One of the biggest and best jazz fests in the world, the Montreal Jazz Festival, has announced 750 free concerts, completing its action-packed lineup for its 2011 edition, which, as previously reported, runs from June 25 to July 4.
With so many shows and venues from which to choose, highlights are subjective but there is truly something for everyone. Some notable announcements were rootsy cumbia ensemble Sexteto Tabala De Palenque (June 26); fast-rising Latino rapper Boogat (June 26); New Orleans funksters Galactic (June 27); Sublime Frequencies' Sahrawi stars Group Doueh (June 27); Exclaim!'s recently profiled Ghana/U.S. rapper Blitz the Ambassador (June 27); Quebec's beloved electro-pranksters Misteur Valaire (June 28); the Roberto Lopez Project (June 29), whose Soy Panamerico album title describes his approach; banjo virtuoso Jayme Stone (June 29); blues guitar vet Lucky Peterson (June 29); Congolese rapper Baloji (June 30 and July 1), the 'salsa dura' of La Excelencia (June 30); Poirier's Sound System with Face-T, Boogat, Imposs, Mr. OK, and L'Xtrmst.Zen (June 30); CATL's indie blues roar (July 1): Montreal's multicultural hip-hop crew Nomadic Massive (July 1 and 2); Peruvian electronic ensemble Nova Lima (July 2); Mexican Institute of Sound (July 3); Malian vocal powerhouse Khaira Arby (July 4); and, the grand finale of free shows, the B-52s (July 4).
This bonanza of performers complements the already impressive lineup of paid shows, featuring Robert Plant, Milton Nascimento, Youssou N'Dour, Holly Cole, Esperanza Spalding and Marianne Faithfull, among many others.
As usual, the jazz festival will be shutting down (or opening up, depending on your point of view) a significant portion of the Montreal's downtown. Typically, around 2.5 million patrons enjoy the festival every year.
For a complete schedule and ticket information, head here.
With so many shows and venues from which to choose, highlights are subjective but there is truly something for everyone. Some notable announcements were rootsy cumbia ensemble Sexteto Tabala De Palenque (June 26); fast-rising Latino rapper Boogat (June 26); New Orleans funksters Galactic (June 27); Sublime Frequencies' Sahrawi stars Group Doueh (June 27); Exclaim!'s recently profiled Ghana/U.S. rapper Blitz the Ambassador (June 27); Quebec's beloved electro-pranksters Misteur Valaire (June 28); the Roberto Lopez Project (June 29), whose Soy Panamerico album title describes his approach; banjo virtuoso Jayme Stone (June 29); blues guitar vet Lucky Peterson (June 29); Congolese rapper Baloji (June 30 and July 1), the 'salsa dura' of La Excelencia (June 30); Poirier's Sound System with Face-T, Boogat, Imposs, Mr. OK, and L'Xtrmst.Zen (June 30); CATL's indie blues roar (July 1): Montreal's multicultural hip-hop crew Nomadic Massive (July 1 and 2); Peruvian electronic ensemble Nova Lima (July 2); Mexican Institute of Sound (July 3); Malian vocal powerhouse Khaira Arby (July 4); and, the grand finale of free shows, the B-52s (July 4).
This bonanza of performers complements the already impressive lineup of paid shows, featuring Robert Plant, Milton Nascimento, Youssou N'Dour, Holly Cole, Esperanza Spalding and Marianne Faithfull, among many others.
As usual, the jazz festival will be shutting down (or opening up, depending on your point of view) a significant portion of the Montreal's downtown. Typically, around 2.5 million patrons enjoy the festival every year.
For a complete schedule and ticket information, head here.