Countless free Montreal International Jazz Festival shows to catch (see our guide here), a special Barcelona edition of Piknic Électronik, Lady Gaga’s ArtRave hitting the Bell Centre, and a new Montreal music label launch at a secret location: time to get your music fix for the week of June 29th to July 5th.
Sunday, June 29th, 2014
Piknic Électronik is switching things up by inviting the organizers of the Barcelona edition to take over for the day at Parc Jean-Drapeau, while the Montreal crew will be taking over their Spanish counterpart’s edition. This all-Spanish line-up includes BeGun, who will be performing a live set, Undo, and tech-house rising star Coyu. Elsewhere in the city, Il Motore welcomes the Lieberson sisters and Boshra Al Saadi, also known as New York alt-rock band TEEN, who is currently on tour promoting their most recent LP The Way and Color.
Monday, June 30th, 2014
As part of the Montreal International Jazz Festival, Beat Market kick off a three-night residency at the Savoy Room of the Montreal Metropolis, and the best part is that it’s free! According to the Jazz Fest, they are offering “a blend of synthesizers, acoustic instruments, and visual effects,” they’re sure to get you dancing late into the night.
Tuesday, July 1st, 2014
It’s Canada Day! Meaning there’s the parade, some cake in the old port alongside a free concert, and many more activities. Why not take this as an opportunity to take advantage of some great free shows at the Jazz Festival? With bands such as Vintage Trouble, Bustamento, Kim Zombik Trio, and Lady all performing, there’s sure to be something for everyone.
Wednesday, July 2nd, 2014
Lady Gaga’s ArtRave: The Artpop Ball stops by Montreal for a night of sonic and visual stimuli, and if that’s your thing, then you’ll probably be one of the thousands heading to the Bell Centre. If not, there’s another slew of free Jazz Festival shows to attend, including the Melbourne Ska Orchestra, The London Souls, Sandra Nkaké, and Laila Biali.
Thursday, July 3rd, 2014
MOTO Made and BootyBakery are pulling all the stops for Lauren Abedini, aka KITTENS. The veteran L.A. DJ will be performing at the Cabaret Underworld alongside Compton Chic, WIFEY, Kid Bassline, and many others. It’s only $5 before 11:00pm, so get there early!
Friday, July 4th, 2014
American pop-rock band Neon Trees have been getting a lot of press for the new album Pop Psychology, and their set at the Corona Theatre is sure to be a popular destination on Friday night; they’ll be accompanied by Nightmare and the Cat and Smallpools.
Saturday, July 5th, 2014
It’ll be a veritable feline frenzy at La Vitrola with 2 cat-themed artists performing on the same bill. Joining KITTEN, the Chloe Chaidez fronted American rock band, will be Kitty (formerly Kitty Pryde), the precocious Florida rapper who has collaborated with everyone from Danny Brown, Riff Raff, Sufjan Stevens, and Ryan Hemsworth. If you’re more in the mood for some home-grown minimal techno, then look no further than new record label Future Montreal’s debut event at a secret location in Rosemont. This free and BYOB event will feature local DJs Like A Tree, Dialog, Polygramme, and LYLI.
Roundup
Sunday, June 29th:
Piknic Électronik / Parc Jean-Drapeau / 2:00pm / $15 (at the gate)
TEEN / Il Motore / 8:00pm / $10 (buy tickets)
Monday, June 30th:
Beat Market / Savoy du Métropolis / 11:52pm / Free
Tuesday, July 1st:
Montreal International Jazz Festival / Place Des Spectacles / 1:00pm / Free
Wednesday, July 2nd:
Lady Gaga / Bell Centre / 7:30pm / $59 – $229 (buy tickets)
Montreal International Jazz Festival / Place Des Spectacles / 1:00pm / Free
Thursday, July 3rd:
KITTENS + Kitty/ Cabaret Underworld / 10:00pm / $5 before 11pm, $10 after (at the door)
Friday, July 4th:
Neon Trees / Théâtre Corona / 8:00pm / $36.65 (buy tickets)
Saturday, July 5th:
KITTEN / La Vitrola / 8:00pm / $15 (buy tickets)
Future Montreal Label Party / Secret Location TBA / 10:00pm / Free + BYOB
