This annual French Music Festival is a great experience for all ages! Come with friends, come with family – there are some exceptional features of this Francophone Music Festival that have enabled it to become a major September attraction for music lovers across the GTA and beyond.
Mark the dates: the 14thAnnual Francophonie en Fete Music Festival is happening September 20 through 29 on the OLG Stage at the Distillery District. The Free Distillery Concerts run Sept 20-23rd.
Here are 7 great reasons to attend the Annual Francophonie en Fete Music Festival in September!
1. Enjoy top performers in a relaxed outdoor atmosphere
An exciting part of the festival each year is the Free Outdoor Concerts at the Distillery District! From Sept 20 through Sept 22 we will have more than 20 artists on stage right in the centre of the Distillery District. Check the website to see the daily schedule including the Festival Launch on Fri Sept 21st at 3 p.m.
The festival offers a wide range of French music from all corners of the Francophone world. Whether you love rock, jazz, classical, folk music or world sounds, you will find it at this concert!
This festival will feature paid concerts with award-winning Montreal performer Corneille onstage on Fri Sept 27th (Buy the tickets) Our Afro-Caribbean Music Extravaganza features phenomenal artistic talent and peace-activist Emmanuel Jal, with Abel Maxwell as the opening act on Sat Sept 28th. (Buy the tickets)
This year top Canadian Stand-up Comedian Louis-José Houde will give a special performance on Franco-Ontarian Day, Wed Sept. 25th. (Buy the tickets)
2. Discover the Rich Diversity of our Canadian Music Heritage
The Francophonie en Fete Music Festival stage hosts top Franco-Canadian artists as well as local favourites.
Toronto-based, Ambiance The Band, perform covers of a wide range of French songs, from classical to contemporary, they sing everything from Edith Piaf to Stromae, and more.
Juno-award winning performer Donny Roberts will be on stage, as will other favourites such as Joanne Morra, Kyris and Welcome Soleil.
The exciting diversity of our French-Canadian heritage is proudly displayed at our Free Distillery concerts with other exceptional talent as Dieufaite Charles, Fethi Nadjem, Hassan El Hadi, Akwaba, Selamawit Gebru, and more!
Come see the perennial favourite singer Julie Kim, opening for Montreal-based Super Star Corneille, at the 14thannual Festival. She launched her solo career following the success of “Les Chiclettes”(Buy the tickets).
3. Meet Toronto Francophones and Francophiles
Toronto’s Francophone community is growing, a trend which is evidenced by the increasing attendance at the Francophonie en Fête events. Make new friends, or plan to bring a group of friends, enjoy the outdoor concerts, or the paid concert events during the festival.
The Festival has seen more than 6,000 Francophones and Francophiles annually attending our concerts and shows, so you are in good company!
Coming to the festival is not only a way to mingle with this community but also to enjoy Francophone music from all over the world.
So, come on out: listen to fantastic sounds, enjoy a drink at our Distillery Beer Garden, and perhaps even practice your French!
4. Listen to old French favourites, meet new French music favourites
Whether it is Folk, Rock, R&B, Blues, Cajun, or World Sounds that you enjoy, top talent for the musical genre has been on our stage over the past 13 festivals.
This year the program is more exciting than ever! We have an exciting musical program that includes: classical music, reggae, contemporary classical, pop, jazz and slam and more!
Come on September 20, 21 and 22 for the afternoon at the Distillery, relax and enjoy a wide range of talented professional artists and bands. You may even fall in love with one of the styles.
5. Take a trip around the world without leaving Toronto
Here in Canada we are proud of our Francophone heritage, from our early beginnings of newcomers from France, to today where we enjoy a rich cultural heritage brought here from many other French-speaking countries.
Our programming reflects the wide range of styles, sounds, colours and traditions! For example Moskitto Bar’sfresh and unique sound created in the multi-cultural hub that is our city, Toronto will be on stage at the Distillery. Their music will ferry you to
The Ukraine, the Balkans, the Middle East and even French Celtic sounds of Brittany France. Don’t miss the seductive rhythms of Selamawit Gebru, and visit Ethiopia in your mind, or be lulled by the Moroccan “Oud” sounds of master Hassan El Hadi.
6. Share French Canadian culture with your children
For you parents, this festival allows your children to widen their appreciation of French language and culture. And perhaps practice their French-language skills.
This year’s Free Distillery Concerts are great for the whole family! Tour the Distillery and then come sit down and enjoy our live outdoor music festival.
Would you like to see la Francophonie promoted in your child’s school? Check out our “Artists in Schools” program which offers concerts and workshops by top Francophone artists in your child’s school.
7. Come relax with us, and leave your problems behind!
Finally, this festival is simply a great way to spend a wonderful afternoon or evening. If you come to the festival, I assure you will an amazing time, in an idyllic setting, a festive vibe. Everybody will be in a good mood, enjoying the great weather and music while having a refreshing beverage in their hands.
And guess what? It’s FREE! What more can you ask for?
Come spend time with us Sept 20-29th. You’ll be happy you did!