TAKE PART IN WORKSHOPS AND ACTIVITIES!
Discover the multitude of activities and workshops on the program for this 29th edition!
DANSE . MUSIC
+ EXCHANGE WITH ARTISTS
Thursday, August 13
5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – Scotch Tasting
Embark on a journey of aromas and flavours at our evening dedicated to Scotch and whisky enthusiasts, hosted by Jean Pinard!
$ 40
BUY HERE
Friday, August 14
5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – The Great Irish Gathering | St. Patrick’s Party
The ultimate Irish celebration!
A must-see event for lovers of Celtic culture!
This spectacular gathering brings together seven seasoned musicians performing stirring Celtic songs and lively, foot-stomping reels.
Formed from members of the groups McCool, Écorce, and Irish Tree, this powerhouse seven-piece ensemble pays vibrant tribute to the enduring influence of Irish music in Quebec. Whether through the rich vocal harmonies of all seven singers or the remarkable virtuosity of the musicians, this high-energy show is both impressive and irresistibly infectious.
You won’t be able to resist joining the celebration!
Sunday, August 15
1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. – Celtic Jam Session
Come experience an authentic Irish jam session! This is not a concert in the traditional sense, but rather a gathering of musicians who come together to play and share traditional tunes on fiddle, accordion, flute, bagpipes, and more—just as you might see in a genuine Irish pub.
Everyone is welcome to join in with their instruments and play Celtic repertoire, or simply sit back and enjoy the lively rhythms and captivating melodies of these traditional pieces!
The Pub irlandais is presented by Groupe Fauteux
Saturday, August 15
2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. – Semi-Classical and Folk Dance Workshop from India with Bollywood Blast
This joyful, beginner-friendly workshop combines the elegance of semi-classical movement with the vibrant energy of Indian folk dances.
4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. – Bollywood Folk Dance Workshop with Bollywood Blast
Led by Rupali Bhowmick of Bollywood Blast, alongside Nush, a Montreal-based multi-genre DJ renowned for blending South Asian rhythms with global sounds, this energetic and inclusive workshop invites participants to learn festive Bollywood dance moves that are simple, accessible, and easy to pick up from the very first minutes.
What to expect: upbeat music, easy-to-follow choreography, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
A perfect opportunity to discover Bollywood dance with confidence and learn a few moves to join the celebration during the evening performance.
Sunday, August 16
1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. – Tasting and Cooking Workshop
Discover the flavours of Morocco through a cooking workshop and demonstration featuring a traditional specialty: harcha, a semolina flatbread. Offered in two versions—plain or stuffed with black olives and cheese—harcha is a delicious choice for breakfast or an afternoon snack, especially when paired with a cup of authentic Moroccan tea.
The Palais de l’Orient is presented by Battlefield.
Wednesday, August 12
4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. – Cumbia Workshop with Cumbia Control
Participants will discover the role of the drum set, percussion instruments (conga and güiro), and melodic instruments (guitar and keyboard), and learn how they interact to create a collective groove
7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. – Handpan Concert and Interactive Workshop with Robert Daignault
Have you ever heard of the handpan? With its captivating sound and flying-saucer-like shape, this unique instrument is sure to amaze you with both its tones and its origins.
With humour and passion, Robert Daignault will introduce you to the handpan, share its fascinating story, and give you the opportunity to try playing it yourself.
Thursday, August 13
4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. – Congolese Percussion Workshop with Hendry Massamba
Led by Hendry Massamba, this percussion workshop offers an engaging and accessible introduction to the world of the ngoma, the traditional drums of Central Africa. Through a teaching approach that is both educational and experiential, participants will explore basic rhythms, drumming techniques, and the cultural and spiritual significance of these instruments within local communities.
Combining oral transmission, active listening, and group practice, Hendry Massamba guides participants through traditional rhythmic patterns while encouraging creativity and improvisation. The workshop also highlights the deep connections between music, dance, and cultural identity.
Workshop and Discussion: Roots in Resonance With Nadine Altounji, Cécile Doo-Kingué and Yawo Matey
After the concert, join Nadine Altounji, Cécile Doo-Kingué, and Yawo Matey for a unique and engaging conversation. Through their personal journeys, their instruments, and a few musical demonstrations, the three artists will reveal the roots that inspire and shape their artistic practice.
Born in Montreal to Syrian parents, Nadine learned to play the oud as a way of reconnecting with her family heritage. Today, she brings this ancestral instrument into dialogue with Arabic maqams. Cécile, meanwhile, explores the connections between Cameroon, the blues, and North America, while Yawo, originally from Togo, enriches the trio with the vibrant rhythms and sounds of his percussion.
Blending stories, audience interaction, and live music, this gathering will conclude with one or two performances featuring all three artists, where their distinct musical worlds meet and resonate together.
Friday, August 14
2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. – Mi’kmaq and Celtic Folk Music and Dance Workshop with the Morgan Toney Trio
This workshop offers an immersion into the musical world of the Morgan Toney Trio, where tradition meets innovation. Through discussion and live demonstrations, the artists invite participants to discover their instruments, influences, and approach to repertoire. The experience may even become hands-on, including the opportunity to learn a traditional dance that is more than 500 years old.
