Relive the Veillées du bon vieux temps at the MEM! Presented in collaboration with EspaceTrad

As part of the pre-opening of the Festival Trad Montréal, which runs from September 4 to 6, 2026, in Ahuntsic, the MEM has teamed up with EspaceTrad to put together an evening showcasing traditional Québec dance and music.

Relive the Veillées du bon vieux temps, a defining moment in the urban revival of traditional Québec folk music. These evening gatherings, which marked Montréal’s cultural scene in the early 20th century, were initiated by historian and archivist Édouard-Zotique Massicote and anthropologist Marius Barbeau. They were continued by Conrad Gauthier, a key figure in traditional Québec music, who helped showcase our folkloric repertoire to the general public. Other artists like La Bolduc followed suit, giving new life and form to this musical tradition deeply rooted in people’s everyday lives.

Come and enjoy call-and-response songs, traditional music and dance in a fun and festive atmosphere!

The evening will be hosted by caller Pierre Chartrand. He’ll be accompanied on stage by Maia Dagher on the violin, Émile Desy on the accordion, Adam Nutbey on the guitar, and singer Mia Lacroix.

About the Festival Trad Montréal

Held by EspaceTrad, the Festival Trad Montréal showcases the artists, artisans, researchers and enthusiasts who make up Quebec’s traditional arts community, specialized in music, dance, song, storytelling and other disciplines. Serving as the community’s home base, the festival develops innovative spaces for performances in Montréal. Its mission is to promote and transmit this living heritage, presenting it to audiences in Québec, Canada and around the world.

The 34th edition of the festival runs from September 4 to 6, 2026, at Parc Ahuntsic and Maison de la Culture Ahuntsic.