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MAY AND JUNE IN LES JARDINS GAMELIN

Press release | For immediate release

Montreal, May 24, 2017 – The third season for Les Jardins Gamelin has started, re-opening a space in the Quartier des Spectacles dedicated to casual gatherings, culture and entertainment. Residents and visitors can enjoy their favourite outdoor activities as well as several new ones, in the same inviting and original space, open daily until October 15.

Les Jardins Gamelin is an ideal place to enjoy Montreal’s artistic and cultural diversity. Montrealers and tourists, families, students and neighbourhood residents are all invited to join in a packed schedule of free activities: concerts, music, dancing, games, movies and more. Everyone will be happy to see the return of the design elements that give the Jardins their unique ambiance: lush greenery, the large patio with illuminated canopy, the bar and snack bar, and 1.26, the hanging sculpture by Janet Echelman that has become an iconic beacon for Les Jardins Gamelin.

New this year in the Jardins are the Maison jaune, a game library for families; a dairy bar; and a new artwork by Ilana Pichon, Chuuut, created in collaboration with MU. The colourful work is painted on the ground along the Sainte-Catherine Street side of Place Émilie-Gamelin.

QUOTES

“Les Jardins Gamelin are a fine example of the Ville de Montréal’s commitment to democratizing art by presenting a free, accessible program at a human scale, helping build a quality of life worthy of our exceptional, proud and dynamic city. This inviting, lively space is also the product of the shared ambitions of the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership and the Ville de Montréal, with specific support from the borough of Ville-Marie, and of all the partner organizations. I hope everyone who visits the Jardins this summer, while we celebrate Montreal’s 375^th anniversary, enjoys the space to the fullest,” said the Mayor of Montreal, Denis Coderre.

“Whether you visit for an organized event or simply to have a cocktail, Les Jardins Gamelin have become a well-established part of Montrealers’ lives. In the spring, Place Émilie-Gamelin comes to life and energizes the surrounding area. Les Jardins Gamelin contribute to the area’s quality of life, arts scene, culture and vitality, while respecting the diversity of the space’s users. We thank the borough of Ville-Marie and all the partners who are working with the Partnership to produce this major revitalization initiative on the east side of the Quartier des Spectacles,” said Jacques Primeau, chair of the Quartier des Spectacles’ Board of Directors.

WHAT’S ON IN MAY AND JUNE

Les Jardins Gamelin are perfect for having fun and relaxing over drinks with friends and colleagues. Once again this spring, Montrealers also come for the rich program of entertainment and culture, from lunchtime and evening DJ sets to concerts, dances and urban agriculture workshops. Get ready to fill your calendar! Here’s a look at the many activities coming up in May and June.

See the complete schedule of events and activities in May and June. (in French only)

For more information about all the artists and events on the program, follow the Jardins Gamelin Facebook page and our website, quartierdesspectacles.com/jardinsgamelin.

LIVELY SATURDAYS AND QUIET FAMILY SUNDAYS

Every Saturday starts with breakfast on the lawn and culminates in dancing under the stars. Sundays are dedicated to families, relaxation and the joy of playing with friends.

The Soirées Salsafolie have been attracting big crowds for years. Salsa, bachata, mambo, kizomba and reggaeton are second nature to DJ Carlos, emcee Annie Joubert of Salsafolie and their special guests. Saturdays, 7 to 11 p.m.

The Maison jaune is a game library in a converted shipping container designed by Castor et Pollux. Facilitators are on hand to welcome kids and families and help them pick just the right books, games and craft materials, every weekend in May and June from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Every Sunday from 9:30 to 11 a.m., it’s time for family mornings with Petits bonheurs: short performances and workshops exploring different aspects of the performing arts (dance, music, theatre, puppetry, singing, circus).

