René Simard – April 20, Salle Pierre-Mercure LiveEvents April 14, 2016 3984 René Simard, born in Chicoutimi, Quebec in 1961, first hit the Quebec music scene while still a kid. In 1972, Simard performed for more than 30 000 at the Quebec Coliseum, 60 000 at the Place des Nations in Montreal and just shy of 43 000 in Hull. At one time he was selling more LP’s in Quebec then the Beatles or Elvis Presley! In 1974, the young prodigy was chosen to represent Canada at the International Festival of Song in Tokyo, where he won first prize and received the trophy from Frank Sinatra. His song Midori iro No Yane sold over a million copies in Japan! In 1976, at age 15, René Simard had already sung with the biggest names in the business – Bing Crosby, Andy Williams and Liza Minnelli! He toured extensively with the pianist Liberace, and then hosted The René Simard Show on CBC from 1977-1979. In the following years, Simard released mlutiple albums, while acting and directing in numerous projects. In 1996, he starred in the musical Jeanne la Pucelle at the Place des Arts, and in April 1999 he realized his dream by winning the lead role in the Toronto production of The Phantom of The Opera. After working in television for several years, in 2012 he returned to the stage in the musical Singing in the Rain, directed by Denise Filiatrault. In 2014, Simard was named a Member of the Order of Canada, for his contributions to the development of Quebec culture as a performer, host and director. The following year he released a self-titled album – his 51st album! For tickets and information: www.evenko.ca 514-790-2525 or 1-877-668-8269 Salle Pierre-Mercure 300 Boul de Maisonneuve East, Montreal, H2X 3X6