Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Spotlight
Once more, with feeling!
Fine dining, a massive selection of shows and an abundance of free outdoor activities are on the menu for the next five days. And as the already hugely popular BMO Bank of Montreal Celebration of Light hits its peak, the Nuit blanche à Montréal lights up the city with its night of divine madness. Get ready for an exciting five-day finale!
Continuous activities all week long on the Place des Festivals and a return to action starting Friday at 6 p.m. in Old Montréal and on the Quays of the Old Port
Place des Festivals
(accessible from metro Place-des-Arts)
Until February 27: noon to 9 p.m.
(3 a.m. for Nuit blanche)
Weekdays on the Place des Festivals…
Every day
- Yuga, le film in the Ambiosphère L’Oréal, Espace L’Oréal (Place des Festivals), presented free until Saturday, every half-hour, from noon to 9 p.m. (until 3 a.m. during the Nuit blanche; excluding Sunday)
- Leonard Cohen Artworks Exhibition in the Galerie Lounge TD (Maison du Festival Rio Tinto Alcan)
(until 3a.m. during the Nuit blanche) - Crossroads of Flavour, Complexe Desjardins, until Saturday, February 20
- Storytellers’ Corner, Espace L’Oréal (Place des Festivals), presented until Saturday by the Maison internationale du conte, 12:30p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.:
Stories and storytellers
Wednesday, February 24
- Des histoires à dormir deboutte! with Francis Desilets and Éric Michaud
- Jamais je ne t’oublierai with Raynald Barbarie and Andrée Dufort
- Contes de l’ours et autres contes innus with Nicole Filiatrault and Mélissa Mollen-Dupuis
Thursday, February 25
- Les contes du magasin L’Heureux with Claudette L’Heureux
- Contes des Grandes eaux with Lucie Bisson
- Voix de la jungle with Franck Sylvestre
Friday, February 26
- La rôdeuse with Alexis Roy
- Contes d’hiver et de forêt with Anne-Marie Aubin and Alain Charpentier
- Rouge: contes à vif! with Céline Jantet and Nicolas Rochette
Saturday, February 27
- Histoire de se conter des… histoires! with André Lemelin
- Paroles croisées de femmes du Sud with Isabel Dos Santos and Patricia Vial
- Il n’y a pas de rue sans histoires with Éric Gauthier
- All this, and we haven’t even mentioned the Urban Cabaneà sucre, braziers and hospitality area to ward off winter hunger, a décor featuring inflatables and an “urban forest”… and, come nightfall, superb continuous video projections by artist JimmyLakatos, on the themes Caliente! (on the Maison du Festival Rio Tinto Alcan) and Montréal en lumière (on the Musée d’artcontemporain), and the temporary illumination of the Place des Festivals (conceived by Alain Lortie).
Old Montreal and Quays of the Old Port
(accessible from metro Champ-de-Mars)
Friday, February 26: 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Saturday, February 27 (Nuit blanche): noon to 3 a.m.
Sunday, February 28: noon to 6 p.m.
Don’t miss this action!
Non-stop activities starting Friday…
… 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
Friday, February 26
- 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
- La patère rose (BMO Shows)
- Radio Radio DJ set/VJ Brille Brille - Tetsouille, in the Sphère AXA, 9 p.m.
Saturday, February 27
- Petite Jacinthe et Victor (BMO Shows), 2 p.m.
- Portuguese Happy Hours, Bistro SAQ, 6p.m. to 8p.m.
- Calling All Nighthawks! (Quays of the Old Port Events presented by Hydro-Québec), 7:30 p.m.
- Pleins feux sur la Nuit blanche (BMO Fireworks), 8 p.m., followed by
- Les Denis Drolet, Chants de plume (BMO Shows)
- DJHatchmatik/VJ Cameron Brothers (21h), FM Radio Gods/VJHoming (minuit) and DJMini/VJ Homing vs The Cameron Brothers (1h), in the Sphère AXA, 9 p.m.
Sunday, February 28
- Pointe-à-Callière Port Symphonies, Quays of the Old Port, 1:30p.m.
- Petite Jacinthe et Victor (BMO Shows), 2 p.m.
