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Party time under a jazzy moon! - Free shows at the 25th anniversary
of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal
Canada Newswire
June 4 2004
MONTREAL, June 3 /CNW Telbec/ - There's only about three weeks left
until the start of the 25th edition of the Festival International
de Jazz de Montréal, the biggest celebration of music anywhere on
Earth. And more than a few hearts are already fluttering at the
prospect of the good times and great sounds that have been filling
the streets of downtown Montreal every summer since 1980. The Gods of
Music, it seems, are already smiling down on us, judging from this
year's line-up, which includes not one, but four free mega-shows,
plus a few unprecedented "concept" events, some of them on free outdoor
stages; others in concert halls. We admit it: we deliberately conspired
to spoil everyone during this anniversary year by laying out the most
generous smorgasbord of ear-candy ever. We owe it to you, because
it's Montrealers' pride in their festival-and their inexhaustible
party spirit-that have made this annual event such a huge success
over the years, That's why we promised ourselves that never shall
this "City of Festivals" have lived up to its name so well as this
year. We're expecting about 2 million visitors, coming from just about
everywhere on the planet, so we've added an extra day to the fest,
which will be running for 12 days and 12 nights between June 30 and
July 11, 2004. And we've even thrown in a pre-opening show on June 29,
the 25th Anniversary Gala Concert at the Bell Centre, featuring Diana
Krall and a few invited guests, not least of whom is Diana's husband,
Elvis Costello.
We should mention here that after being named as among the country's
eight biggest tourist destinations by Attractions Canada, the Festival
International de Jazz de Montréal is also being honored this very
week with the issue of a 25th anniversary commemorative stamp by
Canada Post. If nothing else, the stamp attests to the fact that our
distinctively Montreal happening has taken its place as an event as
much part of our national fabric as the maple leaf itself.
Ever grateful for the support of our perennial partners, the Festival
International de Jazz de Montréal takes this first opportunity to
thank General Motors of Canada, main sponsor and official presenter of
the event. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Labatt Breweries,
co-presenter and second biggest sponsor, for working so hard to make
our 25th anniversary year what promises to be the very best ever. We're
also very happy indeed to be welcoming two major new sponsors to
this year's Festival: Loto Québec and TD Canada Trust. And many,
many thanks to Bell, who has significantly raised its contribution
to the event over the next three years.
Get down in the downtown
It's any day now that music will be wafting through the downtown
streets like a warm summer's breeze. And any day now that thousands
of music-makers invited from Canada and 20 countries abroad will be
transforming the quadrangle bordering Place des Arts into a gigantic
laboratory of sound. Altogether, there'll be no fewer than 380 free
concerts on 10 outdoor stages, divided into 30 distinct series, not
counting the hundreds of street performers, Dixieland bands and the
like who'll be mingling with the crowds. It's their job to make sure
that the Festival's free activities are plenty of fun for everyone,
and that lesser-known musicians get the chance to strut their stuff
to the crowds. All in all, get set for lots of musical surprises and
lots of old friends, when festivalgoers from all walks of life get
together to enjoy the unique international language of music that
transcends all differences between them.
Les Performances General Motors is the focal series of the Festival,
taking place at 9 and 11 p.m. on the Scène General Motors. Among the 10
concerts scheduled, most notable perhaps is the Besh o Drom ensemble
from Hungary, who've brought traditional Hungarian music into the
20th Century with a decidedly groove-oriented beat and a flair for
jazz improvisation befitting of the year 2004. Also appearing will be
the Suzie Arioli Band, headed by dynamic Suzie herself and faithful
companion Jordan Officer, serving up a sampler from their latest CD
That's for Me. A talented and energetic Montrealer of Brazilian origin,
Monica Freire, is back by popular demand, and don't anyone miss the
compelling Bettye Lavette, either, an inexplicably overlooked singer
of soul music.
Taking place on the same stage at 6 p.m. will be the Gammes General
Motors series, offering a varied menu of extremely accomplished
artists. Among others, festivalgoers can enjoy the overflowing
imaginations and contagious energy of the Orkestre des Pas perdus,
or perhaps listen in to the Effendi Jazz Lab event, featuring Effendi
recording artists. Also present will be the 2003 winner of the Grand
Prix de Jazz General Motors, Ontario native Nancy Walker, who's back
with new material imbued with lavish shades of swing, bop and bossa
nova. It's from among those appearing in this series that the winner
of the cross-Canada Grand Prix de Jazz General Motors contest will be
selected on Saturday, July 10 at 6 p.m, Altogether, it's a veritable
showcase of Canadian talent, and not to be missed. Another prize up
for grabs is from Radio Canada's Galaxie network, who'll be awarding
the Prix Etoiles Galaxie de Radio Canada, as well as a cash prize,
to the composer of the best original song performed by any of the
competing groups. All contestants are clearly identified in your
programming guide, and it's a great way to find out what's shaking
on the Canadian jazz scene.
At the ever-popular scène Labatt Bleue in the Parc Fred Barry,
Les soirées Labatt Bleue will be catering to die-hard blues lovers
at 7 and 11 p.m. There will be young rock-blues singer-guitarist
Jonas in his third Festival appearance, as well as Jean Millaire &
Johnny Blue Band, whose leader wrote some of the greatest pages
in Quebec musical history for Offenbach, Corbeau and Marjo. Among
others on the program will be the one-and-only Stephen Barry Band,
whose founder Steve is one of the principal proponents of blues on
the Montreal scene. Come hear the energetic Henry & the Blue Kats,
including terrific harp player Rick L. Blues, whose performance was
truly outstanding last year on the same venue.
Also at the venerable blues oasis, this time at 11 p.m. will be the
Spectacles Labatt Bleue series, spotlighting groups from abroad,
and kicking off with 60s icon Brian Auger's Oblivion Express, but in
21st Century mode. On stage, as well, will be the New York guitarist
and harmonica player Jon Paris (former bass man to Johnny Winter) who
was a major hit at the 2000 fest. An aboriginal group from northern
Ontario, The Pappy John's Band, will star Murray Porter in his first
festival visit. Old blues hands Johnny Jones & The Groove Dudes will
be warming up the planks too, and, as in previous years, each of the
acts that happen on the scène Labatt Bleue will be repeated just a
bit later, at half-past-midnight, free of charge, in the Spectrum.
