Summer in Montreal: A Mecca for Entertainment

With the smell of sweet summer in Montreal comes a string of festivals and events that liven the already dynamic and vivacious streets of the downtown and surrounding areas. Every summer, the mini-metropolis that is Montreal gives both locals and tourists the chance to enjoy every single moment of the summer heat. Montreal, in present years, has become a gold mine of concerts, shows and festivals. It seems therefore essential to mention a few of this year’s festivals- past, present and future- so that anyone living or visiting Montreal can take full advantage of all that the city has to offer for leisure and recreation throughout the summer.

In June 2009, Virgin Radio held its first ever Montreal Virgin Festival, a two-day long music event that featured such artists as The Black-Eyed Peas, Simple Plan and Akon. A wide range of musical styles and various talents made the event a success. “It was amazing to pay for one ticket and get to see so many different artists. I would definitely go back next year,” says one concert-goer. There seems to be near certainty that the festival will return next summer to once again please a wide range of musical tastes.

Other music festivals have also made their way to Montreal this year. To satiate the hunger of rock fans, the Osheaga Festival will be held at Olympia de Montreal from July 28th to 31st and will feature bands among the likes of Coldplay, The Roots, Arctic Monkeys and Jason MRaz.

With events both new and old, the city buzzes with excitement. The International Jazz Festival of Montreal returned this summer from June 30th to July 12th for its 30th year. Jazz and blues artists lke Suzanne Vega, John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers and Erik Truffaz provided their musical talents and performed. The Jazz Festival was also graced by the presence of Stevie Wonder who performed a free, outdoor concert. The Jazz Festival, with this concert and many other free events, proved that it could survive even in tough economic times.

Also returning to Montreal for another year is the 27th edition of the Montreal Just for Laughs Festival; taking place between July 3rd and July 26th. This year’s festival features comedians among the likes of Whoopie Goldberg, Russell Peters and Martin Short. The festival is a yearly success and this year seems to be no different with ticket sales thriving more than ever and many Just for Laughs events already sold out. In keeping with a similar style as the Jazz Festival many free events are also available. Many street artists will invade St.Denis to entertain passers-by with short comedic performances. For a full list of performers and events consult hahaha.com.

Throughout the year Montreal’s Bell Center is bonanza of various performers that range from rock, hip-hop and pop music to Cirque du Soleil productions. A few events to check out at the Bell Center coming up are Lil’ Wayne, Blink 182, AC/D, Bryan Adams and teen pop sensations the Jonas Brothers. Tibet’s Dalai Lama is also gracing the Bell Center stage with his presence to speak about Buddhist belief. At the end of August, the Bell Center will be home to Walking with Dinosaurs, an interactive show of life-like robotic dinosaurs. Disney on Ice and Saka Cirque A Cheval will also offer shows throughout the months of August and September.

So whether it be music (of any genre), comedy, theatrical dance and gymnastics, religious discussion and lecture or even interest in life-like robotic dinosaurs, Quebec’s most lively city is most definitely a mecca for entertainment. Boredom is an impossibility.

Coup de Coeur Francophone

November 6th to November 16th

http://www.coupdecoeur.ca/2008/fr/coup-coeur/introduction/

Festival Du Monde Arabe

October 29th to November 8th
http://www.festivalarabe.com/