The Other Side of the Curtain: The Artists

The Carrefour mondial de l’accordéon is known for its friendly and intimate atmosphere. Festivalgoers regularly discuss their favourite performances, the skills of a particular artist or the discovery of a new musical style. But what do the artists remember about their experiences at the Carrefour mondial de l’accordéon?

The festival gave me exposure, and that really helped me get a foothold in the scene!

Marie-Jeanne Brousseau

The event’s reputation and the opportunities it provides to artists can really help develop a music career. Marie-Jeanne Brousseau, an emerging accordionist, remembers her first performance in 2009, when she was only 16 years old! The Carrefour mondial de l’accordéon was her first foray into on-stage preforming.

Marie-Jeanne Brousseau (centre) at the Carrefour mondial de l’accordéon in 2009.

Participating in the Carrefour mondial de l’accordéon also gives players of the stomach Steinway increased credibility. Originally from Quebec, accordionist Steve Normandin is now well-established in France. He remembers how, after playing the festival, he started receiving invitations to perform his original compositions at other events.

 It opens doors. You don’t necessarily get approached during the event itself. But afterwards, for example, the former Vancouver Music Fest approached me after seeing I had performed in Montmagny. It’s a sign you’ve arrived.

Steve Normandin

Jam session at the Carrefour mondial de l’accordéon in 2014.

Artists who have performed the Carrefour mondial de l’accordéon also fondly remember getting together after shows, especially for impromptu jam sessions.

We all share a common interest. Even when we meet accordionists from other countries and who speak other languages, we manage to communicate through the music, which will always be there to connect us. 

Sabin Jacques

From the audience’s perspective, most performances seem to go off without a hitch. But behind the scenes, there can be all sorts of surprises. Listen as Sabin Jacques describes a particularly delicate situation!

Account by Sabin Jacques— (captions available in both FR and EN) View the video with a description