All states of the Art of Jazz will be represented at the Carrefour
General Motors on the corner of Jeanne Mance and de Maisonneuve at
6:30 p.m. Be there to hear Australian guitarist Tommy Emmanuel, who'll
doubtless leave us all gasping for air as he did last year. Come
hear Buster ("machine gun") B. Jones, the amazing 14-year-old
guitarist Brooksie Robinson, or Don Ross, who some consider to be
THE Canadian guitarist of our time. The extraordinary guitarist from
Madagascar D'Gary will begin with a solo performance and return for
a 9-o'clock show, in trio form on the same stage for the second half
of the evening, which constitutes the Contact General Motors series,
focusing on the international relatives of jazz music. Visitors will
be treated to the astounding sounds of 'voodoo jazz' by thrilling
Haitian saxophonist Buyu Ambroise, plus the super-charged world-jazz
sounds of the Hadouk Trio in their first North American performance. It
will also be your chance to hear the uplifting Armenian ensemble of
Souren Baronian's Taksim and the Canadian singer of Indian origin
Kiran Ahluwalia, whose most recent recording earlier this year won
her the Juno Award for Best Canadian World Music album.
Happening at the Club Jazz TD Canada Trust (ensconced in Parc Hydro
Québec), the Jazz TD Canada Trust series will be sticking to its
double-show format, with 7 o'clock shows reprised at 10 p.m. Several
masters of their trade will appear, including Karl Jannuska, a drummer
from Montreal now living in France, presenting a stage adaptation
of his album Liberating Vines, a jewel of modern jazz-very rhythmic
and served up in quartet form. Pierre de Bethman, accompanied by the
Ilume Quintet is equal parts pianist and groover-in-sweetheart-mode,
a fine interaction of energy and harmony. Also appearing in the series
will be the Bill Mahar Quintet, who've played almost every edition of
the Festival since the beginning. On stage with the Streetnix, here's
an opportunity to see how Bill holds it all together as band-leader.
Rendez-vous Loto Québec is a new series to be presented between 8
and 10 p.m. at the Scène Loto Québec, directly on de Maisonneuve.
Appearing will be Les Moonlight Girls, a terrific female trio from
Montreal who'll pay musical tribute to the Andrews Sisters, who
dominated popular music from the 30s to the 50s. Ontario native Matt
Dusk renounced what might have been an operatic career to become one
of the most highly visible crooners in the country (and at just 24
years of age!) so this is where to be for standards fans. With a name
like Primitifs du futur, be forewarned when the 5 young Frenchmen
mix up world-musette, Django-esque guitars and old-style renditions
of newer pieces.
The Tropiques Bleue Légère series happens at 7:30 p.m. at the Scène
Bleue Légère (Parc des Festivals, on the corner of Bleury and de
Maisonneuve). International acts will be the order of the day,
including Franck Biyong & Massak, ex-member of the Sawt el Atlas
multinational Afro-beat project that follows in the footsteps of
Fela. Mexican group Los de Abajo is finally making a visit to the
Festival, with a refreshing musical cocktail that combines traditional
Mexican strains with Afro-Latin rhythms and rap: music to dance to. A
Moroccan now living in New York, Hassan Hakmoun was schooled in the
trance gnawa belief system, but sprinkles his music with funk, pop
and electronic. And Kofo the Wonderman lives up to his name. He's
been banging his talking drum around the Big Apple for years, in
the authentic juju style of King Sunny Adé. He's also got a way with
Afro-funk and Yoruba traditional chants.
At 10 p.m., once again this year we'll be presenting the Groove Bleue
Légère series at the Scène Bleue Légère, where fascinating rhythm
takes center stage. Afrodizz, for example are Montrealers who also
take their cue from Fela, bringing Afrobeat to the 21st Century with
a decidedly funky lilt. Their new album Kif Kif is being released by
the British label Freestyle. Come hear Yerba Buena, a vast groove
factory including 9 musicians directed by guitarist Andres Levin
that blends Latin rhythm, Cuban religious music, American soul and
Afro-beat. Buscemi, hailing from Belgium, is known for the trip-hop
of their CDs, but on stage they take on a contagious, super-charged,
up-tempo house beat.
Soirées Jazzy Bell is presented at 8 and 10 p.m. at the new Scène Bell,
just at the entrance of the complexe Desjardins. The series features a
collection of brilliant artists, starting with fabulous Jimmy Bowskill.
Accompanied by harp player Jerome Godboo, Jimmy's an old soul in the
body of a teenager, who sings blues like he's actually been around
long enough to live it. (Jimmy riveted crowds in the same locale
last year, so watch out.) Next comes Dessy Di Lauro who's worked
with Dubmatique, Ginette Reno and Cirque du Soleil. Accompanied by
pianist Ric'Key Pageot, Dessy offers up a synthesis of soul and jazz,
with Brazilian undertones. The ensemble Tortured Soul is rarely heard
in trio form with such an awesome sound and has been compared to the
groove of The New Deal and Jamiroquai. Come for the fine party fare.
The Brunantes series takes place at 8 and 10 p.m. on the Scène
du Festival, directly on the Esplanade of Place des Arts. It's a
mixed program, featuring acts such as Without Words, whose bassist
Karine Chapdelaine, you may remember, won the Galaxie Award at last
year's Festival for best original composition, entitled Prisoner of
a Dream. Inspired by the celebrated Hot Club de France that sprung
up just after the war, Hot Club de ma rue recently took Montreal by
storm with a cool blend of easy swing and gypsy-style jazz reminiscent
of Django. Lastly is a South-Korean group, the Jae Chung & Ben Ball
Ensemble. Chung is guitarist and Ball the drummer, for jazz in a
traditional setting.
The Movado Jams Sessions will take place in the Hyatt Regency
Montréal hotel, in the Salon Jeanne Mance, Foyer Level. This one's
for night owls, because every night at 11 p.m., for the duration of
the Festival, Thuryn von Pranke will take to the ivories, Frédéric
Alarie to his specially designed double bass and Muhammad to his
drum set. Be there for the real thing, because musicians appearing
elsewhere in the Festival will be stopping by for some late-night
improv. Don't forget that the Friends of the Festival Card gives
you priority access to the Movado Jam Sessions, because seating is
restricted and limited to those 18 years and over.
The Nightcap series is new this year and completely free of charge,
taking place at 11:30 p.m. on stage in the Savoy at the Metropolis.
The series features the Trio Pulse Nu Jazz Session with Dan Thouin
on keyboards, Max Sansalone on drums and Adrian Vedady on double
bass. It's where to be on a real late-nighter, when these three
veterans jazz up a storm.
It all starts at noon!
