By Marcel Dubois
Five hundred kilometers from Montreal along the mighty and majestic St Lawrence River lies the historical city of Rimouski, population 43,000. Founded in 1696, it's an important maritime city that takes pride in its great nautical traditions.
Backed up by rolling hills that offer panoramic views of the Gulf as well as splendid drives on its quaint rural roads, the region is frequented by tourists from both within and without Quebec.
Rimouskians are an innovative people for whom every project and initiative are guaranteed to add to the city's numerous attractions. Foremost among them is the annual Rimouski International Jazz Festival that will be celebrating its 24th year during the Labour Day weekend.
If you've never been to Rimouski, think of big city jazz festivals without the negatives: parking is easy and plentiful, crowds are very manageable, the air is pollution free, and ticket prices are as much as 50% less than in the big city. Even better, Rimouski promises the best in jazz, which is why visitors come from far to hear the likes of Russell Malone, Paquito D'Rivera, Brad Mehldau, Bill Frisell, Joe Lovano, Gary Burton, Dave Brubeck and McCoy Tyner, artists who have performed over the years in Rimouski. The event is also a great stimulus for local emerging talent. From the nearby village of Ste. Eloi, internationally reputed bassist Alain Caron got his start in Rimouski; and, since the passing of legend Stephane Grappelli, has become the city's favourite son.
The festival takes place at Beausjour Park that overlooks the Gulf of the St. Lawrence. The main stage is just across the street from the city's famous 3.5 kilometer, non-commercial boardwalk that features a lookout as well as a colourful, sail-studded marina that provides safe harbour for local and visiting aquatraffic. Directly across the street from the boardwalk is the city center with its many historical grey stone buildings, and of course a mouth-watering selection of outdoor restaurants specializing in the inimitable local cuisine.
Over the course of four days, concerts, which begin in the late afternoon until the bewitching hour, take place in either the major indoor concert hall or the two major outdoor stages, one of which is protected from the elements. Visitors are encouraged to bring folding chairs and whatever else it takes to assure the living is easy for the duration of the festival. There's also a huge area set aside for children's activities as well as music classes and concerts for kids, and of course monitors to look after them both indoors and outdoors.
Along with 4 days of what's best in jazz, you'll be treated to authentic French Canadian architecture (the area is also celebrated for its painters and wood sculptors) and hospitality that you'll be hard pressed to find elsewhere. You'll be received in the language of your choice and thanks to the festival's eclectic programming, you'll be able to take in the music of your choice, which translates into you can have your cake and eat it too--and all that and more at the 24th edition of The Rimouski International Jazz Festival.
Five hundred kilometers from Montreal along the mighty and majestic St Lawrence River lies the historical city of Rimouski, population 43,000. Founded in 1696, it's an important maritime city that takes pride in its great nautical traditions.
Backed up by rolling hills that offer panoramic views of the Gulf as well as splendid drives on its quaint rural roads, the region is frequented by tourists from both within and without Quebec.
Rimouskians are an innovative people for whom every project and initiative are guaranteed to add to the city's numerous attractions. Foremost among them is the annual Rimouski International Jazz Festival that will be celebrating its 24th year during the Labour Day weekend.
If you've never been to Rimouski, think of big city jazz festivals without the negatives: parking is easy and plentiful, crowds are very manageable, the air is pollution free, and ticket prices are as much as 50% less than in the big city. Even better, Rimouski promises the best in jazz, which is why visitors come from far to hear the likes of Russell Malone, Paquito D'Rivera, Brad Mehldau, Bill Frisell, Joe Lovano, Gary Burton, Dave Brubeck and McCoy Tyner, artists who have performed over the years in Rimouski. The event is also a great stimulus for local emerging talent. From the nearby village of Ste. Eloi, internationally reputed bassist Alain Caron got his start in Rimouski; and, since the passing of legend Stephane Grappelli, has become the city's favourite son.
The festival takes place at Beausjour Park that overlooks the Gulf of the St. Lawrence. The main stage is just across the street from the city's famous 3.5 kilometer, non-commercial boardwalk that features a lookout as well as a colourful, sail-studded marina that provides safe harbour for local and visiting aquatraffic. Directly across the street from the boardwalk is the city center with its many historical grey stone buildings, and of course a mouth-watering selection of outdoor restaurants specializing in the inimitable local cuisine.
Over the course of four days, concerts, which begin in the late afternoon until the bewitching hour, take place in either the major indoor concert hall or the two major outdoor stages, one of which is protected from the elements. Visitors are encouraged to bring folding chairs and whatever else it takes to assure the living is easy for the duration of the festival. There's also a huge area set aside for children's activities as well as music classes and concerts for kids, and of course monitors to look after them both indoors and outdoors.
Along with 4 days of what's best in jazz, you'll be treated to authentic French Canadian architecture (the area is also celebrated for its painters and wood sculptors) and hospitality that you'll be hard pressed to find elsewhere. You'll be received in the language of your choice and thanks to the festival's eclectic programming, you'll be able to take in the music of your choice, which translates into you can have your cake and eat it too--and all that and more at the 24th edition of The Rimouski International Jazz Festival.
For more information contact All About Jazz.
