A Special Two-Part Travel Series
There’s no better way to see our beautiful world and enjoy some fabulous music than to attend a music festival. We’ve already discussed some of our favorites, like the St. Lucia Jazz Festival and the ever popular Hampton Jazz Festival. Now it’s time to discuss some of the best music festivals of the summer. In our first-ever two-part travel series we will venture to Montreal and Quebec for a music filled summer in Canada.
The Festival International de Jazz de Montreal (the Montreal Jazz Fest) is world renown as the best jazz festival of the summer. The festival has hosted some all-time great jazz musicians. Artists such as Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, BB King, and Wynton Marsalis to name a few. Mainstream artists such as Sting, Lionel Richie, The Roots, George Benson, Stevie Wonder and Ben E. King have also graced the main stage in recent years. With over 350 free outdoor concerts, this year’s lineup promises not to disappoint. Beginning June 25th and running thru July 4th, 2011, Diana Krall, Diane Reeves, Joshua Redman, Regina Carter and Lizz Wright will take to the stage for unforgettable performances. This year’s festival headliner (at least we think so) is none other than our favorite soldier of love, Sade. Opening for Sade (for lack of a better word) is R&B superstar John Legend. Attending the festival for this one night is worth the trip alone! Tickets for this concert range from $ 55.50-$149.50. Tickets are moving fast – Diana Krall is sold out already on a few nights. Buy your tickets today!
Travel packages are also available to make your vacation planning easier. The Exclusive Jazz ““ Getaway Package is honored at the Hyatt Regency Montreal, Le Westin Montreal, and the Delta Montreal hotel. The package includes 15% OFF any indoor concert , 2 nights’ accommodations, 2 breakfasts, 1 concert ticket, and a festival T-shirt, priority access to tickets to all indoor concerts and much more. For pricing details please call 1-855-299-3378.
When in Montreal, please visit the Botanical Gardens and Casino de Montreal for a little after hour’s fun. Also check out a little history and architecture on a walking tour of old Montreal ($19.50 per adult). For the kids who want to have a little adventure, please visit the Indiana Jones & the Adventure of Archaeology ($23 per adult). Official links to both are on the festival website.
We enjoyed the festival, the restaurants, the shopping and the beautiful people of Montreal. Did we mention the shopping? Visit the City Styles (514-499-9114) store for the hottest clothes and accessories, especially the sunglasses. For awesome food and terrific desserts that won’t break the bank visit Nickel’s diner/restaurant. If you can only attend one festival this year, make it a vacation or couples getaway and attend the Montreal Jazz Festival! You will have a fantastic time.
For more information or to buy your festival tickets download the official iPhone/blackberry app or visit: www.montrealjazzfest.com or call 1-888-515-0515. For ideas on things to see in do in Montreal between concerts, please visit: www.tourisme-montreal.org.
Next up? The Quebec City Summer Festival”...
See you down front at the main stage!
Tell them The Travelin Diva (Kirstin N. Fuller of Reservations Travel Guide) and The Frugal Socialite (Lucinda Anderson Hughes) sent you! Don’t forget to brush up on your French! Au revoir!