RemarkABILITY Fest with Rock Squad and La Déferlance

On July 23, RemarkABILITY Fest, in partnership with Diverse Family Roots, will provide unique experiences to engage the public and celebrate inclusion and diverse community.

RemarkABILITY Fest launched last year and our openers, Rock Squad, that includes members who are Autistic, are excited to return!

Rock Squad is a 4-piece band covering classic rockers from the past that will rock your socks off! The band was formed after two members Luc Picard (drums) and Marshall (Guitar) met at Autism BC during one of their Awareness Events.

Luc is also the inspiration for Rock4autism. He was diagnosed with autism before his 3rd birthday, and has been drumming since he could sit up! He won the K-5 talent show in grade 3 with his keys and vocals rendition of Song Sung Blue by Neil Diamond. In 2016 he began performing at Open Mic jams in the Vancouver area, and now he plays bass, drums, keys along with guitar.

Rock4autism had its first Fundraiser at the Paddlewheeler Pub in 2017, because the staff at the pub loved Luc so much. They donated over $2,000.00 to Autism BC at that time, and in 2018 Rock4autism 2 took place at the outdoor stage at Rocky Point Park in Port Moody and that is where Rock Squad was born.

The rest of Rock Squad are Andrew MacFarlane on lead guitar and Dean on bass. Andrew is a very talented professional musician, and has been a supporter of Rock4autism ever since it all started at his Open Mic jam. Get ready to rock with Andy on board!

Playing classic rockers from the past…from Lay Down Sally, to Rock and Roll All Night, to Born to be Wild, you’ll want to chill near the dance floor….Luc and Marshall also love to engage with the crowd…we all know it’s more fun for the band AND the crowd when there’s crowd participation!!

Headlining tonight are La Déferlance, Formed in 2018, La Déferlance offers lively original tunes and purely traditional songs arranged in its own unique style. The group’s energetic, polished performances are a testament to its members’ years of varied musical experience, particularly in jazz and classical music.

Their debut album, “Le feu aux poudres”, earned them three nominations at the Canadian Folk Music Awards and the GAMIQ.

La Déferlance sweeps its audience into a world where stories from the past intertwine with the realities of modern Quebec society. With festive grooves, refined vocal harmonies, colorful arrangements, and moments of sensitivity, the group stands out for both its vibrant energy and the quality of its performances.

The band are Marie-Desneiges Hamel (back vocals, and accordions), Grégoire Painchaud (back vocals, fiddle, guitar, step dance), Renaud Labelle (back vocals, double bass, bass), and Mathieu Baillargeon (vocals, piano, foot percussion, and jaw harp).

“The gifted ensemble delivers a set of tantalizing and expertly constructed modern songs deeply grounded in French Canadian traditions” – Angel Romero (World Music Central)

“With their inventive arrangements of old and new repertoire, La Déferlance are at the forefront of Québec’s burgeoning trad revival” – Songlines

Also on location will be hands-on activities, info booths, vendors and food. Please note that anyone applying to participate in activities, info booths or vendors MUST be an organization that supports people with disabilities OR be led by a person with a disability.

So, bring a lawn chair and your dancing shoes for a Summer of live music in the park!

Admission is by $5 suggested donation per person at Gyro Park.