Montreal Merengue Festival - make your plans now!

[Lesley D]

Well, the weather seems like it will be much more cooperative today and barring all difficulties I will go down to the park and enjoy some of the events. In spite of the rain yesterday that did eventually begin mid afternoon the energy in this city was and still is high. It could be due to just a typical Montreal summer weekend or the fact that there are many festivals taking place right now not just the merengue festival.

Club Punta Cana last night was tremendous Montreal's only Dominican club and if that's any indication of the spirit today will be equally as fun.

If anyone is attending any of the events etc. have fun and be safe.


-LDG.

[nikke]

I had huge plans to attend the Montreal Meregue Festival with 6 other friends...

Between a death in the family, others not being able to get time off and countless other personal crises, the trip was cancelled. I'd love to hear how it was...

[Lesley D]

I can only speak for the events of yesterday, since that was the day I attended the festival. First of all the weather was picture perfect, partly sunny and 27C/81F. One could not ask for a better day. In my opinion I think everything was well organized and I could understand why the promoters, Jara Productions have been successful for the past ten years. I enjoyed myself and the performances were on time and wonderful. There's just something about live music and being outdoors that always has a unique feel.

The last performance by Tito Rojas, for salsa aficionados like me, was well worth the wait. El Gallo salsero directamente de Puerto Rico was in top form. His band of musicians I must say are among best I have seen thus far, really the cds do them no justice. The clear sound of classic Puerto Rican salsa was a treat and the park was full. With a repertoire like what Tito Rojas has it was hard to predict what salsas would be played but he sang some of his finest which included: Por mujeres como tú, Lo que te queda, Claro, Señora de madrugada, four of my favorites right there and off course a few salsas from his new release Borrón y cuenta nueva.

Once again Montreal has shown it fans and visitors its cultural diversity. All nationalities were well represented. Hopefully it will continue on for years to come.


-LDG.