Every summer for 25 years, the Tremblant International Blues Festival has had the pedestrian village resounding to the distinctive sound of the blues. In addition to its innumerable discoveries and the jam sessions that are a festival signature, the unique closeness to artists that’s possible at this event has delighted both fans and the artists themselves. The programming of this 25th event is part of the DNA of this major musical happening, renowned as one of Canada’s most significant.

From July 6 to 15, more than 70 artists performed on four outdoor stages and in Tremblant bars to provide fans of live music with electrifying performances. The pure blues formula of the festival attracts more than 100,000 fans annually. According to Guy Primeau, an associate with G2 Productions – the agency charged with the artistic direction of the TIBF – the success is due notably, but not solely, to the programming.

“This is an experience festival. It provides incredible closeness to the artists and that’s what people like. We’re limited in terms of numbers, so it would be hard to attract an artist like Eric Clapton,” explains Guy Primeau, who has worked on the programming of the TIBF since 1999. “So we have positioned ourselves around the show experience.”

Early on, the Tremblant International Blues Festival (TIBF) took place over three days. In 2003, to draw attention to the event’s 10th birthday, the AVT took the step of extending the program over a period of ten days. The customer response was immediate. “It was a good idea for the Resort, the businesses and the Festival,” says Guy Primeau. “By programming over ten days, we were able to attract more international musicians. That’s when the Blues really took off.”

The blues had some offspring

A daily program in the new Family Zone was also an important part of this 25th birthday event. Workshops on music, crafts, decoration and more await youngsters every morning in a warm, friendly atmosphere. Artist Ian Fournier has even offered to record a song with 5-12-year-old kids on Monday.