When the Montréal Alliance began planning their Verdun 150 celebration game, one name immediately stood out. Who better to honour the borough’s 150-year legacy than a group that has proudly carried Verdun’s banner from local stages to sold-out venues across Canada and Europe? 

Clay and Friends will return to the Verdun Auditorium on July 6 for a special halftime performance during the Alliance’s tribute to the borough’s sesquicentennial anniversary. For the quintet whose rise to prominence has been intrinsically linked to their Verdun roots, this homecoming represents a perfect fusion of past and present. 

“This collaboration celebrates everything we love about Verdun - its creativity, resilience, and community spirit,” said Jo-Annie Charbonneau, President of the Montréal Alliance. “Having Clay and Friends perform as part of our Verdun 150 game creates a meaningful connection between our team, our fans, and the rich cultural fabric of the borough we call home. Their music embodies the energy and diversity that makes Verdun special.” 

The Sound of Success

Since their crowd-pleasing performance at the Alliance’s sold out 2023 home opener, Clay and Friends have continued their remarkable trajectory. November brought them their first Félix trophy at the ADISQ Gala for Show of the Year in the multilingual category for their AGUÀ performance - fitting recognition for a group that seamlessly blends languages and musical traditions. 

Their certified Gold single “Going Up The Coast” (with over 25 million streams) has become something of an anthem, while their catalog has now surpassed an impressive 65 million plays across streaming platforms. The group’s reputation for electrifying live shows has translated into multiple sold-out performances at Montréal’s MTELUS and Québec City’s Impérial Bell. 

Their momentum shows no sign of slowing in 2025. Their latest release of their EP “STUNT” has already accumulated over 5 million streams, further cementing their status as one of Québec’s most dynamic musical exports - a success story with Verdun at its heart. 

A Celebration of Community 

The July 6 game will transform the historic Verdun Auditorium into a vibrant celebration space where basketball and music converge to honour the borough’s legacy. The evening will highlight Verdun’s 150-year journey, recognize local heroes, and celebrate the Auditorium’s own storied place in Montréal’s sports and cultural development. 

For the Alliance, now in its fourth season at the renovated venue, the partnership represents a deepening connection with the community it serves. For Clay and Friends, it’s a symbolic return to the neighborhood that inspired their distinctive sound - what they’ve coined “La Musica Popular De Verdun.”

The combination of professional basketball and Clay and Friends’s infectious blend of soul, funk, and hip-hop promises to create an atmosphere unlike any other game this season. Fans will experience Verdun’s past, present, and future through both athletic competition and musical celebration. 

Tickets for this landmark event are available now for as little as $20, with the organization expecting strong demand for what promises to be one of the most memorable games of the season. After all, when Clay and Friends bring their signature energy back to Verdun’s most iconic venue, it’s more than just a performance - it’s a homecoming.