by Jade Bourgeois
As nights grow longer, leaves turn red, and pumpkin spice fills our coffee mugs… there’s no doubt: the Val-d'Or Traditional Music Festival is almost here! Its 7th edition, happening from October 30 to November 3, 2024, is the perfect opportunity to dance, sing, and celebrate culture.
You don’t need to be a die-hard traditional music fan to enjoy the experience! This event has something for everyone, aiming to bring together “trad music lovers, curious newcomers, fans of musical roots, foodies who love a great show, and young and old dancers alike!”
The schedule is packed, but here are some of our top picks (though we still encourage everyone to attend the full festival, as festival president Karine Roberge always says, “you need the whole experience to feel the weekend magic and revive your inner Québécois spirit!”).
« City Takeover »
With a mission to uncover our roots – and smash any lingering misconceptions about traditional music – the Festival Trad will take place in venues across Val-d'Or.
On Wednesday and Thursday, performances will be held at several schools and three seniors' homes. Then, on Friday at noon, there’s a musical lunch! Various artists will perform simultaneously at Balthazar Café, Bénédictine 2.0, La Cage, St-Hubert, and Traiteur Chez Vic. Nothing like a delicious sandwich with a side of Trad before heading back to work!
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"You have to go all-in to feel the magic that unfolds over the weekend and rekindle our inner Québécois spirit!"
Karine Roberge
Historic Music Tour, Café Meetup, and Musician Duel
Saturday, November 2, is a packed day! After a series of fascinating morning workshops, head to Centre multisports Fournier at 1 PM for a bus tour with Paul-Antoine Martel and Dâvi Simard. Paul-Antoine will recount key moments in Val-d’Or’s history, while Dâvi adds a musical touch. At 2:30 PM, the bus stops at the Chevalement of la Cité de l’Or for a café meetup with the band Rêve du Diable, celebrating 50 years of music this year.
RÊVE DU DIABLE
Expect lively discussions and stories! Afterward, it’s back on the bus to a musical “boxing match” at Centre multisports Fournier. Musicians in boxer costumes compete musically, with a referee calling the tunes. It’s full of humor and energy you have to experience in person!
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After all that, don’t miss the call-dance party at Polyvalente Le Carrefour. For those who still have energy, DJ Trad and the classic late-night jam await.
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Ending the Festival on a High Note
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Nicknamed the “classic trad concert” by Karine Roberge, the Sunday morning closing show is always magical. This year, multi-instrumentalist Cédric Dind-Lavoie, along with Dâvi Simard, will present “Archives,” a set of reimagined tunes from the 40s and 50s. A beautiful way to wrap up the Val-d'Or Traditional Music Festival on a high note!
Bonus
We can’t overlook Friday’s 5-to-7 tapas event with Véranda, or Shauit’s performance—a talented Innu artist from the Côte-Nord blending Innu songs with Québec’s traditional music. Expect festive public shows at Polyvalente Le Carrefour, a magic show, and much more. Be sure to check out the complete schedule, as this list only scratches the surface. Enjoy the festival!
