Monday, February 15, 2010
Spotlight
Three days left before the great February thaw!
Only three days remain before the kickoff to the 11th edition of the MONTREAL HIGH LIGHTS Festival, lighting up Montreal from Thursday, February 18 to Sunday, February 28 with activities for every taste! Better yet, this year’s Festival-especially its free outdoor program, the BMO Bank of Montreal Celebration of Light-is bigger than ever, with the addition of an array of activities presented on the Place des Festivals ! Here’s a glimpse of what awaits Highlighters in the three programs of our festive urban event:
A brand-new Festival!
The BMO Bank of Montreal Celebration of Light has a wealth of new additions in store, especially in the expansion of the site itself to include the Place des Festivals: alongside Old Montreal and the Quays of the Old Port, the very heart of the Celebration of Light, this new playground greatly expands the parameters of the Festival… and when it comes to winter fun, bigger is definitely better! This year, while weekends still reign supreme with excitingly varied programming in Old Montreal and on the Old Port, the celebration continues all week long on the Place des Festivals (excluding Sunday and Monday)!
Welcome to the universe with Yuga, le film in the Ambiosphère L’Oréal!
Step right up for the astonishing Ambiosphère L’Oréal, an enormous 21 metre (70 ft.) white sphere that can accommodate over 300 people at a time. Inside, a simple-looking opaque, spherical white inner wall becomes the portal for a voyage into the universe once six synchronized high-performance projectors whirr into action! Yuga, le film, a world premiere presentation, is a special, spectacular 14-minute animated presentation courtesy of Montreal’s Space & Dream, taking the viewer on a completely immersive journey revealing nothing less than the history of the universe! Presented free of charge every day, every half hour, from noon to 9 p.m. (and until 3 a.m. during the Nuit blanche).
Still in the Espace L’Oréal on the Place des Festivals, Storytellers’ Corner hosts our masters of the monologue and tellers of tall tales (noon to 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.), and the Urban Cabane à sucre, braziers and a hospitality area offer hunger-slaying snacks. Fans can take in the Leonard Cohen Artworks Exhibition in the Galerie Lounge TD, on the 2nd floor of the Maison du Festival Rio Tinto Alcan, featuring drawings and sketches by the immortal Montreal poet and singer-songwriter. Free admission. And there’s no better place to warm up in wintertime than Complexe Desjardins, hosting the Festival of Quebec Cheeses (Wednesday, February 17 to Saturday, February 20) and the all-new Crossroads of Flavour (Tuesday, February 23 to Saturday, February 27).
Old Montreal and the Quays of the Old Port will also welcome new additions, including the Giant Labyrinth-an immense maze, measuring 24 x 36 metres (80 x 120 ft.) and 450 m (1500 ft.) long, made entirely from fir trees, ice and snow!-the Milk Hospitality Tent and its parlour games and knitting workshops, Meet and Greet sessions with the stars of Télé-Québec, decorating gingerbread cookies, skating with Alouettes players and the Portuguese 6 à 8 (Happy Hour) sessions featuring the Great Wines of Portugal, in the Bistro SAQ.
Two pôles, twice the pleasure!
It was already hard enough to hit all the action presented in the BMO Bank of Montreal Celebration of Light… but with the addition of all these new activities, and a larger site than ever before, the February fun just got even crazier! Still, with a little organization and discipline, you can certainly get to enough of the fun to melt your winter… Here are some of the activities you don’t want to miss over the next few days:
Old Montreal and Quays of the Old Port
(accessible from metro Champ-de-Mars)
Thursday, February 18, both Fridays, February 19 and 26: 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Saturday, February 20 (High Lights Event): noon to 11 p.m.
Saturday, February 27 (Nuit blanche): noon to 3 a.m.
Sundays, February 21 and 28: noon to 6 p.m.
Thursday, February 18
- Launch of Malajube’s interactive video, 100 mots pour la folie, produced by the NFB, in the Sphère AXA, 5 p.m.
