BAIE SAINT PAUL | the 14the Grind of the festive! ended this Sunday under a beautiful balmy sky. With its varied program and unique moments, the festival once again delighted thousands of festival-goers who came to the heart of Baie-Saint-Paul to vibrate and get intoxicated by the music.
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“I’m really very satisfied, it’s a great edition!” exclaimed Clément Turgeon, General and Artistic Director of the Festif!, in an interview on Sunday. In fact, the team did break out in a few sweats this week due to the weather forecast. It has to be said that last year’s cancellation of the big Saturday evening on the main stage due to thunderstorms had an impact. “Ten months later, people were still talking to me about it, it stuck,” notes the founder.
Several “Plan Bs” had been prepared to move certain outdoor shows or impromptu performances, both to the arena, where a sound system was installed, and to a room in the Germain or Otis houses, but neither had to be used. As for the big main stage, it’s impossible to fit 5,000 spectators inside. “We need to pray for that. But the weather was finally on our side,” he said.
Credit Ludovic Gauthier
This draws a very positive balance. “Last year was a post-COVID mood. This year it’s a much more relaxed vibe, just the one we’d like for the festive season! Among the novelties, the new Urbania series was a success in various places, notably the appearance of hip-hop singer Greg Beaudin in the fire station. True to itself, the festive! offered a series of unpredictable performances, notably from Michel Pagliaro and Philippe Brach. Meanwhile, the surprise guest Klô Pelgag delivered a touching performance alone at the piano in the Rue Saint-Jean-Baptiste, which was crowded on all sides.
Credit Caroline Perron Photos
Of special note is the epic marching band battle on the steps of the church on Friday night featuring the Spaniards of the Island Band and the Balkan Paradise Orchestra.
Credit: Jay Kearney
“The international bands [une douzaine, dont L’Éclair et les têtes d’affiche punk-rock Amyl and the Sniffers] told me that they were really happy to play here and in front of such an audience,” said Clément Turgeon. The latter was also satisfied: in the first year he didn’t have a credit card and as a festival visitor he was able to listen to the conversations in the crowd. “All the more reason I had no complaints from citizens this morning. We had great cooperation from all sides, also in terms of safety very good framework conditions.
Three remarkable shows
Jean-Michel Blais
Credit Samuel Gaudreault
The artist who performed in quartet form and for the first time at the Festif! I couldn’t think of a more beautiful sight than the Baie-Saint-Paul quay overlooking the river. A magical setting for an equally magical performance that caused thousands of attentive and silent festival-goers to experience a multitude of emotions. An extraordinary moment!
DakhaBrakha
Credit Ludovic Gauthier
The Ukrainian formation from Kiev delivered a powerful and touching performance on Friday evening, which delighted the festival-goers. Dressed in traditional headdress and attire, the members of the quartet stood out at the Garage du Curé.
Patrick Norman
Credit Ludovic Gauthier
In front of the Beaver’s Nest was a surprising multi-generational audience, vibrating to the rhythm of Patrick Norman’s guitar. The singer came to offer his show in celebration of his 50th career anniversary and proved to be one of the most connecting, letting viewers sing his great classics and covers “L’hirondelle”, “Johnny”, “Jérémie’s Guitar”, “Mille après mille” and of course “When we are in love”. For many beautiful nostalgic and emotional moments.