Les Francofolies de Montréal

The impact on popular culture of Les FrancoFolies de Montréal has been astounding. Right from the start, prescient programming hit a popular note for presenting not only the incontournables of French-language song, but stars of the moment whose longevity was soon to be proven out. Among the latter were now-established artists like Patricia Kaas who made her North-American debut at the Francos in 1989. But perhaps an even better example would be the ineffable Jean Leloup who, as we've seen, has gone from total unknown to nothing short of a rock star within the life of the Festival.

It seems like only yesterday when, in 1989, the power went out at the Spectrum and he finished his show on the street outside, perched with his guitar on the roof of a car. But besides artists like Jean, Les Francos also devised several concept-driven programs, like the La fête à… and Carte blanche à…, showcases for musical exchange and collaboration between performers that immediately won the approval of spectators and media alike.

It was our intention from the beginning to promote French-language musical expression and to get music and its creators from the entire French-speaking world "out there". And when you look at the record of our past 15 editions, a pattern clearly emerges, indicating a steady increase in the number of shows, crowds and performing artists. In 1989, a mere 15 shows were attended by about 5,000 people, whereas in 2003 no fewer than 814,244 spectators converged on some 200 performances, of which 150 were completely free of charge. In 2008, there are about 250 shows. Media coverage last year was extraordinary, too. Les Francos figured in hundreds of articles originating in Quebec, Canada, the U.S. and from all over Europe.

In 1989, it seemed unthinkable to many that an event devoted exclusively to music from the French-speaking world might achieve such proportions, especially at that particular time, when the Golden Age seemed so far behind. But the notion of re-birth had already been ignited in one Jean–Louis Foulquier, founder of Les FrancoFolies de La Rochelle in France, who was setting his sights on North America as the ideal place for a revival. And when he met up with like-minded Alain Simard and Guy Latraverse, their combined energy was of just the right concentration to get the show on the road.

In 1989, getting young people out for French-language multi-cultural entertainment events was no piece of cake. But we fixed that, and fast. In 2002, those under the age of 35 constituted two-thirds of visitors to the Francos site, whereas in 1994, the demographic represented no more than 44%. Similarly, in 1995, fewer than 4% of visitors were neither Québécois nor Canadian, whereas by 2002, the number of visitors from the cultural communities had grown to 17%. All of which is to say that Les FrancoFolies de Montréal have clearly had the effect of bringing people together en masse, a fact supported by revenues which, for some editions, have reached $36 million.

1989

Let the party begin! Four years following the creation of Les FrancoFolies de La Rochelle, the FrancoFolies de Montreal makes a relatively modest beginning to what will become, in just a few short years, an international cultural showcase in celebration of French-language song. With the support of Hydro–Quebec and Labatt, fifteen shows are scheduled to take place at the Spectrum between September 7^th and 16^th, including one by Jean Leloup, THE discovery of our first season.

The program consists of double-bills by Higelin and Pagliaro, Louise Forestier and Maurane, and Michel Rivard with Maxime Le Forestier. For that first FrancoFolies, Montreal also hosts the first annual evening of the Communauté de la télévision française, who broadcast the event's closing gala, entitled Bonjour la visite and hosted by Michel Rivard. to all member countries, encompassing some 20 million spectators. The show features Patricia Kaas, setting the tone for years to come.

1990

On the heels of its first success, Les FrancoFolies festival is at it again, this time welcoming more than 20,000 spectators to the second edition – a 300 percent increase over the previous year! The run on the box office resulted from a more extensive line-up, one that included a multitude of top-calibre artists. From November 30 to December 8, four series of shows designed to entertain and provide discoveries were offered to the Montreal public in three different concert halls.

The most remarkable among the crowd-thrilling concerts included those by Arthur H, Patrick Bruel, Jim Corcoran and Terez Montcalm. French rocker Jean–Louis Aubert was also a standout in the series called Tandem franco-québécois de l'Office franco-québécois pour la Jeunesse. The unexpected double-bill combinations of Michel Rivard and Maxime Le Forestier, Richard Séguin and Paul Personne and of Laurence Jalbert and Luc De Larochelière produced thunderous applause. With the memorable evenings of theme shows such as La fête à… Gilles Vigneault and La fête à… Daniel Lavoie, a grand tradition of Les FrancoFolies was born, bringing together a glittering array of artists to pay tribute to a special honouree.

The very obvious presence of the national and international media confirms that Les FrancoFolies de Montréal is from now on an event to be reckoned with.

1991

Now in its third year of existence, Les FrancoFolies moves to the Latin Quarter with a varied and free program in the bars and bistros of St-Denis Street in addition to the concerts at the théâtre St-Denis and the Spectrum. The "Piano solo" evening with Steve Faulkner and Véronique Sanson, the frenzied raï of Cheb Khaled, Marie–Denise Pelletier's homage to Quebec song and Francis Cabrel's acoustic concert are some of the finer moments of the 1991 crop. La fête à… concept returns, with the talents of Richard Séguin, Véronique Sanson, Kashtin, Martine St–Clair and La Bande Magnétik teaming up to pay musical homage to Claude Dubois. And not to forget Juliette Gréco's presence on Montreal soil with a concert that will go down as one of the true accomplishments in the history of Les FrancoFolies.

While the young guard from here and elsewhere were entertaining the public until the wee hours of the morning on St-Denis Street, La Bande Magnétik and Madame were collecting invitations to Les FrancoFolies de La Rochelle following their show. With 25,000 paying customers in the heart of a recession and with increased media coverage, Les FrancoFolies continues to move steadily forward.

1992

At the beginning of October, and coinciding with activities surrounding the 350^th anniversary of the city of Montreal, FrancoFolies fever reigns in the Latin Quarter – a virus that makes its way as far as the Forum, where the opening show brings together the greatest names in Quebec song to proclaim their love of the metropolis. The group Beau Dommage offers their audience a much appreciated gift by reuniting in a special appearance for the occasion.