- Grand opening night
- Let’s Get This Party Started! (Quays of the Old Port Events presented by Hydro-Québec), wit street characters and Cirque Carpe Diem, 7:30 p.m.
- Official Pyrotechnic Countdown (BMO Fireworks), 8 p.m., followed by
- Malajube, (BMO Shows)
- DJ Mary Hell and VJ Pink Rubber Laby (AXA Electro Evenings), in the Sphère AXA, 9 p.m.
Friday, February 19
- Epsilon (Quays of the Old Port Events presented by Hydro-Québec Québec), 7:30 p.m.
- Fireworks (BMO Fireworks), 8 p.m., followed by
- We Are Wolves (BMO Shows)
- PomPe tes PiPes Olympic DJ Team/VJ Simply Complicated, in the Sphère AXA, 9 p.m.
Saturday, February 20
- Meet and Greet, in the Sphère AXA:
- Decorating gingerbread cookies in collaboration with the Fondation de la Guilde Du Pain d’Épices, 12:30 p.m. to 2p.m.
- autographs and photos with personalities from the Télé-Québec program Tactik, 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Petite Jacinthe et Victor (BMO Shows), 2 p.m.
- Torchlight Procession (Quays of the Old Port Events presented by Hydro-Québec), 7:30 p.m.
- Celebration of Light Fireworks (BMO Fireworks), 8 p.m., followed by
- Nadja (BMO Shows)
- Ouananiche Live A/V, in the Sphère AXA, 9 p.m.
Sunday, February 21
- Meet and Greet, in the Sphère AXA:
- autographs and photos with personalities from the Télé-Québec program Toupie et Binou, 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- autographs and photos with personalities from the Télé-Québec program Kaboum, 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Autograph session with the Alouettes, reserved for BMO clients, BMO Skating Rink, 3 p.m.
- Skate with your Alouettes!, BMO Skating Rink, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Petite Jacinthe et Victor (BMO Shows), 2 p.m.
Place des Festivals
(accessible from metro Place-des-Arts)
From February 18 to February 27: noon to 9 p.m.
(3 a.m. for Nuit blanche)
Off on Sundays and on Monday, February 22
Every day
- Yuga, le film in the Ambiosphère L’Oréal, Espace L’Oréal (Place des Festivals), presented free every day, every half-hour, from noon to 9 p.m. (until 3 a.m. during the Nuit blanche; excluding Sunday and Monday)
- Leonard Cohen Artworks Exhibition in the Galerie Lounge TD (Maison du Festival Rio Tinto Alcan)
- Festival of Quebec Cheeses, Complexe Desjardins, Wednesday, February 17 to Saturday, February 20
- Storytellers’ Corner, Espace L’Oréal (Place des Festivals), a presentation of the Maison internationale du conte, noon to 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (excluding Sunday and Monday):
Thursday, February 18
- La chaise à deux pattes with Bernard Grondin
- Récits et complaintes du Québec et de l’Acadie with Robert Bouthillier and Geneviève Marier
- Paroles Nomades with Sylvi Belleau and Murielle Larochelle
Friday, February 19
- Le tour du monde en 60 minutes with FX Liagre and Julie Turconi
- Le jardin des animaux en conte et musique with Marie Roberge and Robert Len
- Les carnavals du monde with Pierre Renaud
Saturday, February 20
- L’amour dans tous ses états with Marta Saenz de la Calzada
- Des boutons pas de trous et autres menteries with Denis Gadoury and Michel Leblond
- Des babouches au ramasseur de lumière with Myriame El Yamani
The High Lights Event returns… transformed and re-dynamized!