Of course, this is just a peek at the complete program that awaits us!
The 7th Nuit blanche
180 activities
3 quartiers and one pôle
and just one night to experience it all!
Saturday, February 27, from 7:30 p.m.
The Nuit blanche à Montréal, presented by Hydro‑Québec as part of the MONTREAL HIGH LIGHTS Festival, celebrates its 7th birthday this winter. The age of reason? Not on your life! One look at the program will be enough to convince you that this year’s edition is especially zany, crazy and free-spirited! This Saturday, February 27, High Lighters can discover the city by night, plunging into 180 activities-most of them free-spread indoors and outdoors over three quartiers and one pole (sector). Feel like dancing, clambering onstage, singing, swimming, laughing? Ready for stories, an artistically re-imagined Montreal underground and a night of endless surprises? The Nuit blanche à Montréal awaits you with all this and more; there’s so much action, you’ll be hoping for a lunar eclipse to keep the night going!
Changes to the program
New activity: Belvédère Place Ville-Marie (#37) - (www.ourspolaires-glacesephemeres.ca) : Bal de l’ours - After visiting London and Copenhagen, a very special polar bear heads our way: an imposing plar bear sculpted out of ice covering a bronze skeleton. This work of art symbolizes the impact of climate change: melting in the ambient heat, it leaves behind only the animal’s skeleton. Join us and dance to DJ tunes in support of the climate! Free. 3 p.m. to 3 a.m.
New activity: Church of Saint James the Apostle (# 37b), Concert Fanmi se Fanmi Concert - A concert series that unites and embraces people in the name of talent and inclusiveness. The 5th edition celebrates the heritage and influence of African culture and its expression in the diaspora as part of Black History Month. In the spirit of a family gathering, the evening begins with a tasting of Afro-Caribbean cuisine. Free. 7:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.
New activity: Espace Création Loto-Québec (#41): CIBL - Listen as journalists deliver live reports on our 180 activities all night long. Free. 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
- # 5, Château Ramezay Museum, Let’s Eat! Traditional Quebec eating habits: schedule change - 8 p.m. to 3 a.m.
- # 10, Maison de l’architecture, Architecture en samba…: schedule change - 10 p.m. to 3:30 a.m.
- # 17, Quebecor, Nos plus grands comédiens…: schedule change - photographer present from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- # 19, New City Gas, Griffintown: cultural development: change of address - 140-141, Ann St.
- # 26, DHC/ART, Int. Scène - jour: new telephone number - 514-849-3742
- # 27, Pointe-à-Callière: new telephone number - 514-872-9150
- # 43, Star Wars Event: The Clone Wars: change in name of venue - Amphithéâtre du Pavillon Sherbrooke de l’UQAM rather than Cœur des sciences de l’UQAM
- # 54, Cinémathèque québécoise, Once Upon a Time in The East: schedule change - midnight and 1:30 a.m.
- # 62, SAT, [mixsessions]…: schedule change - 4 p.m. to 3 a.m.
- # 68, ARTVscope: location change - City Hall, Place Vauquelin instead of Place des Arts
- # 73, Théâtre du Gesù, Boite à POP: acoustic performances are cancelled but the activity will still take place (mulled wine and visit to the site)
- # 75, St. James United Church, Organo pleno: schedule change - 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. Also, please note that three organists will perform rather than five.
- # 80, Total Crap / Merde Total will be held in Chez Baptiste on Masson St. instead of Vol de Nuit.
- # 83, Librairie Gallimard - Demain se lit aujourd’hui… is cancelled
- # 104, Armatta, Subwoofer and the City of the Immortals: schedule change - the activity ends at 4 a.m. instead of 3 a.m.
- # 108, Maison Smith, La descente du mont Royal: change in name of venue - Maison Smith - Les amis de la montagne
- Art Souterrain (Jocelyn Michel): the artist will not be in attendance
- Finally, as part of the Nuit blanche and the Celebration of Light, schedule change for VJs playing the 9 p.m. and midnight slots in the Sphère AXA:
o 9 p.m.: DJ HATCHMATIK + VJ Cameron Brothers
o Midnight: FM RADIO GODS (live) + VJ Homing
For all the details, visit montrealhighlights.com. And Festival fans can also consult a mobile-friendly version of the program on their cellphones and mobile devices at the following address: montrealenlumiere.mobi.
