Day ten of Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ) was Latinx night. We were able to watch all three performers on the main Bell Stage as they performed for the crowds that gathered on the Plains of Abraham. These Latinx artists sure know how to bring some electric energy and fantastic music to their fans.
Puerto Rican singer Gale was the first to perform on the Bell Stage on Saturday night. The artist wore a fire inspired outfit that consisted of bright red pants, a black shirt with flames up the sleeves that had a picture of a teddy bear and the phrase “cute but psycho.” She even matched her outfit with her red tinted electric guitar. Gale has been writing songs for famous American artists for years like Shakira and Cardi B. In just one year, she has become her own Latin Pop icon, releasing her debut album “Lo que no te dije,” which translates to “What I didn’t tell you.”
After Gale performed her wonderful set, it was Hispanic singer-songwriter Ivan Cornejo’s turn on the Bell Stage. Cornejo wore a comfy beige sweater and blue jeans paired with all black sunglasses. As the backlights changed from cool blue hues to fiery red hues, Cornejo sang out some of the songs that got him nominated as New Artist of the Year in 2022 at the Billboard Latin Music Awards. His third studio album Mirada is set to be released on July 18.
At 21h30/9:30 p.m., headliner José Álvaro Osorio Balvín, who is better known by his stage name J Balvin performed his setlist. Balvin is a Colombian singer and rapper and one of the best-selling Latin artists in the world. He is known for putting out theatrical productions, which he did tonight as well. The background was all LED screens that showed some crazy artistic visuals. A large rectangular platform in the middle of the stage that also housed LED screens became a spot that Balvin performed on top of during a few of his songs.
He opened with the song “Mi Gente” and continued on to sing songs like “”La Canción,” “6 AM / Ay Vamos” and closed out with “In Da Getto.” Balvin wore his hair in cornrow braids, black sunglasses, a lime green biker jacket, and dark blue jeans. Between dancing and rapping, a group of back-up dancers in futuristic all black outfits danced around him. Fans cheered along during the set and even began crowd surfing around.
Today marked the end of our time at FEQ and we can’t wait to see what next year holds at this not to be missed festival experience.
Words by Emily Cigan @emily.cigan and Amy Harris @thetraveladdictig