4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. – Songwriting Workshop: Integrating Tradition into Contemporary Creation with On The Lash
Join On The Lash as they explore ways to preserve and showcase traditional musical styles while seamlessly incorporating them into contemporary music and songwriting. The group’s music is built on original reels and jigs enhanced by modern vocal arrangements, creating a balance in which each element complements the other and contributes to a cohesive and dynamic musical experience.
This blend of traditional dance tunes and songwriting also shapes the structure and performance of their compositions. Inspired by Irish tune sets—where two to four melodies are played in succession—On The Lash presents its own original “suites,” with each piece flowing naturally into the next and taking audiences on a captivating journey of musical evolution.
6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. – Nordic Musical Instruments Workshop with Mystic Projekt
Discover the stories and instruments behind Mystic Projekt’s traditional repertoire. From the moraharpa to the hammered dulcimer, explore the unique musical universe of this exceptional ensemble, inspired by the spirit of the North and the adventures of travel.
Saturday, August 15
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. – Celtic Music Workshop with John Doyle
John will explain and demonstrate his approach to accompanying traditional tunes, arranging songs, exploring his favourite alternate tunings, and mastering flatpicking and rhythmic accompaniment techniques. Come meet this exceptional musician as he shares the skills and insights that have made him a distinctive figure in the world of Celtic music.
3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Chinese Traditional Instruments Workshop with Manhu
Members of the Chinese ensemble Manhu invite you to discover the traditional musical instruments of the Yi people, an ethnic community from the mountainous regions of Yunnan Province in southwestern China.
6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. – Haka Music and Dance Workshop with Rei
Join Rei and his dancers for a cultural experience that is both fun and inspiring! Discover the haka and learn the Māori lyrics of his hit song “Toitū.” Together, they will explore the pronunciation, meaning, and powerful movements behind the piece before bringing everything together in an immersive, energetic, and unforgettable experience.
Sunday, August 16
2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. – Japanese Drumming Workshop with Arashi Daiko
Discover the art of Japanese drumming in a dynamic and interactive workshop where rhythm comes alive through the entire body. Guided by experienced percussionists, participants will learn the fundamentals of taiko, a traditional Japanese drumming art form that combines power, coordination, and expression.
Through different striking techniques, postures, and movements, you will enjoy an energizing experience that highlights the connection between body, mind, and rhythm. No previous experience is required—just come ready to move, learn, and have fun!
5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – Georgian Polyphonic Singing Workshop with Ori Shalva
Let your voice blend with the powerful and captivating harmonies of Georgian polyphonic singing, a musical tradition passed down through generations. In this welcoming workshop, you will discover the richness of this vocal heritage by learning songs suited to the group’s level, entirely by ear.
No musical experience or knowledge of the Georgian language is required. Throughout the workshop, participants will explore vocal techniques, collective listening, and the unique energy of polyphonic singing, with the possibility of adding a few traditional dance steps to this immersive cultural experience.
The Carrefour Multiculturel is presented by Loto-Québec
The Préau is presented by Carrefour de l’Estrie
While many of us see these as dark times, why would we want to reconnect with anything at all? Wouldn’t it be better to simply move on and build on new foundations?
While that idea is certainly appealing, the FTMS Literary Area takes a different approach. What if, instead, we began by returning to what we feel is missing—even though it remains right in front of us? Reality, which we no longer always seem to share with one another; hope, which slips through our fingers when things go wrong; and the living world, which we no longer know how to care for as we should—these are three anchors we can hold onto when the winds begin to rise.
Reconnecting—forging a renewed relationship with these three ideas, attaching ourselves to them once again—is what we will explore this year with six authors deeply rooted in our region.
Join us for inspiring conversations with Félix Morin and our guest writers, and discover a curated selection of books from Librairie Les Deux Sœurs!
This year’s Literary Space theme is: Reconnected.
Friday, August 14 | 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. – “Reconnecting with Reality”
A conversation with William S. Messier and Véronique Grenier
Together with Véronique Grenier, philosophy teacher and author, and William S. Messier, writer, screenwriter, and translator, we will explore what it means to reconnect with reality. What can literature contribute to our understanding of the world around us? While the term fiction is often used to describe something that is not “true,” the works of Grenier and Messier offer insightful perspectives on both what confines us and what sets us free. What if literature could actually help us better grasp reality?
Saturday, August 15 | 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. – “Reconnecting with Hope”
A conversation with Mathieu Bélisle and Patrick Nicol
How can we reconnect with hope without disconnecting ourselves from the realities of the contemporary world? This is the question we will explore with Mathieu Bélisle, essayist and literature professor, and Patrick Nicol, novelist. Although their works approach the subject from different angles, both offer meaningful ways to rethink this essential yet complex concept. Their writing suggests that hope is neither illusion nor denial, but something rooted in concrete actions, daily commitments, and renewed attention to the world around us. What if hope were, above all, a practice?
Sunday, August 16 | 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. – “Reconnecting with the Living World”
A conversation with Olivier Lussier and Vanessa Courville
How can we reconnect with the living world that we have so profoundly transformed, weakened, or neglected? Perhaps by learning to observe it—and inhabit it—differently, from the beginning to the end of our lives. From childhood to death, through hunting, fishing, and our everyday relationship with nature, Vanessa Courville, literature teacher and poet, and Olivier Lussier, engineer and poet, invite us to take a more attentive and sensitive view of the living world. Through their work, they explore the bonds that connect us to other forms of life and remind us of the importance of cultivating relationships grounded in humility, respect, and care. What if poetry could help protect the living world?
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