[b-ball in m-town] Whether you’re into it for the awesomely played game, the outrageous theatricality, or both, the Harlem Globetrotters are always a good time for the whole family, at the Bell Centre, April 2, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. The other b-ball hits the big screen once again as Montreal’s fabulous independently operated cinema, Blue Sunshine (3660 Saint-Laurent, 3rd floor), brings back the ragtag little-league baseball of The Bad News Bears in a 16mm print, April 1, 8:30 p.m.

[musical meat lovers] Montreal’s famous smoked-meat sandwiches, always worth standing in line for at the one and only Schwartz’s delicatessen, have no doubt inspired many an artist. In the case of playwrights Rick Blue and George Bowseron, smoked meat inspired a whole theatrical production. Schwartz’s: The Musical, inspired by Bill Brownstein’s book, “Schwartz’s Hebrew Delicatessen: The Story”, brings us the hilarious, true-to-life story of the deli and its unparalleled customers, at Centaur Theatre.

[out of india] Mumbai meets Montreal and film meets live performance in Ticket to Bollywood, a dance tribute to four decades of collaboration between Indian film, classical music and pop culture. The internationally touring show helps celebrate the “Year of India in Canada” at Oscar Peterson Concert Hall (7141 Sherbrooke West) on April 1, 7 p.m. Also that night, Irish Lord of the Dance Michael Flatley hops and skips into Place des Arts, until April 2. And in the avant-dance-meets-multimedia category, the audience takes its place among the dancers – some wielding hand-held video cameras, their images on screens around the room – in 4quART, produced by Danse-Cité and the 2e Porte à Gauche, at Monument-National (1182 St-Laurent), April 1–2.

[women of the world] How awesome are women? If you said “awesomely awesome to a degree I hardly have words for,” then you’re on the right track. The National Women’s Show, April 1–3, recognizes women’s great diversity (at least when it comes to buying things we need/want), featuring over 300 booths and exhibits on fashion, health, business, travel and more, downtown at the Palais des Congres. And, weird and womanly in the best way, the Edgy Women Festival closes with the Edgy Boum party – music, performance, drag, dancing and more – at Mainline Theatre (3997 St-Laurent), 8 p.m.

[dance off winter!] Many people come to Montreal to dance the night away, and some come to watch some of the world’s top dancers own the stage. This Sunday’s Spring Bling puts the two together: learn the latest dance-pop moves with one of Montreal’s hippest choreographers, Sasha Kleinplatz, as she leads a super-fun fundraiser dance class for Head & Hands, at La Sala Rossa (4848 Saint-Laurent), 2 p.m., sliding scale, $7 – $20.

[april fool 4 u] No foolin’, this Friday, April 1, is serious about that rock n’ roll music thing. The big news on the big names blasting back from the past: Rod Stewart AND Stevie Nicks are at the Bell Centre, and rumours have it that they do a duet or two too. The 70s return in a more modern incarnation with Vancouver’s critically adored Destroyer, a.k.a. Dan Bejar, one of the talents behind super(Canadian)group The New Pornographers, at Cabaret Mile End (5240 Parc). Meanwhile, Born Ruffians do some smooth rockin’ out at La Sala Rossa and The Raveonettes win hearts and fans at La Tulipe (4530 Papineau). And, since the 70s truly can’t be kept down this weekend, British post-punk masters of experimental, all-encompassing rock, Wire, return to town April 2, at Cabaret Mile End. Finally, reggae legend (and former back-up singer to Bob Marley!), Judy Mowatt brings the sound of sunshine, if not the sight of it, to the Oscar Peterson Concert Hall on April 3.

Photo Credit: Rod Stewart- RodStewart.com

The post THINGS TO DO IN MONTREAL (MARCH 31-APRIL 3) appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.

Now more than ever, a woman’s place is in the kitchen—as the driving force of this year’s Montreal High Lights Festival. Every year since its inception a decade ago, the festival’s Wine and Dine Experience has organized itself around a theme, and this year the festival is honouring women in the culinary arts—from chefs to winemakers to cheesemongers…

The High Lights festival offers a vast and varied schedule of culinary events so extensive that there’s no way a single eater could ever dream of experiencing it all. But that’s the best thing about February in Montreal—there’s always something new to eat, and somewhere new to eat it.

This year, the festival’s honourary President is Anne-Sophie Pic of Maison Pic in Valence, France. Pic, who prefers to call herself a “cook” rather than a “chef”, is the only woman in France to hold three Michelin stars, the highest culinary designation in the world. Pic’s Presidential dinners at Toque!, in which an innovative tasting menu will be paired with wines from her chosen vineyard, Domaine Georges Vernay in Cotes du Rhone, will be the most sought-after table at the festival. Whether you want an elegant gala sit-down meal or something a little more casual, choices abound. Over two dozen of Montreal’s best restaurants will be hosting female chefs from around the world for special meals that are joint efforts between the home teams and their special guests. I’m particularly excited by some of the new-world pairings—Melissa Craig from Whistler’s Bearfoot Bistro at Old Montreal’s Chez L’Epicier and Elizabeth Falkner from San Francisco’s Orson at DNA are sure bets.

