In Montreal, C2 stands for commerce and creativity, as in C2-MTL, an annual gathering of leading innovators from a broad spectrum of industry who have but one thing on their minds: finding creative answers to commercial questions. And, especially this year, C2 also stands for culture and cool…

Now in its second year, C2-MTL – taking place at Arsenal (a converted shipyard built in 1846), May 21-23 – fairly explodes the notion of the traditional business conference. No soul-destroying PowerPoint presentations here. Instead, 20 internationally renowned keynote speakers from a multiplicity of disciplines – including, for example, Virgin’s Richard Branson, former supermodel and now business exec Elle Macpherson, and French architect and designer Philippe Starck – sharing their experience vis-à-vis immersive multimedia presentations.

An imaginative array of panel discussions, collaborative workshops, interactive exhibits, conceptual spaces and festive events all serve to augment the emphasis on creating next-level networking opportunities and real-world business solutions. Which is to say stimulation, not simulation.

C2-MTL is about the whole brain, left and right sides combined. Well-satiated senses are conducive to creating and C2’s arts and cultural partnering in particular reflects that. This year the Montreal Opera will play a key role at the conference opening with uniquely conceived solo performances blending digital media. Cirque du Soleil will contribute with a 47-performer strong original creation upped with “an extra dose of dazzle” from fashion legend and keynote speaker Diane von Furstenberg. The Montreal International Jazz Festival will kick in with Musique Risquée, featuring prominent Montreal DJs Vincent Lemieux and Akufen (they’ll also be curating music on C2’s outdoor plaza).

Modern dance will come in the form of the Festival TransAmérique choreographer Ginette Laurin and her new Arab Spring-inspired work Khaos. And to cap it all off, three of Montreal’s cutting-edge music festivals – M for Montreal, Osheaga and Igloofest – will all sponsor live entertainment on C2-MTL’s closing night at the Intel Forum onsite. Look for performances by indie-folk-rock tastemakers Half Moon Run, longstanding top-shelf turntablist Kid Koala and internationally acclaimed electro/techno dance DJ Tiga.

THE DETAILS

C2-MTL, May 21-23, 2013

Arsenal, 2020 Rue William, (514) 931-9978

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(ice action) Check out the extreme activity at the all-new Barbegazi Winter Action Sports Festival, a weekend-long event at Montreal’s Olympic Park showcasing experts in snowboard, freeski, snowskate and freestyle sled (aerial tricks on a snowmobile!). A little less extreme, but still very wintery and oh-so-Canadian, is the Ice Fishing Village set up with all the rugged amenities down at the Old Port– get a taste of the country (yes, you can keep and eat the fish!) in the middle of the city. The Old Port’s skating rink beckons the active among us, while the Snow Village entices with a bit more luxury. And, of course, you could also catch the Habs in hockey action.

(winter city lights) Take the chill off winter with music, entertainment, traditional and gourmet food, and outdoor activities – including a ferris wheel, giant ice slide and live music in the heart of downtown – at the 14th Montréal en Lumière festival, starting Thursday, February 21. The fest opens with La Pista Tango, a tango-meets-circus show with live orchestra on stage at Place des Arts’  Theatre Maisonneuve. Also explore new cuisines at special lunch events, happy hours and dinner spreads, and see the art of famed singer Tonny Bennett, French music star -M-, theatre-dance show The Humanity Project, charming music duo Luc De Larochellière and Andrea Lindsay, and more.

 (world-wide circus) Montreal lives up to its reputation as a circus capital with the 34th Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain, a Paris-based competition and best-of tour featuring some of the top circus acts in the world. See acrobats, trapeze artists, jugglers, clowns, contortionists and more family-friendly entertainment February 19 to March 2 at Montreal’s professional and educational circus centre Tohu.

(theatre & dance) J.M. Coetzee’s Nobel Prize-winning book questioning how we measure civilized behaviour is writ large on stage in Waiting for the Barbarians, based on the, at the Segal Centre, to February 17. Centaur Theatre delves into the true story of murder in 1950s rural Ontario in Innocence Lost, to February 24. Huge, colourful, theatrical Indian dance show Bharati – The Wonder that is India wows to February 17 at Place des Arts. Learn a few moves yourself at the Bal Du Dimanche Samba Brésilienne on February 17, 2 p.m. at Place des Arts. As part of Montreal Black History Month, activist-writer Aphra Behn’s play Oroonoko is at the MAI to February 17 – and American Black civil rights activist Angela Davis takes the stage for a discussion at L’Astral on February 18.

