FRIMAT: Off to Val-d’Or for a Festive Musical Weekend

Yes, indeed! Another stop on the Témiscabitibi festival tour! This time, we’re heading to Val-d'Or for the Festival de la relève indépendante musicale en Abitibi-Témiscamingue — FRIMAT for short — which returns from July 25 to 27.

An eclectic and promising program

This 19th edition will once again take place at the fabulous historic site of the Cité de l’Or and Albert-Dumais Park. As always, festival-goers can expect a (very) festive weekend filled with musical discoveries. The lineup is eclectic and promising: headliners include Karkwa, Les sœurs Boulay, Philippe Brach, Lydia Képinski and Lost, just to name a few.

Free shows open to all

Since the lineup is easily accessible, here’s a guide to the new features and special activities not to be missed:

The 5 to 7 musical

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, everyone is invited to the FRIMAT’s musical 5 à 7s. Organized in collaboration with the City of Val-d’Or, they will take place right in the heart of downtown at Albert-Dumais Park. Soraï, Poubelle mystique and Gratoon’s Platoon are on the menu.

Mythical concert

Following the success of last year’s special underground concert, the organization decided to explore another mythical place in the Cité de l’Or: the hanging room. Meet on Saturday afternoon to see N Nao preceded by André Bernard (conteur-cycliste) in this memory-filled location. It’s free, but you need to reserve your spot.

The after of the Frimat

Finally, those who didn’t manage to get their hands on one of the coveted FRIMAT after-party tickets can still end their evenings on a high note (pun intended!). The microbrasserie Le Prospecteur will host an after-after karaoke party on Friday and a DJMA DJ set with a dance floor on Saturday. Festival-goers can party while enjoying the night snack bar.

Not Just Music!

This year, a “pre” FRIMAT will take place on Wednesday, July 24, at the microbrewery Le Prospecteur. Olivier Ballou will first launch his brand-new graphic novel Val-d’Or Souterrain, then the Festival Courts d’un soir will present its fête des clips, showcasing video works by artists from the 2024 lineup.

Visual art will also have its place during the weekend. Artist Sherryl-Anne Brazeau will exhibit her works from 3 PM to 7 PM on July 26 and 27 in the Salle du treuil of the Cité de l’Or.

Artists from Abitibi-Témiscamingue

FRIMAT exists primarily to support the musical talent of Abitibi-Témiscamingue and Northern Quebec. This is reflected through the Vitrine de la relève competition and during some 5 à 7s. This year, rapper LeBlaze and the groups White Road and Oliver Forest each won a performance at the festival as part of the competition. These three formations with very different styles will surely impress!

We hope this little guide has made you want to head to FRIMAT, have a great festival!