AN EXCEPTIONAL RESULT!
Rouyn-Noranda, June 7, 2022 — The 18th edition made a strong comeback for the Festival des Guitares du Monde with the guitar being at the forefront in all the shows, the variety of the programming as well as the quality of the performances are the aspects that stood out most in this fabulous edition.
The weather was nice and hot and everyone was looking forward to a human connection. The result is eloquent with nearly 25,000 entries! The organization is especially proud to have returned to full halls and is reassured to see that Covid does not have the upper hand on the enthusiasm of the festival-goers.
People called the programming colossal and nothing less! More than 60 musical performances were offered during the 8 days of festivities.
The Festival team hit the nail on the head with this 18th line-up. Several shows such as MIKKEL ANDERSEN, KATHLEEN EDWARDS, JW-JONES and DIGGING ROOTS were superb discoveries. DAMIEN ROBITAILLE, who captivated everyone through his videos, was even more impressive on stage by truly demonstrating his prowess as a one-man band. Speaking of prowess, JOHN JORGENSON (who accompanied the distinguished and colorful THE LOST FINGERS) is another artist who greatly surprised us thanks to his talent as a multi-instrumentalist. And what about PAUL GILBERT, well known to rock music lovers, who literally conquered all the spectators in the room.
“The World Guitar Festival is a world of discovery and with a variety of musical styles our greatest asset. We are so happy to see that our rooms were full and even that several of them were sold out. We saw the crowds marvel, laugh and dance. As an organization, we couldn’t have asked for more!” proudly stated Nathalie Grenier, General Manager of the Festival.
“Having the 18th Edition had reached its peak, but an opportunity too good to ignore was added late-night shows in three bars of the Old Noranda neighbourhood. After a “forced break” of several months for these establishments, the idea was to collaborate with them by offering a “guitar nightlife” and also to allow more artists to present their projects!”, explains Nathalie Grenier.
𝗦𝗬𝗟𝗩𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗢𝗜𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗥 – 𝗔𝗗𝗔𝗠 𝗞𝗔𝗥𝗖𝗛 – 𝗠𝗜𝗘𝗟𝗦 – 𝗧𝗔𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗔 𝗪𝗘𝗕𝗘𝗥 – 𝗕𝗘𝗡 𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗢 – 𝗧𝗢𝗡𝗬 𝗥𝗨𝗦𝗧 & 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗠𝗨𝗗𝗛𝗢𝗥𝗦𝗘𝗦 – 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗢 𝗖𝗛𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗧𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗔𝗡 – 𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗞 & 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗪𝗜𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗦
In terms of new audiences and development, the webcast performances made it possible, among other things, to reach more than 6,000 children from all over the region (an unprecedented level) as well many First Nations communities. What a wonderful technological avenue!
Everyone was very happy to have reunited with not only many international artists, but also up-and-coming artists, such as GENEVIÈVE RACETTE, HAVANA SKY, VERANDA, also a multitude of regional with MIDIS FRANCO HYDRO, the Concert de la Relève, the CONCERTOS, the orchestra LA BANDE SONORE or the LA FABRIQUE CULTURELLE Stage shone brightly. The return of the seniors’ residences tour was once again a great success with the performances of a favorite Festival artist, SYLVAIN POIRIER.
The incredible, charismatic EDITH BUTLER charmed her energetic and humorous performances. With each visit, TOMMY EMMANUEL continues to amaze his audiences and was so wonderfully accompanied with RICHARD SMITH. The great ZACHARY RICHARD seduced the public with his authenticity and stories, each more fascinating than the next. HARRY MANX, rocked the crowd with his unique music. And of course, the seductive 40 FINGERS show closed the Festival with a bang!
As our musical guests gave us their best and our music lovers were ecstatic to refind their Festival and its artists. The organizing committee fully enjoyed this beautiful return to “normalcy” and is proudly announcing the dates for the next edition, which will be held from May 27 to June 3, 2023.
“This 18th edition was made possible thanks to the involvement of our precious volunteers, the support of our public and private partners and our loyal festival-goers, who along with the Festival team, unanimously say… what an incredible edition!”, adds Nathalie Grenier.— 30 —
Source :
Renée Arsenault
Communications and press relations Manager
819 797-8288 | [email protected]