In the regular line-up, "cousins" Gilbert Bécaud and Jacques Higelin electrify their fans each in his own way while Dan Bigras, Laurence Jalbert, Angélique Kidjo and MC Solaar do likewise with their respective offerings. Louise Forestier is a smash hit with a concept-show that entrances journalists and European producers – who invite her to come conquer the stages of Paris. Les FrancoFolies reaches another plateau: doubling the number of spectators, which climbs to 50,000. With this fourth edition, Les FrancoFolies establishes itself as one of the greatest French-language cultural celebrations in the entire world.

1993

Back in a December slot, Les FrancoFolies de Montréal finds a more loyal public than ever with a program representing all the musical currents of the French-speaking world. At this edition the calibre is of the very finest, with memorable performances by Serge Reggiani, Michel Jonasz, Daniel Bélanger, Stephan Eicher and Goeffrey Oryema. The opening show, paying homage to Jacques Brel, showcases the different talents of a variety of artists from Quebec and elsewhere. La Fête à... Édith Butler, Carmen Campagne's Fête aux enfants, André Gagnon's Christmas concert and the closing evening featuring the rock opera Les Romantiques are among the special events to mark this 5^th anniversary of Les FrancoFolies.

The French strains of Jad Wio and Daran et les Chaises as well as the Quebec sounds of Zébulon made it to the party as well, thumbing their noses at convention and making the walls shake at Foufounes Électriques. With 50 shows spread over six series and more than a hundred artists from a dozen countries, Les FrancoFolies has reached the maximum size its current structure allows – and major changes loom on the horizon.

1994

It's the Year of the Big Move for Les FrancoFolies, with a new place on the calendar and a new setting! Les FrancoFolies is now part of Montreal's summer festival season, taking place in early August and on the same location where the Festival International de Jazz de Montreal has become so popular those last many years. This adds an entirely new dimension in the form of free outdoor shows, featuring a number of artists and taking place in the open spaces surrounding Place des Arts and Complexe Desjardins where the public at large can discover emerging talents, in addition to scheduled indoor concerts. But it also makes the FrancoFolies the biggest celebration of French-language song in the entire world. Big names are the order of the day for our indoor-show line-up, with Jane Birkin, Alain Souchon and Diane Dufresne on stage to deliver memorable performances.

The opening show, Salut Félix!, and La Fête à Claude Léveillée continues our tradition of thematic evenings, while La Symphonie du Québec: Dix ans de chansons features a number of local Quebec performers. In celebration of record company Audiogram's 10^th anniversary, the event takes place in the tradition begun with the performance of the rock opera Les Romantiques in 1993. Nearly 400,000 people attend the new outdoor site, where the stages become a springboard for a new guard from here and elsewhere. Quebec rocker Éric Lapointe and the group Zébulon sow seeds of frenzy, while energetic rapper Soon EMC turns the street into a dance floor with his jazz-soul rap.

Daran et les Chaises and Sinclair from France follow with red-hot performances. The party seems to last forever with the open area in front of Place des Arts takes on the air of a bal musette or an African village. Effervescent Quarts de Rouge and other trouble-makers end the evenings on humorous musical notes. We've met the challenge: Les FrancoFolies has turned the corner with stunning success, placing it among the great international events of the French-speaking world.

1995

Les FrancoFolies de Montréal has now taken its rightful place among the major summer Montreal festivals, continuing all the while to evolve for the benefit of French-language song. With a record attendance – despite a few days of rain – rising to more than 500,000 people, Les FrancoFolies succeeded for the first time in covering its budget thanks to unprecedented ticket sales. In addition to Charles Aznavour, who captured Montreal with his charm over four unforgettable sold-out shows in Salle Wilfrid–Pelletier, Beau Dommage offered moving farewells with two shows at the opening event. Several big names of French song lit up the stage, and the quality of the shows by Nougaro, Higelin and Lavilliers reflected a level of artistic accomplishment that extended to the impressive component of free outdoor concerts that are increasingly taking on the role of showcase for Les FrancoFolies.

A party mood was at the outdoor rendezvous with frenzied performances by Kevin Parent, Corbach, Laymen Twaist and Molodoï, who set the tone for the roughly 175 shows presented on the five outdoor stages. Performing indoors following their noteworthy open-air stint in 1995, Daran et les Chaises and Sinclair stirred up the public one after the other with shows at the Spectrum, where they competed in a veritable championship of intensity.

The tradition of the La Fête à... is still alive and well, as witness the memorable evenings spent in the company of the very animated Sylvain Lelièvre and Jean–Pierre Ferland, who was honoured at the closing gala. In its seventh year Les FrancoFolies continues to grow while displaying signs of a healthy maturity.

1996

With an openness of spirit and a rejuvenated and eclectic line-up, the eighth FrancoFolies more than ever was the embodiment of French musical culture, surpassing the 500,000-spectator mark for the second year in a row. Held in the summer for the third time, the event fully attained its objective of reaching out to young people and cultural communities, whose participation grew appreciably thanks to new series devoted to hip-hop and musics of the world. At the start of the indoor program, the La Fête à Berger–Plamondon mega-show brought together nearly 700 artists on stage to celebrate the songs of the famous duo in a spectacular tribute. Among the numerous special events La Fête à Raymond Lévesque stood out as especially memorable and moving, as did the triumphant Soirée multiculturelle at the Spectrum featuring Giorgio Conte. Great names in French song were of course present: Charles Trenet and Guy Béart, back after a 35-year absence, delighted their audiences with their respective performances.

The new generation was not to be outdone, as demonstrated by the unforgettable shows featuring Kevin Parent, Mano Solo, Arno, Thomas Fersen and several others. The Spectrum en Haut became a refuge for lovers of alternative rock, who gave themselves over to the electrifying sounds of Silmarils, Groovy Aardvark and other groups. The music pulsed outdoors on the revamped site, where the group Noir Silence sowed hysteria in a crowd several thousand strong. Positive Black Soul from Senegal were also a smash hit with their African rap, as was Michel Faubert, whose avant-gardist folklore received the very warmest of welcomes. 1996 was also the year that saw the creation of the Prix Félix–Leclercde la chanson, a distinction that adds to the FrancoFolies's international prestige, and whose first Quebec recipient was the affecting Marie–Jo Thério.

