Le French Fest returns later this month, offering four nights of shows Sept. 22-25 at the brand-new Place des Arts downtown.
“Let yourself be carried away by Mimi O'Bonsawin and her guests, discover the captivating voice of Malika Tirolien, don't miss a dance show like no other with ‘Danse Lhasa Danse,’ and make sure to hear the new symphonic versions of songs by our dear Stef Paquette!” said a press release from the festival.
Full lineup:
Mimi O’Bonsawin and Guests
Thursday Sept. 22, 7 p.m.
La Grande Salle at la Place des Arts
Mimi O’Bonsawin is a contemporary roots singer-songwriter from Northeastern Ontario. Through her rhythm and story-driven songs, Mimi embraces the beauty of the land, all while yielding to her Franco-Ontarian and Abenaki roots. Her music features sounds from the forest, uplifting melodies and introspective lyrics weaved with pop sensitivities and acoustic instruments. The layers of percussion and surprising harmonies make you feel the music rather than just hear it.
This show will incorporate three traditional dancers: two jingle dress dancers, Jennifer Guignard and Kalah-Rayne Pottier, and one fancy shawl dancer, Quinn Organ.
Malika Tirolien
Friday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m.
Le Studio Desjardins at la Place des Arts
Malika Tirolien is an explosive blend of creativity, dedication and authenticity. Her love, passion and respect for music is evident in the sparkling sincerity of her performances and her soaring voice, which “catches the slightest breeze to soar to the heavens and sail gracefully through the cosmos with agility”, according to FIP in France.
Leading her own band of fabulous musicians, Malika presents her “Highsoul”, a mix of R&B, soul, hip hop and jazz, a psychedelic journey that traces a path from anger to forgiveness.
Danse Lhasa Danse
Saturday, Sept. 24 at 8 p.m.
La Grande Salle at la Place des Arts
An organic tangle of song, dance and music, a blissful rendezvous with an indomitable soul who taught us how to live and die, Danse Lhasa Danse pays tribute to the unclassifiable repertoire of an artist who showed us how to celebrate life in all its serenity.
Here is your chance to rediscover the diversity and richness of the repertoire of Lhasa de Sela, a memorable performer taken away too soon by cancer, in a program carried by performers who echo her strong themes: Bïa, Geneviève Toupin and Karen Young, accompanied by five instrumentalists under the musical direction of Frédéric Darveau. An artistic tour de force, a heartfelt tribute, an unforgettable reminder that true emotion is timeless.
Stef Paquette Symphonique
Sunday Sept. 25, 2022 at 7 p.m.
La Grande Salle at la Place des Arts
Sure, you’ve probably already seen Stef Paquette on stage... But you’ve never seen him like this! The exponential man is taking a symphonic leap off the beaten path he’s been carving for over thirty years. Accompanied by 8 musicians from the Sudbury Symphony Orchestra and conductor, Joshua Woods, Stef will explore new dimensions of his original compositions as seen by three Franco-Ontarian composers and arrangers : Alex Millaire, Luc Martin and Victor Herbiet. Stef is an artist who likes to push his limits in order to stake out new ground, and this event, produced by La Slague, will enable him to do just that!
La Slague's box office is operated by the box office at la Place des Arts du Grand Sudbury. The box office is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at laslague.ca, by phone at 705-885-1076 or in person at 27 Larch St.
