1- FRANCOFOLIES DE MONTRÉAL
The 1999 edition features «La Fête à Michel Rivard»
in celebration of the rich 25-year career of this pop music icon who also
does well in comedy and theater. The new Francofolies also feature the
unlikely reunion of musical personas like Diane Dufresne, Claude Dubois
and Kevin Parent, and it promises dynamic combinations with songsters Paul
Piché, Dan Bigras and Éric Lapointe on the same stage...
Not counting surprising newcomers like Mara Tremblay and M (Mathieu Chedid)
and promising francophone music from all parts of the world.
2- MONDIAL DES CULTURES DE DRUMMONDVILLE
Not so long ago this festival was called «Festival international
de folklore de Drummondville». Always a big popular fest and family-oriented
event, it features parades; musical and crafts workshops, fun and games
from around the world; international cuisine rich with flavor and accessible
to all; last but not least, a dazzling array of ethnic and culturally mixed
song and dance troupes (about thirty groups confirmed to date). This festival
was created and nourished by the Ensemble folklorique Mackinaw, a Québécois
troupe grounded in the artistry of our traditional songs and dances.
3- FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL DE JAZZ DE MONTRÉAL
Launching on the 1st of July, this year's edition presents brilliant
and unorthodox shows like singer Cassandra Wilson's «Travelling Miles»
-devoted to Miles Davis of course- and the baroque vocals of Hilliard Ensemble
combined with saxophonist Jan Garbarek. And lots of surprises with great
Jazz men and women from the world over, including Quebec and Canada. Oh!
Did I mention 1999 edition particularly focused on Louisiana (roots of
Jazz)? Happy street dancing!!!
4- FESTIVAL D'ÉTÉ INTERNATIONAL DE QUÉBEC
Here it goes again: this musical extravaganza is the Quebec capital's
answer to Montreal's FRANCOFOLIES. And we have to say Quebec City was first:
to invite artists from the diverse francophone cultures and to offer a
wide selection of free outdoor shows and indoor events in the realms of
chanson, pop, classical, world beat and, lately, rock and alternative music.
You can also pace and groove with the kids in the patrimonial parks and
breath-taking points of interest (and views) of Old Quebec City. Of course
there's always clowns and uncanny street artists to discover...
5- CARREFOUR MONDIAL DE L'ACCORDÉON DE MONTMAGNY
This one of a kind festival gets in full bloom this year with the infinitely
varied colors, forms and touches of the ACCORDION, a magical instrument
both folky and universal in its appeal. Artists and artisans from many
countries are gathered in September for the golden closing of Summer. Montmagny,
a beautiful and peaceful resort down the Saint-Lawrence river (between
Quebec City and Kamouraska county) holds its own magic for musicians and
tourists alike. The website offers an attractive historical commentary
on the instrument.
And don't forget LA TOILE DU QUÉBEC (IN FRENCH BUT WITH EASY-TO-USE CATEGORIES) to accompany you in your search for a good quantity and quality of Québec's music and culture websites!
Danielle Tremblay
Quebec music correspondent
