For 12 days, the corner of Ste. Catherine and Jeanne-Mance becomes Party Central, as music fans from around the world gather downtown to take in the sights and sounds of --arguably-- one of the best musical festivals in the world.
“Two hundred thousand people in one place and not one emergency exit?” exclaimed an American tourist near me during the opening concert with the Brian Setzer Orchestra. It made me laugh out loud. I’ve attended the fest enough times over the years to know that there’s plenty of security around and emergency exits do indeed exist, but the man was right. There is a carefree abandonment about the Jazz Fest that only serves to cement our reputation as a populace that parties hard. In this town, we’re lovers, not fighters. And what we love this time of year is to be at the beautifully revamped Place des Spectacles, under the stars, enjoying the music, the weather and the display of more skin than should sometimes be legal.
Six more days left to enjoy what this year’s festival has to offer so get out there and catch a show, why don’t you?
A little bit of everything
Saxophonist, composer, music explorer John Zorn has descended upon our fair city with 20 of New York’s finest musicians and will be playing Place des Arts tonight. Catch him if you can.
Illustrious guitarist George Benson will be performing a tribute to Nat King Cole at 7:30 p.m. tonight (July 1) as well. If you want to catch a free show, saxophonist Grace Kelly is a sure thing. At just 17 years old, Wynton Marsalis is already singing her praises and she’s considered a rising star to watch by Downbeat magazine.
On Friday, July 2, the one and only Wanda Jackson (inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year) will be playing L’Astral. Local boy done good, Shane Murphy, plays Brutopia on Crescent both Friday, July 2 and Saturday, July 3, at 10 p.m.
Saturday has a number of great acts lined up. Black Joe Lewis, a Texas blues-soul-funk singer is inspiring a whole new generation with the blues of the ‘60s and ‘70s. He’s been described as a cross between James Brown and the Stooges, and we’re lucky to see him perform for free! He’s primed to set our Southern souls on fire at 9 p.m. at the Loto-Quebec Stage. At the very same time, Quebec favourite Dan Bigras and his Big Band will be rocking at the TD Stage. Both Black Joe Lewis and Dan Bigras perform encores at 11 p.m. so it’s possible to catch both shows with a little planning in advance.
There is a carefree abandonment about the Jazz Fest that only serves to cement our reputation as a populace that parties hard. In this town, we’re lovers, not fighters. -
Sunday, Montreal’s very own Ranee Lee performs at Upstairs, while the Gipsy Kings perform at Place des Arts and the timeless Cyndi Lauper proves that girls still just want to have fun at Metropolis. At 9 p.m. The Lost Fingers perform a free show at the TD Stage. I personally don’t get their appeal, but local fans can’t seem to get enough of them.
Steve Miller Band or the Serbian composer?
On Monday, July 5, Steve Miller Band and The Doobie Brothers get together for their first-ever performance at the Montreal Jazz Fest and with so many classics between them fans are certain not to be disappointed. Those who like it a little (ok, a lot) more funky, can saunter over to Metropolis where George Clinton and Parliament will also be performing the Festival for the first time ever. You just know that show is going to rock the house!
The biggest buzz, however, surrounds Serbian filmmaker-actor-musician-composer Emir Kusturica and The No Smoking Orchestra, playing a free show at 9:30 p.m. at the TD Stage. Their gypsy/electro/rock inspired tunes are fully expected to set the crowd on fire.
This year’s Festival ends with a N’awlins-style Mardi Gras parade and a special NOLA-themed concert that is certain to end the fest with a bang. Zachary Richard and Louisiana R & B pianist and singer Allen Toussaint with his band will cl ose the night (and the 31st edition of the festival) in style!
Sure the crowds are treacherous, finding parking is a true test of one’s patience, security is sometimes overbearing, someone smoking pot will always end up standing right next to you, rain will somehow always fall just as the show you’ve been waiting for begins and you’ll be damned if you’re giving up your hard-earned spot, but so what? In hindsight, it somehow always manages to become one glorious blur, and all you end up remembering is that one perfect moment, during that one perfect free show that makes you feel that you live in that one perfect city.
For a complete schedule of all free and ticketed events go to www.montrealjazzfest.com
