Groove Bell Stage Is Where It's At!
Montreal's 30th Annual Festival International de Jazz
Jul 9, 2009
Rain threatened jazz and outdoor festival devotees last week at Montreal's 30th Annual Festival International de Jazz 2009. Thundershowers lingered over each of the first week's events with many Montrealers opting for dryer entertainment.
Things are looking far more agreeable though with the sun's reappearance now in week two. Monday's clear night sky kicked off the better weather with a tribute to renowned late jazz singer Billie Holiday by singer Kim Richardson and musicians Dan Thouin, Dany Roy, Maxime St-Pierre, Adrian Vedady and John Frabon at the Rio Tinto Alcan stage located in front of Saint Cathrine's Place des Arts.
A crowd of all ages enjoyed the festivities though grumbling could be heard from those within the drinking masses as festival sponsor's Heineken increased beer price while decreasing beer size. Regardless, the Billie Holiday tribute began a wonderful night of live music dans le plein air.
Blue King Brown
Numerous stage front and sides in the downtown core were wide open to explore with crowding at a manageable level though the Festival's real draw for the under forty something looking to party can be found at the Groove Bell stage.
Monday night's Blue King Brown, one of Australia's hottest urban roots acts, brought a phenomenal energy to the Scene Bell stage located in the Clark parking area. Captivating green eye make up could be coveted from afar as lead singer Natalie Pa'apa'a electrically delivered the band's high energy and socially conscious music while a dozen or so of her band-mates held council around her. Currently on a world tour, the Blue King Browns are now off to Europe where they will continue to reggae rock toward a second studio album.
Curumin and The Heavy
With jazz aplenty to choose from during the last weekend of Montreal's 30th Annual Festival International de Jazz, those seeking a young, party-steady environment might stake out spots in the Scene Bell vicinity after dark. Tonight's Curumin promises to be a international favourite with Spanish, Japanese, funk and Afrobeat flavours.
On the other hand, England's The Heavy claims to sing like Prince, sling like the Stooges and prowl like Tom Waits. This is such a tall order The Heavy is almost certain to be an awesome success or brilliant disaster but fun times on Friday either way.
Spam Allstars and The National Parcs
Spam Allstars, led by DJ Le Spam, congers up visions of mystery meat sandwiches frantically krumping on Saturday with The National Parcs holding not-to-be-missed closing night status on Sunday July 12th.
Not to be forgotten is the tantalizing fact that each and every one of these world class musical acts will be presented to concert-goers absolutely free by Bell (or everyone, taking the cost of high speed internet these days into account.)
If only Heineken would follow suit, then there'd really be something to write home about!
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