(hot live music) Friday night is right with the electro-indie-pop of Passion Pit, with high-energy opening act Matt & Kim at Metropolis, or sit back and let the romantic vibes of Josh Ritter & The Royal City Band wash over you at Cabaret Mile End, or check out the very talented and charming Katie Moore and Aroara at Casa del Popolo. Also on February 15, the Imani Gospel Choir sings songs inspired by civil rights movements in the USA, part of Montreal Black History Month. On February 16, California-based producer-songwriter Toro Y Moi shares his unique musical style at Club Soda and legendary Detroit DJ Dez spins at the PHI Centre. Latin-Grammy-award nominated soulful singer Prince Royce rolls into Metropolis on February 17. California pop band Maroon5 bring their disturbingly catchy tunes to the Bell Centre on February 20. The Montreal New Music International Festival opens February 21 with the Ensemble de la SMCQ paying homage to Claude Vivier, and runs until March 3. And February 21 also brings the fine and dandy Indigo Girls to the Corona Theatre and hip and inventive Slim Twig and U.S Girls to Casa del Popolo.

The post THINGS TO DO IN MONTREAL: FEBRUARY 15-21 appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.

Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain draws its talent from a prestigious yearly competition in Paris, where this January Montrealers from circus troupes Cirque du Soleil, Cirque Éloize, Cirkopolis, 7 Doigts de la Main and more found themselves taking home medals. Each festival show in Montreal combines acts that have garnered equal amounts of acclaim, all finding a temporary home February 19-March 2 at Montreal’s own fully equipped, professional and educational circus centre Tohu.

Each night of this year’s Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain is bound to keep audience members on the edge of their seats with performances by acclaimed Belgian trapeze artists Bert & Fred, German trapeze artist Lisa Rinne, Swiss clowns Starbugs, German hand-to-hand duo Chris & Iris, French juggler Morgan, American baton twirler Nathalie Enterline, China’s acrobatic troupe BA Jianguo, French balancing act Le Boustrophédon, contortion duo Robert & Abillahi from Tanzania, and a few surprises to keep audiences on their toes.

As part of the Montreal en Lumiere Festival, Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain is without question kid friendly and family approved, but if you’re into making a real night of it (kids or not) indulge in the fest’s VIP nights on February 27 or 28 – be treated to a guided tour behind the scenes of Tohu (so many ropes and lights!), the best seats in the house, drinks and appetizers, and more.

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THE DETAILS

Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain, February 19 to March 2, 2013

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In 1992, Cirque du Soleil premiered Saltimbanco in Montreal. It would go on to be their first and longest touring show: 20 years and 6000 performances for more than 200 cities in 48 countries. From December 19 to 30, Cirque du Soleil will stage Saltimbanco at the Bell Centre for one last grande finale before retiring it to the history books…

Saltimbanco is the only Cirque du Soleil show to dazzle on five continents. Over 14 million spectators have been moved by Saltimbanco’s statement, and met the eclectic cast of 51 as they tour the audience through a wacky urban metropolis filled with colourful (and talented) inhabitants. Tickets come in three versions: Regular, Premium with Backstage Access, and a Family 4-Pack (2 Adult, 2 Children). The premium tickets gets you a rare peek into the chaotic and spectacular world of the Saltimbanco cast and crew, while the Family Pack is an affordable option to take the little ones to see something special for the holidays.

Saltimbanco is a tight two-hour show that features 10 jaw-dropping acts. From Chinese Poles, Juggling or the Russian Swing, you’ll be on the edge of your seat the whole time. My favourite act is the “Hand to Hand” (pictured above). Simple in concept, but mind boggling in execution. The costumes that the performers wear are also nothing short of amazing. They’re made right here in Montreal at the Cirque du Soleil International Headquarters, and the entire show has over 2,500 costumes items (including 250 pairs of shoes) that travel in 50 road cases. The costumes would be futile without stunning make-up, so each artists takes 90-minutes to apply their own makeup before each show. In other words, to be in Cirque du Soleil you not only have to be a world-class circus performer but also a trained make-up artist.

The title “Saltimbanco” comes from the Italian phrase “saltare in banco,” which means “to jump on a bench.” The word itself is an expression of culture, clash, and lots of colourful characters. Let the Baron be your tour guide to a journey and meet the acquaintance of people like The Dreamer, The Ringmaster, The Child, The Baroques and the decidedly creepy masked worms (pictured above.)

It’s an iconic show that’s had an unprecedented run casting a spell on millions. Don’t miss them take a final bow in the city it was born in, and salut the great things Cirque du Soleil has done for Montreal. You might even leave with a sneaking desire to run away and join the circus… Foot walking is a balancing act, right?

