“Vent d’espoir” concert: a musical resistance for medical research
“We called this concert ‘Vent d’espoir’ because the wind is the breath that patients are desperately lacking.” The words of Daniel Bercot, organizer of PLB Muco, resonate with particular strength around the table where the organizers of the charity concert on April 19 are gathered this morning at the Glenmor. By combining the brass jazz of Blow West with the sensitive strings of Dan Ar Braz, PLB Muco transforms musical notes into an act of medical resistance. The project originated from a conversation with the wife of Blow West’s saxophonist, Karl Gouriou, informing Daniel Bercot that the son of the band’s trombonist, Thomas Besse, was affected by the disease.
Giving breath to life
At the heart of this project is Martin, 10 years old. His father, Thomas Besse, testifies with poignant modesty: “Martin is fortunate to benefit from the latest treatments, but this is not the case for all patients. Many remain ineligible. It is a daily struggle, and for the musicians of Blow West, this concert has a special meaning,” he acknowledges. Cystic Fibrosis, a genetic disease that impairs the respiratory system, is a burden that Brittany bears more than anywhere else. “It is sometimes called the heritage of the Celts,” explains Daniel Bercot. “One in twenty Bretons is a healthy carrier of the gene. It is a disease that can affect any family.” In 2025, the association raised €352,000, most of which was donated to the Inserm unit in Brest. Researchers there are working on gene therapy to fill the “gaps in the therapeutic racket.”
Dan Ar Braz: the loyalty of a godfather
To convey this message, Daniel Bercot was able to count on a loyal friend: Dan Ar Braz. Although he has organized several solidarity concerts in the past two years, the guitarist did not hesitate for a second. “I do not consider myself a headliner at all. I accepted because I really like Daniel and we have known each other for a very long time,” says the artist. For Carhaix, he offers a trio formula with David Er Porh and Jean-Claude Normant. “It is something very intimate that we usually play in small venues. I am no longer about showmanship; ‘less is more’. I want this concert to have a purpose. People come to have a friendly time rather than just giving money.”
“They all said yes”
In the second part, the eleven musicians of the “little big band” Blow West will take over. Xavier Lurton, the group’s arranger, emphasizes the enthusiasm of his troops: “When I asked my colleagues with Thomas in mind, they all said yes right away. We have a Big Band sound with the striking force of brass instruments, but on a repertoire of original compositions.” A symbolic finale is planned, as Dan Ar Braz will join the orchestra to “add two or three colors” to a common piece.
A solidarity territory
This concert, baptized “Vent d’espoir,” could not have taken place without the support of the City. Pierre Sibéril, director of cultural action, is delighted with this initiative: “We are very proud to host this event. Here, people thirst for culture and solidarity.” A sentiment shared by Daniel Bercot, who recalls that Carhaix has been a pillar of PLB since 1991: “We live in a territory where the word solidarity still means something.”
Practical information
Sunday, April 19, 5 pm (doors open at 4:30 pm). Espace Glenmor, Carhaix. Seated concert. Price: €15 (free for children). Tickets available on Hello Asso (via PLB Muco or Espace Glenmor) and on-site. For more information, call 02 96 45 83 56.