There’s also a serious collusion between specially invited winemakers (also all women) from France, California, Argentina, New Zealand, and British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley. And as for all that wonderful cheese, take a peak at our look at the Festival of Cheeses

(TIP: if you happen to have some little ones with you, they’ll be thrilled to check out a special brunch screening of Ratatouille, which is surely one of the few times that “rats” and “food” could ever be put in the same sentence and still be called “cute”.)

Guest blogger: Melora Koepke

Photo: Reuters

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The hair is the richest ornament of women.  ~Martin Luther

Once or twice a year, I venture to new salons in order to get my hair straightened. Make no mistake, I love my curly hair, yet change is always something I welcome with arms wide open.

Notice that I would make more regular trips to the hair salon if it weren’t for the fact that I usually despise paying for disappointment. My hair is curly, dry and damaged. I pretty much don’t know what to do with it except letting it grow, something I’ve been relatively successful at – if I ignore the upsetting reality that it’s actually not growing anymore. Damn you, dead ends.

To address this unfortunate situation, I recently headed to Montreal’s famous Salon Pure. After all, the team of co-founders Anna Pacitto-Merlo and Daniel Benoit did just win the title of North American Salon of the Year at Vegas’ NAHA Awards, also known as The Oscars Of Hair Awards. That would be the third time in nine years for Pure and considering no other salon in North America ever won the award more than twice, I figured my hair would be in good hands.

And so I dragged my bird nest-like head to Peel Street where I met with Salvadoran hair stylist Brian, who began by giving me a serious hair treatment. « Girl, you NEED a hair treatment», said his eyes as he liberated my mane from the grip of its elastic.

They say to build a lasting house you need to have a solid foundation. It seems like Anna and Daniel (who are also Art Directors for L’Oreal Professionel in Canada) have mastered that principle down to perfection, assembling a team of professionals that are not only talented and detail-oriented but who ultimately really care about every single client that walks through the door of their Cours Mont-Royal establishment.

The salon offers a variety of services, from cuts and extensions, to coloring, styling, evening hairstyling and hair treating.

Judging by what they did to my unruly hair (see bouncy and pretty capillary action above), this is one hair salon I won’t shy away from – and so shouldn’t you.

PURE

Les Cours Mont-Royal
1455 Peel Street, 4th floor
Montreal, Quebec
(514) 871-4004

Business Hours

Monday and Tuesday: 9 am to 6 pm
Wednesday to Friday: 9 am to 9 pm
Saturday: 9 am to 5 pm
Sunday: noon to 5 pm

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Ever wondered what a summer festival would look like if all the stores from a city’s fashion district got together for fours days, organized major runway shows, and threw glamorous parties under the metropolitan stars? If so, wonder no more. That’s what Montreal’s Festival Mode et Design is all about!

From August 4 to August 7, fashion aficionados from all over the world are invited to the popular Montreal fashion event (celebrating its 10th anniversary this year) to revamp their style and find new inspirations for the last few weeks of the summer interval and the oh-so exciting season that is fall in the fashion world.

Fashion shows will be held at outdoor stages in downtown Montreal in addition to many special events and late night parties featuring musical sensations such as Misstress Barbara or the Pinup Saints. For full  details on the programmation make sure you check out the Festival’s website which is loaded with activities to choose from and photos that will make your shopaholic heart beat like an 808 drum.

THE SHOPPING RALLY

Now the greatest part about Montreal’s Festival Mode et Design is that you don’t have to actually wait an entire season to wear the looks on display. All the sexy trends are available in the Montreal boutiques located steps away from the runways. In fact, the organizers of the Festival are even hosting a Shopping Rally on August 5, bringing together Montreal’s leading fashion retailers. The stores will welcome shoppers with gift bags, music, DJs, workshops, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and – wait for it – discounts!

AND NOW – THE ULTIMATE GIRL GETAWAY PACKAGE

Tourism Montreal is also currently offering all ladies a fantastic Girls Getaway package which includes exclusive privileges at many of the city’s finest hotels, discounts on spa treatments, and many other goodies such as $5 cosmos, mojitos and martinis at Phillips Lounge, VIP service at the chic Espace Pepin boutique, free make-up sessions at The Bay, 15% of at La Senza or Levi’s and even free public transportation during your stay !

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THE DETAILS

When : August 4 – August 7

Where : McGill College Avenue, corner Ste-Catherine

Info : (514)-876-1499

Email: info@sensationmode.com

Twitter: @Sensation_Mode

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