THE DETAILS

Saltimbanco, December 19-30, 2012

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Worlds Away is the story of a couple falling in love (aerialist Igor Zaripov and the American Erica Linz, both longtime Cirque acrobats).

“I came to the idea of these two people who meet in a real-world circus. She’s a young girl looking to escape her life. She sees this aerialist and instantly falls in love with him, but when their eyes meet he slips and falls. He drops right through the circus ring into another world and drags her with him. They spend the rest of the film looking for each other”, says Academy Award-nominated director Andrew Adamson (Shrek, The Chronicles of Narnia).

The actors journey through dreamlike sets, interwoven with acts taken from all of the Cirque’s Las Vegas shows: O, KÀ, Mystère, Viva ELVIS, CRISS ANGEL Believe, Zumanity and The Beatles LOVE. Cameron, who even shot some of the scenes himself perched high up in the air and wearing a harness, participated in this movie a lot more than usual.

The movie “is a circus, there are wires and harnesses, we get to appreciate the ingenuity of the staging and the costume designs,” explains Cameron. He says the audience truly feels “the experience of being in the show, not literally as a character, but to be up there on the stage as opposed to way up in the top seat”.

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Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away 3D is now screening at several Montreal theatres. And make sure to check out Cirque’s latest family-friendly show Saltimbanco, in Montreal December 19-30, 2012.

The post MONTREAL’S CIRQUE DU SOLEIL PREMIERES NEW 3D MOVIE WORLDS AWAYS appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.

On Sept. 1, 2011, the proud Montrealer made his world premiere of Gaia, a series of photos he took whilst hanging out (or floating around) the International Space Station. Sixty of his best shots are now displayed outdoors in the first-ever exhibition along the Promenade des Artists, a new public space sandwiched in the Quartier des Spectacles near the soon-to-open Adresse Symphonique.

Gaia means “Mother Earth” in Greek – I heard it means simply “Earth” in Aztec culture, so somebody please let me know. It is also the middle name of one of Laliberté’s kids. But basically it gets its meaning from the fact that all the photos were taken by Laliberté while floating in the high heavens and looking down (or up?) at our planet. If you can’t get enough of these images, you can take them home with you, albeit in a smaller book-size format. The full-colour tome also entitled Gaia is available for sale on-site at the One Drop booth (corner of Jeanne-Mance and de Maisonneuve, Wednesday to Sunday from noon to 9 p.m.), or at most major bookstores in the city. All proceeds go to One Drop and Fondation Desjardins, which work to raise awareness on water and the “threat to humanity created by shortages of drinking water.”

Said Laliberté, “When I gazed at Gaia – the Mother Earth of our ancestors – from above, I saw her fragility in relation to the universe, but also her great strength in relation to humanity. She has inspired in me the desire to live and have given me the will to take good care of her… I humbly share Gaia, for the very first time, with the people of Montreal.”

Printed on weather-proof vinyl on massive sheets of aluminum, the slightly hypnotic, highly abstract photos take on an installation feel, contrasting with their urban surrounding. You can roam the Promenade des Artistes 24-hours a day (the area is closely monitored by security). Plus there are fancy night-lights that allow you to discover each photo up-close any time of day, even while the rest of the city is sleeping.

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THE DETAILS

The Gaia Exhibition: Photos by Guy Laliberté, Promenade des Artists, September 1 to October 10, 2011

One Drop

Fondation Desjardins

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(comedy gold) The best of the North American comedy world might just be right here in Montreal right now – comedy festivals Just for Laughs and Zoofest run until the end of July with enough shows every night to cause a comedy overdose. From big-name shows like Louis C.K. (July 28) and Russell Peters (July 27) to locals like Joey Elias and up-and-coming comedians – check out Zoofest for the most surprising (and affordable) of these – and don’t miss JFL’s Best of the Fest in the intimate confines of Comedy Works, where any of the fest’s big stars drop in as the show’s surprise guest. Plus entertaining on-screen antics at the JFL film fest! Awesome times.

(worldly delights) One of my favourite festivals, Nuits d’Afrique, is also one of the most diverse – Africa is huge and complex! Get a taste of that gorgeous diversity this weekend: check out the new millennium’s voice of Guinean music in Les Espoirs de Coronthie, hear the fantastically warm voice of one of Mali’s leading figures in music, Oumou Sangaré, see Sénégalese-Quebecer and kora master Zal Sissokho with Montreal fave Fabrice Koffy, and maybe even learn some kick-ass Brazilian martial-arts-meets-dance moves in Capoeira workshops. And, of course, so much more (and there’s great food too!) The fest runs downtown at the Quartiers des Spectacles and at clubs around town until July 24.

