There is the FrancoFolies festival in the summer that highlights internationally acclaimed French musicians, but there’s also another great event held in the fall called the COUP DE COEUR FRANCOPHONE. The Coup de coeur francophone is an event dedicated to all francophone artists, both local and international, and it’s also a road trip of sort that brings together musicians from all across Canada, from Toronto to Alberta, and Manitoba to Vancouver.

There are lot of amazing acts to watch out for as the program includes renowned musicians from Quebec, France, Switzerland and Canada. After flipping through the 2009 edition program, I have to admit I didn’t recognize a lot of the bands – even as a local who speaks French, so it’ll be a surprise for me to hear some new groups as well. On November 8, 13 and 14, Pierre Lapointe (you might remember I TOLD YOU ABOUT HIS NEW ALBUM earlier this year) will be giving a series of midnight solo piano performances at the exquisite art deco theatre, the Lion d’Or. This talented French singer and musician has an unforgettable voice, and his latest release is the perfect mix between classic French pop and David Bowie’s glam rock style.

Starting at 10 p.m., the series ‘Au coeur de la nuit’ highlights new local bands, mostly alternative musicians who give their take on pop, punk and indie rock. At Divan Orange on St. Laurent Blvd, you can catch Mystik Motorcycles, Chiendent, Polipe and Mimi Vanderglow; at Bistro In Vivo, in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, Philippe B and Émilie Proulx are taking over the place, while Jesuslesfilles, Mille Monarques and Otarie will be performing at L’Escogriffe, on St. Denis Street, in the Plateau.

Other hot acts to check out for this year’s Coup de coeur include: Les Ogres de Barback and MeLL from France, as well as Jérémie Kisling and the Gypsy Soundystem, from Switzerland. The opening band, Urs Karpatz, will be performing songs in Romani to the sounds of gypsy music influenced by jazz and folk. For full details, including schedules and ticket prices, check out COUP DE COEUR’S WEBSITE.