YOUTH ZONE
Calling kids of all ages!
The Youth Zone is a special area of the Festival that’s full of great things for kids and families to do. Get your face painted courtesy of Conseil Scolaire francophone – École des Pionniers de Maillardville, then enjoy a fun performance in the Petit Chapiteau (Children’s Tent). There's lots more to do on site, including stopping by the Sugar Shack for some maple taffy on snow.
To all parents! With the contribution of our partner IKEA, we are pleased to provide you with a changing and nursing room for your little ones in the Petit Chapiteau.
Madam Diva
With her costumes, accessories, puppets and music, the eccentric and charismatic Madame Diva (also known as Jocelyne Baribeau) offers shows that always deliver the wow! A fan of traditional French-Canadian music, Madame Diva shares her love for toe-tapping melodies re-worked into a magical medley for children to discover. Together with her original songs, often composed with children as her assistants, her show is chock-full of engaging music for the young and young-at-heart alike.
A recipient of the prestigious Parents’ Choice Award in the US, she has brought her fun and fabulous show across Canada, to comedy, folk and francophone festivals and gatherings.
Conte d'Afrique avec Mulungie
Actor, singer and storyteller, Véronique exudes enthusiasm and energy. Her eyes sparkle as she recounts her life as a dancer and performer back in Congo – her stories are interlaced with beautiful folk songs. Véronique moved to Canada several years ago. She speaks French, English, Swahili and Lingala fluently. Come see this empowered African woman as she takes you on an engrossing journey to other lands and times.
Robin Layne
Over the past decade and a half, JUNO-nominated percussionist Robin Layne has steeped himself in rhythmic traditions around the world. Join him for his interactive musical show designed for young audiences where the students get to join the band and learn how to keep a beat by making music on marimbas and percussion. Robin Layne is a world-renowned performing artist and educator and brings his passion for rhythm and young folks to bear in this high-energy show. The performance features the marimba, the big cousin to the xylophone, and takes kids on a journey around the globe, as it follows Robin on his travels to Cuba, West Africa, Mexico and Colombia.
Will et Seeka
Will (of "Will’s Jams") and Seeka (of “Seeka Sings") are both nationally recognized and popular musicians and educators who share a passion for music and languages - and for childhood education. Their common understanding of the power of music in teaching languages brought these two remarkable songwriters and parents together during the pandemic to create fun, unique and relevant musical resources to support French language learning. Born into families of educators and musicians, music has been instrumental in helping both artists become fluent in French as their second language. They’re excited to share their upbeat and educational bilingual music for kids with families around the world. Will et Seeka will be premiering their bilingual live show at Festival du Bois!
Seeka Sings
Edmonton’s Jessica “Seeka” Holtby is a Jamaican-Canadian singer/songwriter, university lecturer of French, and mother of two little boys. Seeka has been involved in the western Canadian music scene for over 15 years, performing in English and French.She has a strong interest in early literacy, learning development and in French as a second language. Seeka’schildren's musical persona, “Seeka Sings,” offers a lively and engaging performance, promoting diversity and early education through a blend of styles, including folk, jazz, Afro-Caribbean, and other genres. In 2021, she was nominated for Children’s Artist of the Year for her debut children’s album, Seriously Singable, at the Western Canadian Music Awards.
Mme LaLune – roving
This poetic character on stilts will have you dreaming, dancing and celebrating in style. Kids of all ages should prepare to be thrilled and amazed. Acrobatic stilt-dancer, choreographer, interdisciplinary artist and educator Isabelle Kirouac creates original and unique acrobatic stilt animations. From street improv to live on-the-spot moments of wonder, her work is engaging and dynamic – integrating dance, acrobatics and other elements into her one-of-a-kind performances. She has performed extensively across Canada, the USA, Mexico, Colombia and Europe, creating her own stilt performances and performing in a range of renowned acrobatic stilt companies.
Marieclown – roving
When you come to Festival du Bois, be sure to keep your eyes open for the wonderful Marieclown (Marie-Claude Dubé). You’ll likely find her surrounded by laughing children as she creates amazing animals from balloons. You might even see her dancing with kids in front of a stage. Marie-Claude started to personify Marieclown, and learned how to sculpt balloons, 27 years ago in Québec when she worked for an entertainment agency. Since then, Marieclown has always followed her and participated in many events in both Québec and in BC. Having become a part of her, the character also plays a part in her daily profession as a kindergarten teacher.
Sara Search – roving
Sara Search is a researcher of fun and observer of joyful possibilities. Her quest: study a particular frog species called "Joie de vivre". One fascinating fact in her log entry: Festival du Bois is a bursting joyful environment that attracts this "green dancing frog" each spring time. Come meet this specimen!
Pétunia – roving
Pétunia, the ragged doll and her froggy friend "Limette" are thrilled to visit the Festival du Bois. Rumor has it that you can encounter some "frogs" in Maillardville! Therefore, they will enthusiastically "jump" at the opportunity to meet and share some friendly French "croaking moments" with the festival goers.
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