1997

For its ninth edition, Les FrancoFolies put on a new face by creating six theme worlds on the festivities' outdoor site. Bringing together different musical genres, craftspeople and styles of refreshment, the various spaces were clearly a factor in producing an unprecedented success for the yearly event. The truly global celebration mirrored the diversity that French-speaking nations embody. The daily program started for the first time this year in late afternoon, and attendance was estimated at better than 600,000 over the ten days of musical celebration.

At the first-ever Grand Concert in FrancoFolies history, Jim Corcoran and the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal captivated the 130,000 festival-goers who came out to hear them. Whether on locations as different as the Zone Hip (hip-hop and alternative music) or the Boîte à Chansons – which played host to artists like Claude Gauthier and Sylvain Lelièvre – a party feeling was in the air everywhere on the completely revamped site. Among the more remarkable shows in the various series offered were performances by Rude Luck, Sylvain Cossette, Teri Moïse, Wampas and 2 Bal 2 Neg. More multicultural than ever, Les FrancoFolies continue to open to new horizons, as much on the open-air stages as at the indoor venues, where the two Soirées Multiculturelles Hydro–Québec were resoundingly successful.

As for indoor series, the Nuits Air Transat held at the Métropolis presented candescent performances from artists the likes of I AM, Dubmatique and Indochine, while the Hip Rap Rock late-night shows at the Spectrum went over just as big. Some of the biggest names in French-language song were on hand, with Michel Jonasz, Sylvie Vartan, Sacha Distel and Claude Dubois, among others, re-inforcing their reputations with memorable Place des Arts concerts. For the official closing show, La Fête à Paul Piché paid well-deserved tribute to one of the pillars of local song. And the Prix Félix–Leclerc was awarded for the second year running, this time bestowed to the wonderful singer Sylvie Paquette. In this turning point of a year, Les FrancoFolies de Montréal has launched itself in new directions that hold nothing but promise for the years to come.

1998

For its tenth anniversary Les FrancoFolies took place in an atmosphere of unprecedented frolic, with a special early-summer edition running from June 18 to 27. Ten special events, three of them free in the open air, marked the event's ten years of playing host to various French-language musical traditions. Back for a second straight year, the six theme worlds presented an improved face to an expanded public. For the occasion of the 10^th anniversary, several artists who had already left their mark on Les FrancoFolies like Juliette Gréco, Jean Leloup, Claude Nougaro, Kevin Parent, Zachary Richard and MC Solaar were back to offer performances worthy of their considerable talent. Among the events scoring a big success in the festival's outdoor component were the second
Grand Concert Hydro–Québec, this year featuring Dan Bigras with the chamber orchestra I Musici de Montréal, and the Événement Nouveau Rock Bleue Dry with Louise Attaque and Lili Fatale (recipients of the 1998 Prix Félix–Leclerc) – as well as Rachid Taha, Pigalle, Les Colocs, Mario Peluso, Jeff Bodart and Dolly.

Despite a two-day break in the schedule to accommodate St–Jean Baptiste celebrations, on-site sales reached the levels of previous years, while box office was up a spectacular 40 percent. Word of Les FrancoFolies will make its way even farther around the world, thanks to the presence this year of nearly 300 media representatives covering the event. And because it was held in June, the 10^th anniversary edition was able to welcome numerous European industry professionals, several of them participating in the discussion-encounter on MIA (Multilateral Investment Agreement).

As the next decade of its existence dawns, Les FrancoFolies is in a better position than ever to successfully continue its mission of bringing French-language music to the public. (The series of three posters produced on the occasion of the 10^th anniversary of Les FrancoFolies de Montréal will earn the event, in 1999, the Grand Prix in the Advertising category, presented in the LUX competition of professionals in Quebec photography.)

1999

Once again, Les FrancoFolies de Montréal enabled Montrealers and visitors to experience some great musical moments, make new discoveries and appreciate the quality and diversity of French-language song in all its diverse forms. In all, more than 750 musicians, musical stars and stars on the rise, delivered nearly 180 performances, of which almost 140 were free outdoor shows. The uplifting line-up offered this year, the diversity of trends and musical flavours and the number of creations and magical encounters that took place once again helped make the event the greatest celebration of French music imaginable.

Performances by Jérôme Cotta, B'Net Houariyat, Métis, Daniel Boucher, Jérôme Minière, Crampe en Masse, M, Pierpoljak, La Volée d'castors, Sam Mangwana and Rude Luck were among the most outstanding of those in the 15 outdoor series. The discovery of new faces and outdoors appearances of renowned artists and groups like Serge Lama, I Muvrini and Stephan Eicher and rising stars like Jacques Higelin and Rachid Taha were matched by the renewed success indoors of the late-night combinations at the Spectrum de Montréal in the Hip Rap Rock Blue Dry series. But it was the wonderful encounters on the indoor stages that produced the most memorable moments, in particular the absolutely dazzling Carte blanche à Isabelle Boulay and La Fête à Michel Rivard. Despite attracting a record number of spectators to the Hydro–Québec Grand Concert (this year featuring Natalie Choquette with the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal) and despite the concept of six theme worlds that received unanimous acclaim from both critics and festival-goers, Les FrancoFolies de Montréal recorded a drop in attendance compared to last year before, when the event launched the festival season in June.

