Quebecers to save Osheaga

Nick Farkas has “never heard so many French” at the Osheaga festival, whose programming he orchestrates, helping Parc Jean-Drapeau ease the reluctance of foreign tourists due to an unprecedented influx of Quebecers. Roll the dice.

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According to him, half of the 120,000 spectators who surveyed the huge space of Île Sainte-Hélène lived in the province of La Belle. In general, about 65% of visitors come from outside Quebec; A demographic upheaval explained by “uncertainty”.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the rising cost of living, planning a trip several months in advance is more risky than ever for foreign travelers. What’s more, the staggering occupancy rate of hotel rooms in the area makes it almost impossible for anyone to decide to attend the festival on a whim.

“I’ve never seen that in my life,” Nick Farkas said. It’s really good for the city [mais] Less is better for us. It is encouraging that Quebecers are there like never before [auparavant]. »

Positive balance

Although this year’s festival did not set any attendance record, the programming director did not make a negative assessment of the event. Despite the many pitfalls — to which was added the inevitable labor shortage — Osheaga proceeded smoothly and is perhaps the best anticipated site in its history.

“We have the best festival site in North America,” he says without embarrassment. We take it for granted, but when people come from anywhere [ils trouvent que] It is wonderful.

“We’ve had a tough time. After three years of shit, wars, negativity and covids to see the world come in and let off steam. […] Excited. »

A full force finale

• Photo by QMI Agency, Toma Iczkovits

• Photo by QMI Agency, Toma Iczkovits

• Photo by QMI Agency, Toma Iczkovits

• Photo by QMI Agency, Toma Iczkovits

• Photo by QMI Agency, Toma Iczkovits

• Photo by QMI Agency, Toma Iczkovits

• Photo by QMI Agency, Toma Iczkovits

• Photo by QMI Agency, Toma Iczkovits

• Photo by QMI Agency, Toma Iczkovits

• Photo by QMI Agency, Toma Iczkovits

• Photo by QMI Agency, Toma Iczkovits

• Photo by QMI Agency, Toma Iczkovits

Although the can’t-miss pop star performed at the Bell Center six days earlier, the most anticipated performance of the weekend was undoubtedly Dua Lipa’s.

Physical, new rules, love again : The British singer, whose popularity has skyrocketed during the pandemic, captures the planet’s triumphantly in a glittering black dress. And despite a troupe of dancers, instrumentalists and singers, Dua Lipa seemed completely alone in the world, ruling the stage like an empress.

Earlier, Alan Walker – one of the most popular DJs on the planet – set things on fire. Author of disappeared And Alone He led the audience like a puppet.

In no time, the large area in front of the Seine de l’Lay was taken over by electronic music fans, making it one of the most eventful concerts of the festival.

Honoring Quebec

Safia Nolin

A quiet but attentive crowd enjoyed a moment of meditation in front of a stage of small trees.

The harmonious contrast between Safia Nolin’s smooth and expansive voice and the “dirty” sound of the instruments that accompanied her had an unmistakable beauty and left festival-goers holding their breath before the festival’s final sprint.

Apash

A huge crush on the adopted Montrealer.

Arriving on stage with a mini-orchestra of wind instruments, the Belgian DJ attracted skeptical glances from neophytes as he proved the solidity of the bridge built between classical and electronic music.

A great experience.

Zach Zoya

Support of musicians live And with his collaborators Benny Adam and Soran, the Rouen-Noranda native showcased his talents more as a singer than as a rapper. After performing several songs that lean towards R&B and soul, the 7th Heaven Records protégé capped off his performance with a violent trap track. Slurpee.