Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Spotlight
The countdown starts…
Ready… set… celebrate! It’s the final sprint to the opening of the 11th edition of the MONTREAL HIGH LIGHTS Festival! Just a few hours remain before we pop the cork on a program of gastronomic, artistic and free outdoor activities ready to light up our winter for 11 days and nights, from Thursday, February 18 to Sunday, February 28. Here’s a glimpse of the action:
The massive urban happening that lights up the first Saturday of the Festival!
Don’t forget that the High Lights Event presented by Hydro-Québec returns this year with an all-new spectacle! And in an exciting new wrinkle, this year’s version moves onto the expanded playground of the Place des Festivals, after its blowout success on the Musée Pointe-à-Callière square in 2009. The entirely new creation, titled Les Ombres, features close to 60 performers (including singer Elsiane and DJ Dee) in a unique staging concept set out on an exclusive multi-level stage, with the Ambiosphère L’Oréal at its base and featuring projections and pyrotechnic effects! This multimedia spectacle, conceived once again this year by Olivier Dufour, promises to dazzle us with a enough daring and delightful diversions to have jaws dropping all over the site(s)! After the spectacle, DJ Dee takes over to keep the party grooving! Saturday, February 20, from 9 p.m.
Two free outdoor sites open tomorrow, Thursday, February 18!
It’s double the pleasure this year, as we add the Place des Festivals to the already very popular site spread out in Old Montréal and the Quays of the Old Port. Two sites, two schedules, ad even more fun and frolic! As in previous years, the Celebration HQ remains in Old Montréal and on the Old Port during weekends, with different daily programming, but then extends to weekdays thanks to the activities on the Place des Festivals (excluding Sunday and Monday)! Here’s a foretaste of the upcoming action on the sites:
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), with street characters and the 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 Lady (AXA Electro Evenings), in the Sphère AXA, 9 p.m.
Friday, February 19
- Portuguese Happy Hours, Bistro SAQ, 6p.m. to 8p.m.
- 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.
- Portuguese Happy Hours, Bistro SAQ, 6p.m. to 8p.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.
- Petite Jacinthe et Victor (BMO Shows), 2 p.m.
- Autograph session with the Alouettes (reserved for BMO clients), BMO Skating Rink, 3 p.m.
- Skate with your Alouettes! (open for all) BMO Skating Rink, 4 p.m. to 5 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, 12:30p.m. 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
A festival for the whole family!
A vacation in February? With all these activities, kids and their parents might be tempted to move into the Festival site for the duration! Weekends feature the favourites and new additions in Old Montréal and the Quays of the Old Port, while weekdays are packed with action in Espace L’Oréal, on the Place des Festivals. Here’s a quick look at all the family fun:
Non-stop activities…
… in Old Montréal - the Milk Family Site
o 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!
o Entertainment and parlour games in the Milk Hospitality Tent and the Milk Family Site
o The Milk Ice Slide-a 120-metre thrill ride
o The Maple Milk Kiosk-maple products and hot maple milk
o The Brazier Bars-marshmallows and grilled sausages
… and on the Quays of the Old Port
o The BMO Ferris Wheel and carnival attractions including heated nomad tent, games of skill and fortune-telling from NomadUrbains.
o The Hydro-Québec Dome offering warming infrared rays
o The BMO Skating Rink featuring skating workshops
o AXA Photo Studio
o The BMO Shuttle, offering free rides
… and on the Place des Festivals
It’s simple: EVERYTHING that happens in the Espace L’Oréal on the Place des Festivals is designed especially for families! Start with Yuga, le film, in the Ambiosphère L’Oréal, an eye-popping experience guaranteed to dazzle kids dreaming of the galaxy as much as the grandparents who’ve never stopped star-gazing; then move on to the Storytellers’ Corner, presenting tall tales from all genres (noon to 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.), and the Urban Cabane à sucre, braziers and hospitality area to ward off winter hunger. All this, and we haven’t even mentioned the décor featuring inflatables and an “urban forest”… and, come nightfall, superb continuous video projections by artist Jimmy Lakatos, on the themes Caliente ! (on the Maison du Festival Rio Tinto Alcan) and Montréal en lumière (on the Musée d’art contemporain), and the temporary illumination of the Place des Festivals (conceived by Alain Lortie).
Don’t forget to mark these down in the family funbook!
The Milk Hospitality Tent
Knitting workshops
Thursday (February 18) and Friday: 7:30 p.m.- 9 p.m.
Saturday 1:30 p.m.- 3 p.m., 4:30 p.m.- 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m.- 9 p.m.
Sunday 1:30 p.m.- 3 p.m., 4:30 p.m.- 6 p.m.,
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.
