It’s hard to believe for newcomers to the city how many people can actually fit on the field that extends between Pine Avenue and Mont-Royal Avenue at the foot of the city’s most famous monument, the St-Georges Étienne Cartier sculpture that marks the bottom of Mount Royal. Montrealers may have delusions of grandeur when we call our beloved bump a mountain, but it doesn’t diminish how naturally splendiferous and pleasant it is in this park landscaped by the man behind New York’s Central Park. When Frederick Law Olsmsted conceived of things in 1874, though, I bet he didn’t picture the massive gathering of half-clothed picnickers, dancers and drummers that gathers here every Sunday.

Started unofficially in the early 1990s, the Montreal Tam-tams have become a genuine institution. From noon to sundown every Sunday it’s like a communal garden party, featuring everything from bocci games on the lawn to cucumber sandwich-picnics to hacky sack battles, to capoeira demonstrations and LARPING galore. There’s also a bustling marketplace too, set out on blankets, where you can buy craft jewelry, vintage clothing, juggling accessories and percussion instruments of every sort.

The centerpiece, though, is the alfresco, sunbathed dance floor that forms on the marble steps around the monument, and the masses of percussionists – most amateur, some good enough to be pro ­– surrounding them. The beat sets the tone for the whole neighbourhood, wafting in and out of jams like the beating of so many hearts. After you’ve taken in the scene and people watched your heart out, make sure you stroll up that bump for a while – as the beat softens with every step, you’ll find a whole other kind of sensorial escape.

THE DETAILS

Montreal Tam-Tams takes place at the foot of Mount Royal, on Parc Avenue between Pine and Mont-Royal, every spring and summer Sunday from noon to sundown.

Photos by Eva Blue

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The 21 Swings public art installation, outside at the Quartier des Spectacles in the heart of downtown, is the kind of instrument anyone can play – and everyone is, no matter what their musical ability, age or whether they find themselves next to friends or strangers on the swings…

The long row of seven sets of colourful swings, like a mini playground along President-Kennedy Avenue between St-Urbain and Jeanne-Mance in the Quartier des Spectacles, is set up for collective music making until the end of May. Each swing hits its own notes, some sounding like a piano, some like a guitar or harp.

In French, the interactive installation’s title, 21 Balançoires, hints at part of its concept: to bring people together in public space in a kind of balance that reflects the fast-paced urban environment while showing how community-oriented Montreal really can be. That is, the more people work and play together, the more music can be made.

21 Swings came to Montreal’s streets last year and is even bigger this year and the music different with each group of people who happen to swing by. Created by Montreal artists Mouna Andraos and Melissa Mongiat and design group Daily Tous Les Jours, the installation is a project that blends artistic talents and urban design. Both Andraos and Mongiat have long been involved with interactive public art and design projects in Montreal and around the world, often looking to inspire people who might not think of themselves as musicians, performers or artists – with projects like 21 Swings, like magic, everyone becomes a creative force. Fittingly, the location of the swings is called Promenade des Artistes.

As people swing, melodies and harmonies are made along with others swinging next to them and nearby – sensors track the height, the speed and the position of the swings, triggering notes that match the swingers movements. Add to that an LED lighting system on the swing’s seat bottoms, and it’s a full-on collaborative, cooperative music show like no other, with participants listening to the music, slowing down and speeding up to adjust their part in it, and having a really good time just playing around.

THE DETAILS

21 Balançoires (21 Swings), until June 2, 2013

Photos by Susan Moss

The post 21 Swings brings music to the Quartier des spectacles appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.

In it tenth year, Pop Montreal proved again why it’s become such a unique dot on Montreal’s cultural map. For me, one of the defining aspects of Pop is that it’s not a festival dominated by whose got the biggest and baddest backstage pass. Trying to big-time someone with industry talk doesn’t get you very far. Artists hang out at other shows, VIP sections are often on the curb in front of the venue and I’m pretty sure that you can’t get bottle service anywhere. Though it would be kind of awesome to see someone try.

