Our Regional Focus Program features musicians, dancers and storytellers from a specific area of the province. This year we're showcasing the talent of the Cape Shore of Placentia Bay on the Avalon Peninsula. Performers will include storytellers Mildred Dohey, Kay Coffey and Agnes Walsh in a oral traditions workshop on Saturday morning, and singers Chris Young, Wanda Coffey, Simone Savard-Walsh, and Julia Best of Placentia on the main stage Saturday night.

Julia Best was born Julia Carroll on Red Island, Placentia Bay 92 years ago. Both her parents sang and played the accordion, and music was an important part of daily life in the Carroll family. When Julia married, she moved to Southern Harbour, where she lived most of her adult life. She currently resides in Placentia.

Mildred Dohey of St. Bride’s is an actor and storyteller with Tramore Theatre since 1999. She also performs at the Ship Inn, the Writer’s Alliance, the Newfoundland and Labrador and Burin folk festivals.

Kay Coffey of Angel’s Cove is an actor with Tramore Theatre for her third season. She is also a well known craftsperson.

Wanda Coffey of Cuslett is a ballad singer and stage manager with Tramore Theatre for her first year.

Christopher Young , a native of St. Bride’s, has been involved in the arts for most of his life. He started performing in local concerts at an early age, was involved in high school theatre and joined Tramore Theatre Troupe in 1999. Since that time Chris has earned great respect for his singing in traditional ballad acapella style. While Chris is a high school math teacher, and a guitarist, he has a thirst for theatre and music and participates whenever an opportunity is available.

Agnes Walsh is the Director of the Tramore Theatre Troupe, a poet and frequent festival performer. She and her troupe recently returned from a successful series of shows at the Ireland-Newfoundland Festival of The Sea.

Simone Savard-Walsh is the daughter of two poets. She sings with the Newfoundland Symphony Youth Choir and will travel with them to Argentina in August. Simone learned her ballad repertoire from attending her mother's theatre and ballad shows.