The Montreal Jazz Festival Kicks Off Today

Just in time for what is forecasted to be a perfect summer weekend, the 36th edition of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal kicks off today and runs until July 5.

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Ranked as the world’s largest jazz festival by Guinness World Records, every year our city welcomes global music fans to 10 days of musical celebrations, hosting some 30 countries, 3,000 musicians and public entertainers, 1,000 concerts and activities in 15 concert halls, and 8 outdoor stages.

Getting excited yet?

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Here’s some more awesome news. Almost 75 per cent of the concerts in the program will be presented completely free, allowing everyone to discover new and known talents, without forking over a dime.

To celebrate tonight’s opening in style and at no expense to you, New York’s Beirut will open their latest tour right here on the Rio Tinto Alcan stage, while on June 29th the Montreal quarter Barr Brothers promise to deliver an unforgettably magical musical moment when they unveil songs from their latest album.

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There are also plenty of new notable additions this year. Some highlights include the Club Jazz Casino de Montréal, located on De Bleury St. below Ste. Catherine St. where you will be able to dive into the experience of a genuine outdoor jazz club, just like in New Orleans, the new Texas Bill BBQ grill, prepared in the purest tradition of the Wild West, and the Bistro Le porc du Québec and rum-based cocktails of Bar Bacardi (corner St. Urbain St. and Ste. Catherine St.).

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When it’s time for a little break, The Place Confort TD boasts a lovely space with a live show program and a relaxation zone.

For the artsier types, The Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal will offer music workshops and visits to its permanent exhibition free of charge.

Of course, the Jazz Fest wouldn’t be the same without the historical walking tours about Montreal’s jazz history, where historian and tour guide Leah Blythe will be offering a unique guided walking tour sharing the story of jazz in Montreal, from the Prohibition Era to the creation of the festival in 1980.

And last but not least, the food.

The festival will offer an appetizing array of on-site food services including food trucks, three restaurant terraces, food kiosks, bars, and more.

Sold yet? To check out the full festival line-up and list of attractions, head over to their website and start planning your groove.

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