Saturday, February 20, from 9 p.m
Tthe High Lights Event presented by Hydro-Québec is back, featuring an all-new show! Initially conceived to mark last year’s 10th anniversary edition of the MONTREAL HIGH LIGHTS Festival, this wild urban happening was such a massive hit with Montrealers that we’ve brought it back for this 11th edition! After a blowout success on the Musée Pointe-à-Callière square in 2009, the event moves onto the expanded playground of the Place des Festivals this year. Better yet, it’s been utterly transformed and re-dynamized into a wholly new creation entitled Les Ombres, featuring almost 60 performers (including singer Elsiane and DJ Dee) in a unique staging concept laid out on an exclusive multi-level stage, with the Ambiosphère L’Oréal at the base of the stage and featuring projections and pyrotechnic effects! This multimedia spectacle, conceived once again this year by special events master Olivier Dufour, promises to wow us with a full spectrum of sensory illuminations! Watch out for dropping jaws! After the spectacle, DJ Dee takes over to keep the party hopping!
The Festival’s cultural program, the Sun Life Financial Performing Arts, once again offers a superb selection of concerts, performances and shows for every taste. Here’s a glimpse:
Portugal onstage
Mísia - The sublime Mísia, queen of contemporary fado, whose scheduled Festival performance in 2007 was cancelled due to an accident, is back in the flesh-and as our honorary co-president!-with Ruas, her latest album, presented onstage in two parts: Lisboarium, a poetic and subjective vision of the Portuguese capital via her musical and poetic choices, and & Tourists, inspired by 20 years of journeys that formed her musical sensibility. Thursday, February 18 and Friday, February 19, Cinquième Salle, Place des Arts. Presented by Hydro-Québec in collaboration with Radio-Canada.
Maria de Medeiros - This woman of the world, and of worldwide cinema (Pulp Fiction, Henry & June, Le polygraphe), is part of a generation of Portuguese artists raised on Brazilian music and formed by the work of such masters as Caetano Veloso and Gilberto Gil. Her open-hearted appropriation of this magnificent repertoire brings a moving quality to her work. With its melancholy shadings, Medeiros’ album A Little More Blue finds itself just outside the usual multicoloured, festive Brazilian repertoire. It is this very quality which gives her music such a distinct personality-one present in her forthcoming album Péninsules & Continents, which she’ll perform for us in concert. Saturday, February 20 and Sunday, February 21, Cinquième Salle, Place des Arts.
Tony Gouveia - Traveling to Portugal to discover the fado? No need… Tony Gouveia, part of the new generation of fado singers, has given the music a North American footing, in Ontario to be exact. Born in Lisbon but relocated to Canada at 13, Gouveia obviously hasn’t forgotten his roots, nor the fado his father sang to him as a child. Discover this male fado singer (a rarity, on this continent) and his album Fado Ardente. It’s Lisbon à la Montréal! Saturday, February 20, L’Astral. Presented in collaboration with Corona Extra.
The new Caliente ! series
Calexico. Opening act: Great Lake Swimmers - With flamenco guitars and the mariachi sound back in place, Carried to Dust, the newest album by the Arizona band led by Joey Burns and John Convertino, leans toward their Latino side, after the rock detour of their previous release. This ceaseless need for self-reinvention is the group’s trademark! A free-spirited, refreshing music! Opening the evening, Toronto indie-folk group Great Lake Swimmers present their latest, Lost Channels. Thursday, February 18, Métropolis. Presented in collaboration with Corona Extra.
Jorge Martinez, Flamenco Nuevo - Inspired as much by ancestral music as modern sounds, this virtuoso guitarist delivers a fiery flamenco-fusion, equal parts technical prowess and Latin pride. It’s danceable, festive, moving and free-spirited. It was no surprise that he caused a sensation as the opening act for Cesaria Evora at the 2008 Festival International de Jazz de Montréal. Thursday, February 18, L’Astral. Presented in collaboration with Corona Extra.
PAPAGROOVE - This Montreal collective captivates crowds with a fusion of funk grooves and rock intensity, soul spirit and jazz verve, all of it rooted deeply in Afrobeat. After an utterly overpowering performance at the 30th Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, the group is back with his blazing debut We’re Not Blind. Friday, February 19, L’Astral. Presented in collaboration with Corona Extra.