This edition gets its hot’n’spicy groove on with Caliente !
The Cuban Martinez Show - Musician, composer, arranger and musical director, Yordan Martinez orchestrates a unique concert gathering Cuban-born Canadian artists, all of them veterans of major groups in their native Cuba. Onstage, Roberto Linares Brown, Adan de Dios, Alberto Alberto, Telmary and many others bewitch audiences with their original pieces and their irresistible, seductive and suave rhythms. Welcome to the Latin party! Thursday, February 25, L’Astral. Presented in collaboration with Corona Extra.
Virginia Rodrigues and the Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club - Nothing can bring out the sunshine in the nighttime quite like this double bill: Virginia Rodriguez, one of the stars of the Brazilian scene and Afro-Brazilian culture; and legendary Cuban musicians Guajiro Mirabal (trumpet), Manuel Galban (guitar), Jesus Aguaje Ramos (trombone) and Barbarito Torres (laúd). It’s an evening to warm body, heart and soul! Friday, February 26, Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts.
Arturo Sandoval. Opening act: Hilario Duran - The founder of incendiary Cuban jazz/rock/traditional 
group Irakere is an immensely versatile trumpeter of peerless virtuosity. Well, legendary jazz master Dizzy Gillespie didn’t take him as his protégé for nothing. Expect classic jazz and Afro-Latin at its hottest. Opening the evening: pianist Hilario Duran, who first came to prominence as a member of Sandoval’s band. Friday, February 26, Métropolis. Presented in collaboration with Corona Extra.
Roberto López Project, Colombian Salsa Cafe - After winning over fans at the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal in 2008 and FrancoFans this past summer, he returns this winter with his polycultural orchestra and Colombian Salsa Cafe, a full musical serving of the Lopezian repertoire, including his new album Soy Panamericano. Get ready to dance all night long! Friday, February 26, L’Astral. Presented in collaboration with Corona Extra.
Lizt Alfonso Dance Cuba, Elementos - A piece created by the internationally renowned Cuban choreographer, known for her flamboyant and extravagant works performed solely by women. In Elementos, Earth, Air, Fire and Water take human form and unite to breathe life into Man. A vibrant, elegant and theatrical fusion of ballet, flamenco and Afro-Cuban dance. Saturday, February 27, Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts.
La Nuit brésilienne with Paulo Ramos, Bïa, Monica Freire, Nico Béki and Peninha - Our Brazilian-born Québécois friends bring us some much-needed Brazilian sunshine, sensuality and summery heat in the waning days of February. Paulo Ramos not only thrills us with his latest album, Bossamba, he also welcomes the delectable voices of Bïa, Nico Béki, Monica Freire and Peninha, among others. As part of Nuit blanche à Montréal. Saturday, February 27, L’Astral. Presented in collaboration with Corona Extra.
… and a diverse array of action!
Les Trois Accords, Dans mon corps. Opening act: Pépé Goes Français - Dans mon corps is their 
latest album with the unlikely cover, featuring hard-hitting hooky melodies and lyrics of surprising depth, and presented here in a Montreal premiere. And here’s a cherry on the Mammouth: opening act Pépé revisits the French musical heritage, from Indochine to Dassin, with side-trips through Niagara, Dutronc and Renaud. Tomorrow, Métropolis. Presented by MusiquePlus.
12 hommes rapaillés - A dozen voices raised in song in tribute to a giant: a major undertaking in Quebecois song, 12 hommes rapaillés was a phenomenal success, selling more than 30,000 copies, and drawing unrestrained praise from the critics. Welcome the return of a genuine tour de force, a major musical moment during Les FrancoFolies last summer that also packed Théâtre Maisonneuve last autumn. Featuring Michel Rivard, Yann Perreau, Daniel Lavoie, Richard Séguin, Vincent Vallières… and songs from a 2nd album due this autumn! Tomorrow night, Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts.
