Les Compagnons des francs loisirs is proud to announce a diverse lineup for its 2023-2024 cultural season.
Saison Culturelle runs from September to the end of June.
“We’ve tried to make this season really inclusive, to get as many people involved in cultural activities as possible. So, you are going to find events and activities for adults, you are going to find events and activities for families, and some of the kids. We even included some for more seniors to try to bring them back into a social life in the community,” explained Arnaud Claude, General Manager.
One activity involves getting outdoors, and enjoying nature.
“We have music, dance, and a workshop activity program. We even have walking tours. Active Running is a partner in that. So, they will bring people to different spots in North Bay. That goes from the 26th of September to the 2nd of November. So, during the fall period people will be able to come, socialize, and walk around North Bay and discover the beauty of our city,” added Claude.
Music will naturally be a large part of the season.
“We’ve tried through the music to at some point make it available to the entire community, not just the Francophones. Music is the easiest to do that. You don’t need to know French or know English to enjoy the music. You can just enjoy it,” Claude smiled.
One highlight will be a performance by Canadian singer, songwriter, and actor Roch Voisine.
Voisine won the Juno Award for Male Vocalist of the Year in 1994.
“He is a really, really famous singer. He is coming on the February 10 and he is closing the winter carnival. The main highlight of this season will definitely be Roch Voisine, we have other shows that will be of interest to the Anglophone population too,” shared Claude.
“ I am super excited for Danse Corpus Dance Project-Devine Intervention. It is there to surprise people. Five women walk through the mall and (suddenly start to) sing and dance. What would be extremely normal in bigger cities, we will bring it here. We are big enough to do that, something that will surprise people and get them excited or shock them. It doesn’t matter what emotion inspires them, what is important is they go home and have something to talk about,” Claude explained.
Another show to consider is the one hosted by Stephanie Morin-Robert, taking place on October 27th.
“It is a humouristic show in French. It is a bit of dark humour. She has lost an eye and she is doing an entire show on that. She has been nominated in many, many different categories. She has won several prizes for that show. Of course, that is an adult show, but she is also going to schools to talk about her condition, but also what she went through as a kid living with that condition. It was a disease. Now she is talking about it. At first, that show was in English.”
The season also includes shows geared towards the very young.
“Not many people know, but we are managing eight daycares in North Bay and area. And for the first time, we have included a cultural season for the daycares. So, the kids will be able to enjoy some shows with some in their own daycare.”
New this year is the opportunity to receive discounts with the purchase of a loyalty card.
“You buy a card, it costs $20.00 and you get 25 per cent off some, but not all shows and workshops. Roch Voisine for instance is not part of that deal. We’re trying that for the first time. It is a way that people can support our work through a donation by buying a card,” shared Claude.
“The most important thing to know is that of course we are a non-profit, and a lot of our stuff is free. We are trying to engage the community; we are not trying to get the community to spend their money. We are just trying to get something to happen in the city.”
Season event prices range from $15.00 for a workshop to the most expensive being Roch Voisine at $50.00 plus tax.
Loyalty cards can be purchased online, at any event or at Les Compagnons office located at 681 A Chippewa Street West, North Bay.
For a complete rundown of Saison Culturelle 2023-2024 events, workshops, locations, and times, visit www.lescompagnons.org
In other news, the organization is also in the running for the prestigious Not-For-Profit of the Year award to be held at the upcoming North Bay District Chamber of Commerce Evening of Excellence Business Awards ceremony presented by Bell.
“It doesn’t matter if we win or not. We have worked hard to try to get the community to recognize and celebrate with us. So just the fact that we are recognized, that they see our work, to me is enough,” said Claude.
