Performing Guests

L'orchestre de Jeux Vidéo was founded in September 2008 by Catherine Caplette-Bérubé, Jocelyn Leblanc and Sébastien Wall-Lacelle.  Directed by maestro Jocelyn Leblanc, its primary mission (as its name suggests) is to produce concerts featuring music from the video games soundtrack repertoire, which is a unique concept in Quebec.  From its earliest days, the orchestra has always had great success with the Montreal crowd, with many concerts gathering over 500 people.  The orchestra will be celebrating their 5th year in June 2013 with a large scale Zelda concert!

Komachi Montreal is a Japanese dance group which will be presenting several folkloric dances from across Japan.  Please come see the parade and then participate in our Japanese dance workshop. And then, let's dance together!

The 404s are North America's oldest and best known geek improv troupe, with performers based in Calgary, Edmonton and Toronto. They combine heavy audience participation with their witty charm to create unforgettable, one-of-a-kind anime/gaming/comics/sci-fi/fantasy based comedy skits. This year, The 404s will have several different shows including Classic Improv, Quebec-style Match D'impro, and our famous Late Night show!

Website: http://www.the404s.com

Established in 1983, Montreal's Arashi Daiko - Japanese for "Storm Drums" - is the third of approximately twenty-five taiko groups in Canada to have formed since Katari Taiko was started in Vancouver in 1979. Arashi Daiko has evolved over their 29-year existence, from humble beginnings playing rhythms on old rubber tires to their present-day collection of drums, which includes over 30 taiko from Japan and their most treasured drums, hand-crafted by the group's own members. The group's original mission has remained constant: to be a community-based group sharing this exciting aspect of Japanese culture with the public at large. Arashi Daiko's members are all volunteers, giving taiko performances, workshops and classes out of devotion and respect for this dynamic art form. The group's practices and classes are held year-round at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre of Montreal (JCCCM). Arashi Daiko has a diverse repertoire, from traditional festival pieces originating in Japan, to more contemporary pieces composed by Japanese, Canadian and American taiko players. It is with great pride that the group now counts six original works composed by their own members among their varied repertoire.

The first Hakuho Ryu branch opened in Canada, Koryukan is an independent dojo whose goal is to practice and preserve the techniques of traditional Daito-ryu Aki Budo and Kenjutsu Ona Itto-ryu as they were taught.

Located in Montreal, Koryukan offers the teachings of Daito Ryu Aiki Jujutsu and Kenjutsu to individuals and groups. Respect, loyalty, friendship, humanity, humility, bravery, dedication, commitment and a right spirit are all values ​​strongly encouraged.

The purpose of Daito-ryu practice is to better our own lives and the lives of those around us. Koryukan feels that it must not only preserve and develop Daito-ryu Aiki Jujutsu, but also must strive to promote it all over the world and pass it down to future generations.

Website: www.koryukan.com

"A true warrior has no confusion in his mind..."

No Martial Art symbolizes the spirit of the warrior more than the arts of kendo and Iaido. Although the metal swords have been replaced by bamboo and wood, all other aspects of the Samurai Spirit live on in the practice of these martial arts.

This intense training contributes greatly to self-development, builds up a strong character and clears the mind giving the students confidence to overcome daily undertakings with the utmost commitment.

The main goal of the Shidokan Kendo and Iaido Club is to help students overcome their own limitations offering them the opportunity to experience an ancient Japanese tradition. Join us and unleash the warrior within you...

Website: http://www.shidokanmontreal.ca/

Wushu consists of highly intense and precise routines both with and without the use of weaponry. Wushu also emcompasses traditional elements more commonly known as Kung Fu, combining them with acrobatic manoeuvres.

The Feng Huang Wushu Club is a leading Chinese martial arts club in the Montreal area. Students are notable for their success in national or international competitions, but also for their involvement in the Montreal community.

Website : http://www.wushumontreal.com

Yokai Project is a rock band from Montreal with Japanese influences. An occasion to discover or rediscover your favorite anime themes including songs from K-On!, Naruto, Death Note, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya and Black Butler, or sounds ranging from popular Japanese groups like X-Japan to video game music (Touhou Project). Come see us play live! 

Tiriel was founded in 2011 by Ramon (Ray) Loiseau-Aquino, the lead guitarist. With a passion for J-rock, he sought out to find musicians with the same passion. By the end of 2011, he was able to recruit Tim Smith (keyboardist), Alex Cruz (Bassist), Jorge Ruiz (Guitarist) and Audrey "Misaki" Lee (Lead Vocalist). Tiriel aims to convey its love for J-rock all over the city of Montreal with its cover songs and fervor for the stage.