The reduced attendance stems in part from the Place des Arts strike that required the relocation off the site of the most important Les FrancoFolies de Montréal series, Les Événements Hydro–Québec. The impact on the festival was felt through the absence of festival-goers strolling through the festival grounds before and after the performances. Furthermore, the fact that the event was moved to August effectively reduced the number of participating artists and music industry professionals in attendance. Despite these few minor notes, this musical celebration par excellence was, overall, a success. For this we have to thank the renewed support of festival-goers, not only for the numbers attending indoor shows, but also for the enthusiasm shown for the established and rising stars at outdoor venues. Furthermore, this 11^th edition of Les FrancoFolies de Montréal attracted an audience where almost 40 percent of participants were new and, in the majority, young.

Les FrancoFolies has demonstrated once again the essential role it plays not only in developing and transmitting francophone music but also in promoting cultural integration. At the Attractions Canada Awards Gala held in April, the event was presented the Cultural Event Award of Canada.

2000

Concert grid (450 Ko)

For the 12^th year in a row, Les FrancoFolies de Montréal gave music lovers in Montréal, throughout Quebec and around the world the opportunity to see and hear the best in French-language music. Presented from July 27 to August 5 at the rearranged venue at the Place des Arts esplanade, this edition of Les FrancoFolies turned out an estimated $35,000 budget surplus, the first since 1995. With an average indoor show-attendance rate of 80% and a 40% increase in ticket sales, FrancoFolies delirium allowed approximately 1,000 musicians and artists hailing from some fifteen countries to win over a bigger, younger and very attentive crowd to the quality and diversity of French-language performances.

Les FrancoFolies clearly promotes the rising stars of French-language song. Innovative indoor performances were terrific, too, featuring Jean–Pierre Ferland, Michel Rivard and Daniel Bélanger, the unforgettable performances of Mano Solo, Faudel and Arthur H., the white-hot Rachid Taha and the ever-amazing Rita Mitsouko, Jorane, Katerine and Nicola Ciccone. Just as sensational were the Carte blanche à Éric Lapointe, the fabulous return of M and the spectacular tribute paid to Gerry Boulet by some twenty artists on the closing evening. The sublime meeting of Michel Faubert and Breton Yann Fanch Kemener also proved memorable.

Rich, diversified outdoor programming included 130 free shows performed on a site scaled to human warmth and conviviality. Large crowds flocked to the Grand Spectacle Ford Focus featuring the godfather of Quebec rock, Michel Pagliaro. Equally memorable were performances by Daniel Boucher, Urbain Desbois, Quebec's hottest group and Les Respectables, joined by Okoumé, André Vanderbielst and Les Colocs for the finale. Other shows featured Sergent Garcia, Kohann, Saïan Supa Crew, Latitude Nord, the wild Dionysos, Kalembourg, New Brunswick's Zéro ° Celcius, Le Tone, and better yet, DJ Pocket, whose appearance attracted attention – to say the least – at the retro-futuristic bar, Le Shag!

This year, perhaps more than ever, Les FrancoFolies threw open doors to the French-language music scene, becoming a showcase for discovery and surprise and a fast track to success for emerging artists, Above all, the festival was a source of invigorating and intoxicating energy for both festival-goers and musicians.

2001

An incredible place for musical creation, a meeting point where different cultures, styles and generations converge, the 13^th FrancoFolies de Montréal once again this year brought together more than 1,000 musicians and singers from French-speaking countries to make this year's celebration hugely successful. Held from July 26 to August 4, 2001, the 13^th edition attracted a record number of festival-goers, while 636,962 entries were registered at indoor and onsite shows. Les FrancoFolies are particularly proud of attracting crowds from Montreal's diverse communities, especially with the performances on the Multiculturelle Hydro–Québec stage and at the Grande Fête Antillaise, which brought together Luck Mervil, Cuban group Lady Salsa, singer-percussionist Mino Cinelu and thirty or more dancers!

Program-wise, this edition is certainly one of the most successful (there was a 46% increase in ticket sales for shows created especially for the event). Thanks to additional funds brought by television broadcasting, without which certain events could not have taken place, this year Les FrancoFolies de Montréal was able to present an unprecedented number of musical creations, first-time performances and happenings of truly exceptional quality. Among them was the opening show entitled Sous influence and created by Diane Dufresne, who collaborated musically with numerous personally-selected artists, including none other than the great lady of song, Juliette Gréco. There was unforgettable chemistry onstage between Zachary Richard and Isabelle Boulay. Of special note was the Carte blanche given to La Bottine Souriante, who celebrated their 25^th anniversary accompanied by guests Kate and Anna McGarrigle, Natalie MacMaster and Les Charbonniers de l'enfer.

The magnificent closing ceremony entitled The Great Peace with Florent Vollant and Richard Séguin, among others who came onstage to sing, dazzled all as did the concept-concert Madame Rêve with Bruno Pelletier luxuriating in the attention of a bevy of beauties. And let's not forget Pierre Harel's striking performance in Félix en colère. One of the biggest successes of this 13^th edition was the onstage production (for the first time in Quebec) of the musical theatre performance of
Les Parapluies de Cherbourg in a production by René Richard Cyr, whose shows sold out before the start of the event. Les FrancoFolies devoted 5 shows in 5 nights to Arthur H. and his imagination as part of the series Chansons intimes La Presse. Surprise appearances were many this year with Daniel Boucher, for example, alongside the Jardiniers, Muzion, Luc Picard and Jorane. Marie–Jo Thério joined up with Mara Tremblay.

Also among the list of first-time performances together at the 13^th FrancoFolies was Maurane, Louise Forestier and Bruno Pelletier. Festival-goers also had the unique chance to see an outdoor show given by none other than Kevin Parent who went back to his roots by launching his new album at Les Francos, the very same event that first gave him his start. The outdoor site was teeming with talent, particularly at the irresistible Monde Pop Le Lait with its sixties pop look, gogo dancers and bubble stage. There was also the very popular Karaoké Tent, which had to be THE surprise of these FrancoFolies. It was so successful that its regular hours had to be extended until nightfall! From now on, one of every Francofile night owl's favourite haunts will be the temporary Le Shag bar, relocated in the La vieille 300 brasserie, a stone's throw from the Spectrum.

