2023-06-10 01:43:42
Synonymous with the start of the summer season, the Francos began their activities Friday evening under a few drops of rain that did not disturb the enthusiasm of the artists and festival-goers. Our journalist took a quick trip to the Quartier des Spectacles site to see some of the outdoor concerts that were offered there. Through sure values like Gros Mené and FouKi, the passage of the metal group Les Chatons was a pleasant discovery.
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Caroline Savoy
TOMA ICZKOVITS
Caroline Savoy
5:15 p.m.: We arrive on site barely 15 minutes following the official launch of the Francos. Direction: Silo Brasseur stage in Montreal to see Acadian Caroline Savoie. The sky is cloudy, but the weather is mild.
On Sainte-Catherine, pedestrians are quite numerous. There are then more workers who have just finished their day than festival-goers. The Silo Stage is a great place to kick off the festival. There are a few families with young children. The former manitou of the Francos, Laurent Saulnier, is in the crowd. “I am like someone in the life, I always tend not to take advantage of the present moment, but here I take advantage of it! says Caroline with her charming New Brunswick accent.
Asked whether there are specific measures in place for smog caused by smoke fires, the Francos organization tells us that it follows the recommendations of Environment Canada and Public Health. “There is currently no smog alert in effect for the Greater Montreal area. » Phew!
Julie Aube
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Julie Aube
6 p.m.: After this beautiful aerial folk performance, we head to the Loto-Québec stage. Also nicknamed the symphonic floor, the Loto-Québec stage is our favorite of the Francos with its grassy floor. This is where another proud Acadian plays: Julie Aubé, best known for her group Les Hay Babies. In solo, this author-composer pours much more into the blues. Needless to say, our Francos 2023 are starting in chiac!
The kittens
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The training show The kittens
6:35 p.m .: We’re going to catch Les Chatons, who have just won the final of My first Place des Arts, group category. They perform on the small Hydro-Québec stage, located on the Place des Arts esplanade. The musicians are all dressed as felines and their energy is contagious. The rain begins to fall and instead of subsiding, Les Chatons gives even more. In the crowd, some spectators leap, others stay under their umbrellas. The highlight of this high-decibel performance? The recovery in metal version of To lie, by Marie-Mai! Candy. On the other hand, the group will not win the Félix-Leclerc song prize anytime soon, awarded to a French-speaking artist for the quality of his lyrics. “Ra-ra-bring me back, a big pizza and some chocolate milk!” “they sing in particular.
Guillaume Bordel
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Guillaume Bordel’s show
7 p.m.: The rain has stopped and we go to the Sirius Stage to see Guillaume Bordel. Funny bug, the musician with orange hair has just launched his very first album, childflower, the same day. “It’s a bit like our launch,” he said, also mentioning to the crowd that he comes from Hérouxville. “Malaise”, he quickly adds, smiling. Bordel is surrounded by great musicians, including Viviane Roy from the group… Les Hay Babies! Yes, Acadia is obviously very well represented at this opening of the Francos. Mini-van lover, Guillaume Bordel is funny to see on stage and easily takes us into his world. It is therefore easier to forgive his vocal imperfections.
Big Led
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The Gros Mené show.
8 p.m.: Arrival on the Loto-Québec stage of the big names of the Lac: Gros Mené. The formation born in 1998 swells the crowd of the symphonic parterre which overflows almost to the boulevard de Maisonneuve. Many of them want to hear the “big dirty rock” of stage beasts Fred Fortin and Olivier Langevin, two lifelong accomplices. Watching Gros Mené is seeing super talented buddies jammer together for long minutes for the simple pleasure of rock. “We are happy to be here! says a Fred Fortin with a smile. With Gros Mené, you are never disappointed.
FouKi
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The FouKi show
9 p.m.: From Place Bell to the Bell Stage for FouKi… Two months following having entertained 4,800 people in the Laval Rocket arena, as well as at the Videotron Centre, the popular rapper was offered the big show exterior of the Francos. For the Montreal festival, opening its edition with hip hop seems like a safe bet. Last year, it was Koriass who stuffed the main stage as a starter.
Friday night, the crowd is impressive – certainly more than in Laval – for the winner of the Félix for song of the year. “I’ve always dreamed of playing at Place des Arts! launches the rapper, who has visibly confused the cultural complex next door with the Place des Festivals.
Dressed all in white, and decked out in his inseparable cap, FouKi serves a concert full of surprise guests. Vendou is the first to appear, for S.P.A.L.A.. Further on, we are entitled to P’tit Belliveau (St-Han), Imposs (We do it), Alicia Moffet (Ciel) et Jay Scøtt (Copilot). Only Ginette Reno was missing!
The Francos continue this evening with the big outdoor concert by Roxane Bruneau, at 9 p.m. on the Place des Festivals. Bon Enfant will also play at 8 p.m. on the Loto-Québec stage.
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