LE FESTIF!’S OWN PLAYLIST
Discovering music in
FIVE QUESTIONS, WITH PROGRAM DIRECTOR Clément Turgeon.
5 Questions to Clément Turgeon
What’s in the musical DNA of Baie-Saint-Paul’s Festif! music festival?
Festif! is the spirit of adventure, of discovery, of wonder, of openness to the world. For us, its educational mission is just as important as its celebratory mission. We want people to make a habit of discovery, of walking down new musical avenues, of leaving their comfort zones. Music allows us to convey messages, makes us aware of the issues in our world, and so much more. That’s what we think Festif! does. Increasingly, people are trusting us to do this, and it’s really very touching to see it happen.
Of the performers on the 2025 program, which are you especially proud to have in attendance?
There are so many, I have to avoid the classic “I’m proud to see all of them here,” but that’s kind of how it is… I’m glad to have dared to dream a little bigger. Moor Mother is a committed artist-activist who uses music as a mouthpiece for the black community, among others. Femi Kuti is huge in African music, Ariane Roy is one of the most promising artists on today’s music scene, Apashe and his orchestra will only be performing here this summer; that’s HUGE. I’m also pleased that the performers trust us. Fred Fortin approached us to present the 20th anniversary performance of his album Planter le décor, and German DJ Parra For Cuva, in high demand on international stages said yes, right away, to appearing on our new electronic music stage. Take some time to look at our website. There are plenty of little gems on the program, from Quebec and elsewhere.
Who among the artists at Festif! 2025 do you play on repeat with your headphones on?
Parra For Cuva is good to relax to and when I need to focus, Los Bitchos when I’m jogging, Moor Mother when I’m really angry, Ariane Roy and Catherine Leduc when I’ve got the sun on my face and, well, Apashe when I’m going out for drinks at night.
Tell us about a whimsical find at Festif! this summer?
I wouldn’t say whimsical, but Russian performer Kate NV is probably the quirkiest, most left-field offering. I discovered her in the Netherlands two years ago; the music is experimental, fun, minimalist, electronic, organic, and hypnotic. That performance will take place in the basement of the Musée d'art contemporain [contemporary art museum].
One track, from one of the artists here this year, that embodies the spirit of the Festif! festival in Baie-Saint-Paul?
Hmm....maybe Apashe’s Catch Me? Totally dynamic, plenty of drive, and the horns make it quite awe-inspiring. It’s a convergence of classical and electronic music. There’s plenty of Festif! in all that.
Experience JOE GRASS
AT DAWN on the
GO CHARLEVOIX stage
Go Charlevoix magazine invites you to enjoy the combined experience of a sunrise on the river from the Baie-Saint-Paul wharf at the crack of dawn together with the voice and guitar of Joe Grass. This is a performer who creates folky, poetic soundscapes, and is known for his contributions to work by The Barr Brothers, Lhasa de Sela, Patrick Watson, and Elisapie.
(RE)discover Le Festif!
15 years of partying!
We’ve danced there, made unforgettable memories there and enjoyed a feast for the ears for the past 15 years, and Le Festif remains as popular as ever!
The Le Festif festival, in 5 “beats”
Discover Le Festif festival personality! It’s a “groove” we’ll enjoy breaking down into 5 beats, or musical styles…