Before we go any further, yes, the crowd at Pop Montreal is generally a bit younger than the hardcore Jazz Fest fans, but it does manage to also draw those of us that have realized that life does, in fact, continue after 30. Including one of the most buzzed-about names at the fest, Seymour Stein (seriously, click that link), who saw more shows and stayed out later that a lot of you whippersnappers out there…

We’ve already talked about the musicians playing Pop Montreal in great detail, and god knows that most musicians don’t need more photos taken of them, but when you’ve got a great photographer like Richmond running around taking shots of No Joy, Cadence Weapon and Jean Leloup, it seems like an entirely good idea to include some photos of them too.

Over 10 years of growth, Pop Montreal has become more than just a music fest. Film, fashion, arts, crafts, symposiums and more are there for those looking to make the most out of the lightning fast 5-day festival. People may stay out late to see shows, but it’s nothing a couple of strong espressos and brunch or two can’t take care of.

If you want to see Richmond Lam‘s full set of Pop Montreal pictures, check out the Montreal Buzz Flickr photostream. See you next year!

The post THE PEOPLE OF POP MONTREAL: PHOTO GALLERY BY RICHMOND LAM appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.

PLAN B, 327 Mont-Royal Avenue East, (514) 845-6060

Easily spotted nestled along Mont Royal by the unubtrusive red “B” that sticks out above the door. Inside is a classically styled bar where comfort and familiarity are key. This place has a vibe that just feels right, not fussy, not frilly. The owner says that their goal is the “make cocktails they way they are supposed to be made, the classic way” instead of “New York-izing them with extraneous syrups, fruits and junk”. Their terrace out back is lined with vines and cozy tables, even though I was there during the late afternoon, visions of an intimate midnight cocktail increased the allure of this Mont Royal staple!

MISTO, 929 Mont-Royal Avenue East, (514) 526-5043

Next stop along my Mont-Royal bar crawl was Misto! Playfully spelled “M!sto”. This is a restaurant bar that delivers on both the drinks and grub! The owner confidently states that he thinks Misto has the best carpaccio in Montreal! Judging by the picture below, it very well might be! Misto is perfect to grab a drink, and nibble on a little something to share with a group.

The antipasto plate was perfect to pick at while enjoying one of their refreshing home concoctions. I had a deliciously deadly mix of tequila, cucumber, mint and simple syrup. It went down like water, to the dismay of myself and my dinner companions. Thank god for the food, because I had to prepare myself for bar #3.

LE BOUDOIR, 850 Mont-Royal Avenue East, (514) 526-2819Last stop on our Mont-Royal bar crawl was Le Boudoir for a whiskey tasting. This place is about as chill as it gets. The service is attentive but not overbearing, the drinks are good but not too expensive, and the crowd is fun but not rowdy. Now, I’m pretty ignorant about whiskey, have never gone to a whiskey tasting before, nor do I even know the labels. So when I dumbly do the first two whiskey tastings like shooters, I bashfully look around while everyone else daintily sips on theirs. Oops. Le Boudoir, not only a bar, but a classroom as well! The perfect place to start, or end, your night. Cheers!A

THE DETAILS

PLAN B BAR, 327 Mont-Royal Avenue East, (514) 845-6060

MISTO, 929 Mont-Royal Avenue East, (514) 526-5043

LE BOUDOIR, 850 Mont-Royal Avenue East, (514) 526-2819

The post BAR HOPPING ON AVENUE MONT ROYAL appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.

He was born in the Montreal suburb of St-Jean-sur-Richelieu in 1971, the son of the legendary F1 driver Gilles Villeneuve, who was tragically killed in a crash in ‘82 and after whom the beautiful and scenic F1 and Nascar track in Montreal is named. Villeneuve is a renaissance man of the racing world: Since 2007, when he left F1 racing, he has driven in the Le Mans 25-hour series, Speedcar, TRV6 and NASCAR. Montreal race fans will be happy to know that he’ll be behind the wheel at the Montreal Nascar race on August 19-20.

He also launched and owned Newtown, the happening Montreal resto/nightclub, until recently. He has a record, Private Paradise, and is a race commentator for F1. Now, he’s trying his hand (or rather his voice) in movies, too: In the recent sequel to the Pixar classic Cars, he’ll be voicing a race commentator (named after himself) in the French version of the movie, Les Bagnoles 2, coming out this Friday. Villeneuve sat down with us to talk about the recent, rainy F1 and his homebase of Montreal.