They say midnight's the magic hour, and that's true, but when
you've only got 12 days for your Festival, you'll want to start
early. Nothing goes better with lunch than jazz, anyway, so stop
by for the always-popular Les midis complexe Desjardins. Jitterbug
Swing is back to inaugurate the series at the Grande-Place du
complexe Desjardins, and make sure to hear the Canadian guitarist of
Brazilian origin, Celso Machado, who uses various parts of his body
and voice to produce guttural sounds that mimic the calls of various
animals. Story-teller and multi-instrumentalist David Amram, 74, has
rubbed shoulders with the likes of Jack Kerouac and Charlie Parker,
and was once guest conductor to no fewer than 17 symphony orchestras at
the same time. The charming, multi-faceted artist will be landing on
Planet Jazz this time though, in the Contact General Motors series at
9 p.m. While you're there, discover jazz innovator Lubo Alexandrov's
Kaba Horo, whose leader is of Bulgarian origin and the only guitarist
in Canada to play classical guitar without frets, like a violin.
The Petite Ecole du Jazz is applying the same formula as in previous
years, taking place from July 1 to 11. Come watch the Bande Magnetik,
the musicians of James Gelfand and the inimitable Jacques L'Heureux
apply their technique for teaching music to young people. Gathering
outside the complexe Desjardins at 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., be there as
they introduce basic notions of music to children, in an environment
conducive to fun and learning, with our Ste Cat mascot never far away.
Dixieland bands have been a Festival institution right from the
beginning, one of those signature details that gives the site its
particular ambiance and notifies festivalgoers that the party's
underway. So they'll be back again, naturally, bringing afternoon
sunshine to the site with summery sounds you can enjoy at the
Terrasse Grand Marnier during the Les midis Grand Marnier, at
noon, 1 p.m and during the 7 à 8 Grand Marnier, from 7 to 10 p.m.
This irresistible music can also be heard at the new scène Bell for
the Les Après midis Jazz, at 4 p.m., or during the Les 5 à 7 series
(at 5 p.m. and 6:15 p.m.) at the Scène du Festival on the Esplanade at
Place des Arts. You'll also want to hear some of the young musicians
from various school bands who'll be appearing in the always-popular
Les découvertes General Motors, at the Scène General Motors.
And that's still not all!
None of the above includes the approximately 150 interior concerts
or the 113 musical groups who'll be appearing in surrounding bars
and night clubs as part of the Nuits de Montréal dimension of
the Festival. Nor have we spoken at length about the incredible 4
free outdoor mega-shows we've organized for this spectacular 25th
anniversary edition. Starting with the Grande fête d'ouverture,
presented by Loto Québec and Bell to celebrate 10 years since the fall
of apartheid, the mega-show stars some of the greatest acts ever to
emerge from South Africa: Johnny Clegg and Ladysmith Black Mambazo,
joined by Montrealer of South-African origin, Lorraine Klaasen,
and staged by journalist Lucie Pagé. It's all happening on June
30 on the Scène General Motors. And it'll be just as hot for the
Evénement spécial Labatt Bleue "Fête du Soul", celebrating American
Independence Day with the Funk Brothers, Joan Osborne, Sam Moore and
Jacksoul on July 4 at the corner of St. Urbain and de Maisonneuve. The
Soirée commémorative du 25e anniversaire (July 10) will be a perfect
opportunity for a picnic with the family at Place des Nations on
Ile Sainte Hélène. Be there when things start up at 6 p.m., with
performances by the Streetnix, followed at 7 p.m. by Vic Vogel and his
Big Band on stage, right where they were for the very first edition of
the festival in 1980. (The very special evening is being sponsored by
the Québec government in cooperation with the Parc Jean Drapeau.) On
July 11 at the Grand Evénement General Motors, come celebrate the dual
25th & 20th anniversaries of the Festival International de Jazz de
Montréal and the Cirque du Soleil on the main stage of the site. We're
calling it "Soleil de minuit" (Midnight Sun) and the mega-show will
include Youssou N'Dour, Daniela Mercury, Jorane, les frères Diouf,
les voix du Cirque, I Musici and an Afro Brazilian percussion ensemble.
This entire free and spectacular show will be staged by Michel Lemieux
and Victor Pilon, under the musical direction of Guy Dubuc and Marc
Lessard. The huge street party will begin at 9 p.m. for a deferred
transmission at 9:30 p.m. on CBC Television and the French-language
network of Radio Canada. Giant screens on outdoor stages throughout
the site will make sure everyone gets to see the action.
The moon IS the spotlight at this year's Festival!
Over the years, the moon has come to symbolize jazz, because both
shine most brilliantly at night. This year, we've adopted the moon
itself as the symbol for the 25th anniversary edition of the Festival
International de Jazz de Montréal. You'll find her everywhere, on the
signage that guides visitors from one stage to another, to restaurants,
to the musical park and anywhere else they need to get to in the vast,
downtown pedestrian quadrangle during the Festival's magical 12 days
and nights. You'll even find the moon symbol on the pavement! There'll
be banners, multi-colored lighting and an overall magic to the
site. And if there are so many candles on this year's cake, we're
sharing the honour with festival goers in a variety of ways, including
plenty of novelties to keep the site fresh and happening. Be sure to
travel the elevated pedestrian bridge from the Théâtre Maisonneuve,
because at the southern extremity on Ste. Catherine Street, visitors
can stop by the new Radio-Canada Studio to see extracts from the best
moments in the history of the Festival or even participate in a live
broadcast. Travelling north the length of St. Urbain Street, take a
moment to re-live jazz fest memories through the poster collection
we've installed there. At the end of the bridge, you'll find yourself
in the Village du Festival, a civic area with its own Main Street and a
message board strategically located where visitors can leave personal
messages for one another. In the Village you'll also find benches,
the ever-popular Bistro SAQ and Pub Stella Artois, plus restaurants
and a music kiosk. The Village occupies the north-east corner of
the Esplanade of Place des Arts and is the perfect complement to
the overall festival site - a place for cultural intermingling, and
most probably a good indicator of attendance. Make sure to plan it
so kids can stay awhile at the Musical Park and the make-up booth,
and don't forget to stop by the Festival's big souvenir stand.