For a list of all family workshops and shows with Petits bonheurs, see the online schedule. (in French only)

Adults and teens will love the Randolph game club. Get together with family or friends to enjoy skill, strategy or role-playing games recommended by Randolph’s facilitators – you can choose a game or let them pick one for you. It’s a chance to discover your friends’ and loved ones’ hidden talents or competitive streak. Sundays, 2 to 7p .m.

New in Les Jardins Gamelin this season, trivia nights (Soirées quiz) with Randolph. Pool your brainpower to win a challenging test of intelligence and general knowledge. Come out with friends, solo or as a couple. Sundays, 7 to 9 p.m.

Whenever Les Jardins are open, there are free games available for everyone, including Ping-Pong, Passe-trappe, giant Jenga and a selection of board games.

SHAKE IT EVERY WEDNESDAY!

The Bals de l’été start with a dance lesson, followed by an evening of dancing to the biggest hits in the genre. All you need to join in the theme evenings – kizomba (May 31), swing (June 7) and soca (June 14) – is an urge to move and have fun. We’re sure Wednesdays are going to be one of the season’s hottest nights in the Jardins! Wednesdays, 7 to 11 p.m.

Another returning classic: Brazilian beats with the DJs of the Tupi Collective, on the patio. Wednesdays, noon and 5 p.m. Also returning are the popular outdoor yoga sessions with YO-YOGA. Come get in shape, energize yourself and make the most of beautiful spring mornings. Bring your own yoga mat! Wednesdays, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.

THURSDAYS AND FRIDAYS ARE ALL ABOUT MUSIC!

With the summer holidays around the corner, get in the mood with the mixes served up by Canicule tropicale and Speakeasy Electro Swing. Every Thursday and Friday at 5 p.m., the groups will take turns exploring electronic music, world music and swing.

Les escales musicales is a world-music concert series that will bring some sunshine and musical diversity to the Jardins every Thursday. At lunchtime, groove to the happy sounds of Le Hot Club de la Rue (June 8) and Les Griots de Montréal (June 15). The festive beat picks up again at 7 p.m. with stalwarts like Qualité de luxe (June 1), Tomas Jensen (June 8) and Hangover Lobsters (June 15). Thursdays, noon and 7 p.m.

Distinctive artists with a wide range of styles will perform on the small Jardins stage near the patio. Friday concerts will take place at noon, featuring Medhi Cayenne (May 26), Maz (June 9) and Martiza (June 16), as well as in the evening: Bloodshot Bill (June 9) and NANO MUTEK (June 16). Fridays, noon and 7 p.m.

EVENTS PRESENTED BY JARDINS PARTNERS

In May and June, events large and small will supplement the Jardins’ regular programming. On the menu: evenings of cultural discovery, workshops presented by the Bibliothèque et archives nationales du Québec (BAnQ), theatre, and open-air movies presented by Radio-Canada. Even more great ways to fill your calendar!

On May 29 at 7 p.m., the Centre culturel marocain presents a musical journey to Morocco, featuring traditional dances, songs and costume with the Said Alouazzani and Salame Gnawa troupe.

The Accès Asie festival will present two performances of traditional music and dance from two Asian regions. May 25 at 7 p.m., Giri Kadaton, an Indonesian music group, will play selections from its own repertoire as well as Balinese dance numbers. The Bollywood Blast troupe and its musicians, dancers and actors will perform an Indian wedding scene, followed by a DJ who will spin Bollywood tunes, on May 26 at 7 p.m.

With the BAnQ dans les Jardins Gamelin workshops, the BAnQ’s librarians and archivists share their favourite finds in the new Maison jaune in Les Jardins Gamelin. Discover BAnQ treasures from several different collections: music, film, art, literature and youth literature. Come soak up some Quebec history and heritage. Tuesdays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The TransAmériques festival presents Blank Placard Dance Replay, by Anne Collod, on May 26 and 27 at 2 p.m. This unique roving performance is both mesmerizing and thought-provoking. Come watch, and have conversations with members of a 30-person chain carrying signs without slogans, mute like strange protesters without a chant.