Federico Aubele, Amatoria - After overpowering Ste. Catherine Street with his Latin dub trip-hop at the
30th anniversary of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, Aubele returns to light up the Montreal night again. He’s a romantic with everything it takes to charm you with the tangos, boleros, bossa-nova and reggae tracks from his latest album, Amatoria. This handsome young man will sweep the city off its feet. Saturday, February 20, L’Astral. Presented in collaboration with Corona Extra.
Even more choices
Andrea Lindsay, Les sentinelles dorment - A unique voice, subtle arrangements, fresh, sunny melodies and a singular poetic sensibility-Lindsay delivers them all with Les sentinelles dorment, her second album. The lovely Franco-Ontarian singer-songwriter and her musicians beautifully render the touching, tasty new songs for the stage along with her earlier hits. Chic, danceable pop with a spark of whimsy. Thursday, February 18 and Friday, February 19, L’Astral.
Hiromi solo - Barely 30, this extraordinary young Japanese pianist, acclaimed at the 30th anniversary of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, is one of the most high-profile jazzwomen of the moment. She’s back in Montreal, this time for a solo performance. Expect classics re-dynamized in the lady’s particular manner… Thursday, February 18, Gesù - Centre de créativité.
Daniel Taylor and Dame Emma Kirkby, Tilge, Höchster, meine Sünden by Johann Sebastian Bach and A Feather On The Breath Of God - The divine soprano voice of Dame Emma Kirkby joins Canada’s star countertenor Daniel Taylor for two unforgettable concerts: the first evening devoted to Psalm 51 from the Bach cantata Tilge, O höchster , the second evening featuring the medieval works of Hildegard von Bingen, Symphonia Harmonie Celestium Revelationum, as well as compositions by Tallis and Palestrina. Friday, February 19 and Saturday, February 20, Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours.
Yann Perreau, Un serpent sous les fleurs. Opening act : Final Flash - Accompanied by four solid musicians, powered by the success of his most recent album, Un serpent sous les fleurs, the Felix-award winner (for best author or composer) invites his fans to a wild, dance-mad happening! After a sold-out performance in October, he will illuminate the stage of the Métropolis, for the first time as a headliner. Saturday, February 20, Métropolis. Presented by ARTV in collaboration with CKOI.
Steve Smith’s Vital Legacy - Steve Smith-named one of the 25 greatest drummers of all time (Modern Drummer Magazine)-must have told himself: with all the musical pleasure provided by my two groups, jazz-rock outfit Vital Information and the straight-ahead Jazz Legacy, it might be a good idea to combine them… We can’t wait to hear the result! As the man himself says, it’s the best of both worlds! Saturday, February 20, Gesù - Centre de créativité.
Les Violons du Roy, Beau, bon… basson - Conducted by Bernard Labadie, whose reputation now reaches beyond his native land, Les Violons du Roy and bassoon soloist (Mathieu Lussier offer Beau, bon… basson, an extraordinary concert featuring uncommon instrumentation, and showcasing the long and curious wooden instrument of the title. On the program: concertos by Boismortier, Corette, Vivaldi, Telemann and Brescianello. Saturday, February 20, Salle Pierre-Mercure, Centre Pierre-Péladeau.
Tickets will be available at Métropolis, the Festival’s central box office (excluding those concerts presented at Place des Arts), from the Ticketpro and Admission networks and at the Place des Arts box office, as well as the box offices of venues hosting the shows.
With Portugal, New Orleans and the Eastern Townships as our featured country, city and Quebec region, fans can expect a wild diversity of flavours! But even with this perfect balance of quality and quantity (this year’s Festival welcomes the largest delegation in its history, thanks to the participation of our Portuguese guests), fans will have to hurry if they’re hungry to enjoy events in our popular gastronomy program! Here are some of the sold-out activities, as well as a few suggestions:
The Culinary Tours
- The Flavors of Montreal - Experience the range of Montréal’s culinary diversity and learn about the history of Saint-Laurent Boulevard, Plateau Mont-Royal, Mile End and Little Italy. Resistance is futile! Saturday, February 20 and Saturday, February 27, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. $100 (taxes are included, as well as the transportation, samples, professional guide and chartered vehicle).