Ian Kelly - With his second album, Speak Your Mind, new alt-folk darling Ian Kelly confirms his innate sense of melody. Straightforward, with sensitivity and intelligence, his songs reflect the preoccupations of a young man of 30: love, war, the environment… Onstage, the singer-songwriter unfurls his musical vision in a trio, supported by two wonderful musicians, Jon Day on keyboards and Mark Nelson on drums. Thursday, February 25, Club Soda.
Constantinople, El grito, el silencio - A journey to the heart of flamenco with Constantinople virtuosi Kiya and Ziya Tabassian, on setar and Iranian percussion respectively, and Pierre Yves Martel, on viola da gamba. They will be accompanied by two guests from Seville, spirited singer Rosario La Tremendita, the current ambassadress of flamenco singing, and master guitarist Juan Requena. Friday, February 26, Salle Pierre-Mercure, Centre Pierre-Péladeau.
Gina Gibney Dance, View Partially Obstructed - In its Canadian premiere: the latest piece by this New York artist who brought credibility to danse engagée and who has been lauded for her talent, sensibility and virtuosity. Performed by five dancers to original music composed by Ryan Lott. Friday, February 26 and Saturday February 27, Agora de la danse.
Matt Herskowitz Trio - Matt Herskowitz (piano), David Rozenblatt (drums) and Mat Fieldes (bass) present an evening of Herskowitz’s original compositions, including Scenes from Jerusalem Trilogy (combining Jewish and Arab musical styles) and Polonaise Libanaise, as well as Herskowitz’s arrangement of the Prokofiev Etude in C Minor (op. 2 no. 3) and other original material presented in the pianist’s signature contemporary jazz/classical crossover style. Sunday, February 28, Segal Centre for Performing Arts.
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.
The new Crossroads of Flavour in full swing in Complexe Desjardins
Now running until Saturday, February 27, the new Crossroads of Flavour transforms Complexe Desjardins into a huge marketplace, playing host to our local producers and artisans and their products. Divided thematically into zones representing the regions of Quebec, the Grande-Place welcomes such attractions as the Bakery, offering breads, pastries and chocolates, the General Store and its many organic products, the Cellier de chez nous featuring Quebec alcoholic beverages, the Zinc, a relaxing zone where guests can raise a glass, enjoy culinary demonstrations by chefs or join in culinary workshops-including those presented in the GE Café by T-Fal and chef Jonathan Garnier of the Guilde Culinaire de Montréal-and the Lait à la bouche Mobile Boutique, a futuristic circular boutique presenting some 40 innovative dairy products made from 100% Canadian milk. Today, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Don’t miss the Festival’s Finest Tables!
Role Reversal at DNA, Saturday, February 27, starting at 6 p.m. - DNA’s partners, chef Derek Dammann and sommelier Alex Cruz, are switching things up. Alex will craft dishes reminiscent of his native Portugal, while Derek customizes wine pairings and manages the dining room. An unconventional idea sure to generate unconventional results…and a whole lot of happy taste buds for diners with a sense of adventure! DNA Restaurant.
A Meeting of Portugal’s Masters, Thursday, February 25 to Sunday, February 28, starting at 5:30 p.m. - For four nights only, one of Portugal’s biggest culinary stars, Luís Baena, is offering a five-course gourmet meal in perfect harmony with vintages from the Herdade do Esporão winery. A unique opportunity you won’t want to miss! Nuances.
Paula’s Cozinha, Wednesday, February 24 and Thursday, February 25, at 7 p.m. - Chef/owner of D.O.C. in the majestic Douro, Portuguese star Rui Paula is creating a menu that is sure to be a hit with fans of Mediterranean cooking. Osco! (”bravo” in Provencal) and chef Paula are working in tandem to prepare a Portuguêsa dinner. Come bask in his wisdom and elegance while indulging in suas tapas and sua comida. O prazer do encontro… Restaurant Osco.
Gourmet Evening Italian-Style, Monday, February 22 to Saturday, February 27, 6:30 p.m. - A five-course tasting menu showcasing the fresh flavours of regional Italian cuisine, paired with three glasses of Portuguese wine and one liqueur. Ristorante Sapori Pronto.
Reminder
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
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
