Montreal: Music festivals galore!

As summer gears up into full swing, so are the music festivals in Montreal. First up, a festival that is very close to my heart is the Festival de musique Montreal baroque. Into it’s sixth season, the festival begins June 20th-23rd in various venues in and around Old Montreal. Entitled, “Syrup, Silk, Saffron” the unifying theme for this year’s festival is the 400th anniversary of the founding of Quebec City by the French. Montreal Baroque not only celebrates the wealth French culture brings (“syrup”), but also it’s effect on other vibrant cultures in Montreal, from Europe, South America, and the Caribbean, to Asia, the Middle East and beyond (hence the “silk” and “saffron”) There are many concerts (many that are free), and lectures given by leading world-renowned Baroque musicians and scholars, on all kinds of musical topics, from Klezmer, and the art of Indian tabla improvisations, to 18th century Irish harp music, and the splendours of Bach. So, come and be transported to distant and exotic musical lands, from the enchanting East to the worldly West, by the wonderful sounds of Baroque music.

If, however, baroque music is not your cup of tea, then head down to the 29th Montreal International Jazz Festival, from June 26th – July 6th . For eleven days, jazz music, with all its related off-shoots of musical styles will be celebrated with gusto. This year’s festival is dedicated to jazz giant, the late great Oscar Peterson, and there will be many tributes in his honour. Also of note, on the heels of his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, our very own Leonard Cohen will receive the Montreal International Jazz Festival's third Spirit Award this year, which honours musical quality and innovation

Finally, if jazz is just not your thing, then perhaps a little world music? The 22nd Festival International Nuits d’Afrique 2008 starts July 8 -20, and it is spectacular. With over 500 musicians, singers, dancers and artists from different countries expected to perform, the Festival International Nuits d'Afrique is North America's premiere showcase of African and Caribbean culture. If for any reason you cannot experience the gift of live music at any one of these festivals, than certainly come and sample some of our very excellent recordings in baroque, jazz and world music.

Come cook with us

One of the sections at the library where I always enjoy browsing is the cookbook section. This summer we are fortunate to have two wonderful chefs share their cooking knowledge with us in person. This Thursday, as part of Côte Saint-Luc Reads, Gigi Cohen will be demonstrating simple Indian cuisine. Gigi Cohen has an impressive background in natural foods has become the leading expert on holistic health care for an ever-expanding clientele so this program should be a real treat.

I am also looking forward to Norene Gilletz’s visit to the library where she will be sharing her favourite healthy summer salads. Norene has written many cookbooks over the years (some of which we have at the library) and is the leading author of Kosher cookbooks in Canada. It is a great chance to learn about some fresh recipes from a talented food writer and cooking teacher.
I will definitely be there, tasting what these two talented chefs have to share and I encourage you to come to these flavour-filled events!

Simple Indian Cuisine with Gigi Cohen is Thursday, June 5 at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets are $5

Healthy Summer Salads with Norene Gilletz is Sunday, July 6 at 2:00 p.m.
Tickets are $10