It hosted the Les Nuits DJ Bleue Dry with special guests DJ Pocket, Stefie Shock and Muriel Moreno. And so impressed was he with the performances of Isabelle Boulay, Urbain Desbois, Les Respectables and Les CouchPotatoes, that Jean–Louis Foulquier, president and founder of Les FrancoFolies de La Rochelle and co-founder of Les FrancoFolies de Montréal, invited them to perform once again next year at the event in France where many other Quebecois artists have achieved their first career milestones. The synergy flowing between the two events was also echoed in Paris, where Loco Locass, Quebecois winner of the Prix Félix–Leclerc de la chanson 2001, will perform at the Sentier des Halles. Following her superb performance at Les Francos, Marie–Jo Thério was also invited to take part. In a similar gesture, Miro, the French winner of the Prix Félix–Leclerc, will be invited to the next FrancoFolies de Montréal.

There's no doubt about it, the 13^th FrancoFolies de Montréal spark passion and enthusiasm all around.

2002

Concert grid (1 040 Ko)

Creativity, audacity and intense enthusiasm best describe the 14^th edition of Les FrancoFolies de Montréal, which stirred tremendous enthusiasm among the general public. Close to 770,000 festival visitors (a 24% increase in participation over the 2001 event, which itself set an attendance record) took part in the event, which for the first time ran for 10 straight days, between July 25 and August 3. In addition, over 100,000 persons – a one-day festival record – gathered at the site both on the Monday (until last year an off-day) and for the free Grand Spectacle, entitled La Fête africaine, with 162 artists, including 100 percussionists. Some 1000 musicians, singers, and songwriters took part in the gigantic celebration of French-language music that transcended national borders. A myriad of cultures, innovative styles and a vast blend of artistic creations – everything came together to make this bold program a huge success among thousands of spectators.

It was also a vintage year for indoor shows. A large number of big names in music performed and audiences were treated to various shows put together expressly for the occasion. The opening concert, Une histoire de famille, with a host of artists and some 30 musicians joining André Gagnon, as well as a moving Hommage à Bécaud and the stirring Sortie de filles, with seven song stresses and actresses delivering a humorous, tight-knit and graceful performance, were all recorded for television. Those who witnessed their respective shows also have indelible memories of the mischievousness, verve and charm of Henri Salvador and of the Montreal visits of Serge Lama, Adamo, Sinclair, Dick Annegarn, Bïa, Le Peuple de l'herbe and Saïan Supa Crew. Equally popular and acclaimed were Daniel Bélanger with Rêver debout, Paul Piché, the celebration of Jim Corcoran's 30 years as an artist, les Carte
blanche à Lynda Lemay et Mario Pelchat, Daniel Boucher's show-event, Robert Charlebois' Doux Sauvage, presented throughout Les Francos. The new series Les Jams with Luc de Larochellière, accompanied by his musicians and guests, played to a sell-out crowds seven out of eight evenings.

Nor will anyone forget Le Party des Loco Locass, the Hip Rap Rock series' various pairings, the two 2002 winners of Le Prix Félix–Leclerc de la chanson – Stefie Shock (representing Quebec), during the big closing party, and Bertrand Louis (representing France) – or the stupendous performance given by French composer Yann Tiersen at Métropolis, which was transformed into a concert hall for the occasion. The outdoor site had a new daily opening time of 3 p.m. and featured, for the entire family, a new theme: Le Monde Forain, devoted to animation and the circus arts in which festival visitors took part. In the late afternoon, La Tente Karaoké Le Lait, expanded to accommodate a greater number of enthusiastic festival-goers, extended a warm welcome to youngsters.

Later on, during the hot summer evenings, the spotlight was on young and richly talented artists such as Pierre Lapointe and Ariane Moffatt, two of the year's sensational revelations, who shone along with Chapeaumelon, Kitchose Band, Grand Dérangement, Miro, the 2001 Prix Félix–Leclerc winner from France, Geneviève et Matthieu, Yann Perreau, Dumas and Tomás Jensen. Other noteworthy performances were Algeria's Jimmy Oihid and the great Manno Charlemagne from Haiti, Lulu Hughes and Groovy Aardvark, who generated real hysteria on the site, where numerous other talents from some 20 countries also delighted their audiences.

This rich indoor and outdoor programming created sustained interest among Montreal journalists, as well as among media members from the rest of Quebec and Ontario. It also drew about 40 foreign reporters from the U.S., France, Germany, Algeria and Bulgaria to the city. The praise heaped on the 14^th Francos by such prestigious news media as BBC Public Radio International, Le Monde, Télérama and France Inter contributed to further popularizing francophone culture and enhancing the reputation of the dynamic Montreal event, which is already busily preparing to mark its 15^th anniversary.

2003

Concert grid (2 030 Ko)

There's no doubt at all that the 15^th anniversary edition of Les FrancoFolies was among the most memorable ever and precisely the kind of fun and eclectic musical smorgasbord we'd envisioned when we started out back in 1989. The world came by for some truly stunning performances, and an attendance record of 814,244 was confirmed by the independent firm Descarie & complices. This year, a good many visitors were English-speaking, doubtless the combined result of an advertising campaign aimed at U.S. markets and excellent press coverage from Montreal's English-speaking media.

The 15^th edition was also graced with the best on-site sales to date, representing a 27% increase in the consumption of souvenirs, food and drink over last year. Box office receipts also increased – to the tune of 38% over last year – giving us pause to reflect on the progress of Les FrancoFolies over its 15 year span and the foresightedness of its original mission of promoting French-language musical expression from the four corners of the earth.

Programming was as diverse and plentiful as audiences. For our first year in 1989, 15 shows attracted about 5,000. This year, there were 814,244 attending some 200 shows, of which 150 were completely free of charge, making a whole lot of people happy. We were pleased to note the youthfulness of our audiences, whose appreciation of French-language song has been increasing, year by year, and sending a clear and inspiring message to those artists who choose to perform in French.