The BMO Shows - BMO Stage, Jacques-Cartier entrance
- Petite Jacinthe et Victor - Saturdays, February 20 and 27 and Sundays, February 21 and 28, 2 p.m.
The Quays of the Old Port Events presented by Hydro-Québec
- Get This Party Started!-Thursday, February 18, 7:30 p.m.
- Epsilon-Fridays, February 19 and 26, 7:30 p.m.
- Torchlight Procession-Saturday, February 20, 7:30 p.m.
- Calling All Nighthawks!-Saturday, February 27, 7:30 p.m.
- The Pointe-à-Callière Port Symphonies-Sunday, February 28, 1:30 p.m.
The BMO Fireworks
- The Countdown-Thursday, February 18, 8 p.m.
- Fireworks -Fridays, February 19 and 26, 8 p.m.
- Celebration of Light Fireworks-Saturday, February 20, 8 p.m.
- Pleins feux sur la Nuit blanche-Saturday, February 27, 8 p.m.
And don’t forget the activities of the Nuit blanche, during the night of Saturday, February 27!
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.
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.
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.
Elisapie Isaac - On the heels of her brilliant run as one half of Taima, welcome There Will Be Stars, Elisapie Isaac’s magnificent debut solo album. Whether singing in English, French or Inuktitut, drawing inspiration from folk, rock, and even disco, she’s fashioned a sound that showcases her voice in a new light-a quality that drew the likes of Martin Léon, Richard Desjardins, Pierre Lapointe and Antoine Gratton to the album. Montreal premiere. Tuesday, February 23, Friday, February 26 and Saturday, February 27, L’Astral. Presented by CBC Radio 2.
Martine St-Clair - Finally, it arrived: Entre vous et moi, the compilation of greatest hits from a singer who’s been making them for 25 years. And the MONTREAL HIGH LIGHTS Festival is proud to host the media premiere of this highly-anticipated show! The grand return of a Quebec favourite. Love is in the air! Wednesday, February 24 and Friday, February 26, Gesù - Centre de créativité. Presented by MusiMax.
Adrian Vedady Quartet with special guest Marc Copland - Montreal double bassist Adrian Vedady is a jazzman with a considerable following among fans, critics and other musicians for his style, precision and sound musical judgment. He unveiled his new album, In Three Acts, at the 30th Festival International de Jazz de Montréal this past summer. Performing here with a quartet, he treats us to the additional pleasure of a special guest, American pianist Marc Copland and his richly imagistic music. Wednesday, February 24, L’Astral.
Schedule changes
Please note that a show by The Aggrolites, scheduled for Friday, February 19 in Métropolis has been cancelled.
Don’t miss these events!
Great Portuguese Flavours and Wines, Thursday, February 18 and Friday, February 19, starting at 6 p.m. - The Beaver Hall team is presenting a four-course meal that is big on Portuguese flavour. The evening’s hosts, two representatives from the acclaimed Duorum winery, José Maria Soares Franco and José Luis Moreira da Silva, will be introducing their wines along with those of fellow Douro winemakers. Bistro Beaver Hall.
Foie Gras and Maple: Cocagne’s Signature Duo, Thursday, February 18 to Monday, February 22 and Thursday, February 25 to Sunday, February 28, starting at 5:30 p.m. - Given the raging success of this theme in the past two years, chef Loiseau is pleased to announce an encore presentation with a six-course meal that perfectly harmonizes foie gras with maple products. Bistro Cocagne.
Back to Their Roots!, Thursday, February 18, 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. - Chef Laurent Godbout is delighted to be back in the kitchen with François Tourigny, the very chef with whom he started his cooking career. Let yourself be whisked into a world where spices, subtle aromas and woodsy fragrances brilliantly intertwine to create an experience you won’t soon forget! Chez L’Épicier.
An Evening at the Belvedere, Thursday, February 18, starting at 6 p.m. - Chef of the Belvedere Restaurant in Cascais’s Grande Real Villa Itália Hotel, Paolo Pinto welcomes you to Decca77 for a five-course meal of his own inspiration. While there, be sure to treat yourself to the harmonious wine pairings of Filipe Robodero of Casa Agricola Roboredo Madeira Vineyards. DECCA77.
Alentejo in Five Steps, for a Song!, Friday, February 19, starting at 5 p.m. - Partake of this festive evening and discover the Alentejo region of Portugal through five delicious shared dishes. DECCA77.
Along the Spice Route, Thursday, February 18 to Saturday, February 20, starting at 5 p.m. - An evening of discovery inspired by Portuguese voyages along spice trade routes through Asia: cuisine influenced by regions traveled through by explorers long ago, and wines chosen from the winemakers’ wide range. KOKO Restaurant + Bar.