Photograph by: Shaun Best, REUTERS

Montreal Buzz: So that crazy watered-down F1 two weeks ago: Is that a race you’d like to have driven?

Jacques Villeneuve: I always enjoy difficult conditions, and that was definitely the case there. I just think they spent way more time fiddling around than they needed to. When it was a swimming pool it made sense [to shut it down], but there were other times that it was dry enough for the cars to get around, and they just weren’t there. I think it was a little bit embarrassing that they waited so long to get racing again. As soon as it started to dry out, they should have been out there. There were some guys took the restart, they were on normal tires, they weren’t even on full-wet tires.

MB: Did you stick around for any of the parties, at Newtown or elsewhere?

JV: Not really. It’s not my restaurant anymore, for one thing. This year I wasn’t too involved with the proceedings, what I’ve always done was the driving, not the parties. I’ve got kids now, too.

MB: Do you love the first Cars movie? Is that why you wanted to be in this one?

JV: I love the Cars franchise! And I have two little boys and they love the first one. I watched the first one because of them, and I couldn’t help but love it. But that’s what’s great about Pixar; kids love them but there’s a lot in there for grownups, too. Everyone can get something out of them. When I got a call to see if I was interested in doing the voice, I didn’t think twice.

MB: How was the experience of doing movie voicework? Studio voicing can be tricky, it’s an art in itself.

JV: It was exciting! This is first time I do something like that, it’s risky–you can find of burn yourself doing new things like that in public…but it was fun! It’s fun doing something like this because I know my kids will be proud of me. And honestly, we are all still kids when we watch movies. I forget I’m a grownup when you’re watching cartoons, and that’s great! Besides, Cars 2 os well written not baby talk, doing voice so even though the dialogue is somewhat realistic, it’s still not stuff that would happen in real life, it’s not realistic.

MB: In the movie, the race genres are all mixed up- there’s cars from NASCAR and F1 all hanging out. That would never happen in a real-life scenario—but it’s sort of fitting since you’re a multi-sport driver too.

JV: Yeah, in the movie, the cars race in Italy, France, Tokyo, and it’s a bunch of different type of cars racing together, which of course wouldn’t happen in real life, but they’re mixing all kinds of influences—Europe, Asia, America, so it’s quite fun for kids. Anyway, the racing is an excuse for all the storylines, and for the characters to have their own lives—it’s not 100% related to racing, it’s a cartoon!

MB: So now you live full-time in Montreal. What are some of your favourite things to do here? Any favourite things to do with your kids?

JV: So far, my kids have been too young to do much with besides take them to the park near our house, you know? I like summer in the city, we go a lot of parks, so it still feels like a village, you know? They are just getting to the age now where this summer, we’ll be starting to do some fun stuff. It’s more the adventurous side of me that comes out with them, we’ll do all the same stuff I did growing up in Quebec—karting, going to the countryside and riding motocross. I’ll let other people take the kids to museums. It’s more the outdoor stuff, skiing and stuff that I like to do with my kids.

MB: What about grown-up stuff?

JV: I like going to restaurants. I’ll go out for a special meal in the Plateau or Old Montreal somewhere. Club Chasse et Peche, that’s my favourite. And also DNA is fun

A

THE DETAILS

Montreal NASCAR, August 19-20, 2011

The post MEET A MONTREALER: JACQUES VILLENEUVE appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.

I love that when I go out in Montreal I can get Mad Men fancy and dress up to the nines (look for my earlier post “Get dolled up at Bleu Blow Dry and Rouge Nail Bar”) – or just tie my hair up in a ponytail, dress down, and nevertheless go out and have a good time. When I feel like doing the latter, which is most of the time, there are two new spots on my radar.

DRINK, EAT, AND WATCH HOCKEY

Brasserie Rachel Rachel

500 rue Rachel est

Neighbourhood: Plateau

The Plateau is a bohemian neighbourhood with a sexy, laidback style. And while much of the hipster chatter might seem to be emanating from the Old Montreal or the nearby Mile End quartier, the Plateau is still cool by anybody’s standards, and it is constantly evolving.