To make sure our 15^th year was an absolute hit, Les FrancoFolies de Montréal offered several special events, all very different from one to another. The curtain went up with the Grand Spectacle Ford Focus and Le Vent, la Mer, le Roc, a combined performance with Daniel Boucher, Kevin Parent and Éric Lapointe, three artists who've come to the public's attention thanks to Les FrancoFolies. That show was followed by the 15^th Événement Bleue Dry, showcasing Les Cowboys Fringants who garnered a record audience of 110,000 for the event. Then came the rising stars of MixMania under the auspices of La Fête des 15 ans Le Lait.

Besides the free exterior mega-shows, our 15^th anniversary programming included many other extraordinary happenings, starting with an opening show to celebrate 50 years in the career of Claude Léveillée, Then came Dan Bigras "et ses blondes" and a series of 8 nightly shows starring Michel Rivard, with a different invited guest each night. Jean Leloup, one of the first stars to emerge from the Francos in 1989, performed with his big band. Arab-Andalusian strains were supplied by the superb Souad Massi. Daniel Bélanger got on stage with friends Ariane Moffatt, Marc Déry and JF Lemieux, the whole being topped off with a closing show dedicated to Jacques Brel and the 25^th anniversary of his passing, gathering together several generations of Quebec artist with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra.

Besides the commemorative events, some big names and up-and-coming talent made their appearances, as well, not least of whom was Jane Birkin with an Arab-infused rendition of the Gainsbourg repertoire. Juliette Gréco took to the stage with singular elegance. Ariane Moffatt, princess of the 2002 Francos, was positively crowned for this year's fest. Time stood still when Serge Reggiani took to the stage. Les Wampas were totally hot, as was Rachid Taha, one of the best-loved of Arabic-speaking singers. Yann Perreau, THE discovery of this 15^th Francofolies was awarded the Prix Félix–Leclerc for song, Quebec chapter, and Fred, from Orleans in France, won the same for the continental division.

Marc Déry gave an electrifying performance for the closing party, and equally brilliant performances were served up by Mélanie Renaud, Dupain, Colectivo, Prince Diabaté, Corneille, Tany Manga, Grimskunk, Toma Sidibé, Ève Cournoyer, Mandinga, Le Nombre, Diane Tell, Andrée Watters, Dumas, Bertrand Louis and Antoine Gratton.

To salute the musical discoveries and all-round success of these last 15 years, Les FrancoFolies de Montréal launched two much-appreciated initiatives: the first being the release of a double CD compilation of 30 hits that have marked our history; and the second a fascinating photo exhibit tracing our history from the beginning. There were activities for everyone, including the antics of the Chango Family Circus on the esplanade of la Place des Arts every day at 4 p.m.

Nearby was the Le Lait Karaoke Tent, for those brave enough to step up to the mic. And for inveterate night owls there was The Shag, a bar that appears every year for Les Francos at the Savoy at the Metropolis, highlighted by awesome projections of the ocean floor outside its windows. Press coverage was the very best ever, with local and Canadian media out in force, as were the foreign press, including the BBC World Service, Figaro Magazine, Les Inrockuptibles, Musique Info Hebdo, Radio France Inter, Télérama and The Village Voice, prestigious sources who broadcast our celebration of North-American French-language culture to audiences around the world.

2004

Concert grid (952 Ko)

It was the place to be for all manner of French-language musical expression when the 2004 edition of Les FrancoFolies de Montreal landed right in the heart of the downtown on a balmy August day, chock full of brand-new artists, old favorites, surprise collaborations and stunning creativity. Altogether, it was a terrific program in celebration of song from here and throughout the francophone world, engraving our memories with all the vitality we've come to expect from the biggest celebration of its kind in the world. The 16^th edition was an instant success for the artists and industry in general, as it was for Montrealers of all musical stripes, especially the younger ones, demonstrating the importance of our industry to the entire world. With the exception of the 15^th anniversary edition, and despite sometimes cool weather, the Francos in 2004 enjoyed the best box office ever, and no fewer than 20 shows were completely sold out. Thanks to the enthusiastic support of two new sponsors - Loto-Québec and Bell Solo - the Francos were able to make up a portion of the $620,000 loss we suffered when the laws prohibiting tobacco advertising came into effect. The anticipated deficit was therefore around $300,000 (or 4% of the total $7.5 million budget) accumulated in 2003. Fortunately we received unprecedented media coverage, not just from the Montreal and Quebec media, but from Ontario, New Brunswick and ten countries abroad. Among them, notably, were prestigious organizations such as France 3, Radio France Inter, Le Figaro, Le Nouvel Observateur, Télérama, Radio Couleur 3, Le Soir, VSD, Deutschland Radio and the Toronto Star. The site and its 7 "worlds" enjoyed, among other novelties, the much-appreciated Monde Hip-hop Solo. And the esplanade of Place des Arts started up at 3 every afternoon when young festivalgoers gathered at the Le Lait Big Top where the Petites Tounes lent magic to the site. There were DJs from the café Méliès, too, who deftly spun the records, creating a much-appreciated ambience. It was just as much fun at the Monde Forain Loto-Québec where pirouettes and juggling by les Anges de la rue were everyone's to enjoy. Those who preferred the late-night went to the Partys du Shag where the best local DJs and die-hard Franco fans partied to the wee hours, cementing Montreal's reputation as a 24-hour-a-day party town. Three special events were scheduled. The Grand Spectacle Ford Focus Swinguez en ville, (broadcast directly to TV on Radio-Canada), kicking off with Bottine Souriante and friends, the urban folklore collective of Zeugma, and Yann Perreau, Louise Forestier and Claude Dubois. The second event re-united Annie Major-Matte, Gabrielle Destroismaisons and Amélie Veille around Andrée Watters, thrilling young festivalgoers with the unique dynamism of a whole new generation of singers. Finally, the Old Port served up a closing party featuring Yann Perreau, Marc Déry and Ariane Moffatt for the Événement Franco Bleue. Numerous special moments created especially for the Francos were on the menu as well, making it a very special year indeed. In 2004, there were no fewer than 5 special shows of which 2 were broadcast direct to Radio-Canada, the
Fête francophone and Un air de jeunesse. Also highlight of this year's fest was Pierre Lapointe, who offered up 4 magical, sold-out evenings at the Monument-National and received the 2004 Prix Félix-Leclerc de la chanson. Amélie les crayons became winner of the prestigious category for song from France. Corneille saw tickets for its two shows swept up in record time, one of which went to Stefie Shock who was in the audience. Alain Bashung was back in town after a nine-year absence, and the unclassifiable M had a third evening added to his schedule of two. Also popular were Les Breastfeeders, Jeanne Cherhal, Thomas Fersen, Henri Salvador, Dan Bigras, le « Petit Roi » Jean-Pierre Ferland, and Jacques Michel, who returned after a 17 year absence from the stage. Also present were Laurent Voulzy, Fred, Manou Gallo, Sara Alexander, Émeline Michel, Yves Marchand, Syncop, Dumas, Steeve Thomas, as well as Jaojoby, Dobacaracol and Les Trois Accords.

