The Winter 2025 concert season is set to captivate music lovers in Saint-Nazaire and Angers, with two iconic venues, Chabada and VIP, launching diverse lineups filled with excitement and local talent.
Starting from January 2025, Chabada, renowned for its eclectic programming, has crafted over 40 events from various genres, spanning rock, pop, electro, and French chanson. The venue aims to not only host big names but also to spotlight local artists, fostering community and showcasing the rich musical heritage found within the region.
The season kicks off on January 24 with Daria, who has been at the forefront of the Angers music scene since the 2000s, performing alongside Pamplemousse, hailing from Réunion. Following this, the legendary Peter Hook, known for his work with Joy Division and New Order, will take the stage on March 13 with his band The Light. The buzz continues with the trio Michelle & Les Garçons celebrating the release of their debut album on March 19, promising attendees an explosive night filled with 1980s pop influences blended with contemporary electro and post-punk styles. "The group promises an explosive evening, mixing 1980s pop influences, contemporary electro, and post-punk", shared Stéphan Martin, Chabada's programmer.
The month of April at Chabada is dedicated to chanson and musical poetry, featuring Grise Cornac on April 2 with their latest album and local singer-songwriter Ju(s) presenting his first album, "Le Temps," on April 23, joined by the folk-pop duo Chevalier Gambette.
Chabada has also committed significant slots to support local talent, with four release parties planned, encouraging Angers' artists. On May 23, the event "À Vous les Studios" will showcase amateur bands selected by professionals to perform before live audiences, marking their growth as artists. Regular events like "On Stage" on February 26 provide even more avenues for local talent to shine.
Meanwhile, VIP in Saint-Nazaire is gearing up for its own winter season, commencing January 24. The venue, operated by the association les Escales, has laid out 22 concerts from January to March to match or exceed last year's record attendance. Headlining this season is Malik Djoudi, set to perform on January 30, showcasing his latest work filled with deep grooves and emotional narratives. With four albums under his belt, Djoudi is recognized as both a singer and songwriter par excellence, set to captivate with his unique intimacies.
On February 7, VIP will host the regional auditions for the prestigious Spring of Bourges festival, providing promising artists the chance to catch the eyes of industry professionals. Fans can expect six regional groups to showcase their talent on stage, with renowned local talents TedaAK, Miel, Superlaul, alongside Angevins Chahu and Fragile. "With this program, the famous French festival has established itself as a strong talent scout", emphasizing the importance of such events for artists seeking exposure.
Highlighting the vigor of its programming, VIP will also present the phenom Gallowstreet on February 28, known for their lively harmonization of hip-hop, house, and afro-beat styles. Stéphane Heuvelin, the programmer at VIP, stated: "Gallowstreet features eight faces and just as many polished brass instruments for delivering an impactful show." This dynamic performance is sure to be one of the standout concerts of the year, promising energy and engagement with the audience.
Both venues are not merely concert halls; they are vibrant cultural hubs dedicated to fostering artistic growth through innovative programming and community events. From socially engaged projects like Chabada's "Nouveaux Voisins – Nouveaux Amis" on February 7, which translates the artist Merlot's music with the stories of local residents, to the inclusive atmosphere during the "More Women on Stage" event on March 8, showcasing female artists, these venues reflect the spirit and values of their communities.
The Winter 2025 concert season promises not just entertainment but also marks significant milestones for both Angers and Saint-Nazaire's music scenes, indicating their commitment to local talent and diverse musical expressions. With many eager events awaiting, music enthusiasts are encouraged to check out Chabada and VIP's websites for their complete schedules and ticket purchases.