- Old Montreal Progressive Meal - Surrender to the pleasures of a three-course meal skillfully orchestrated in three different restaurants. Friday, February 19 and Friday, February 26, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. $155 (taxes are included, as well as the wine, gratuities and coordinator).
- The Tastes and Smells of Old Montreal - A delectable way to discover the culinary, cultural and historic charms of the oldest part of the city. Saturday, February 20 and Saturday, February 27, 9:30 a.m. to noon. $60 (taxes are included, as well as the samples and guide).
- The Chef’s Secrets: The Taste of Portugal On Your Plate - The perfect opportunity to learn how to create your own Portuguese cuisine, as well as taste some of the characteristic dishes of the Iberian peninsula, along with wine. Saturday, February 27, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. $140 (taxes are included, as well as the tasting, wine and chef’s recipes).
- Discovering Jean-Talon Market and Little Italy - Discover our largest open-air market, along with a charming Montreal quarter: welcome to Marché Jean-Talon and Little Italy, and learn more about the history and principal merchants that make this corner of Montreal so unique! Saturday, February 20 and Saturday, February 27, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. $55(taxes are included, as well as the samples and guide).
Reservations mandatory. Information and reservations: montrealenlumiere.com/forfaits or HIGH LIGHTS Info Line 514 288-9955 and toll free: 1 888 477-9955.
24 activities already sold out!
Ferreira Café Honorary President’s Dinner - Fausto Airoldi, Friday, February 19 and Saturday, February 20
La Porte Make Way for the Great Leonel Pereira, Friday, February 19 and Saturday, February 20
Le Restaurant de l’Institut (ITHQ) Portuguese Cuisine Revisited, Friday, February 19
Portuguese Tradition and Innovation, Tuesday, February 23
Restaurant Julien A Taste of Louisiana, Friday, February 19 and Saturday, February 20
Europea A Midday Meal, Portuguese-Style, Friday, February 19
Albano Lourenço’s Lavish Spread, Monday, February 22 and Tuesday, February 23
La Fabrique Welcome Back, Danny St-Pierre!, Monday, February 22 and Tuesday, February 23
Portus Calle Break Bread with Two Great Portuguese Chefs, Monday, February 22 and Tuesday, February 23
Au Petit Extra Au Petit Extra’s Top Bottles, Wednesday, February 24
Laurie Raphaël José Avillez, Portuguese Flavour Alchemist, Wednesday, February 24 and Thursday, February 25
Le JolifOu Divine Swine!, Wednesday, February 24
Toqué! A Great Chef at Toqué!, Wednesday, February 24 and Thursday, February 25
Graziella Portugal from Land to Sea: A Woman’s Take, Thursday, February 25
Méliès Restaurant - Bar Portugal in the Spotlight, Thursday, February 25
Hyatt Regency Montréal Presenting: Quebec Chefs and Cheeses, Saturday, February 27
Changes to the program
La Porte, Les péchés de Pinocchio, Saturday, February 27 and Sunday, February 28, starting at 6 p.m. - New activity - In collaboration with the Rouyé family, Daniel Charbonneau and Mélanie Alain, chef-co-owners of gourmet resto-caterer Les péchés de Pinocchio, offer a menu based on fresh products with dishes that rival one another for flavour and colour. Can you resist the temptation? $60, without wine or $110, wine included (tax and tip not included). Reservations: 514 282-4996
Méliès Restaurant - Bar Portugal in the Spotlight, Friday, February 26 - added date
Laurie Raphaël José Avillez, Portuguese Flavour Alchemist, Friday, February 26 - added date
HIGH LIGHTS Info-Line
514 288‑9955 or, toll-free, 1 888 477‑9955