2005

Concert grid (2 210 Ko)

If it had rained 24 hours a day for all 10 of this year's FrancoFolies, nothing would have dampened the euphoria that prevailed at this year's 17^th annual celebration of French-language song and culture. But nary a drop fell, of course, and throughout the event the Festival site was inundated with people, making it a record year in more ways than one. Programming was sensational, as usual, and the 50 indoor and 150 free outdoor shows were the delight of young and old from all walks of life and all musical stripes. This years Francos is a success even beyond the optimistic expectations. ‘It's now official, the biggest festival of French-language song, in the broadest sense, is no longer in France, but in Montreal, Quebec, Canada,' wrote Pierre Siankowski of France's Les Inrocks magazine. Ticket sales were brisk (and immediate as well). Once again this year, private and public sponsors came through on our behalf, most notably the provincial government, which seems to have declared itself in firm support of French-language song. In fact, a total of $8 million went a long way to accomplishing the balancing act that is a major international festival like the Francos. Knock-out upon knock-out upon knock-out!! Many productions managed to steal the show from the superb weather this year, maximizing the pleasure of organizers and visitors alike: the Grand Spectacle Ford Focus, Beau D'Hommage, the tribute to the legendary Quebec rock group Beau Dommage featuring Mes Aïeux, Kate and Anna McGarrigle, Vincent Vallières, Florent Vollant, Claire Pelletier, Susie Arioli, Paul Piché and Mara Tremblay - The show broadcasted on Radio-Canada Television, is preceded by the documentary Beau Dommage, c'est ben gravé dans ma mémoire ! which was produced former winter and traces the recording of the tribute album, including interviews with the original members of the band- and the closing-night party, Tous avec Vigneault au bout du monde, broadcasted on TV5. Also Tiken Jah Fakoly, Alain Bashung, the 10^th anniversary of the Prix Félix-Leclerc de la chanson by previous winners of the prize, Pierre Lapointe's Pépiphonique, Diane Dufresne singing Kurt Weill with the Orchestre Métropolitain du Grand Montréal under the direction of Yannick Nézet-Séguin,
Cartes blanches to Marie Elaine Thibert, Enrico Macias, Damien Robitaille, Gatineau, Diane Tell, Aut'chose, JP Nataf and Albin de la Simone, as well as Ya Kengué and Alpha Yaya Diallo, La Volée d'Castor, Oztara Nouzôte, Le Nombre, Malajube and Groovy Aardvark, Philémon Bergeron-Langlois, Pauline Croze, Camille, Accrophone, Daara J, Les Goules, Jean François Fortier, Amadou and Mariam, Lokua Kanza, Vincent Vallières and TTC. Les Partys du Shag Bleue Dry, which this year took place at the Monument-National, was graced by the improvised appearance as DJ of iamdjsylvie and DJ Tök, Mélissa Mars and Ghyslain (Bounce le gros) Poirier, but also Yann Perreau and Montreal star DJ Frigid, who spun the disks til the wee hours. The 2005 Francos were particularly successful on their free outdoor stages this year. All artists delivered with verve, in many cases giving the delighted crowds much more than many had bargained for. Record sunshine gave young and old some valued-added vitamin D, even as they soaked in new musical horizons. Never before have we seen such rapt attention before the outdoor stages, and the good times were palpable in everyone's face the whole week long, every day from 3 p.m. to midnight. Which is to say we did it again this year: another record success! The P'tites tounes at the Chapiteau Le Lait were popular as ever with the young and their parents, who gathered to enjoy the entertaining and educational performances of four musical colleagues named Vergara, Samson, Saucier and Fortier. Karaoke fans were quick to adopt the new “you-be-the-star” formula at the Chapiteau Le Lait, where everyone who got up on stage this time got to sing with a live band. The idea was so popular that after four busy days, the hours planned in the program had to be extended. Similar enthusiasm prevailed at the Monde Forain Loto-Québec, where pirouettes and assorted acrobatics were order of the day for the Collectif Terre et mer who performed their daily Piratefolies with wildly decorated ships and sails-to-the-wind trapeze artists. The Monde Hip-hop Solo Mobile quickly turned casual visitors into breakdancers themselves, once they'd witnessed the daily performances.