(tumble for ya) The final weekend of Montreal’s own circus festival, Montreal Completement Cirque, is upon us – with free shows at the Old Port of Montreal (and a chance to try the trapeze out yourself!) and high-quality, death-defying circus shows from Cirque Carpe Diem, The 7 Fingers and more, plus a full weekend extravaganza for the whole family at Montreal’s circus centre, La Tohu – to July 24 at various locations, check out the full schedule at Montréal Complètement Cirque.

(cool off with art) Art lovers looking to pick up a piece of Montreal’s creative output should check out the Safewalls Pop-Up Shop this Saturday, July 23, in the Tapis Rouge tent next to the Cirque du Soleil’s Totem tent at the Quays of the Old Port, 8–11 p.m. See (and perhaps purchase!) prints from local and international artists and watch as art collective En Masse draws a gigantic mural before our eyes. Also: Osheaga Arts presents The Photography of Susan Moss, one of Montreal’s most well-known and loved photographers – she and her amazing shots of big-ticket rock shows and the city’s night life at Usine C (1345 Lalonde), to July 28.

(Haiti in the park) Hang out in one of Montreal’s best parks this weekend and take in the greatness of Montreal’s Haitian community, bringing on the best of Haitian traditional and contemporary music, dance, food and more at the fourth edition of Haiti en Folie at Parc LaFontaine, July 22–24.

(cinema lovin’) Escape the heatwave and enter the wild at the Fantasia film festival, Canada’s acclaimed fest of films that challenge the norm, inspire the imagination, and occasionally scare the crap out of even the most seasoned horror-movie lovers. At cool and calm (for the summer anyway) Concordia University, to August 7.

(musical meat) In another world of song, something that was bound to happen too: the story of Montreal’s most famous smoked-meat restaurant told in musical form. The success of Schwartz’s: The Musical proves that the world really did need more songs about the love of a mouth-watering sandwich. At Centaur Theatre (453 St-François-Xavier), to August 7 – with Schwartz’s sandwiches sold on-site every Wednesday!

(hard rockin’) There have been speculations in music news lately (and in the 70s, 80s and 90s) that rock n’ roll may, in fact, die – obviously this is rubbish, and one need only look to the insane popularity of outdoor rock show Heavy MTL – people come from all over for this one, at Parc Jean Drapeau this weekend (July 23–24). This year, bang your head to Kiss, Disturbed, Motörhead, Billy Talent, Godsmack and so many others. And brush up on your metal history before the fest at Cine-Metal’s outdoor screenings of Metal: A Headbanger’s Journey and Heavy Metal Parking Lot –  at Place de la Paix (on St-Laurent Blvd. just south of Ste-Catherine), July 22, 8 p.m.

(get into the karaoke groove) If karaoke has gotten all same-old, same-old to you and the very idea of hearing a bar sing along to Sweet Caroline puts you one step closer to madness, get sane in the brain at Hip Hop Karaoke – the coolest karaoke in town, this Saturday (July 23) at Le Belmont (4483 St-Laurent). Speaking of “urban” music, it means all kinds of things in Montreal  – The MEG Festival (July 28–31), a.k.a. the Montreal Electronic Groove fest, defines it as electronic, rock, pop and hip hop. On Thursday, see what that really means as local bands and DJs play shows around town (for cheap and for free!).

(rockin’ boats) If all that rock heaviness is just too much, the 16th edition of the Montreal International Dragon Boat Race Festival is also this weekend (July 22–24) at the Olympic Basin on Parc Jean-Drapeau – watch as teams of racers pick up their paddles to raise fun and have fun, plus see music, dance and other performances (and there’s all kinds of food too!)

(show time) Outside the festival sphere, shows must go on. Psych-indie-folk comes to Il Motore (179 Jean Talon W.) on July 22 with Cass McCombs and Lower Dens. On Saturday, July 23, local blue-folk outfit Bad Uncle plays Divan Orange and, whether he’s your cup of tea or not, the super popular Josh Groban will sing up a storm at the Bell Center. On Sunday, wacky ska-punkazoids Reel Big Fish play Metropolis and Paul McCartney shows he’s still got it goin’ on, at the Bell Center. And on July 27, Osheaga in the City gets that festival started early with The Glitch Mob at the SAT with Phantogram and Com Truise, followed by Gobble Gobble with Grimes and Pat Jordache on July 28 at La Sala Rossa (4848 St-Laurent).

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Want to win two tickets to see Cirque de Soleil’s TOTEM and a 2-night stay in a Montreal hotel? Say what? Oh yes, you read that correctly. All you have to do is check the rules and answer the following question in the comment section of this post before June 26, 11:59PM: What do you love most about Cirque du Soleil, and why do you think you and your guest deserve the tickets and hotel getaway? May the best answer win!

