MONTREAL, June 10, 2024 /CNW/ – For 100 years now, Montreal has vibrated to the rhythm of concerts in the parks thanks to the Campbell Concerts. If the programming has evolved over time, it has always brought together the Montreal population since 1924. Discover the 2024 programming!
Michel Rivard – Photo credit: Marc-Étienne Mongrain (CNW Group/City of Montreal – Office of the Mayor and Executive Committee)
Photo credit: Sarah Latulippe (CNW Group/City of Montreal – Office of the Mayor and Executive Committee)
“For a century, thanks to the vision of an important patron, the Campbell Concerts have offered, every summer, a unifying program in Montreal’s parks. Created at a time when culture was reserved for the wealthier social classes, the Campbell Concerts were one of the first initiatives to democratize culture. Sir Charles S. Campbell wanted to offer all Montrealers the chance to discover music for free in parks and we are proud to perpetuate this musical heritage and celebrate this centenary, a continuing commitment to accessibility and artistic diversity. Join us to celebrate a century of music, art and passion together at the Campbell Concerts,” said the head of culture, heritage, gastronomy and nightlife to the executive committee, Ericka Alneus.
To launch its 2024 program, not to be missed:
Around the block of Michel Rivard
Wednesday June 26 at 8:30 p.m. (reservation required)
Green Theater – La Fontaine Park
With the show Around the block, Michel Rivard celebrates 50 years of career and will perform 15 of his most memorable songs. Recipient of the Félix “Show of the Year” at the 2023 ADISQ Galas, this show takes the form of an imaginary, poetic and smiling walk. The singer-songwriter will be surrounded by 12 musicians and singers for the occasion.
As soon as you arrive at La Fontaine Park, you will be greeted by the Island Fanfare. Formed during the pandemic, this group of fantastic musicians will rock the park with their music influenced by swing, New Orleans jazz and blues.
Marching bands in the spotlight in the parks
For this special year celebrating the hundredth anniversary, each concert will be preceded by a fanfare, thus making a historical nod. Originally, military bands were mainly presented at the Campbell Concerts. Throughout the summer, get ready to discover fanfares that are as different as they are surprising, such as the Burning BRASs Band with its arrangements of international pop music, the Sumak Brass Band and its festive Balkan atmosphere and without forgetting brass bands such as the Invigorating swing Jazz band.
A colorful program, in our image!
In classical music, theMetropolitan Orchestra will mark the 100the anniversary of the Campbell Concerts at the Théâtre de Verdure by bringing the public back to the golden era of bandstands in parks.
In song and pop music, young rising stars will be there. Alphonse Bisaillona piano virtuoso who combines the passion of a Robert Charlebois at the childishness of a Boris VianAnd Valencewhich offers indie-pop songs where a poetic universe tinged with nostalgia and romance is revealed.
In rap, two 2023 Radio-Canada revelation artists will be in the spotlight. The artist of Haitian origin Waahli builds music on an alloy of current sounds, Afro-Caribbean influences and powerful ancestral rhythms. The Wendat-Guinean multi-instrumentalist artist, Joseph Sarenhes features a brilliant fusion of rap, rock and R&B including traditional indigenous and African sounds. In jazz and blues, Angelique Francis, winner of the JUNO Award for Best Blues Album in 2023, will captivate the audience with her energetic and enveloping voice. As for her, the young training Justin Saladino Band will make the stage vibrate with dizzying surges of well-felt guitars.
So-called world music combining traditions and discoveries will also be on the menu. You will be able to hear groups such as Bantu Salsawith its captivating fusion of African salsa and vocal virtuosities coated in groove and jazz, without forgetting Ayrad and its combination of electro, gipsy funk, raï and wild Latin grooves. Also, the group Pappagroove draws from the roots of afrobeat, funk and soul. Finally, the French group Zar Electrik offers a unique encounter with sub-Saharan and electro musical influences for a bewitching experience.
Event shows will also make up this very special program through the music-circus encounter of the project Barka with the music of Gypsy Kumbia Orchestra or the union of dance and traditional Haitian music with the ensemble Rara Soley and the dance troupe Mapou Ginen.
Accessibility, a lasting commitment
Since 1924, the work of the Charles S. Campbell Estate has been a fine example of the democratization of music in Montreal. Charles S. Campbell is an adopted Montrealer, a successful lawyer, who had a big surprise in store for his death. In addition to donations to hospitals and charities, he left a fortune administered by the Royal Trust, part of which enabled the acquisition of vacant lots transformed into playgrounds in working-class neighborhoods, as well as the presentation of free outdoor concerts. The City of Montreal has been associated with this initiative for the accessibility of culture since the beginnings of the Campbell Concerts in 1924 and it has maintained this guarantee of accessibility over time. To find out more about Charles S. Campbell.
Consult the program online
Approximate duration of shows: 1:15 a.m.
Seating places : Bring your chairs
The weather seems uncertain? Check the Facebook page before you travel!
Source City of Montreal – Office of the Mayor and Executive Committee
Information: Source: Béatrice Saulnier-Yelle, Press officer of the executive committee, City of Montreal, 438 354-8017; Information: Press Relations Department, City of Montreal, [email protected]
