After an online edition last year, the 33rd edition of Festival du Bois is ready to return, April 1-3, live and in-person to Mackin Park in Coquitlam.
Following a successful digital 32nd Festival, in-person audiences can expect a weekend of brilliant folk, roots, global and Québécois music from French Canada and beyond. Audiences can expect a hearty “welcome back” for concerts and more in the big tent (the Grand Chapiteau) as well as the other venues on-site outdoors in Mackin Park, Coquitlam. Not only does the festival present some of Canada’s finest music artists at a very affordable ticket price, Festival du Bois offers engaging entertainment especially for kids and families, on-site performers, workshops, fabulous food, a market area, and a wealth of bon esprits.
The festival’s Artistic Director, Joanne Dumas, says “We can’t wait to see everyone again in Mackin Park. This year’s festival offers folks the chance to gather together safely, experience an eclectic range of great music, and celebrate – in person. We invite you all to come hear some amazing artistry – from Québécois traditional music to a fresh take on Zydeco, from Métis jigging to African melodies and musical innovations that blend old and new. Plus – there’s so much to discover and enjoy over the weekend. Come join us!”
The Festival du Bois line up includes:
Free Pre-Festival Event
L’Arracheuse de temps by Francis Leclerc – screening (in French w/ English subtitles) Thursday, March 31, 7pm – Cineplex SilverCity, 170 Schoolhouse St., Coquitlam
“The Time Thief” is a 2021 Canadian period drama and fantasy film about an illness-worn grandmother uses stories from you youth to try to convince her 11-year-old grandson that death does not exist.
FESTIVAL OPENING NIGHT, Friday, April 1
A special free kick-off event with BC fiddling dynamo JOCELYN PETTIT and her BAND followed by the popular Friday Night Contra Dance featuring live music by the SYBARITIC STRING BAND with caller, Maureen Collier. (Free with online registration at festivaldubois.ca.
PERFORMING IN THE GRAND CHAPITEAU (BIG TENT) ON SATURDAY & SUNDAY, APRIL 2 & 3
LE DIABLEÀ CINQ are five young dynamic multi-instrumentalists and singers of traditional music from Québec’s Outaouais region.
THE McDADES are known for their ability to punch through the walls of tradition. Their Celtic-rooted music “finds it’s groove somewhere between a down-home kitchen party, a jazzy after-hours club, and a folk festival.”
LE WINSTON BAND is Montreal’s unique and glorious hybrid of rollicking Zydeco with French-Canadian roots, rock and Cajun.
ALPHA YAYA DIALLO is a brilliant JUNO-winning guitarist and internationally-renowned musician – known for his signature blend of West African musical roots with contemporary influences.
COLLAGE TRADis a new gathering of BC fiddle virtuosos offering a musical melting pot of local fiddle traditions with a dash of swing, a pinch of jazz, a sprinkle of rock and pure folk.
MÉTIS JIGGERS – The festival is excited to again partner with the North Fraser Métis Association, Region 2as they share some of the Métis people’s vibrant music and dance traditions with us all.
LOCARNO- Led by Tom Landa, this 8-piece musical powerhouse offers a celebration of sound and groove with roots in Mexican son jarocho, early Afro-Cuban son and other captivating world influences.
NORTH SHORE CELTIC ENSEMBLE is a vibrant community of young musicians from North Vancouver. They perform original compositions that draw on Celtic, classical, jazz and folk influences blended with creative arrangements of more traditional Celtic tunes.
CHILDREN’S TENT (PETIT CHAPITEAU) welcomes kids and families to enjoy sing-along tunes and stories of the popular WILL’S JAMS, the West African rhythms and tales of YORO NOUKOUSSI, the bilingual family folk of GINALINA, and the interactive activities of Angèle Verrier from LES PETITS MATINS.
Festival-goers can participate in a variety of fun activities, throughout Mackin Park including roving performers, traditional and popular French Canadian food, the Métis Experience, crankies, unique shopping, interesting exhibits, and more.
Join Festival du Bois for a weekend full of lively sounds, family activities in Maillardville, the cradle of francophone culture in B.C.. Experience a taste of the community’s rich roots and traditions, and experience the community’s reputation for warmly welcoming folks of all ages from near and far for yourself.
Find full Festival du Bois line up, covid protocols and purchase or register for free tickets at festivaldubois.ca