OUMF turns four, takes a big step forward

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For its fourth edition, OUMF is expanding by adding a second stage, allowing the event to present some big names without undermining its mission of showcasing up-and-coming artists. From September 4 to 6, the Quartier Latin will host the city’s biggest back-to-school party!

Sébastien Nasra, president of M pour Montréal, the festival’s co-producer, talked to us about OUMF and programming director Mikey Bernard gave us his picks for the weekend’s must-see events.

Is it fair to say this year’s OUMF is bigger and better?

It sure is. The Quartier Latin’s business improvement association (Société de développement commercial, SDC), which organizes the event, wants to take it to another level. We wanted to make OUMF Montreal’s top back-to-school event. M pour Montréal came aboard as co-producer. To take the festival to that next level, it was essential to add a second stage, which will feature up-and-coming artists. It’s a perfect fit with M pour Montréal’s mission, which is to promote the musical careers of our local artists. We are very active internationally and OUMF gives us an opportunity to do something with the local scene.

Why was it important to add a second stage?

To create a new dynamic. OUMF has an exceptional site: Saint-Denis Street, which is closed between Sherbrooke and Sainte-Catherine. By adding a stage between Ontario and De Maisonneuve, in addition to the one north of Sainte-Catherine, we will generate more foot traffic. When a show ends on one stage, another show can start on the other. Plus, the second stage lets us schedule more artists and present more new talent. By putting bigger acts on the main stage, we attract more people who will stick around to discover acts that aren’t as well known.

Music is a big part of the program, but OUMF is about more than music…

There’s also a lot of street art and visual art. Among others we’ll see the Kif Kif sisters and their big red balloons, and the Intrhumains will give a vocal/percussion concert. Once again this year, OUMF ta rue will allow the public to create a huge work of art right on the Saint-Denis Street pavement. And the MASSIVart collective will transform Emery Street with interactive installations. OUMF really makes it possible for several different emerging art forms to coexist happily.

Mikey Bernard’s picks

M ton Piknic
Saturday, September 6, 2 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., emerging music stage

“It’s the festival’s first collaboration with Piknic Électronik. We wanted to share our stage with them. It’s going to be just like Parc Jean-Drapeau, only on Saint-Denis. Looking forward to it!”

Silent disco
Thursday and Friday, September 4 and 5, 11 p.m., mainstage

“You’ll only be able to hear the DJ sets with headphones, so people will be able to dance in the street until 3 in the morning without disturbing the neighbours. Abeille Gélinas and 10kilo.us will be there.”

Quebec hip-hop night
Friday, September 5, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., both stages

“Our homegrown hip-hop artists will have the spotlight all evening on Friday, on both stages. The Posterz, Alaclair Ensemble, Les Anticipateurs and RYAN Playground will all be performing.”

Rich Aucoin
Saturday, September 6, 7:30 p.m., mainstage

“This young artist from Halifax released his album in Quebec this week. He just played the Festival de musique émergente de Rouyn-Noranda. You can really feel the energy when he’s on stage!”

Random Recipe
Saturday, September 6, 9 p.m., mainstage

“This is a last-minute addition to the line-up, and we’re very happy they’ll be here, because they always put on a great show.”

Karim Ouellet
Thursday, September 4, midnight, Loup Garou

“Right after he plays the mainstage at 10 p.m., Karim Ouellet will be part of M pour minuit, where he and King Abid will play a DJ set, which he loves doing.”

OUMF

September 4 to 6