For the last several years, the Festival has mounted a popular
Louisiana parade on the site. The very first edition even had the
Dejean Olympia Brass Band direct from New Orleans. For this 25th
anniversary, we're bringing back the tradition of the Parade du
Festival with Swing Tonique, every day at 5:30 p.m., leaving from the
Scène Bell at the entrance to complexe Desjardins and crossing the
site through the Village du Festival to the Scène carrefour GM on de
Maisonneuve. As we've mentioned, this year the Festival is welcoming
a new sponsor, TD Canada Trust, who have lent their name to the Club
Jazz in the Parc Hydro Quebec. And we're also welcoming the arrival
of Loto Québec, whose contribution allowed us to add another stage
behind Place des Arts, on de Maisonneuve boulevard, where the cream
of jazz singers will be featured throughout this year's fest.
Remember, as well, that our own 25th anniversary edition of the
Festival is concurrent with two other auspicious birthdays. Because
Place des Arts and the Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal will
both be celebrating the respectable ages of 40 years, we've also
taken the opportunity to honor those venerable institutions that
have become so much the pride of Quebeckers over 4 decades. To
underscore the many years of partnership between the Festival and
those other major Quebec cultural institutions, stop by to see the
free exhibition entitled "Collection du Festival," in the main hall
of the museum, which includes originals of all the works reproduced
for the Festival Gallery. The museum will be keeping its doors open
until 10 p.m. every night, except Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, to make
sure you can enjoy everything else the Musée d'art contemporain de
Montréal has to offer. Entry is just $6. Also, in the main hall of the
Salle Wilfrid Pelletier at Place des Arts, stop by to see a display
of all posters created for the Festival since its very beginnings.
The main corridor leading to Place des Arts will house an exhibition
of the finest photographs taken at the Festival over these last 25
years by the intrepid photographers of the La Presse daily newspaper.
While you're on the site, make sure to visit the Festival Gallery in
the north-west corner of the esplanade at Place des Arts, specializing
in magnificent, limited-edition silk-screens signed by a number of
fine artists. This year, look out for music does this, which our own
multi-talented Lhasa has contributed to the Festival collection. Only
300 signed and numbered copies will be available, but you'll also
find a "new" work by world-renowned Quebec artist Jean Paul Riopelle,
acquired by Festival founder Alain Simard in 1997. It's called Big
Bang, Big Band which Riopelle's estate has generously allowed us to
reproduce in a series of 75. All works are sold exclusively at the
Festival Gallery, including a number of pieces by Yves Archambault,
official illustrator for the Festival. Yves recently signed and
numbered the 25th anniversary poster, where silhouettes of a singer
and trumpet player together form the 25th anniversary numerals. Please
remember that all proceeds from the sale of posters will go exclusively
to financing the Festival's hundreds of free outdoor shows, because
the Festival is - and shall remain - a non-profit organisation.
Don't forget to stop by the Friends Tent, directly on Ste. Catherine
Street, because it's there that you can pick up your Friends of the
Festival Card to enjoy the many special services offered courtesy of
General Motors. Card-holders will receive an entry form to the draw
for a Grand Prize of a General Motors (first prize: GM vehicles),
plus numerous daily treats, such as a free bottle of cold spring
water, sun lotion, sitting-down massages or the loan of a cushion,
for comfort where it counts during the Festival's outdoor shows. Also,
if you attend any of the Pleins Feux series at Place des Arts, you'll
receive a free non-alcoholic beverage while you're there. And you'll
always have the satisfaction of knowing that for the mere $15 you paid
for your Friends Card, you contributed directly to the financing of
the Festival's 380 free shows on exterior stages. Remember: with your
Friends Card, you'll also receive two $5-coupons redeemable against
the purchases of a Souvenir album and a 25th Festival compilation CD,
only on the festival site. Another distinct advantage of the card
is that you gain priority access to the Movado Jam Sessions in the
Salon Jeanne Mance at the Hyatt Regency Montréal Hotel, provided
you're over 18 years of age.
Bell Info Jazz Bell information services
Answering all your questions
The official Info-Jazz Bell Program contains just about everything
you'll need to know to get the most from our gigantic celebration
of jazz. Right there, in the very first pages, you'll get a concise
grid that sets forth the entirety of this year's programming, plus a
detailed map of the site. Thereafter follows a description of all the
concerts offered this year, both indoors and out. In all, there are
170 pages offering complete information concerning ticket purchases,
souvenir kiosks and rest areas, the art gallery and the many free
activities available at this year's fest.
You can find your copy of the official Info-Jazz Bell program starting
today at the Spectrum, in Place des Arts and, over the coming days,
in all concert halls where shows will be taking place. Programs are
also available in many SAQ outlets throughout the metropolitan area. We
printed 200,000 copies, so you'll find plenty in downtown hotels and
better-known record and bookstores in the downtown area. We've also
printed 600,000 copies of the complete Info-Jazz Bell pamphlet in
a practical, compact format, containing a complete schedule of all
concerts. You'll find the pamphlet at most of the same locations as
your program. Both programs and pamphlets are also readily available
at the five Info Jazz Bell kiosks and at the Carrefour Info-Jazz Bell
on the esplanade at Place des Arts.
Grouped together under the name Info Jazz Bell, all information tools
provided by the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal are easy
to access for anyone who wants to get the most from our huge musical
celebration. You can visit the Info Jazz Bell du Festival internet
site at www.montrealjazzfest.com to print out the entire schedule of
free concerts, if you like, or call the Bell Info-Jazz line at (514)
871 1881 (for the Montreal region) or 1 888 515 0515, from anywhere
else in Canada or the United States.
A tourist service to help visitors organize trips to Montreal
during the Festival is available through our partner Alio. A number
of flexible package tours are also available, including airline
tickets, affordable hotel accommodation and even a complete Festival
Kit. Tourists can also find out about the huge variety of tourist
activities in Montreal and Quebec through representatives of Tourisme
Montréal and Tourisme Québec, who've set up tourist information kiosks
throughout the Festival site.
