Black & Blue Festival is Back and Bold, Oct. 6 - 10
The Following is a press release from the Black & Blue Festival:
The 31st edition of the internationally acclaimed "Black & Blue" LGBTQ+ Festival will be held during the weekend of Canadian Thanksgiving and American Columbus Day, from October 6 to 10.
"After the postponement of the 2020 and 2021 editions due to health constraints imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the conditions are now right for the return of Black & Blue this year," said the President of the BBCM Foundation, Robert J. Vezina. "We will present the main event of the Festival in a truly spectacular venue, with a very innovative concept."
The main event will be presented under the theme "Black & Blue 360 Degrees" at La Tohu, Montreal's Circus Arts City, on Sunday October 9, from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. Monday morning. For its return after two years, the 2022 Black & Blue will offer a multidisciplinary concept with a central 360 degree stage in an immersive 360 degree hall, with electronic music by guest DJs and multiple performances, and under the artistic direction of Louis Guillemette, an artist, designer and teacher at the National Circus School. Guillemette is highly accomplished, and well-known in the LGBTQ+ community. Fred Gouin will be the technical manager for the technical team, and Daniel Brazeau will be the lighting designer.
The organizing committee has chosen to favor local DJs who had already been approached and engaged for the 30th anniversary edition in 2021 — an event that was postponed due to the pandemic. "We believe that the current context is ideal to support such a decision, especially since all DJs, artists, and cultural workers have suffered, particularly since March 2020," committee members said. "But we will also be adding new talents this year such as top-quality performances in dance and circus arts."
Montreal Talent in the Spotlight!
The BBCM Foundation is proud to promote and support local talent and to put forward this original event concept that is sure to appeal to regulars and newcomers alike. Popular Black & Blue alums and veterans of the Montreal nightlife scene include (in alphabetical order):
More 2022 Festival Activities
In addition to the main event of La Tohu, Black & Blue 2022 Festival will offer activities in a first-of-its kind alliance with District Events and Pitbull Events. "In this post-pandemic period when life is getting back to normal, we believe it is important to work in collaboration with other major organizers of similar events in the community, in solidarity rather than in competition," the President of the BBCM Foundation explained. "This is why we are happy to underline this strategic collaboration, carried out with important players Pascal Lefebvre (District) and Francis Gaudreault (Pitbull), which will allow everyone to share promotional advantages and promote touristic attractiveness."
Other scheduled activities include:
Thursday, Oct. 6:
Friday, Oct. 7:
Saturday, Oct. 8
Other Activities:
Several other affiliated activities will take place during the Festival, including visits to the McCord Museum, meals at Restaurant Le Saloon, and visits to Club La Cité (official gym). There will also be a promotional Black & Blue pre-party at Bar La Fierté at Camping Fierté on September 24th.
Carnival of Colors of Montreal
It should also be noted that the BBCM Foundation is organizing during the same weekend, from October 7 to 9, a major free and general public component called the Carnival of Colors ("Carnaval des Couleurs"), whose main outdoor stage will be at the Quartier des Spectacles for the first time this year. For more information, follow this link.
Black & Blue Tickets and Passes
You can already get the Weekend VIP passes, the Festival VIP passes, and the combo ticket for the three major evenings (La Tohu main event, Leather Ball at the Lion d'or and District Party at Club Soda), as well as the individual tickets for Black & Blue 360 Degree (regular and VIP) on the BBCM Foundation website.
Please note that the VIP status at the main event includes access to a free coat check at La Tohu and access to the VIP lounge overlooking the circular dance floor with snacks and fruit. For more information go to www.bbcm.org or the facebook.com/FondationBBCM page, or inquire by email at [email protected] .