On Sunday, June 11 at 9 p.m., Radio-Canada presents Notre cinéma aux Jardins, the first of three open-air movie nights featuring some great Quebec films. Ça sent la coupe by Patrice Sauvé, starring Louis-José Houde, kicks off the series. Don’t forget to bring chairs and blankets.

June 2 at 5 p.m., the National Ballet School invites people of all ages to dance with the company’s professionals. Local schools will also give recitals. In a different vein, Théâtre Sainte-Catherine will present a comedy show called Art Machine on June 5 and 12 at noon and 7 p.m.

Throughout the season, Radio-Canada’s music station, ICIM usique, will provide music for Les Jardins Gamelin.

Lastly, every two weeks check the latest short story drawn by Cyril Doisneau in a series called La bande dessinée s'invite aux Jardins. A keen observer of everyday life in Place Émilie-Gamelin, the artist will capture Jardins moments and memories all spring and summer.

THE JARDINS SNACK BAR: A MORE VARIED MENU

The Jardins Gamelin snack bar is serving a new, even more varied menu this season, and it’s going to be refreshed every week. Dominic St-Laurent and his team from BallPark restaurant serve food inspired by today’s hottest culinary trends, echoing Montreal’s diversity. The menu features a healthy mix of new flavours and classic dishes: Vietnamese and Cuban sandwiches, shrimp rolls, vegetarian tacos, Caesar salad, and “Poke” – smoked meat poutine. Families will be happy to hear that there’s also a new kids’ menu. There’s daily bar service, and from 5 to 7 p.m. the regular menu is supplemented with a selection of shareable tapas.

The new dairy bar in the Jardins will delight the kids as well as adults with its fruit pops, soft-serve ice cream in seasonal flavours and homemade chocolate dips. The dairy bar opens on May 29.

This year, every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Jardins Gamelin snack bar will serve breakfast on the lawn, complete with picnic basket and blanket. The dozen musicians of La Fanfare Carmagnole will provide entertainment with their upbeat, swinging Gypsy music.

The snack bar, including bar service, is open from Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The dairy bar will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

WHAT’S GROWING IN THE GARDENS: URBAN AGRICULTURE WORKSHOPS AND PRESENTATIONS

Sentier Urbain is back to fill Les Jardins Gamelin with flowers, vegetables and a wide range of vegetation. Place Émilie-Gamelin’s greenery is planted in some 60 planters and 7 theme gardens, including an aquaponic greenhouse. Pay a regular visit to the Jardins to discover the many different species planted and follow their progress over the course of the summer.

You can also join Sentier Urbain to learn about urban agriculture and the special properties of different herbs and flowers with the Côté Jardins workshop series. New this year: Côté Jardins invites you to get your own garden off to a great start with workshops on seedlings (May 28), the history and progress of urban agriculture in Montreal (May 23) and balcony gardening (May 30). Côté Jardins: Jardins tour and presentation, Tuesdays from 5 to 7 p.m.; workshops, Sundays from 11 a.m. to noon. Full workshop and presentation details can be found on our website.

ABOUT THE QUARTIER DES SPECTACLES AND THE PARTNERSHIP

The Quartier des Spectacles is Montreal’s cultural heart, boasting North America’s most concentrated and diverse group of cultural venues. The district is the year-round host to countless festivals and events. The Quartier hosts innovative urban installations involving cutting-edge lighting design, immersive environments or interactive digital spaces. Year round, the Quartier presents artistic video projections on several building façades. The Quartier des Spectacles is a showcase for new multimedia technology, making Montreal a global leader in the urban exhibition of digital content.

The Quartier des Spectacles Partnership is a non-profit organization with more than 70 members active in the district. It is responsible for managing and animating public spaces in the Quartier des Spectacles, providing distinctive illumination, and promoting the Quartier as a must-visit cultural destination. The Partnership is a member of several international networks, including the Connecting Cities Network and the Global Cultural Districts Network.

For more information, visit quartierdesspectacles.com

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