La Nuit sur l'étang celebrates 42 years (3 photos)

Given La Nuit sur l'étang is in its 42nd year, and has launched the careers of storied Francophone musicians, there's a certain sense of history for musicians playing at the festival.

La Nuit sur l'étang — translated as "the night on the pond" — takes place starting at 8 p.m. March 28 at Laurentian University's Fraser Auditorium.

“There's little traditions where people do sort of like a frog whistle,” said La Slague communications director Dayv Poulin, who's played at the festival several times over the years.

“These traditions sort of help set the tone for the evening. It's a special thing when you're playing at La Nuit sur l'étang. It comes with that pride of playing this thing which has become such a landmark in French culture.”

This year's event features a musical tribute to Paul Demers, who's best known for writing the Franco-Ontarian anthem “Notre Place.”

“There will be a house band and different artists interpreting some of his songs,” said Poulin, who's taken on the festival's promotion for 2015.

Also on the bill are the band Hey Wow, which, despite its anglophone name, plays French-Canadian traditional music with a twist, and Penetanguishine-based singer-songwriter Joëlle Roy.

Local Francophone singer-songwriter Martine Fortin, who's just 18, won the right to perform at this year's La Nuit sur l'étang by winning last year's La Brunante, a music competition for francophone artists.

“Everybody who hears her play is just kind of blown away,” said Poulin.

Fortin is also performing at La Nuit émergente March 27, which features up-and-coming Francophone musicians and bands, and is aimed at a younger audience. The event begins at 7 p.m. at Collège Boréal.

There will be several simultaneous performances happening in different parts of campus, and people can pop in and out of concerts as they wish.

Headlining La Nuit émergente is Alex Nevsky, who released his second album last year, which went on to be nominated for a Juno.

“I've seen him a few times live, and he just loves the stage,” Poulin said. “He gets the crowd into it right away and he finds ways to just steal the show. He's just an unbelievable performer and songwriter.”

Also performing are Géraldine, Édouard Landry, Cerveau-Volant, Ludovic Alarie, MASTIK, Georgian Bay and Magic Pelvis.

“It's two nights with a lot of variety, and a lot of music,” said Poulin.

Tickets to La Nuit sur l'étang cost $35 for adults and $25 for students. Admission to La Nuit émergente costs $25 for adults and $15 for students. Visit letno.ca or phone 705-525-5606, ext. 4 for tickets.