Staff Writer
The 5th Annual Arnold Cochran Music Festival was held Saturday at Thomas Park in New Sweden. The annual event, established in memory of the late Arnold Cochran, a well-known Caribou musician, is sponsored by the friends and family of Cochran.
Participating in the 5th Annual Arnold Cochran Music Festival at Thomas Park in New Sweden were, from left: Joel Jandreau, Dan Martin, Brandon Cote and Gerry Moir. The festival is sponsored by friends and family of the late Arnold Cochran.
With the weather cooperating this year, music fans were treated to a variety of music provided by Joel Jandreau, Dan Martin, Brandon Cote and Gerry Moir. The four musicians had never played together as a group but that wasn’t obvious as the music enthusiasts enjoyed an afternoon of tunes, both old and new ones.
Musicians are invited to show up at the festival, either solo or with a group and share their talents, playing in the “Band Stand” in the park. “ This is the first time any of us have ever played together,” said Jandreau, “we’re just kind of winging it.” They might have never performed as a group but most would ever be aware of that fact, as the music and vocals encouraged a few dancers and more than a few toe tappers to join in during the event.
Rita Jandreau, the festival coordinator, said the group received donations this year from Sleepers and Shop ‘N’Save of Caribou and from Wal Mart. The entire day is made possible by volunteers who work in the kitchen, selling raffle tickets and assisting wherever they are needed. This years volunteers included Sharon Caron, Diane Caron and Nancy Rossignol.
All though the festival is an admission free event, proceeds from raffle sales and donations are given back to the New Sweden Community to help with any maintenance needed to be done at the Thomas Park venue.
Taking a break from singing, musician Joel Jandreau, right, catches up with friends Dick and Debbie Smith of Little Madawaska Lake. Jandreau was one of four musicians who entertained during the 5th Annual Arnold Cochran Music Festival held in New Sweden’s Thomas Park, last weekend.
Aroostook Republican photos/Barbara Scott
Taking advantage of a sunny fall afternoon, music lovers spent some time at Thomas Park in New Sweden during the 5th Annual Arnold Cochran Music Festival.
Joel Jandreau, crooned along with other musical talent during the annual Arnold Cochran Music Festival. Jandreau, a native of Fort Kent, currently resides in New Hampshire with his wife Rita who coordinates the festival. Jandreau who has recorded many of his own songs, kept the small but enthusiastic crowd of music lovers tapping their toes and singing along throughout the fall afternoon.
