Artists Unite for Festival POP Montreal

If you enjoy real music, real artists and a festival that is put on by a true group of Montreal artists whose passion surrounds itself around all things that scream pure, raw talent, then the POP Montreal International Music Festival is it. Launched in 2002 from the collective impulse, POP offers Montreal a cultural festival that is significant and vibrant in its presentation. POP is now on its 10th go-around and grows immensely every year amongst Montreal’s top events. More than 600 artists will be showcasing themselves to audiences reaching over 50,000 during the five-day spectacle. It is not just about music here, although the lineup of artists is quite something special; the festival also includes symposium discussions, artisan and visual art exhibitions, fashion shows, film screenings and, naturally, a few all-night parties.

Passes come in either single batches or you can purchase a super pass. A fantastic bonus with the super pass is that you can attend La Traviata on September 20th or 22nd in category 4 free of charge. Who doesn’t love some opera? This classic is truly worth attending. One majorly notable-worthy cause taking place is the POP vs. Jock charity/celebrity basketball game that raises money for the DJ Sports Club, a non-profit charity organization in Montreal’s south-west borough that offers programs in sports and education to youth 7 to 17 years old. Taking place at the McGill University Sports Center, the game will feature the ferocious Butler brothers leading a team of musicians and entertainers (team POP) against an all-star team comprised of standout players from the current McGill Redman and Concordia Stingers (team JOCK). Team POP will include Martin Starr of Freaks and Geeks and Party Down, pro basketball player Luke Bonner, Nikolai Fraiture of The Strokes, as well as music by Kid Koala, Régine Chassagne, and a halftime show featuring David Byrne & Moment Factory. Bring your pom poms and fan banners!

There are so many superb things happening over these few days that we can’t begin listing them all. Thankfully the POP website is one giant information guide that is as thorough as it gets. Since we will be out and about skipping around all the events, we listed some of our top picks as far as music performances go over the five days:

Wednesday, Sept. 19:
Antibalas and K’naan (Corona Theatre)
Stars (La Tulipe)
Yacht Club (Mission Santa Cruz – Salle Converse)
De La Montagne (Casa Del Popolo)

Thursday, Sept. 20:
Young Galaxy (Breakglass Studios)
Echo Beach (Royal Phoenix)
Katatonia (Petit Campus – Salle STM)
Juicy J & Joey Bada$$ (Cabaret du Mile-End)

Friday, Sept. 21:
David Byrne & St. Vincent (Eglise St.Jean Baptiste)Lil B (Club Soda)
Born Ruffians (Casa Del Popolo)

Saturday, Sept. 22:
The Sadies (Cabaret Du Mile-End)
Roscoe (Theater Rialto)
Black Atlass (Le Belmont) 

Sunday, Sept. 23:
Lucky Dragons (PHI Centre)
Pillow Talk (Piknik Electronik)
Ben Howard (Metropolis)
Kids On TV (Cagibi) 

We really suggest taking an old-fashioned pen and pad or pop the iPad out and create a calendar of events if you’re a techie. There are points where over 10 different shows, concerts, and exhibitions are going on at the same time, therefore creating a map of must-sees is hugely recommended.

Thank you POP Montreal for curating and keeping real artistry alive – see you there!