2006

Concert grid (2 529 Ko)

The 18^th edition of the Les FrancoFolies de Montréal was yet another smash hit! A particularly potent cocktail of French-language music and song, bursting with energy, the program was perfect for its age: curious about everything, open to the world, intense, passionate, bold, at times even verging on crazy, but also showing astounding maturity, sometimes with a nervy but always endearing, invigorating edge. In a nutshell, the many faces of youth! Because at age 18, you’re still growing up... These Francos of the heart and soul featured some 50 ticketed indoor shows and 150 free outdoor shows, all so exhilarating that Montrealers literally converged on the Francofolies site. And despite a slow start-up due to torrential downpours on the first weekend, the FrancoFolies not only met their financial goals but actually set new records for both kiosk and ticket sales (the best year on record, aside from the 15th anniversary edition, which ran one day longer). This just goes to show (as if there were any need) how very real the demand for such an event is, and demonstrates beyond a doubt, Montrealers’ insatiable appetite for French-language musical entertainment in its many forms. This year was one of tributes, of testimony to a rich French-language music and song heritage: first, there was the pervasive presence of the great Serge Gainsbourg, with many artists, here and there, giving their own personal interpretations of one of his immortal songs. There were three shows featuring an historic, emotional tribute to three home-grown music icons: Serge Fiori, Claude Léveillée and Raymond Lévesque, whose incomparable contributions to Quebec culture have had huge impact on the minds and hearts of all generations of Quebecers. Dozens of artists of all musical stripes enthusiastically performed these unforgettable songs for a night. Two free outdoor mega-shows—the Grand Spectacle Ford Focus entitled Le Pied dansant, hosted by Luck Mervil for openers, and the Grande Fête Air Transat with Éric Lapointe and his special guests for the closing party —also left an indelible mark on this 18^th edition. Again this year, the Francos did right by the up-and-coming generation, notably by awarding the Prix Félix‑Leclerc de la chanson 2006 to the Quebec group Karkwa and French singer Agnès Bihl, and the Fondation du maire de
Montréal pour la jeunesse award to Roberto Lopez Project. Other marvels on the agenda included the high-voltage musical show featuring the electronic wizardry of Émilie Simon and Ariane Moffatt, the powerful stage presence of Marco Calliari with his proud Italian origins, the captivating rhythms of DobaCaracol, the verbal gymnastics and sharp-edged humour of Loco Locass, the now-famous stage animal, Yann Perreau, the frenetic energy of the Chango Family, the ecstatic crowd attending Indochine and the best-ever lifetime performance of Quebec’s flagship singer, Michel Rivard. And the moveable bar Le Shag, providing memorable endings to the night’s events, again lived up to its reputation as the place to be for a nightcap and for taking in the unique sounds of late-night amateur or veteran D.J.s (of the likes of Les Moquettes Coquettes, Chafiik and Ghyslain Poirier). Credit is also due to Air Transat for its participation, made that much easier because this year’s Francos took place in June, allowing the airline to bring in a greater number of French and other European artists to join the party in Montreal. Not to mention the fact that Les FrancoFolies received the best gift imaginable to celebrate their coming of age by eliminating their cumulative deficit of $430,000, thanks to a record-setting June edition and the arrival of new partners such as Molson, Vidéotron and Air Transat. With renewed support from the Gouvernement du Québec helping this non-profit organization stabilize its budget for a return to its August date, Les FrancoFolies de Montréal now appears to be on the right track to a secure future for many years to come.

2007

Concert grid (8 488 Ko)

In this 19th edition, Les FrancoFolies de Montréal once again proved just how essential they are to the well-being of francophone music... and to our collective happiness! A happiness that Montrealers and tourists alike do not pass up for anything, as witnessed by the tremendous on-site sales—the biggest in the Francos’ history, apart from the 15th anniversary edition of course— and by the box-office sales, with 14 shows sold-out. Major increases that no doubt reflect heavier visitor traffic, but also, happily, cap the deficit at $300,000 rather than the $500,000 initially anticipated due to the return to the August time slot and the lack of federal funding. It must be said that this year, we went all out with 74 indoor shows, 178 free outdoor shows, 73 Quebec premieres, 1,000 singers, songwriters, musicians and performers, some 30 European performers and representatives from 13 countries… The sure bets paid off in spades, while the new discoveries made their names known. Three major, free outdoor events on the Espace Ford Escape stage, with, for openers, the Grande fête multiculturelle Hydro‑Québec hosted by Daniel Boucher, and bringing together Lynda Thalie, H’Sao, Taima, Marco Calliari and Roberto López Project; a high-voltage Hommage à Marjo tribute (Événement spécial SIRIUS) with Marco Calliari, Angel Forrest, Éric Goulet Laurence Jalbert, Éric Lapointe, Mireille Matte, Sébastien Plante and Annie Villeneuve; and finally, the biggest event ever presented at the Francos, the masterful Grand Spectacle Ford, featuring the unique Pierre Lapointe and his musicians, surrounded by the Orchestre Métropolitain du Grand Montréal under the baton of Yannick Nézet‑Séguin. Breathtaking is an understatement! As for new and rising stars, there were the Vidéotron Wireless Battles, theSpectacle familial le Lait Benoît Chez Moi, the En résidence series, presenting Malajube and Karkwa, each in three radically different shows, the new stage of the Grande‑Place of Complexe Desjardins, and even a show by the shuper popular Shilvi presented free of charge at Place des Arts by Milk! Ever true to themselves, the Francos were once again the event of the all-time favourites: Thomas Hellman and Mell (winners of the 2007 Prix Félix‑Leclerc de la chanson, Quebec and France), Vincent Julien (prix de la Fondation du maire de Montréal pour la jeunesse), the tireless Marco Calliari, the Moquettes Coquettes, Loco Locass and the orchestre du Camp Saint-Alexandre, Émilie Simon, Arianne Moffatt, Juliette Gréco, Grand Corps Malade, Tricot Machine, Davy Sicard, DJ Zebra, El Motor, Samian, Abd al Malik, Kassav’, Cobna and Treizième étage, Balla Tounkara & Groupe Spirit, Andrea Lindsay, The Psychotropical Orchestra, the triptych Omnikrom / Numéro# / TTC, Emeline Michelle and Radio Radio. The closing night of the Francos also marked the moment when the curtain fell for the last time on the popular Spectrum. This final tribute to one of Montreal’s most mythical, magical performance halls, a veritable star mill, was officiated by Michel Rivard, the artist who most frequently graced its stages.