The Franco-Ontarian Festival has revealed its programming. From 11 to 14 June 2009, at the Festival Plaza and the Byward Market in Ottawa (Ontario - Canada), The Franco-Ontarian Festival will be a showcase of exceptional talent and diversity of performing arts of the Francophonie. The program includes concerts, performances and street performances. Several performances are free.

Sébastien Lorquet, Franco-Ontarian Festival president, said “The Franco-Ontarian Festival is an occasion to demonstrate our desire to strengthen the bonds between us and do what we do best, to highlight and spread the influence of our culture and our language. I thank our partners who renew their commitment year after year to our project and our community. Without them, we wouldn’t be here offering this unique festival.” The Big Franco-Ontarian Street Parade, whose theme is "genetically modified", will consist of over a thousand participants. It will leave from the University of Ottawa and will join the Festival Plaza in the late afternoon. All Francophones and Francophiles are invited to join the entire journey.

The Franco-Ontarian Festival is for children too!

The Franco-Ontarian Festival don’t forget the children. From 10 am on Saturday 13 June 2009, the Festivals Plaza presents shows fun, educational and training! Animation, make-up and a show popular with children, organized by a team active for a long time.

Les Clowns du Carrousel
Les Clowns du Carrousel have astonished thousands and thousands of little fans for over 25 years! With magically arranged children’s songs and hilarious sketches on video, this dynamic spectacle enchants and delights children!

Animation and Face Painting
Stilt-walkers and other acrobats will astound the children-and their parents!-all over the Festival grounds. Starting at 10 a.m., make-up artists Kromatik, Face Painting will transform children big and small into cats, butterflies, lions and other exciting creatures!

Ferris Wheel
Again this year, the “Franco” will turn you on your head. The Ferris Wheel will be up and running all through the Festival.

The program of 2009 Franco-Ontarian Festival

Thursday 11 June 2009
Mélissa Ouimet
The Lost Fingers
Claude Dubois

Friday 12 June 2009
Swamperella
Swing
Porn Flakes
Martin Deschamps
Jonas
Martin Fontaine
Dominic Lacasse

Saturday 13 June 2009
Alexandre Désilets
Kaïn
Alpha Blondy

Presentation of the artists scheduled at 2009 Franco-Ontarian Festival

Mélissa Ouimet
Originally from St-Albert, the Ontario’s pop finalist Mélissa Ouimet returns home after a yearlong tour throughout Aisa. Singing in her mother tongue, writing new songs and reconnecting with her rock acoustic background are Mélissa’s new priorities: a pure delight for the public!

The Lost Fingers
Their album was nominated as album of the year at the Juno Award: Lost Fingers is a fabulous trio that makes us rediscover our love of music, a fusion of jazz manouche/Bohemian and humour played with amazing musical finesse. Will this celebration of wide-ranging music styles and laughs seduce the audiences? Judge for yourself!

Claude Dubois
Claude Dubois is one of Quebec’s best singers. This highly successful composer and performer can pride himself for being one of the few—after forty years in the music busines-who can still count on his large, loyal audience.

Swamperella
Louisiana in Ottawa? Bien sûr! Beam yourself to the Louisiana Bayou for a spectacular evening! This Cajun flavored orchestra will lift your spirits and make you dance ’till you drop!

Swing
Let’s celebrate Swing’s tenth year anniversary together! The group is features an incredible violinist and breathtaking R&B singer. Enjoy this exhilarating, irresistible experience!

Porn Flakes
The Porn Flakes created such a sensation last year we had to invite them back! The Porn Flakes has no lead singer, instead inviting other singers to jam with them on stage. The invitees are...

Martin Deschamps
This Quebec rocker bursts back onto the music scene with a performance that will bring the house down. His powerful voice electrifies the audience and transports them to another world where great rock rules supreme once again.

Jonas
Born to be a rocker, Jonas has a voice and charisma we rarely encounter. Remarkably energetic, his music ranges from Rock to Blues. Opening for The Tea Party, Econoline Crush and Van Halen, Jonas was discovered and honored with the LYS Blues Award!

Martin Fontaine
The singer who stole the show in The Elvis Story will take your breath away with this performance.

Dominic Lacasse
An incredible feat of strength and agility during a rock concert? Nothing is impossible with the Porn Flakes!

Alexandre Désilets
Last year’s winner of Granby’s International Song Festival has an incredible voice charged with remarkable sensitivity and soul. Désilet’s music is a seductive fusion of pop, electronic and post-pop genres. Elegantly composed melodies and spontaneous delivery will take you on a marvelous musical voyage from the concert’s first note.

Kaïn
Kaïn is one of the most popular groups in Quebec-and no wonder! Kaïn’s scintillating folk-rock style energizes the audience, at the same time reaching each listener’s depths with intimate, honest lyrics.

Music videos of artists scheduled at 2009 Franco-Ontarian Festival

  Swing «Encore une fois»

  Martin Deschamps «Capture-Moi»

  Alexandre Désilets «L’éphémère»

  Kaïn «L’homme grenouille»