Every culture has their day to celebrate. For francophones in Canada, that day is St-Jean Baptiste Day. Think of it as French-Canadian St-Patrick’s Day.
To blast off this year’s party, two great traditions are being fused June 24: the musical and festive nature of St-Jean Baptiste day and a good old Sudbury Saturday Night at the Townehouse in the downtown core.
From 8 p.m. until closing, a great variety of emerging francophone artists from across the province will take to the stage at the Townehouse.
The evening will begin with the smooth sounds of La Brunante 2017 winner Joëlle Villeneuve and her ambient pop/soul; the warm folk/rock melodies fashioned by Chanelle Albert, a finalist in the televised nationwide singer-songwriter contest Planète BRBR; and the magnificent voice of Céleste Lévis, singer-songwriter originally from Timmins who has been very successful of late, notably with a semi-final appearance on La Voix (Quebec’s take on The Voice) and nominations at both the ADISQ and NOMFA awards.
La St-Jean doesn’t end when the sun goes down. And while the bar can’t light a bonfire as St-Jean tradition would have it, the Townehouse stage will be lit up starting with Sudburian synth/pop trio Telecolor, who will turn the party upside down with their electronic tunes.
Afterward, hometown band Les Gauchistes crashes the stage floating progressive rock songs. You might even get to hear some new material they’re testing for an upcoming album.
Last but not least, hailing from Hawkesbury emo folk-rock singer-songwriter JOLY will napalm your ears with songs from his brand-new, highly acclaimed EP Au plus bas.
These St-Jean celebrations are presented by Les Gauchistes and the Townehouse Tavern. More information can be found on the event’s Facebook page.