Rachel, for example, is a street where Mhotel Bar used to be the place on a Thursday night. They had Hitchcock décor pegged long before Sparrow (5322 boulevard Saint-Laurent). And how many nights did I (girlfriends in tow) head to La Banquise (994 rue Rachel est), a 24-hour poutine joint (it’s still there!), to console myself in fries, gravy and cheese after an uneventful girls’ night out.

Brought to you by the same gal behind La Porte Rouge (1834 avenue de Mont Royal est), my long time acquaintance Cindy Simard paired up with two buddies to open up Rachel Rachel. It’s a slick but unpretentious neighbourhood hub with modern décor, cool music and the promise to show every single Montreal Canadiens’ game on all of the many flat screens throughout (ditto goes for football, soccer, etc.)

Hockey in Montreal is a way of life. And I dare say that we are an anomaly in sports spectator demographics – almost every girlfriend I have is a Habs fan (and a Leafs’ non-fan), which alone is an attribute for most men. But it should be noted that Rachel Rachel is not your typical sports bar, in the vein of Chez Serge or Cage aux Sports (Serge has a mechanical bull if that’s any indication), but a girl-approved hangout with nice leather banquettes and choice cocktails. There’s even a celebrity chef, none other than local bloke Bob the Chef himself.

So, uh, I’ll pass on the free chicken wings elsewhere and have me some “snow crab” fish & chips and Jack & Coke baby back ribs. Yet another reason to tie my hair up in a ponytail.

DANCE LIKE NOBODY’S WATCHING

Club UN

390 rue Notre-Dame ouest (entrance on rue Ste-Hélène)

Neighbourhood: Old Montreal

Sometimes all you want is to slip on those comfy jeans (you know, the ones you can breath in), forget those high heels, and forego the push-up. (Obviously, ladies, I’m talking to you. But, men, please feel free to read on; this may be of interest to you all as well.) Sometimes you just need to chill out and let loose – and dance! Sister-friends, I hear you.

Nobody likes those sleazy up-and-down looks (OK, guys, that was directed at you. Some of you.) If you’re like me – a jaded Gen. X-er – and the idea of hitting yet another nightclub with a herd of drunken douchebags and carving out a single square-foot of dancing real estate in not your idea of fun, I think I’ve found an irresistible lure to tempt you out of your living room – or hotel suite.

Peopl. is a Montreal collective set up by Gotsoul, creators of the highly addictive Therapy sessions. Resident DJs, like Angel Moraes, Christian Pronovost, Robert Ouimet, and my homeboy Jojo Flores, now convene every Sunday at Club UN in the Old Montreal and spin deep, soulful, groovy house. They also bring in their international compadres, like Josh From Blaze (jazzy, garage house) and Osunlade (more soul and funk). Coming soon is “the one and only” (as Jojo himself says) Danny Krivit. Date TBA.

Club UN is a cosy, basement-feel space with an urban minimalist décor of slick hardwood floors and easy-does-it black leather couches. The entrance is a speakeasy-type door on rue Ste-Hélène, about 50 steps from rue Notre-Dame.

As for the dress code, well, there isn’t one. So go all out, if that’s your thang. Or come in your PJs. Last time I was there, one gal was cutting up the floor in Uggs (most peeps come in sneakers). I might add that sometimes Peopl. friends, my pals Lisa Sim and Tony Jay, bring baked goods. Who can beat that? Yes, it’s that kinda vibe. I wonder if you can also order milk at the bar.

Modelled after the “tea dance” (a.k.a. T-dance) concept, like that of Body & Soul in New York, the needle drops at 4 p.m. and keeps on until 10 p.m. – do you get the “afternoon tea” reference? It’s a perfect, painless way to unravel out of your gluttonous brunch coma, burn off that extra bacon, and connect with your entourage before the week is over. And you know what they say, Where the girls go, the boys will follow…so maybe a little mascara wouldn’t hurt, and it’s not like Louboutins are outlawed. Then, head’s up, Princess: When it’s all over, you’ll still have plenty of time to wash your face, brush your teeth, floss and watch the late night news before your chariot turns into a pumpkin.

The post COME-AS-YOU-ARE BAR AND NIGHTCLUB appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.

