Presented by SiriusXM, the Le Phoque OFF festival is back for its ninth edition, and today is proud to unveil its entire eclectic lineup. From February 10 – 18, 2023, the event will highlight nearly 100 artists (international and national, but mostly from the province of Quebec). Last year’s edition was presented in the Metaverse thanks to the team’s audacity and innovation, which are the main characteristics of Le Phoque Off. The festival is proud to finally be able to hold once again its activities at different venues in magical Quebec City!
“After nearly 3 years of developing the festival for an in-person edition, it is a highly enhanced program that we are proud to offer on the occasion of our reunion! This programming is more international, diverse and cutting-edge than ever. We have evolved a lot over the last 2 digital editions and this is finally an opportunity for us to emancipate the know-how of our team and the high quality of the artists and craftspeople who make up our musical scene” – Patrick Labbé, Managing Director
Recognized for its unique artistic showcases and festive evenings, Le Phoque OFF goes one better this year with an elaborate festival component, all powered by SiriusXM. Its usual varied program will be enhanced by two weekends of highly diversified shows, starting with Vanille and the launching of his folk album La clairière. On February 11, the Canadian trio METZ will stop in Quebec City for the first time in nearly five years as part of its 10th anniversary international tour and promises a highly electrifying evening with the group Fuudge, as the opening act. That same evening, the folk-rock group Velours Velours and its guests will present their famous Bal en Bleu. The next day, in a Mardi Gras triple platter, The Winston Band, Margaret Tracteur, and La Patente will follow with a more Cajun sound. The second weekend will feature Hippie Hourrah and Jonathan Personne, who will make us hover in a more psychedelic atmosphere, while Felukah, a New York neo-soul artist from Cairo followed by LAROIE will offer us an evening noted in RnB, rap, and pop. La maison pour la danse de Québec, a vibrant electro evening will bring together many artists from important female collectives of the current Belgian scene, such as Azo, Sara Dziri, Laryssa Kim, and Elfo Van de Velde. February 17 will be branded by an effervescent and unexpected return of the post-rock group Milanku on a double set with the talented violinist Jessica Moss as well as by the premiere of the singer-songwriter Mantisse (of the group LaF). The festival will close with style with the arrival of the experimental rock trio Yoo Doo Right.
Forged in the alternative culture and faithful to the tradition of doing things differently, the showcase component will take place during the late evenings, when night has more than fallen. From February 12 to 15, nocturnal music lovers will be pampered by the discovery of artists of all styles, such as Sheenah Ko, Atsuko Chiba, Fovelle, Peanut Butter Sunday, BAIE, LYD., Gawbé, Electric Neon Clouds, Vivresse, Dogo Suicide, Hidden Bliss, Allô Fantôme, Totalement Sublime, Jalouse, and many more!
Of course, Le Phoque OFF wouldn’t be what it is if it weren’t for the famous, highly festive late nights at the iconic Cuisine! On the menu is DJ Pøptrt, a surprise DJ Set for Lisbon Lux’s 10th anniversary as well as the return of the Chivi-Chivi party.
The PRO component, aka Le Phoque OFF PRO, will also be back from Sunday, February 12 to Wednesday, February 15, 2023, with professionalization and networking activities.
For the curious and those unable to travel to Quebec City for the festival, Tuesday, February 21, at 8 p.m., it will be possible to participate in a festive evening in the Metaverse presenting some of the most promising Quebec and Canadian artists.
Visit phoqueoff.com to learn more. Tickets are available here.