It's taken a quarter of a century for the Festival International de
Jazz de Montréal to become what it is today, known around the world for
its easy-going pace, party atmosphere and unparalleled programming. So
for this 25th year, we sincerely hope everyone young and old will
find their way to our jewel of a Festival. It's going to be one for
the history books, and yours to enjoy between June 30 and July 11,
2004. See you there!
For further information: Media Information: Myriam
Achard, Media Relations Director, (514) 523-3378, ext. 535,
[email protected]; Marie Eve Boisvert, Press Attachée,
(514) 523-3378, ext. 666, [email protected];
Alain Des Ruisseaux, Press Attaché, (514) 523-3378, ext. 608,
[email protected]; Public Information: Bell
Info Jazz Line, (514) 871-1881 or toll free 1 (888) 515-0515,
www.montrealjazzfest.com; Source: Festival International de Jazz de
Montréal, (514) 523 3378
of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal
Canada Newswire
June 4 2004
MONTREAL, June 3 /CNW Telbec/ - There's only about three weeks left
until the start of the 25th edition of the Festival International
de Jazz de Montréal, the biggest celebration of music anywhere on
Earth. And more than a few hearts are already fluttering at the
prospect of the good times and great sounds that have been filling
the streets of downtown Montreal every summer since 1980. The Gods of
Music, it seems, are already smiling down on us, judging from this
year's line-up, which includes not one, but four free mega-shows,
plus a few unprecedented "concept" events, some of them on free outdoor
stages; others in concert halls. We admit it: we deliberately conspired
to spoil everyone during this anniversary year by laying out the most
generous smorgasbord of ear-candy ever. We owe it to you, because
it's Montrealers' pride in their festival-and their inexhaustible
party spirit-that have made this annual event such a huge success
over the years, That's why we promised ourselves that never shall
this "City of Festivals" have lived up to its name so well as this
year. We're expecting about 2 million visitors, coming from just about
everywhere on the planet, so we've added an extra day to the fest,
which will be running for 12 days and 12 nights between June 30 and
July 11, 2004. And we've even thrown in a pre-opening show on June 29,
the 25th Anniversary Gala Concert at the Bell Centre, featuring Diana
Krall and a few invited guests, not least of whom is Diana's husband,
Elvis Costello.
We should mention here that after being named as among the country's
eight biggest tourist destinations by Attractions Canada, the Festival
International de Jazz de Montréal is also being honored this very
week with the issue of a 25th anniversary commemorative stamp by
Canada Post. If nothing else, the stamp attests to the fact that our
distinctively Montreal happening has taken its place as an event as
much part of our national fabric as the maple leaf itself.
Ever grateful for the support of our perennial partners, the Festival
International de Jazz de Montréal takes this first opportunity to
thank General Motors of Canada, main sponsor and official presenter of
the event. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Labatt Breweries,
co-presenter and second biggest sponsor, for working so hard to make
our 25th anniversary year what promises to be the very best ever. We're
also very happy indeed to be welcoming two major new sponsors to
this year's Festival: Loto Québec and TD Canada Trust. And many,
many thanks to Bell, who has significantly raised its contribution
to the event over the next three years.
Get down in the downtown
It's any day now that music will be wafting through the downtown
streets like a warm summer's breeze. And any day now that thousands
of music-makers invited from Canada and 20 countries abroad will be
transforming the quadrangle bordering Place des Arts into a gigantic
laboratory of sound. Altogether, there'll be no fewer than 380 free
concerts on 10 outdoor stages, divided into 30 distinct series, not
counting the hundreds of street performers, Dixieland bands and the
like who'll be mingling with the crowds. It's their job to make sure
that the Festival's free activities are plenty of fun for everyone,
and that lesser-known musicians get the chance to strut their stuff
to the crowds. All in all, get set for lots of musical surprises and
lots of old friends, when festivalgoers from all walks of life get
together to enjoy the unique international language of music that
transcends all differences between them.
Les Performances General Motors is the focal series of the Festival,
taking place at 9 and 11 p.m. on the Scène General Motors. Among the 10
concerts scheduled, most notable perhaps is the Besh o Drom ensemble
from Hungary, who've brought traditional Hungarian music into the
20th Century with a decidedly groove-oriented beat and a flair for
jazz improvisation befitting of the year 2004. Also appearing will be
the Suzie Arioli Band, headed by dynamic Suzie herself and faithful
companion Jordan Officer, serving up a sampler from their latest CD
That's for Me. A talented and energetic Montrealer of Brazilian origin,
Monica Freire, is back by popular demand, and don't anyone miss the
compelling Bettye Lavette, either, an inexplicably overlooked singer
of soul music.
Taking place on the same stage at 6 p.m. will be the Gammes General
Motors series, offering a varied menu of extremely accomplished
artists. Among others, festivalgoers can enjoy the overflowing
imaginations and contagious energy of the Orkestre des Pas perdus,
or perhaps listen in to the Effendi Jazz Lab event, featuring Effendi
recording artists. Also present will be the 2003 winner of the Grand
Prix de Jazz General Motors, Ontario native Nancy Walker, who's back
with new material imbued with lavish shades of swing, bop and bossa
nova. It's from among those appearing in this series that the winner
of the cross-Canada Grand Prix de Jazz General Motors contest will be
selected on Saturday, July 10 at 6 p.m, Altogether, it's a veritable
showcase of Canadian talent, and not to be missed. Another prize up
for grabs is from Radio Canada's Galaxie network, who'll be awarding
the Prix Etoiles Galaxie de Radio Canada, as well as a cash prize,
to the composer of the best original song performed by any of the
competing groups. All contestants are clearly identified in your
programming guide, and it's a great way to find out what's shaking
on the Canadian jazz scene.
At the ever-popular scène Labatt Bleue in the Parc Fred Barry,
Les soirées Labatt Bleue will be catering to die-hard blues lovers
at 7 and 11 p.m. There will be young rock-blues singer-guitarist
Jonas in his third Festival appearance, as well as Jean Millaire &
Johnny Blue Band, whose leader wrote some of the greatest pages
in Quebec musical history for Offenbach, Corbeau and Marjo. Among
others on the program will be the one-and-only Stephen Barry Band,
whose founder Steve is one of the principal proponents of blues on
the Montreal scene. Come hear the energetic Henry & the Blue Kats,
including terrific harp player Rick L. Blues, whose performance was
truly outstanding last year on the same venue.
Also at the venerable blues oasis, this time at 11 p.m. will be the
Spectacles Labatt Bleue series, spotlighting groups from abroad,
and kicking off with 60s icon Brian Auger's Oblivion Express, but in
21st Century mode. On stage, as well, will be the New York guitarist
and harmonica player Jon Paris (former bass man to Johnny Winter) who
was a major hit at the 2000 fest. An aboriginal group from northern
Ontario, The Pappy John's Band, will star Murray Porter in his first
festival visit. Old blues hands Johnny Jones & The Groove Dudes will
be warming up the planks too, and, as in previous years, each of the
acts that happen on the scène Labatt Bleue will be repeated just a
bit later, at half-past-midnight, free of charge, in the Spectrum.
