I have been a life-long jazz fan, and have heard so many memorable concerts live - lucky me! I remember listening to great jazz in many, many places - at the Dakota, at Ronnie Scott's, Blue Note Tokyo, and even participating in a drum workshop by Max Roach, in college. I've always wanted to go to the Montreal Jazz Festival - can you imagine, being surrounded by so much musical talent, and dedicated listeners? WOW!

I recently had a chance to interview Hugo Leclerc, Relations de presse internationales et touristiques, of the Montreal Jazz Festival. Hugo's interview made me seriously plan on getting there in the next year. Let's go!

The Montreal Jazz Festival

WE: Tell us a little bit about the Montreal Jazz Festival...

HL: What started as a small Festival 29 years ago is now one of the biggest attraction in the world. It attracts 2.1 million visits yearly and we receive 3,000 musicians from 30 countries. It has been recognized by the Guiness Book of World Records as the biggest Jazz Festival in the world. It is over 650 performances, 370 of which are completely free, during 11 days, this year from June 26th to July 6th.

WE: What is the history of the festival?

HL: The festival is almost three decades old, and was founded by Alain Simard and Andre Minard who were passionate music lovers. They had traveled to New York City, and the Vermont Jazz Festival, to gather information on Jazz Festivals. They wanted to launch a jazz festival of truly international scale. Finally, in the summer of 1980, thanks to Alain De Grosbois of CBC Radio and the sale of TV broadcast rights to Radio Québec, the first Festival International de Jazz de Montréal actually took place on Île Sainte Hélène. Featuring Chick Corea, Gary Burton, Ray Charles and Vic Vogel, the event was enthusiastically attended by what then seemed a huge 12,000 visitors. But the Festival had nonetheless already established the magical format that secured its future success, creating an easy-going atmosphere conducive to partying and musical discovery where international names in jazz rubbed shoulders with local talent. There was an abundance of eclectic programming and free shows and even a roaming Dixieland band direct from New Orleans to keep things hot on the Festival site. Even back then, the essential details of the ultimate Festival formula were established, with an official free yearly program, a membership card and even a black T-shirt with the famous Festival logo on it.
For the festival's 10th anniversary, more than a million people attended. For its 20th anniversary, the Festival consolidated its international position as the biggest musical event, anywhere! The Festival International de Jazz de Montréal now offers around 500 concerts annually, of which three-quarters are free of charge, hosting about 2,500 musicians, give or take a few, from over 20 countries. About two million visitors come from all over the planet to an event that has become THE international jazz rendez-vous and a laboratory for the creation of new talent, most recently contributing to the successes of artists such as Diana Krall and Norah Jones. Much more than surpassing the wildest dreams of its founders, the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal has become an event for the history books.

WE: It seems that everyone who is anyone in jazz has played your festival. Is this an exciting time in jazz, to welcome both new and older jazz musicians?

HL: It sure is! Our team of programmer travel the world to secure artists that will attract long time jazz aficionados and discover the future names in jazz. That's the beauty of the event: with so many concerts taking place, there's a whole world of discoveries for everyone to see in a single Festival.

WE: It was so sad this past year, when Oscar Peterson died. I know that he is a hometown (Montreal) man - will there be a special tribute to him? I saw him several times in my life and feel very lucky!

HL: As a matter of fact, the 29th Festival is dedicated to the memory of Oscar Peterson. The absence of this great Canadian and jazz colossus will be marked notably by the Invitation series, featuring a number of illustrious pianists.

WE: What are the highlights of the lineup for this year?

HL: Where to start!? Leonard Cohenwill be giving 3 pre-festival concerts, Aretha Franklin will be in town for two nights and so will Steely Dan and Woody Allen, Katie Melua will play the opening concert... That's just a small sample of the indoor lineup!

WE: I just love Montreal. Do you have any recommendations for people, how to find places to eat and stay?

HL: It all depends what type of traveler are visiting. We have a lot of people who love to "lose themselves" in the city and discover as they go along. As
for those who need to plan in advance, make sure to book hotels far in advance! It is the high season after all and the Festival is lucky to be taking place in the downtown core where a lot of hotels are located within walking distance.

WE: Are there jazz activities all year around?

HL: The Festival created the Jazz All-Year 'Round series which offers quality shows during the entire year. The season will end with a performance by the Puppini Sisters on June 12th. You can also add to these the many Montreal Jazz clubs which offer many shows throughout the year.

WE: How can visitors contribute, when they come to Montreal? I am thinking of volunteer opportunities and the like...

HL: As far as contributions go, the Festival is a non-profit organization so all on site purchases help the Festival. We also have the Friends of the Festival card which is sold with a special CD featuring artists performing at the Festival. We do need a lot of "manpower" during the Festival and our HR department is always happy to receive applications from those who are passionate about being a part of the Festival.

WE: Do you have Jazz Festival gear and music for sale?

HL: Certainly. We have our online boutique at http://www.montrealjazzfest.com/Fijm2008/boutique/accueil_en.aspx

WE: Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?

HL: We're only getting things started for the 30th anniversary from July 1 to July 12, 2009 and invite everyone to join the celebration.

WE: Thank you, Hugo! It sounds so very exhilarating, the Jazz Festival. We wish you great success this year!

For more information, please check out:
http://www.montrealjazzfest.com/Fijm2008/accueil_en.aspx

The Montreal Jazz Festival