N'awlins, meet french chic.
Montreal seems to have something for everyone - this is your city if you're into drinking, smoking, partying, women, men, anything really - but it holds a special place in its heart for Jazz. Personally, I love Jazz, and I can think of not much more thrilling then enjoying world-class Jazz licks on a hot summery night. Thankfully, Montreal has the same idea - the Festival International De Jazz De Montreal.
From June 28 to July 8, there are dozens of Jazz and other musical acts performing at venues around the city - with prices ranging from free to in the hundreds of dollars. Notable acts include Manu Chao, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Amon Tobin, Chaka Khan and - say it with me now - Mr. Bob Dylan. Along with these big names, there are quite a few lesser-known acts and indie outfits for your listening pleasure.
Bands range from all around the world, although Canadian and Quebecois bands are definitely represented - fitting, I suppose, seeing how the festival brochure calls Montreal the "cultural metropolis [and the] crossroads of Europe and America." All information about the Festival and packaged hotels deals are available through their website. Go now. Get tickets. Be there. Good luck getting into the Dylan concert.