All states of the Art of Jazz will be represented at the Carrefour
General Motors on the corner of Jeanne Mance and de Maisonneuve at
6:30 p.m. Be there to hear Australian guitarist Tommy Emmanuel, who'll
doubtless leave us all gasping for air as he did last year. Come
hear Buster ("machine gun") B. Jones, the amazing 14-year-old
guitarist Brooksie Robinson, or Don Ross, who some consider to be
THE Canadian guitarist of our time. The extraordinary guitarist from
Madagascar D'Gary will begin with a solo performance and return for
a 9-o'clock show, in trio form on the same stage for the second half
of the evening, which constitutes the Contact General Motors series,
focusing on the international relatives of jazz music. Visitors will
be treated to the astounding sounds of 'voodoo jazz' by thrilling
Haitian saxophonist Buyu Ambroise, plus the super-charged world-jazz
sounds of the Hadouk Trio in their first North American performance. It
will also be your chance to hear the uplifting Armenian ensemble of
Souren Baronian's Taksim and the Canadian singer of Indian origin
Kiran Ahluwalia, whose most recent recording earlier this year won
her the Juno Award for Best Canadian World Music album.
Happening at the Club Jazz TD Canada Trust (ensconced in Parc Hydro
Québec), the Jazz TD Canada Trust series will be sticking to its
double-show format, with 7 o'clock shows reprised at 10 p.m. Several
masters of their trade will appear, including Karl Jannuska, a drummer
from Montreal now living in France, presenting a stage adaptation
of his album Liberating Vines, a jewel of modern jazz-very rhythmic
and served up in quartet form. Pierre de Bethman, accompanied by the
Ilume Quintet is equal parts pianist and groover-in-sweetheart-mode,
a fine interaction of energy and harmony. Also appearing in the series
will be the Bill Mahar Quintet, who've played almost every edition of
the Festival since the beginning. On stage with the Streetnix, here's
an opportunity to see how Bill holds it all together as band-leader.
Rendez-vous Loto Québec is a new series to be presented between 8
and 10 p.m. at the Scène Loto Québec, directly on de Maisonneuve.
Appearing will be Les Moonlight Girls, a terrific female trio from
Montreal who'll pay musical tribute to the Andrews Sisters, who
dominated popular music from the 30s to the 50s. Ontario native Matt
Dusk renounced what might have been an operatic career to become one
of the most highly visible crooners in the country (and at just 24
years of age!) so this is where to be for standards fans. With a name
like Primitifs du futur, be forewarned when the 5 young Frenchmen
mix up world-musette, Django-esque guitars and old-style renditions
of newer pieces.
The Tropiques Bleue Légère series happens at 7:30 p.m. at the Scène
Bleue Légère (Parc des Festivals, on the corner of Bleury and de
Maisonneuve). International acts will be the order of the day,
including Franck Biyong & Massak, ex-member of the Sawt el Atlas
multinational Afro-beat project that follows in the footsteps of
Fela. Mexican group Los de Abajo is finally making a visit to the
Festival, with a refreshing musical cocktail that combines traditional
Mexican strains with Afro-Latin rhythms and rap: music to dance to. A
Moroccan now living in New York, Hassan Hakmoun was schooled in the
trance gnawa belief system, but sprinkles his music with funk, pop
and electronic. And Kofo the Wonderman lives up to his name. He's
been banging his talking drum around the Big Apple for years, in
the authentic juju style of King Sunny Adé. He's also got a way with
Afro-funk and Yoruba traditional chants.
At 10 p.m., once again this year we'll be presenting the Groove Bleue
Légère series at the Scène Bleue Légère, where fascinating rhythm
takes center stage. Afrodizz, for example are Montrealers who also
take their cue from Fela, bringing Afrobeat to the 21st Century with
a decidedly funky lilt. Their new album Kif Kif is being released by
the British label Freestyle. Come hear Yerba Buena, a vast groove
factory including 9 musicians directed by guitarist Andres Levin
that blends Latin rhythm, Cuban religious music, American soul and
Afro-beat. Buscemi, hailing from Belgium, is known for the trip-hop
of their CDs, but on stage they take on a contagious, super-charged,
up-tempo house beat.
Soirées Jazzy Bell is presented at 8 and 10 p.m. at the new Scène Bell,
just at the entrance of the complexe Desjardins. The series features a
collection of brilliant artists, starting with fabulous Jimmy Bowskill.
Accompanied by harp player Jerome Godboo, Jimmy's an old soul in the
body of a teenager, who sings blues like he's actually been around
long enough to live it. (Jimmy riveted crowds in the same locale
last year, so watch out.) Next comes Dessy Di Lauro who's worked
with Dubmatique, Ginette Reno and Cirque du Soleil. Accompanied by
pianist Ric'Key Pageot, Dessy offers up a synthesis of soul and jazz,
with Brazilian undertones. The ensemble Tortured Soul is rarely heard
in trio form with such an awesome sound and has been compared to the
groove of The New Deal and Jamiroquai. Come for the fine party fare.
The Brunantes series takes place at 8 and 10 p.m. on the Scène
du Festival, directly on the Esplanade of Place des Arts. It's a
mixed program, featuring acts such as Without Words, whose bassist
Karine Chapdelaine, you may remember, won the Galaxie Award at last
year's Festival for best original composition, entitled Prisoner of
a Dream. Inspired by the celebrated Hot Club de France that sprung
up just after the war, Hot Club de ma rue recently took Montreal by
storm with a cool blend of easy swing and gypsy-style jazz reminiscent
of Django. Lastly is a South-Korean group, the Jae Chung & Ben Ball
Ensemble. Chung is guitarist and Ball the drummer, for jazz in a
traditional setting.
The Movado Jams Sessions will take place in the Hyatt Regency
Montréal hotel, in the Salon Jeanne Mance, Foyer Level. This one's
for night owls, because every night at 11 p.m., for the duration of
the Festival, Thuryn von Pranke will take to the ivories, Frédéric
Alarie to his specially designed double bass and Muhammad to his
drum set. Be there for the real thing, because musicians appearing
elsewhere in the Festival will be stopping by for some late-night
improv. Don't forget that the Friends of the Festival Card gives
you priority access to the Movado Jam Sessions, because seating is
restricted and limited to those 18 years and over.
The Nightcap series is new this year and completely free of charge,
taking place at 11:30 p.m. on stage in the Savoy at the Metropolis.
The series features the Trio Pulse Nu Jazz Session with Dan Thouin
on keyboards, Max Sansalone on drums and Adrian Vedady on double
bass. It's where to be on a real late-nighter, when these three
veterans jazz up a storm.
It all starts at noon!
