The festival waltz continues in Montreal. On the Place des Festivals, the crowd was buzzing on the first day of the 44e edition of the Montreal International Jazz Festival (FIJM). Between the various installations and exhibitions open until July 6, curious and passionate people paraded in front of the packed terraces.
A large crowd attends the first free concert of the festival, that of Toronto trumpeter Tara Kannangara. Not far from the stage, Ricky Octave and his brother Tyreek take advantage of the excitement of the city.
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Photo TOMA ICZKOVITS
“Montreal delivers every year,” says Ricky, who wanted to introduce his brother to the festival this year. “Kids don’t realize it now, but not every city does that and we’re really lucky.”
“You can’t put a price on it,” continues his brother, also from Montreal. “You walk around and people are beautiful and happy. You just walk around and a sound can catch your attention.”
A must-have
The FIJM is also an event tailor-made for families from here and elsewhere, offering shows in the early evening and numerous activities.
Photo TOMA ICZKOVITS
“The Jazz Festival is always on our to-do list every summer, points out Montreal mother Allison Thompson. It’s always great to bring the family, enjoy our vibrant city and experience all kinds of music from all over the world.”
Photo TOMA ICZKOVITS
The FIJM’s audience is as diverse as its programming, attracting many tourists each year. This is the case for Fred L. Cook, from Bloomfield, Connecticut, president of the Hartford Jazz Society and a fan of the festival since its very beginnings.
“For 10 days in a row, the best musicians in the world are gathered here,” he believes. It means a lot to me. I used to come here every year before, but I’m 89 now. Jazz is the music that America gave to the rest of the world.”
