cooked comfort food in a cozy atmosphere overlooking the waterfront. Enjoy fresh seafood, homemade desserts and genuine Yarmouth hospitality at this little gem on Main Street!

Ye Olde Argyler Lodge (902) 643-2500 | 52 Ye Olde Argyler Rd, Lower Argyle. The Argyler is a unique luxury lodge featuring an 80 seat dining room and patio overlooking beautiful Lobster Bay. Be a part of the serenity of the water, the islands, the sunsets, the fields and the beautiful weathered cedar building all while enjoying a gourmet dining experience.

Red Cap Restaurant (902) 762-2112 | 1034 Route 335, West Pubnico. The Red Cap specializes in serving local fresh seafood and warm Acadian hospitality. The tastefully decorated restaurant is very welcoming and the paintings on the wall depict local scenes. All of the food is homemade with fresh ingredients.

History of Musique de la Baie

Originally introduced by Paul Comeau of Restaurant Chez Christophe in the village of Grosses Coques, the idea of having live music during a meal quickly became a project of the Clare Tourism Association in order to allow restaurants throughout the area to offer lively entertainment as well.

The official "Musique de la Baie" program was started in the year 2000 with the goal of showcasing Acadian music and culture to visitors. This program featured local musicians playing live "local" music during the meal period in participating restaurants. Each year the program grew in popularity until it was offering an average of 100 performances per summer to over 5000 audience members each season. The "Musique de la Baie" program is a run-away success in the Clare area, having drawn nearly 40,000 audience members throughout its nine seasons and even producing its own CD in 2008. The program is now asked for by name in the area by visitors and is also affectionately known as "The Kitchen Parties."

In 2009, in light of a new tourism partnership in south western Nova Scotia, Musique de la Baie was expanded to all of Yarmouth & Acadian Shores. This exciting new venture incorporates new communities and musicians, all holding true to the goal of showcasing local talent and culture, and welcoming visitors to our region. In 2010, this venture has once again been expanded to now include the full month of September.

VIDEO

View our Musique de la Baie promo video.

2013 Schedule

• Monday: Rendez Vous de la Baie
• Tuesday: Roadside Grill, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
• Wednesday: Red Cap Restaurant, 6 - 8 pm, La Cuisine Robicheau
• Thursday: Trout Point, 6 - 10 pm; and Around the Bend, 6 - 8 pm
• Friday: Rudder's Seafood Restaurant, Les Beaux Vendredis
• Sunday: Ye Olde Argyler Lodge