They say midnight's the magic hour, and that's true, but when
you've only got 12 days for your Festival, you'll want to start
early. Nothing goes better with lunch than jazz, anyway, so stop
by for the always-popular Les midis complexe Desjardins. Jitterbug
Swing is back to inaugurate the series at the Grande-Place du
complexe Desjardins, and make sure to hear the Canadian guitarist of
Brazilian origin, Celso Machado, who uses various parts of his body
and voice to produce guttural sounds that mimic the calls of various
animals. Story-teller and multi-instrumentalist David Amram, 74, has
rubbed shoulders with the likes of Jack Kerouac and Charlie Parker,
and was once guest conductor to no fewer than 17 symphony orchestras at
the same time. The charming, multi-faceted artist will be landing on
Planet Jazz this time though, in the Contact General Motors series at
9 p.m. While you're there, discover jazz innovator Lubo Alexandrov's
Kaba Horo, whose leader is of Bulgarian origin and the only guitarist
in Canada to play classical guitar without frets, like a violin.
The Petite Ecole du Jazz is applying the same formula as in previous
years, taking place from July 1 to 11. Come watch the Bande Magnetik,
the musicians of James Gelfand and the inimitable Jacques L'Heureux
apply their technique for teaching music to young people. Gathering
outside the complexe Desjardins at 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., be there as
they introduce basic notions of music to children, in an environment
conducive to fun and learning, with our Ste Cat mascot never far away.
Dixieland bands have been a Festival institution right from the
beginning, one of those signature details that gives the site its
particular ambiance and notifies festivalgoers that the party's
underway. So they'll be back again, naturally, bringing afternoon
sunshine to the site with summery sounds you can enjoy at the
Terrasse Grand Marnier during the Les midis Grand Marnier, at
noon, 1 p.m and during the 7 à 8 Grand Marnier, from 7 to 10 p.m.
This irresistible music can also be heard at the new scène Bell for
the Les Après midis Jazz, at 4 p.m., or during the Les 5 à 7 series
(at 5 p.m. and 6:15 p.m.) at the Scène du Festival on the Esplanade at
Place des Arts. You'll also want to hear some of the young musicians
from various school bands who'll be appearing in the always-popular
Les découvertes General Motors, at the Scène General Motors.
And that's still not all!
None of the above includes the approximately 150 interior concerts
or the 113 musical groups who'll be appearing in surrounding bars
and night clubs as part of the Nuits de Montréal dimension of
the Festival. Nor have we spoken at length about the incredible 4
free outdoor mega-shows we've organized for this spectacular 25th
anniversary edition. Starting with the Grande fête d'ouverture,
presented by Loto Québec and Bell to celebrate 10 years since the fall
of apartheid, the mega-show stars some of the greatest acts ever to
emerge from South Africa: Johnny Clegg and Ladysmith Black Mambazo,
joined by Montrealer of South-African origin, Lorraine Klaasen,
and staged by journalist Lucie Pagé. It's all happening on June
30 on the Scène General Motors. And it'll be just as hot for the
Evénement spécial Labatt Bleue "Fête du Soul", celebrating American
Independence Day with the Funk Brothers, Joan Osborne, Sam Moore and
Jacksoul on July 4 at the corner of St. Urbain and de Maisonneuve. The
Soirée commémorative du 25e anniversaire (July 10) will be a perfect
opportunity for a picnic with the family at Place des Nations on
Ile Sainte Hélène. Be there when things start up at 6 p.m., with
performances by the Streetnix, followed at 7 p.m. by Vic Vogel and his
Big Band on stage, right where they were for the very first edition of
the festival in 1980. (The very special evening is being sponsored by
the Québec government in cooperation with the Parc Jean Drapeau.) On
July 11 at the Grand Evénement General Motors, come celebrate the dual
25th & 20th anniversaries of the Festival International de Jazz de
Montréal and the Cirque du Soleil on the main stage of the site. We're
calling it "Soleil de minuit" (Midnight Sun) and the mega-show will
include Youssou N'Dour, Daniela Mercury, Jorane, les frères Diouf,
les voix du Cirque, I Musici and an Afro Brazilian percussion ensemble.
This entire free and spectacular show will be staged by Michel Lemieux
and Victor Pilon, under the musical direction of Guy Dubuc and Marc
Lessard. The huge street party will begin at 9 p.m. for a deferred
transmission at 9:30 p.m. on CBC Television and the French-language
network of Radio Canada. Giant screens on outdoor stages throughout
the site will make sure everyone gets to see the action.
The moon IS the spotlight at this year's Festival!
Over the years, the moon has come to symbolize jazz, because both
shine most brilliantly at night. This year, we've adopted the moon
itself as the symbol for the 25th anniversary edition of the Festival
International de Jazz de Montréal. You'll find her everywhere, on the
signage that guides visitors from one stage to another, to restaurants,
to the musical park and anywhere else they need to get to in the vast,
downtown pedestrian quadrangle during the Festival's magical 12 days
and nights. You'll even find the moon symbol on the pavement! There'll
be banners, multi-colored lighting and an overall magic to the
site. And if there are so many candles on this year's cake, we're
sharing the honour with festival goers in a variety of ways, including
plenty of novelties to keep the site fresh and happening. Be sure to
travel the elevated pedestrian bridge from the Théâtre Maisonneuve,
because at the southern extremity on Ste. Catherine Street, visitors
can stop by the new Radio-Canada Studio to see extracts from the best
moments in the history of the Festival or even participate in a live
broadcast. Travelling north the length of St. Urbain Street, take a
moment to re-live jazz fest memories through the poster collection
we've installed there. At the end of the bridge, you'll find yourself
in the Village du Festival, a civic area with its own Main Street and a
message board strategically located where visitors can leave personal
messages for one another. In the Village you'll also find benches,
the ever-popular Bistro SAQ and Pub Stella Artois, plus restaurants
and a music kiosk. The Village occupies the north-east corner of
the Esplanade of Place des Arts and is the perfect complement to
the overall festival site - a place for cultural intermingling, and
most probably a good indicator of attendance. Make sure to plan it
so kids can stay awhile at the Musical Park and the make-up booth,
and don't forget to stop by the Festival's big souvenir stand.
