Les FrancoFolies de Montréal 2009: Free Shows, Fantastique Musique

Bashung, a French artist some say picked up where Gainsbourg left off, died of lung cancer last March and FrancoFolies is dedicating its 21st edition to him.
Getty Images / Pascal Le Segretain

Les FrancoFolies de Montréal, the world's largest French music festival, kicks off today!

Serving up 11 days of 235 shows, no less than 180 of them are free outdoor concerts featuring artists that, frankly, are worth paying for: Zaza Fournier, Antoine Gratton, Mètatuk, Paul Cargnello, Saule, Albin de la Simone, Arthur H, Tiken Jah Fakoly, Stefie Shock, spoken word by the fantastic Queen Ka, aRTIST oF tHE yEAR, Catherine Durand with Marie-Annick Lépine, Patrick Pleau, Ludo Pin and a Pierre Lapointe freebie (!) are just a few -- at least I tried to narrow it down -- of many must-sees.

For a complete festival lineup of indoor shows and to buy tickets, consult the FrancoFolies website or call (514) 876-8989.

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