Montreal Jazz Festival:
Last three days

Some cool evening events during this hottest (and coolest) of jazz festivals

By Byron Toben

Amazing how fast the days go by for the 39th annual Montreal International Jazz Festival. As usual, a great mix of international and local stars as well as promising newcomers. Large crowds, despite the record-setting heat wave.

Here are some tips for free or inexpensive events during the remaining three days, by venue:

Cinema du parc

Thursday, July 5, Friday, July 6 and Saturday, July 7
at 3 pm or 7 pm

Grace Jones: Bloodlight and Bami

Ireland’s Sophia Fiennes has made a gripping documentary about the unique Grace Jones. Model, singer, actress, free spirit – she of the long legs, high heels, outrageous head gear and in your face lyrics, blending jazz, spoken word, Pop and what else. The Gracian odyssey from Spanish Town, Jamaica to upstate New York to Philadelphia, to Paris, to Manhattan, to Hollywood.

New meaning to Piaf’s La Vie en Rose and classic Amazing Grace at regular Cinema du Parc prices.

Club Jazz Casino

Thursday, July 5, Friday, July 6 and Saturday, July 7
at 7 pm or 9 pm

FREE OUTDOOR BANDS

Thursday, July 5 – Le Dixieband, a popular regular at the fest specialising in Dixieland music of the 20’s. What jazz fest would be complete without some saints to come marching in?

Friday, July 6 – Swing Tonique matches a brass band sound to the tunes of Louisiana.

Saturday, July 7 – Streetnix, another popular regular band formed by ex-Haligonians Jennifer Bell and Bill Mahar, features jazz standards, big band pieces and some originals.