From May 29th to 31st, the village of Calmont celebrates the harmonica with the third edition of its "De l'Hers sur les anches" festival. French and international artists will be joining you to share their blues, folk, and rock worlds in concert and during jam sessions.
The harmonica, a popular instrument by essence
Born in Europe in the 19th century, the harmonica flourished primarily in the United States. Its low cost helped popularize it among disadvantaged groups. Its violin-like tones allowed it to find a place in blues bands. Its great expressiveness made it one of the favorite instruments of many blues musicians. While its sounds are closely linked to blues music, the harmonica has, over time, found its place in other musical genres, particularly American folk music.
A staple of musical culture across the Atlantic, the harmonica struggles to resonate with the same audience in Europe. Yet, its iconic sounds permeate our popular culture. Its cry carries the wind of the Wild West in Sergio Leone's spaghetti westerns, its melody accompanies the folk guitars of Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and Johnny Cash, and its company is indispensable to popular French artists who share their passion for America and its myths, such as Johnny Halliday, Eddy Mitchel, and Jacques Dutronc.
At the origin of the festival, a great enthusiast
Julien Cormier is harmonica player since he was 17 and discovered the first albums of Jean-Jacques Milteau. It was in his native Touraine that he developed a passion for blues and musical improvisation. His many experiences in different groups (Foued, 2J's and See, Strawmen) lead him to numerous tours and concerts throughout France. Encouraged by the magic of his encounters, he then participated in the creation and organization of the festival " Harmonica on Cher » in Blois, until 2016.
In 2019, Julien left the Tours region to settle in the Midi-Toulouse region. He continued his musical experience with musicians from the region, Patrick Sibilli (Bb), Fédérico Verteramo and Anité Fabiani, while maintaining a connection with his native Touraine with Aymeric Simon, in the duo Strawmen.
His new association, "Calmont'le son" was born from a deep desire to promote music live by organizing concerts accessible to as many people as possible and providing a meeting space between amateurs and professionals.
Well, this harmonica festival was born from one of those moments. It's one of those seeds of madness that has sprouted and thrills us every year with the air currents sculpted on its reeds.
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© Yaelle D. Photographs ![]()
© Yaelle D. Photographs ![]()
© Yaelle D. Photographs
In 2025, more than 25 artists will be there
Join us on May 29, 30 and 31 in Calmont to take part in three exceptional musical days.
During the day, several bands will perform on the open-air stage, with free admission offered by the association. In the evening, international artists will be performing under the Halle.
Thursday May 29, 2025
- 18h30: Big Bad Joe and the Trouble Makers (Blues)
Soutdoor dinner – offered by the association - 20h30: Marko-Pickers (Gypsy Jazz)
Under the Hall – entry: €15/adult; €7,50/child aged 12 to 18; free for under 12s - reservations on this link
Friday, May 30th, 2025
- 10:00 p.m. - 16:30 p.m .: Internship with Mickael Mazaleyrat
Calmont Media Library – €45/person – registrations on this link - 14h00: Masterclass with Amaury Faivre
La Riposte Cultural Café – 20€/person – registrations on this link - 17h30: Bordario then Teddy Costa (Swing and blues)
Soutdoor scene – offered by the association - 20h30: Amaury Faivre Then Soba (Blues and Afro blues), under the Hall
Under the Hall – entry: €15/adult; €7,50/child aged 12 to 18; free for under 12s - reservations on this link
Saturday 31 May 2025
- 10h00: Amaury Faivre Masterclass
Calmont Media Library - 20€/person – registrations on this link - 11h30: Aperitif Harmo
La Riposte Cultural Café - 14h00: Masterclass Jérôme Peyrelevade
Calmont Media Library - 20€/person – registrations on this link - 17h30: Amaury Faivre and Cow Comino Train (blues and bluegrass)
Soutdoor scene – offered by the association - 20h30: Mountain Men (pop rock folk)
Under the Hall – entry: €18/adult; €9,00/child aged 12 to 18; free for under 12s - reservations on this link
Bonuses
“Waves of the Soul” Exhibition
A series of portraits of harmonica players created by Michel Gaubert will be exhibited at the Calmont media library during the festival.
Free – Open Friday from 16:00 p.m. to 19:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 14:00 p.m. to 17:00 p.m.
Catering & Refreshments
Every evening from 18:30 p.m. (payments by credit card, cash & checks)
Jam Sessions
At the end of the concerts, on the outdoor stage, never will be organized on three evenings to open the stage to as many people as possible and share the music with the artists.
Online Ticketing
Online reservations on the website HelloAsso.com
concerts
Thursday & Friday evenings :
- 15 € / Adult
- €7,50 / Child aged 12 to 18
- Free for children under 12
Saturday evening :
- 18 € / Adult
- €9 / Child aged 12 to 18
- Free for children under 12
Pass 3 days :
- 43 € / Adult
Internships & Masterclasses
- Masterclass with Amaury Faivre – Friday, May 30 at 14:00 p.m.: €20 / person
- 5-hour workshop with Mickael Mazaleyrat – Friday, May 30 at 10:00 a.m.: €45/person
- Masterclass with Amaury Faivre – Saturday, May 31 at 10:00 a.m.: €20 / person
- Masterclass with Jérôme Peyrelevade – Saturday, May 31 at 14:00 p.m.: €20 / person
- Special offer Internship + 2 Masterclasses: €76 / person