2010 has been a busy year for the Montreal Street Profile series. We started with Bleury, Parc, Maisonneuve, Saint-Paul and Saint-Zotique. We visited Crescent, Greene Avenue, Sainte-Catherine and Saint-Denis. For our final installment of the year (hint: make sure to come back in 2011!), we thought a stroll down Mount-Royal was in order, in no small part because it offers some very “a la Montreal” shopping that is perfect for the holiday season…

Given that it starts at Mount Royal, it’s not hard to figure out where Mount-Royal Avenue gets its name. Of all the streets we’ve profiled, this one has perhaps the most iconic landmarks of them all: you can look down from its mountainous starting point and see the Big O, where it ends. (Our exploration will a bit shorter than that.) It is a totally charming street, as “Montreal” as they come, especially in the summer when a large portion of it is blocked off from traffic. It boasts some of the city’s classic diners, some great restaurants and cool bars and, while Saint-Catherine may boast the big name stores, Mount-Royal boasts the cool independent shops that you won’t find anywhere else…

Beauty’s: Perhaps the only thing on Mount-Royal to rival the mountain and the Big O in iconic status is Beauty’s, the breakfast and brunch spot that has been a favourite of Montrealers since 1942. Everything is pretty spot-on here, but do not visit without getting one of their famous smoothies.

Binerie: Any greasy spoon that has its own Wikipedia entry is obviously a big deal. Opened (and virtually unchanged) since 1938, as the name suggests the star of the show here is mighty bean, but this is truly a mecca of traditional Quebecois foods like tourtière, pea soup and sugar pie.

Meow: A perfect example of the great vintage/retro/cool t-shirt/weird awesome little object shops that Mount-Royal does especially well.

Old Gold: This small spot is sort of a curated store, with great vintage clothes mixed with expertly chosen hard-to-find brands. Especially good for men’s stuff.

Paul’s Boutique: A record shop that is a goldmine of hard-to-find vinyl. And yes, the Beastie Boys have been here and given it the thumbs up.

Caffe Art Java: If you need a coffee and you’re Mount-Royal, I command you to get it here.

Cannelle: A lady I know told me that they make clothes here that many ladies like. She also told me that Bella Pella makes other stuff that ladies like. I cannot confirm any of this.

Salle a Manger: Chef Samuel Pinard’s open-kitchen resto that focuses on locally-sourced foods is one of the city’s rising food stars, a fun and relaxed place that has an entire section devoted to feeding large groups. So, if you’re craving an entire suckling pig, this is the place.

Au Cinquième Péché: Though Salle a Manger may be the star, absolutely consider this tiny-in-size-only French bistro that focuses on some truly-outside-the-box food. So, if you’re wondering where you could have seal done three ways, this is the place. Last year I had a 5-hour food extravaganza there that I can still taste.

Belmont: Though technically on St-Laurent, the Belmont is close enough to Mount-Royal to deserve a mention. It’s really two totally different bars in one: a pint-and-pool place that eventually gives way to a nightclub that boasts some of the best electronic music in the city.

O Patro Vys: My favorite drink spot however is found in this downstairs/upstairs combo. Upstairs at O Patro Vys, you can see shows of all sorts before/after/during heading down to Bily Kun for their unique drinks that include absinthe and all sorts of Czech and Polish boozes that you can’t find anywhere else in the city.

La Porte Rouge: La Porte Rouge might just be the bar star of Mount-Royal, managing to walk that fine line of retro-kitsch, the fun-but-not-tacky appeal that pretty much everyone loves.

Candi Bar: Candi Bar, however, appeals to a more specific clientele. This cocktail spot looks like someone exploded a couple martinis inside a box of toys.

As I always say, this is just a small sampling of what the street has to offer. But, if there were ever a stroll-able street that requires no advance planning, Mount-Royal is it.

The post STREET PROFILE: MONT-ROYAL AVENUE appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.

Entitled “The Blues” by Flickr user Melissa Sal, this photo displays a couple key features of one of our favorite neighborhoods – The Plateau Mont-Royal. We see a three-story walk up apartment with colorful detailing, the green of a maple tree and last, but certainly not least, a pair of bicycles. Montrealers do love to cycle.