Even before entering the Grande Chapiteau, there is whimsy and magic in the air. The signature blue and yellow tent of Cirque du Soleil glows in the setting sun, creating an ambiance of electric energy. Hundreds of people line up with bated breath, knowing they are about to see something spectacular: TOTEM...

The lights go down and a hurried silence spreads through the crowd. Chanting beat music swells through the area, and the giant turtle-shaped structure starts to glow. Slowly descending from the sky is a sparkling figure, slowly spinning and glittering in the spotlight. No, this is not an acid flashback. This is Cirque du Soleil’s latest touring show TOTEM. Written and Directed by Robert Lepage, TOTEM takes a journey through the evolution of Man. From primitive form all the way up to the ultimate fantasy of flying.

The show was absolutely awe-inspiring, from the performances to costumes, music to sets. All was top-notch, with no expense spared. As always, you leave Cirque du Soleil with a feeling of euphoria mixed with depression. The euphoria comes from the incredible spectacle that leaves you believing in magic. Depression from the realization you will never be as fit, talented, flexible, fearless or captivating as the individuals that make up the TOTEM cast and crew. We peons can only watch from the sidelines as these athletes show us what the human body is capable of. How did they do that? Why can he do that with his legs? Is her head going to rip off from the rest of her body if she continues to do that? Seeing TOTEM is an out of body experience that raises more questions than it answers.

To make a long story short: go see it. While tickets can creep to the higher side of things, they always deliver your money’s worth. If anything, it is worth it to see the roller-skating natives do something that makes you scratch your head and then break into applause. I won’t give it away, because half the fun is letting your jaw hit the floor.

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THE DETAILS

Cirque du Soleil: TOTEM, Until July 31, 2011

Under the blue-and-yellow Grande Chapiteau at the Quays of the Old Port

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So, I’m Jean Francois and this is my brother Jean Christophe. Or maybe it’s the other way around- everyone gets us mixed up so why can’t I? But we are definitely half bird and half cat which makes us basically the most agile creatures ever. We love the circus and we know this much: if you want to see the best circus performers in the world, you need to do come to Montreal to see Cirque du Soleil: Totem…

Montreal is circus central. It’s home to the National Circus School, has a whole festival called Completement Cirque, and is where the greatest circus troupe in the world, Cirque du Soleil, got started. Their latest show Cirque du Soleil: Totem, June 16 to July 31, is going to be amazing. No big deal, it just covers the entire evolution of the human species in one of the most amazing eye-popping air-&-brain-defying acrobatic extravaganzas that Cirque has ever done. Me and my brother were totally going to be in the show but they told us that we can’t actually fly that well. Which is true, but not cool guys, not cool.

Jean Francois: Heyyyy, brother

Jean Christophe: What is it?

Jean Francois: Hey, listen- I was wondering- do you still think that the earth is a flat plate that rests on the back of a turtle?

Jean Christophe: Obvs.

Jean Francois: Excellent! Then you’ll go to Cirque du Soleil with me?

Jean Christophe: Do we have to go together?

Jean Francois: ….

Jean Christophe: …..

Jean Francois: …Would it help if I told you that Cirque du Soleil’s latest show TOTEM is about the evolution of humans from when they were amphibians to their discovery that flying is the most amazing thing ever? I didn’t know people wanted to fly, but since we can sort of fly, maybe this could be a bonding experience for us and the humans. Plus the stage is a giant turtle, which basically proves that cosmological myth you believe.

Jean Christophe: Oh really? Hm. I must speak to the Cirque du Soleil philosophers. Remind me to do this later, but brother, I’m also into Montreal’s Completement Cirque, it’s more street. Of course you wouldn’t understand the virtues of this, being a year younger than me.

Jean Francois: Brother, we have to stick together on this. We need to learn about people, then maybe they’ll learn about our people.

Jean Christophe: Humans have no interest in eagle/cat hybrids, especially because our skin is so hard to find soap for.

Jean Francois: Fine, maybe you don’t want to go to Cirque du Soleil, but if you come with me… I’ll go to Completement Cirque with you.

Jean Christophe: Nope.

Jean Francois: And I’ll buy your drinks.

Jean Christophe: Deal.

Jean Francois: Deal.

Jean Christophe: You know, I’d have gone with you anyway but I just wanted you to say you’d come with me to Completement Cirque and I was pretty sure you’d cave and offer to buy me drinks.

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THE DETAILS

Cirque Du Soleil: Totem, June 16 to July 31, 2011

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