Imagine Monkland 2018 unveil program – After 16 months of receiving the reigns of Arts Week from Paul Cargnello and following in his footsteps, three entrepreneurs – Luca Palladino, Adrienn Lukacs and Rene Bernal – have transformed the organization into an arts and culture dynamo for NDG in which artists and local merchants team up to provide residents with unique experiences.
Their latest creation is Imagine Monkland, a 3-day festive pomegranate that explodes onto the avenue June 22nd-23rd-24th. Featuring circus acts LaboKracBoom, the African-Colombian percussive blast of Montreal’s GKO (Gypsy Kumbia Orchestra) and the extra-terrestrial creatures of Melanie Stuy and Mathieu Rene, Imagine Monkland is a family-friendly re-imagining of what the main artery of a neighbourhood can look like. And already four weeks before the event, Imagine Monkland has already sold out its kiosque spaces boding well for the near future.
We create events to recreate the spaces around us and allow residents to express themselves through art, says Luca Palladino, We want everyone coming to Imagine to be moving, grooving or making art. That’s what summer is all about, shaking off those winter blues, taking to the streets and mixing it up with the masses.
For their First Ever Edition, the programming team has carefully selected bands that epitomize NDG and its musical vibe. Ranging from old time to rock to hip-hop to electronic space robot music, the sounds will keep the crowds taping their feet. Below is a list of what to expect on this unexpected ride.
Musical highlights
Two stages will offer musical programming during the three days of the festival.
Saturday, June 23rd
- Gypsy Kumbia Orchestra’s (GKO) original flavour invites audiences to experience movement and freedom. Influenced by dance and music from Colombia and Eastern Europe, this eclectic band has been taking over dance floors across Canada, Europe and South America on its numerous tours.
- Oliver Forest combines multiple genres to create a unique music using ambient sounds and colourful chords, along with rock and alternative vibes. Oliver Forest released their self-titled debut album last fall.
Sarahmee, aka owner of the beat, erupted onto Montreal and Paris rap stages in 2015 with her first album, Legitime, with her sick voice and mad talent. Ever since her addictive rhymes and slick production have made Sarahmee the next one to plug in your ears.
Sunday, June 24th
Although Imagine is not an official St-Jean event, it will highlight the diversity and musical cultural heritage with several original musical acts including:
- Las Mechas, a musical collective whose Jarocho-style comes directly from Veracruz. Invigorating, necessary, poignant, these five women use typical instruments from the region and a harp along with their harmonized voices to pound out powerful hymns that will leave no one indifferent.
É.T.É., born from the meeting of three atypical musicians, this is the Quebecois folk sound at its most original with jazz and progressive rock influences. Welcome the summer solstice by dancing to the sound of jigs, Irish bouzouki, violin and raise your glass to Quebec’s b-day.
Body movin’
Imagine Monkland DJ Dance Party – (Friday evening, 5 PM – 10 PM) – To launch the festival we invite you to a 5@10 cocktail dance party featuring legendary Montreal-based international DJ and collector of rare musical gems Andy Williams (The Goods, Variations in Time, Jazz Amnesty Sound System) and Futureboy, a local hood DJ who will bring some serious dance grooves.
Urban and Family Yoga – Moksha Yoga will once again be offering its free yoga classes as it highlights 10 years of serving the community. Connect your body and breathing and relax your mind. Bring your mat, towel and water.
Special programming
The Homespun Parade (Saturday, June 23rd, 2 PM to 5P M, Sunday in case of rain) – the festival has a creature-themed parade! The parade will be launching from NDG Park at 3 PM and will feature Giant Puppets as well as the school bands from Côte-St-Luc and Marymount Academy.
Family Fun – plunge into a toy box of your imagination as you create monsters and creatures out of endless art supplies. PAAL and the NDG Art Hive team up to offer this open-air art studio with many possibilities.
Optical illusion Creatures – Frederic Chabot has practiced urban art for over 15 years, contributing to individual and collective murals in Montreal and across Canada. He will be creating optical illusions for Imagine Monkland involving creatures and monsters.
Outdoor terraces and lounge areas – Soak up the sun while enjoying a 5@7 or brunch with these amazing terraces available for only 3 days.
Circus Show – LaboKracBoom presents Chute libre (Saturday, June 23rd, 9 PM). The little big circus troupe LaboKracBoom presents an eye-popping display of parkour mixed with circus mixed with contemporary dance for a show as beautiful as it is breathtaking.
Imagine Market – over 50 local merchants, artisans, dance studios, henna activities, jewellery and food trucks await you in this great big street sale. The Imagine Market opens on Friday at 5 PM and closes on Sunday at 7 PM.
Feature image: Imagine Monkland 2018 Gypsie Kumbia Orchestra