Additional Information
With eight editions under its belt, the ninth edition of the Grandes Oreilles Festival is fast approaching and will be held on September 12, 13, and 14 on Laurier Avenue West and the surrounding area. Gunther Gamper, the festival’s general and artistic director, who is also a one-man band, shares the highlights of the program with us. This edition promises to be even more festive, as it will be held in collaboration with two key partners: the SDC Laurier Ouest and the Borough of Outremont.
PAN M 360: Before we begin, how was the name Grandes Oreilles chosen?
Gunther Gamper: It goes back a long way. We brainstormed ideas and came up with this expression that everyone knows. Since it’s a music festival, Grandes Oreilles made people smile while also referring to the expression “Open your ears wide!” And that’s what the festival is all about: introducing and offering musical diversity to parents and children in a festive atmosphere.
PAN M 360: And how did your involvement begin?
Gunther Gamper: I am the founder. I like to joke that I am the CEO, artistic director, and communications intern. I’m a one-man band, I do everything. To prepare for the 9th edition, I’m one and a quarter people: I have a communications intern and a logistics assistant who work a few hours. Right now, it’s a tiny team. Fortunately, I also have a board of directors and loyal partners.
PAN M 360: Tell us about your partners for this edition.
Gunther Gamper: We have two. A year and a half ago, I knew it was the 150th anniversary of the Fondation d’Outremont, and I suggested that we do something together to celebrate Outremont. I talked to several people about it, including the Borough of Outremont and the SDC Laurier Ouest, who are partners this year. We worked with them to create this big 150th anniversary celebration on Laurier Avenue West. Several things are happening for the first time this year: it’s the first time we’ve had such a large amount of funding, the largest budget since the first year; it’s the first time we’re not in a park but on a commercial street; and it’s the first time we have two partners, as we’ve always done previous editions on our own.
PAN M 360: What’s planned for the musical side of things?
Gunther Gamper: First of all, there are two brass bands: Urban Science Brass Band, which has ten members and will be playing on Saturday, and on Sunday we will have Burning BRASs Band, a group of women and non-binary people, also with ten members. In addition, there will be Waahli, who were supposed to participate in the 8th edition but unfortunately it rained. They will be a full band this time as we have a bigger budget. Then there’s DJ Poirier, who will be playing a two-hour set, and Sadio Sissokho, originally from Senegal, who will be performing a solo kora and vocal set. There’s also Imagicario, a company from Villeray-Parc Extension featuring giant puppets representing imaginary streetlights. There will also be performances by up-and-coming artists, a jazz combo from the University of Montreal, and, if all goes well, a performance by the winner of the 5th talent contest for 16-year-olds and under. This is the 5th edition of the contest. Finally, there will be craft workshops, dance workshops, including the Académie de danse d’Outremont, a surprise box dedicated to early childhood, and musical bicycles.
PAN M 360: So, there will be something for all ages and tastes?
Gunther Gamper: Exactly. The idea is that by offering different types of activities, everyone can have fun, regardless of what time they arrive or how old they are. No one will be bored.
PAN M 360: Is there a particular theme this year?
Gunther Gamper: It’s a music festival for the whole family. That’s really our focus.
PANM360: As a fan of Brazilian music, I noticed that there is Brazilian music at the festival launch.
Gunther Gamper: We are partners, but in the case of Diogo Ramos, it was presented by Outremont, but we consulted each other about it. Last year, I wanted to have Diogo Ramos, but there was a bit too much Latin music in previous editions, notably with Boogát and Ramon Chicharron.
PAN M 360: There’s another name that caught my eye in the lineup: Martha Wainwright, who is apparently from Outremont?
Gunther Gamper: Yes, it’s her 20th career anniversary, and it’s the tour for her very first album. She’s been touring with it for a year. She’ll be part of Friday’s double bill, the opening concert, presented by Outremont. The closing concert on Sunday evening will be presented by Grandes Oreilles, with Waahli and Imagicario, and the street lamps will be there during the performance.
PAN M 360: Do you have a backup plan in case of rain?
Gunther Gamper: Last year, we had the worst weather we’ve seen in eight years. We only managed to do two and a half hours, then we canceled as we went along, depending on what was happening. If it rains, we’ll announce it on all our social media channels. As there are three of us, you’ll need to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
PAN M 360: I also saw that Geneviève Borne will be hosting fashion shows as well?
Gunther Gamper: She will be hosting all three evenings. There will be a fashion show in collaboration with the M.A.D Festival and Manika Gaudet of Manik Fashion. The fashion component is for the 150th anniversary celebration and is presented by SDC Laurier Ouest. After the fashion show, there will be a musical performance by DJ Jesse Mac Cormack, featuring a mix of pop, electro, and techno.
PAN M 360: We wish you pleasant temperatures! And long live this festival.
Gunther Gamper: Thank you. Come one, come all!
Photo of Urban Science Brass Band
