With brilliant music and dance, fabulous food, fun on-site activities and a welcoming ambiance – FESTIVAL DU BOIS celebrates its 30th year of presenting a wealth of francophone and French Canadian music and culture to BC audiences. Running from March 22-24, the festival invites folks of all ages to visit Maillardville, the cradle of francophone culture in BC. Come experience the community’s rich roots and traditions – and enjoy a taste of the past, present and future of francophone music.
What began three decades ago as a festival that presented the rich traditions of predominantly traditional Quebecois folk music has evolved into a dynamic and diverse, music-focused three-day event that incorporates the voices and sounds of French-speaking artists from a range of cultures, genres and places.
The festival opens in Mackin Park on Friday night, March 22, with an all-ages Contra Dance in the Grand Chapiteau (Big Tent), with live music from The Sybaritic String Band, Vancouver's premier contradance band. On Saturday and Sunday, March 23 and 24, the festival features an eclectic showcase of the music that has thrilled audiences for 30 years. The 2019 roster spans geography, culture and styles!
Performing on the Grand Chapiteau’s Main Stage and in various weekend workshops are:
Les Tireux d’Roches: An internationally-renowned traditional folk quintet from Québec’s Mauricie region.
Shauit: This award winning, politically aware Innu singer-songwriter’s roots are in the Maliotenam area of northern Quebec.
Seconde Nation: A dynamic New Brunswick-based Acadian traditional folk quartet.
Vishtèn: This trio from PEI and the Magdalen Islands are talented singers and multi-instrumentalists, fusing Acadian and Celtic genres with other influences.
Comté de Clare: A talented trio that melds contemporary dance rhythms with the vitality and energy found in the music of their native Baie Sainte-Marie (County Clare), an Acadian area in SW Nova Scotia.
Alpha Yaya Diallo: From West Africa, this outstanding guitarist and singer has earned an international reputation for successfully uniting the traditional and the contemporary.
Jou Tou - André Thibault and Qiu Xia He: These local world music virtuosos lend their formidable chops to French music from around the globe — and add their own global twist!
André Thériault: A consummate entertainer, André shares songs from the grand French Canadian oral tradition - the music of La Bolduc, Félix Leclerc and others - with passion and humour.
TICKETS
PRICES at the gate in MACKIN PARK
Friday night, March 22 – Free / by donation at the door.
Saturday March 23 & Sunday March 24 (general admission).
Adults (18+): $22 per day | Students & Seniors: $15 per day | 5 - 12 years: $10 per day
Children under 5 years are free.
Family and weekend packages are also available.
ONLINE tickets
SAVE time and money by buying tickets in advance online!
Ticket buyers receive an emailed ticket bar-code for quick entry.
Per-day tickets March 23, 24: Adults: $20, Seniors and students: $13, 5-12 years: $8
Festival schedules, full info and tickets: www.festivaldubois.ca
General info: 604-515-7070 / info@maillardville.com
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