We were sent on a whirlwind tour of Montreal via 11 different festivals under the Montreal Festimania umbrella. Thanks to our hosts for introducing us to some fabulous performers, singers, comedians and of course the diversity of the culture in the city. It’s been years since I’ve visited Montreal, so it was great to get caught up on the latest the city has to offer, including restaurants, cafes and bike routes. Below is a mishmash of photos that will take you on a visual journey of the festivals, that ranged from concerts at Osheaga (Elvis, Eminem, Flaming Lips and a host of others), to comedians (see our comedy round-up and the video of the comedy show), to on-the-street performers, to international films, DiversCite (see our video) to the First People’s Festival — see my video of the Forestare Ensemble), and more.
Here’s my kick-off blog post which summarizes a bit of each festival so you can get a taste and also be sure to explore the Osheaga site. Also check out my post on the Elvis Costello concert, where I shot what felt like 10,000 photos, including during my favorite number Allison so I couldn’t dance up a storm while the band was jamming. Also here’s our video wrap of the Elvis concert.
My only wish is that we had more time to explore what the city had to offer as well as take in more of the cultural festivities. The events span across an entire month but there is some overlap week by week so you can get a taste of each one depending on how long you can stay. Montreal Festimania is in its first year – I look forward to seeing what subsequent years have to offer. Be sure to put a note in your calendar to head up to Montreal next July for an entertainment extravaganza not to be missed. Here’s our round-up video of the festival and here’s our Montreal page which includes 5-6 restaurant and cafe reviews as well as other cultural experiences on-the-ground. Would love to hear your thoughts and any shares on other things not to miss in my favorite Canadian city.
Renee Blodgett is the founder of We Blog the World. The site combines the magic of an online culture and travel magazine with a global blog network and has contributors from every continent in the world. Having lived in 10 countries and explored nearly 80, she is an avid traveler, and a lover, observer and participant in cultural diversity.
She is also the CEO and founder of Magic Sauce Media, a new media services consultancy focused on viral marketing, social media, branding, events and PR. For over 20 years, she has helped companies from 12 countries get traction in the market. Known for her global and organic approach to product and corporate launches, Renee practices what she pitches and as an active user of social media, she helps clients navigate digital waters from around the world. Renee has been blogging for over 16 years and regularly writes on her personal blog Down the Avenue, Huffington Post, BlogHer, We Blog the World and other sites. She was ranked #12 Social Media Influencer by Forbes Magazine and is listed as a new media influencer and game changer on various sites and books on the new media revolution. In 2013, she was listed as the 6th most influential woman in social media by Forbes Magazine on a Top 20 List.
Her passion for art, storytelling and photography led to the launch of Magic Sauce Photography, which is a visual extension of her writing, the result of which has led to producing six photo books: Galapagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome, Urbanization and Ecuador.
Renee is also the co-founder of Traveling Geeks, an initiative that brings entrepreneurs, thought leaders, bloggers, creators, curators and influencers to other countries to share and learn from peers, governments, corporations, and the general public in order to educate, share, evaluate, and promote innovative technologies.