Thanks for the dreamy photo!

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Submit your Montréal pictures to our MONTRÉAL BUZZ FLICKR GROUP.

And see our previous PHOTOS OF THE WEEK.

The post FLICKR PHOTO OF THE WEEK appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.

As they say in real estate, the same is true for hotels — it’s all about “location, location, location.” And as far as locations go in Montreal, the artsy and picturesque “Plateau Mont-Royal” is among the most touted by gushing travelers.

The Auberge de la Fontaine is a charming accommodation option in the heart of the Plateau. With many of the rooms overlooking Parc Lafontaine, the guesthouse offers twenty one rooms in a beautiful setting. Plus, there’s a certain “homey” feeling that is difficult to find in the big name hotels. If you’re looking for something personable, with easy accessible to restaurants, cafes and shops, this might be your best bet.

Check out our quick video tour of Auberge de la Fontaine.

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THE DETAILS

Auberge de la Fontaine
www.aubergedelafontaine.com
1301 Rachel Street East
Montreal QC
(514)597-0166
1(800) 597-0597

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The post THE CHARMING HOTEL: AUBERGE DE LA FONTAINE appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.

Pop Montreal is primarily a festival devoted to music. But in the nine years they’ve been around, their mandate has expanded to include some of the other areas whose paths intersect with that of the musical arts.

Though they have yet to take me up on my proposal to start Dog Pop (perhaps because I have not advanced my idea beyond filling a huge room with dogs and seeing what happens), the other Pops have slowly become attractions of their own. They explore the relationship between music and film, fashion, art and more. They also make for nice breaks in your busy, busy concert schedule. Let’s look at some highlights…

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FILM POP

I’m putting Film Pop at the top to make sure that you catch Look at What the Light Did Now, a documentary about Feist and friends, which airs on opening night. Director Anthony Seck looks at the recording process of her monster album “The Reminder” and, by all appearances, it looks to be as fun as the artist herself. Another must-see is Toumast: Entre Guitare et Kalashnikov, which enters the world of the nomadic Tuareg people and their truly incredible connection to music. And finally (and do check the schedule for other ideas), Dry Wood – Les Blank, takes a look at the food and music of French Louisiana, with a focus on the legendary Creole musicians “Bois Sec” Ardoin and Canray Fontenot.

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SYMPOSIUM

The Pop Montreal Symposium has become one of the most important parts of the fest, some mid-day food for thought to intersperse all that late-night show-hopping. Free industry panels, listening sessions and keynote presentations, all presented with Pop’s relaxed and intimate je-ne-sais-quoi. Must-attends here starts with Songwriting & Arranging with Van Dyke Parks, which will function as conversation between him and CBC Radio 3′s Vish Khanna. Wondering if might learn something? Check the resume. Another great convo will be between Carole Pope and writer Carl Wilson, whom you might recognize from his writing on Montreal’s (sort of) beloved Celine Dion. Let’s wrap up this quick preview with a mention of the Bounce Class with Big Freedia and friends, which may even teach you something about female empowerment as you learn how to get low.

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PUCES POP

First off, if you’re into fashion, crafts and all things DIY and happen to be one of those people afflicted a Twitter addiction, go add @Pucespop now. Make sure to check out their fashion show made up of local designers and models. The big draw every year is their massive craft fair, the perfect place to buy your loved ones (ps- one can love themselves) a non-boring present. And for the music lovers out there, their 2-day record fair is an absolute must-browse.

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ART POP

As far from stuffy as you can be, Art Pop showcases local and international artists with equal parts style and substance. They join forces with the Yves Laroche Galerie D’Art to present a range of paper goods created by graphic designers and artists, as well as a show of some of the revelatory art of Montreal-based graffiti artist Other. Other events tackle public spaces, online life and, most interesting to me anyway, concert posters.

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KIDS POP

As friends (and myself, apparently) get older, I’ve noticed something special about Montreal: this is not a city that feels the need to keep children and cool separated. Kids Pop gets this and has a series of events for the hip kids in your life- from art workshops to an on-air DJ session to two concerts from the one and only Fred Penner. PS- the events are mostly 6 and up but make no mention of a maximum age cutoff…

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