Cultural Suggestions | What to see, what to do?

What to see, what to do this week? Here are the cultural suggestions of our journalists.

Stephanie Morin
The Press

Josee Lapointe
The Press

Iris Gagnon Paradise
The Press

Veronique Larocque
The Press

Take-off of the International Hot Air Balloon Festival of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu

Hubert Lenoir, Salebarbes, Charlotte Cardin, Koriass accompanied by FouKi, Mariana Mazza, Alicia Moffet… There will be something for everyone on the main stage of the International Balloon Festival of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. Indeed, no less than 65 artists will perform during the event, which will run from August 13 to 21. And, of course, some 80 hot air balloons will color the sky, night and day. Also on site: family activities, rides, gourmet alley, farmhouse…

Indigenous presence: Nikamotan MTL – New on the Place des Festivals

32^e First Peoples’ Festival, which celebrates the different facets of Aboriginal art — music, cinema, theatre, visual arts, dance, circus — takes place in Montreal from August 9 to 18. Among the host of events presented, the big show organized by the Musique nomade record company this Thursday at 8:30 p.m. on the Place des Festivals, Nikamotan MTL – New, will bring together a dozen emerging Indigenous singers from all walks of life and musical styles, from Scott-Pien Picard to Soleil Launière via Q052 and the Buffalo Hat Singers, in addition to two allied artists, Naya Ali and Brown Family. A festive event not to be missed. Info on the website of the First Peoples’ Festival.

Public readings at the Rideau Vert

As part of the Les arts d’été event, the Théâtre du Rideau Vert is hosting several readings within its walls. On August 12, Roger La Rue will appear on stage to read Musical offerings, a text by Michel Tremblay on the place occupied by music in his life. The reading is by Monique Duceppe. On August 19, place at kukum, by Michel Jean, read by actress Dominique Pétin (in a reading by Michel Poirier). The Les arts d’été event also offers musical performances across Quebec, including a tribute to Sylvain Lelièvre and a concert inspired by the radio program JS Tendernessmoderated by Jean-Sébastien Girard.

The LNI takes to the air

Every Thursday in August, the Ligue nationale d’improvisation (LNI) takes up residence at Place de la création, a new gathering place located at the corner of Parthenais and Ontario Est streets, to present free improvised micromatches of 90 minutes. On site: two improvisers from the LNI, a referee, a musician and imposed themes that will give birth to various universes under the eyes of the spectators. August 11, 18 and 25, at 6:30 p.m. Always Place de la création, works of visual art are shown on two giant screens, every day until the end of October.

The return ofDare! alone

Fifteen original choreographic creations, born from the collaboration between 30 established or emerging dance and music artists, and presented in different neighborhoods of Quebec City, in secret outdoor locations. This is what the event offers Dare! alone, an original project by Danse K par K, for its third edition, from August 16 to 27. Everything takes the form of ten-minute solos, designed for one or two spectators at a time, each wearing headphones for a unique musical and choreographic immersion.

The Montreal Children’s Literature Festival returns to Lachine

Young readers and their families will be able to meet the creators of some of their favorite books during the third edition of the Montreal Youth Literature Festival. A host of activities will take place on the enchanting site of the Marina d’escale park, in Lachine, on the shores of Lake Saint-Louis. Meeting with Sarahmée, story time with Marianne Dubuc and creation of a mural with Cara Carmina are notably planned. Simon Boulerice is once again the spokesperson for this free event which, he underlines, “celebrates the imagination, creativity, poetry and human commitment”.

Sunday, August 14, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Marina d’escale park, in Lachine. In case of heavy rain, the festival will be held at the Guy-Descary cultural complex.