La Porte Celebrates Four Years!, Thursday February 18 and Friday, February 19 and Tuesday, February 23 to Friday, February 26, starting at 11:30 a.m. - In celebration of La Porte’s 4th anniversary, Thierry Rouyé and his son Maxime are inviting you to come enjoy a four-course meal that echoes the influences of France and Portugal. La Porte.
Sri Lankan Night!, Thursday, February 18 to Sunday, February 28, starting at 6 p.m. - Assisted by a bosom chef friend, David Ferguson is turning out a six-course Sri Lankan meal that explores the bewitching island’s culinary traditions and classic flavours. The judicious wine pairings of sommelier Hélène Brault kicks the meal up a notch. Le JolifOu.
Portuguese Tradition and Innovation, Thursday, February 18 and Saturday, February 20, and Tuesday, February 23 to Saturday, February 27, noon and 6 p.m. - The Restaurant de l’Institut team invites you to come sample a hallmark three-course meal developed by guest professor and one of the greatest international ambassadors of innovative Portuguese cuisine, chef Vítor Sobral. Le Restaurant de l’Institut (ITHQ).
Two is Better Than One, Thursday, February 18 and Friday, February 19, starting at 5:30 p.m. - Chef Pedro Nunes, whose reputation extends far beyond the borders of Portugal, and Martin Leclerc, a master of comfort food that showcases local ingredients, are teaming up to craft a meal that puts the sun on your plate! Owner of the DFJ Vinhos winery and renowned winemaker José Neiva Correia will also be on site to share his passion with wine enthusiasts. Le Samuel de Champlain.
Gourmet Pleasures from the Eastern Townships, Friday, February 19 and Saturday, February 20, 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. - L’Inconnu is pairing up with Geneviève Fillion of Sherbrooke’s Le Bouchon to create a five-course tasting menu with her region’s local produce taking centre stage. L’Inconnu.
A Culinary Jaunt Across Portugal, Thursday, February 18 to Saturday, February 21 and Wednesday, February 24 to Saturday, February 27, starting at 6 p.m. - Chef/owner Helena Loureiro is happily flaunting her beloved country’s flavours. Using recipes that beam with sunshine harmonized with wines from her cellar (made up exclusively of Portuguese vintages), she is planning a cross-country taste tour in an unequivocally relaxed setting. Portus Calle.
Alentejo!, Thursday, February 18 and Friday, February 19, starting at 5 p.m. - Pullman welcomes winemaker Luis Louro of the Quinta do Mouro estate. On the menu, in his company: a tasting of several of his vintages paired with assorted tidbits. Pullman.
Adlib!, Thursday, February 18 to Saturday, February 20, starting at 7 p.m. - For three memorable evenings, chef Deff Haupt is hosting chef Isabelle Alexandre of Adlib (Sofitel Lisboa) and João Ferreira Álvares Ribeiro of the Douro’s prestigious Quinta do Vallado winery. On the menu: a panoply of high-quality products, including seafood and cod, accompanied by impressive wines from the guest winery. Renoir.
Where France and Portugal Meet!, Thursday, February 18 to Saturday, February 27, starting at 6 p.m. - The team at Restaurant Christophe is pushing the envelope yet again this year with two distinctive menus, inspired by the flavours of two distinctive countries: France and Portugal. Double your pleasure and let your taste buds rejoice by selecting each of your five courses from the choices presented on the restaurant’s web site. Don’t forget to bring your favourite wine! Restaurant Christophe.
A Taste of Louisiana, Thursday, February 18 to Saturday, February 20, starting at 6 p.m. - If there ever was a New Orleans-style cooking luminary, it’s chef Brian Landry of Galatoire’s. Established in 1905 and counting several US presidents among its clients, the restaurant is a veritable institution. Restaurant Julien is proud to welcome chef Landry, who will be sharing his standout dishes and his classic yet modern Louisiana cooking style. Restaurant Julien.
Verses Welcomes Special Guests from Portugal, Thursday, February 18 and Friday, February 19, starting at 6 p.m. - For two nights only, executive chef Laurent Prosper welcomes special guests Paola Soares, owner of the Malhadinha vineyard, and her chef Vítor Claro. Everything on the menu-food and wine-is rooted in the magnificent Alentejo region. Wine connoisseurs will especially enjoy this opportunity to mingle with the chefs and the wine grower. Verses.
Baladi Nights, Friday, February 19 and Friday, February 26, 8:30 p.m. - Enjoy Montréal’s most authentic Lebanese cuisine in a fun-filled evening with your friends. Complete with a Baladi dancer to entertain your guests, this evening will awaken all your senses! Zawedeh.
HIGH LIGHTS Info-Line
514 288‑9955 or, toll-free, 1 888 477‑9955