For the last several years, the Festival has mounted a popular
Louisiana parade on the site. The very first edition even had the
Dejean Olympia Brass Band direct from New Orleans. For this 25th
anniversary, we're bringing back the tradition of the Parade du
Festival with Swing Tonique, every day at 5:30 p.m., leaving from the
Scène Bell at the entrance to complexe Desjardins and crossing the
site through the Village du Festival to the Scène carrefour GM on de
Maisonneuve. As we've mentioned, this year the Festival is welcoming
a new sponsor, TD Canada Trust, who have lent their name to the Club
Jazz in the Parc Hydro Quebec. And we're also welcoming the arrival
of Loto Québec, whose contribution allowed us to add another stage
behind Place des Arts, on de Maisonneuve boulevard, where the cream
of jazz singers will be featured throughout this year's fest.
Remember, as well, that our own 25th anniversary edition of the
Festival is concurrent with two other auspicious birthdays. Because
Place des Arts and the Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal will
both be celebrating the respectable ages of 40 years, we've also
taken the opportunity to honor those venerable institutions that
have become so much the pride of Quebeckers over 4 decades. To
underscore the many years of partnership between the Festival and
those other major Quebec cultural institutions, stop by to see the
free exhibition entitled "Collection du Festival," in the main hall
of the museum, which includes originals of all the works reproduced
for the Festival Gallery. The museum will be keeping its doors open
until 10 p.m. every night, except Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, to make
sure you can enjoy everything else the Musée d'art contemporain de
Montréal has to offer. Entry is just $6. Also, in the main hall of the
Salle Wilfrid Pelletier at Place des Arts, stop by to see a display
of all posters created for the Festival since its very beginnings.
The main corridor leading to Place des Arts will house an exhibition
of the finest photographs taken at the Festival over these last 25
years by the intrepid photographers of the La Presse daily newspaper.
While you're on the site, make sure to visit the Festival Gallery in
the north-west corner of the esplanade at Place des Arts, specializing
in magnificent, limited-edition silk-screens signed by a number of
fine artists. This year, look out for music does this, which our own
multi-talented Lhasa has contributed to the Festival collection. Only
300 signed and numbered copies will be available, but you'll also
find a "new" work by world-renowned Quebec artist Jean Paul Riopelle,
acquired by Festival founder Alain Simard in 1997. It's called Big
Bang, Big Band which Riopelle's estate has generously allowed us to
reproduce in a series of 75. All works are sold exclusively at the
Festival Gallery, including a number of pieces by Yves Archambault,
official illustrator for the Festival. Yves recently signed and
numbered the 25th anniversary poster, where silhouettes of a singer
and trumpet player together form the 25th anniversary numerals. Please
remember that all proceeds from the sale of posters will go exclusively
to financing the Festival's hundreds of free outdoor shows, because
the Festival is - and shall remain - a non-profit organisation.
Don't forget to stop by the Friends Tent, directly on Ste. Catherine
Street, because it's there that you can pick up your Friends of the
Festival Card to enjoy the many special services offered courtesy of
General Motors. Card-holders will receive an entry form to the draw
for a Grand Prize of a General Motors (first prize: GM vehicles),
plus numerous daily treats, such as a free bottle of cold spring
water, sun lotion, sitting-down massages or the loan of a cushion,
for comfort where it counts during the Festival's outdoor shows. Also,
if you attend any of the Pleins Feux series at Place des Arts, you'll
receive a free non-alcoholic beverage while you're there. And you'll
always have the satisfaction of knowing that for the mere $15 you paid
for your Friends Card, you contributed directly to the financing of
the Festival's 380 free shows on exterior stages. Remember: with your
Friends Card, you'll also receive two $5-coupons redeemable against
the purchases of a Souvenir album and a 25th Festival compilation CD,
only on the festival site. Another distinct advantage of the card
is that you gain priority access to the Movado Jam Sessions in the
Salon Jeanne Mance at the Hyatt Regency Montréal Hotel, provided
you're over 18 years of age.
Bell Info Jazz Bell information services
Answering all your questions
The official Info-Jazz Bell Program contains just about everything
you'll need to know to get the most from our gigantic celebration
of jazz. Right there, in the very first pages, you'll get a concise
grid that sets forth the entirety of this year's programming, plus a
detailed map of the site. Thereafter follows a description of all the
concerts offered this year, both indoors and out. In all, there are
170 pages offering complete information concerning ticket purchases,
souvenir kiosks and rest areas, the art gallery and the many free
activities available at this year's fest.
You can find your copy of the official Info-Jazz Bell program starting
today at the Spectrum, in Place des Arts and, over the coming days,
in all concert halls where shows will be taking place. Programs are
also available in many SAQ outlets throughout the metropolitan area. We
printed 200,000 copies, so you'll find plenty in downtown hotels and
better-known record and bookstores in the downtown area. We've also
printed 600,000 copies of the complete Info-Jazz Bell pamphlet in
a practical, compact format, containing a complete schedule of all
concerts. You'll find the pamphlet at most of the same locations as
your program. Both programs and pamphlets are also readily available
at the five Info Jazz Bell kiosks and at the Carrefour Info-Jazz Bell
on the esplanade at Place des Arts.
Grouped together under the name Info Jazz Bell, all information tools
provided by the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal are easy
to access for anyone who wants to get the most from our huge musical
celebration. You can visit the Info Jazz Bell du Festival internet
site at www.montrealjazzfest.com to print out the entire schedule of
free concerts, if you like, or call the Bell Info-Jazz line at (514)
871 1881 (for the Montreal region) or 1 888 515 0515, from anywhere
else in Canada or the United States.
A tourist service to help visitors organize trips to Montreal
during the Festival is available through our partner Alio. A number
of flexible package tours are also available, including airline
tickets, affordable hotel accommodation and even a complete Festival
Kit. Tourists can also find out about the huge variety of tourist
activities in Montreal and Quebec through representatives of Tourisme
Montréal and Tourisme Québec, who've set up tourist information kiosks
throughout the Festival site.
It's taken a quarter of a century for the Festival International de
Jazz de Montréal to become what it is today, known around the world for
its easy-going pace, party atmosphere and unparalleled programming. So
for this 25th year, we sincerely hope everyone young and old will
find their way to our jewel of a Festival. It's going to be one for
the history books, and yours to enjoy between June 30 and July 11,
2004. See you there!
For further information: Media Information: Myriam
Achard, Media Relations Director, (514) 523-3378, ext. 535,
[email protected]; Marie Eve Boisvert, Press Attachée,
(514) 523-3378, ext. 666, [email protected];
Alain Des Ruisseaux, Press Attaché, (514) 523-3378, ext. 608,
[email protected]; Public Information: Bell
Info Jazz Line, (514) 871-1881 or toll free 1 (888) 515-0515,
www.montrealjazzfest.com; Source: Festival International de Jazz de
Montréal, (514) 523 3378