The Francos de Montréal are back in full swing! After a well-deserved two-day break at the beginning of the week, the celebrations have resumed in downtown Montreal. Despite a brief scare from an afternoon downpour, the atmosphere remained bright and lively on Wednesday, May 17, as the festival came alive once again.
Myra Brings Sunshine to the Stage
Our evening begins under the Brasseur de Montréal tent, where the talented Myra takes the spotlight. Announcing that this is her very first performance in North America, she quickly captures the audience's attention. The crowd has already embraced her music, as Myra recently won the hearts of fans at La Cigale in Paris earlier this year. Many may also recognize her from her recurring role as Alison Valle in the popular series _Plus belle la vie_. As a cherry on top, she was honored with the FAIR award in 2023, solidifying her status as an emerging artist.
Beyond her acting career, Myra has been nurturing her talent as a singer-songwriter for several years. With a rich and textured voice, she effortlessly navigates through various musical genres, infusing her performances with the warmth of R&B, soul, and Latin influences. From the deep, soulful melodies of her “Rebetiko” guitar and voice pieces to the infectious rhythms of “Amour terrible,” which evokes the Mediterranean, Myra knows how to engage her audience. She is supported by a multi-talented DJ who not only enhances her performance with his beats but also joins her on guitar. A special guest, Mauvaise Bouche, joins her on stage, adding a wonderful sense of sisterhood to the performance. Myra dances joyfully across the stage, exuding charisma and charm.
La Bottine Souriante Celebrates 50 Years
Next up is the renowned La Bottine Souriante, a collective of musicians, now celebrating their 50th anniversary with a special show at the Francos. Interestingly, it was Gab Bouchard who, back in 2018, shared with us that La Bottine was the first band he had ever seen. Now, in a twist of fate, both La Bottine and Gab Bouchard are performing on the same night of the 2026 Francos de Montréal.
Although the original formation of La Bottine has changed over the years, the love for traditional folk music remains strong among fans. The audience, filled with families and music lovers of all ages, eagerly gathers around the Loto-Québec stage to enjoy the lively atmosphere. While we catch a glimpse of Lisa LeBlanc backstage—the surprise guest of La Bottine—we must soon make our way to the main stage as Gab Bouchard is set to take the spotlight shortly.
Gab Bouchard: An Incredible Opportunity
As Gab Bouchard steps onto the grand stage, he reminisces about his first performance at the Francos eight years ago, recalling the thrill of playing under a tent not far from where he stands now. It is a poignant reminder of how far he has come—from a newcomer in Montreal to headlining the largest Francophone festival in the country. Wearing a blue shirt adorned with a fleur de lys, he is welcomed by a sea of proudly waved Quebec flags in the crowd, a heartfelt homage to their idol.
A massive disco ball hangs above the stage, and Gab is accompanied by his usual band, the Cool Band, along with special guests, including Marie-Neige Lavigne and Rose Perron. The roots of Gab's Saguenay upbringing are never far from the performance, as even his father, a former drummer, makes a guest appearance towards the end of the show. Although the concert starts off somewhat slow, with songs struggling to flow seamlessly, Gab’s initial nerves are palpable. He later admits to feeling stressed and worried about the turnout.
However, as the concert progresses, Gab finds his rhythm. After a few impressive solos from his musicians, he engages with the audience, quickly transitioning between tracks from his latest album _ENCORE ENCORE_ and earlier hits. The crowd erupts with joy during the final jam of “POUR L’INSTANT/PERSONNE,” demonstrating their appreciation for a memorable evening. Gab’s heartfelt ballads, including “Une valse triste” and “C’est cool,” are revisited beautifully, showcasing the chemistry between him and Éléonore Dessureault.
Finishing the concert on a high note with “PLEURE BÉBÉ PLEURE,” Gab Bouchard stands on stage, visibly moved by the support from a full Place des Festivals. At 10:20 PM, he has successfully delivered an unforgettable performance.
Finally, we make a brief appearance at the beginning of Ino Casablanca's concert. The French artist, who performed a sold-out show at Club Soda the night before, is back as a surprise act at 10:30 PM. Opening with his hit “BISSAP DU 20ÈME,” Ino captures the audience’s attention immediately, proving to be a calm and confident performer. Dressed in black with his hair down, he is backed by two solid musicians, providing a strong foundation for his soothing voice and laid-back flow. Though our time is limited, we leave the stage Desjardins with fond memories of the performances we witnessed.
As reported by rocknfool.net.
