THE LEGENDARY PIKNIC ELECTRONIK

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The legendary (nay, the infamous) summer event that hardly needs an introduction, Piknic Electronik, goes down every Sunday from May 22 to September 25…

I’ve always felt that Sunday was missing something but I never knew what to do about it. It seems that the pioneers behind the music festival Piknic Electronik felt the same way and unlike me, they did something about it. Every Sunday until late September you can go to the beautiful Parc Jean Drapeau and see several electronic music shows a day. The party starts in the early afternoon and jams till’ sundown. If you’re a fan of electronica and a socially acceptable atmosphere for daytime drinking, then it’s time to pack your woven basket and your finest red and white checkered blanket because Piknic Electronik is the summer music festival for you.

Piknic Electronik has blossomed into its ninth year and with the help of over 100 artists, they’ve planned one serious party. This year they’ve booked musicians from far and wide, many of them will be gracing Montreal for the very first time like Julio Bashmore, Luke Abbott, Max Cooper and Maceo Plex. In addition to this, they’re “bowing down to their pioneers” by showcasing some of the innovators who spearheaded the electronic music genre like Ian Pooley, Terry Lee Brown Jr., Misstress Barbara, Fred Everything and Dubfire who will open the season.

You can also look forward to a special nod to Canadian artists with the Made in Canada showcase where Canadian artists are featured exclusively. Look to the Guru Stage for acts like Recife, Botnek and LOL Boys. To make this year a real Canadian love fest, Montreal labels will also be given their own label showcases with three days devoted to Canadian artists. Montreal has perfected the summer festival so it’s no surprise that nobody does leisure better than Montrealers. But, Piknic Electronik is an international sensation and who wouldn’t want to travel to Montreal in the summer to play a show? Look forward to artists from labels like Night Slugs, Hemlock, Traum, Border Community and Hotflush Recordings. There’s no reason not to conclude the weekend with a lazy Sunday basking in the sun and taking part in vibrant music scene that has put Montreal on the musical map.

This year there are no excuses. You can’t even blame your children for not going. Piknic Electronik is proud to be a family friendly affair so you’re actually encouraged to bring the kids and it’s free for children under 12. Show the little ones that you’re still “hip” and that you’re by no means a “jive turkey.” Even if they don’t like electronic music, they’ll have fun networking with other children in the newly renovated Family Space. This year there are more playgrounds, games and children oriented activities than ever before. There’s even mini golf, which I guess is just regular golf to small people but hours of fun nonetheless.

I’m pretty sure that future generations will commemorate the Piknik Electronik festival with a national holiday or day of worship. But Piknic Electronik is not just one day; it’s every Sunday from May 22 until September 25.

THE DETAILS

Piknic Electronik, May 22- September 25

Parc Jean Drapeau, 1 Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, (514) 872-6120

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