Let’s celebrate together the summer solstice!
Friday June 20th 2025 at 5:00 p.m.
Association francophone de qathet invites you to its annual Summer Solstice celebration, taking place on Friday, June 20, 2025, starting at 5:00 p.m. on the outdoor grounds at 5110 Manson Avenue. This festive, family-friendly evening will mark the arrival of summer with outdoor games early in the evening, live music starting at 7:00 p.m., and a beer garden in collaboration with Townsite Brewing. You’ll also be able to enjoy delicious poutines from Just Frys! Come celebrate with us in a warm and welcoming atmosphere!
Free Admission! Everyone is welcome!
Evening Schedule
Join us outside the AFqa Centre at 5110 Manson Avenue
5:00 p.m. | Outdoor grounds open: lawn games (pétanque, croquet, ring toss, bean bag toss, etc.), beer garden with Townsite Brewing, and Just Frys Food Truck
6:45 p.m. | Opening ceremony with the President and scholarship presentation
7:00 p.m. | Live music: Pierre Geoffray
8:00 p.m. | Live music: Benoit Bouchard
9:00 p.m. | DJ Riki Rocket
10:00 p.m. | Grounds close
Throughout the event:
Townsite Brewing – Beer Garden
Just Frys – and Dogs – poutine and hot dogs
Salad Bar – made by AFqa
Pierre Geoffray
Pierre was born and raised in the Alps in Annecy. He arrived in Canada in 1980 but returned to France many times during his early years. He settled permanently in Powell River in 1999 after meeting his partner, singer Sheila Butts. Together, they sing and he plays the violin in The Wild Woods Social Club, an eight-member band founded and led by Sheila, which celebrates the musical diversity of their varied backgrounds. Pierre represents the “French component.”
As a solo artist, Pierre sings songs by Jean Ferrat, Léo Ferré, Aznavour, Frédérick Mey, Véronique Sanson… as well as songs he has composed himself. He is strongly influenced by folk music, having grown up in the 70s and 80s. Groups like Malicorne, Tri Yann, and Beau Dommage were part of the soundtrack of his youth.
Pierre spent the last 25 years working in construction, and he is locally known for creating mosaics through his company, Til’Art. He has just retired.
Benoit Bouchard
guitarist, singer, and composer
World, Roots, Rhythm/Blues, Traditional.
Guitar, Piano, Percussion
Ben was born in 1963 in Rock-Island Quebec. He is bilingual and learned to play guitar at the age of 13. For 47 years now, he has loved harmonies and loves playing to celebrate and inspire love.
Ben was influenced by the music of Harmonium, Paul Piché, Jim Corcoran, Peter Gabriel, and Sting. He believes that music is a truly special language. He loves the opportunity to move people with music. It’s an emotional language that can inspire change.
Ben is once again taking time out of his life to play, compose and produce music. He composes and performs in French and English.
Riki Rocket
Riki Rocket is an accomplished DJ and emerging producer known for her hypnotic grooves and dynamic, soulful sets.
Born in Canada and launched on the UK rave scene, she has lit up global dance floors from Sydney Mardi Gras to Dublin Pride, Dinah Shore in Palm Springs, and Las Palmas Pride in Gran Canaria.
With a seven-year residency in Soho and Brighton, she is deeply rooted in UK club culture. Her sound blends funky vocal house with deep, driving rhythms to create a vibrant dance floor experience.
Now based on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, she holds a residency with FlyGirl Productions in Vancouver and recently released a remix with Nervous Records. Riki brings an inclusive and joyful energy to every set, celebrating freedom and diversity with every beat.
This event is funded by Canadian Heritage and qathet art!
