Denis Gagnon - "Haute Couture" comes to The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

I was recently invited to the launching of Denis Gagnon's exhibition at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.

It is the first time in history that a Canadian fashion designer has had the privilege of presenting an exhibition entirely dedicated to his art.

Who better to be the forefather than Denis Gagnon.

This artist of Haute Couture "wowed!" everyone with his collection of elegant designs. His presentation was highlighted within' installations designed by celebrated architect Gilles Saucier. The exhibition also display some recent fashion show footages where the models proudly strutted his wears. Adorned in lace, leather and zippers, Gagnon delivers the promised goods.

His talent reaches beyond the scope of "designer". This man is a true artist in all forms.

Gagnon's collections appeal to a very wide audience and are available in select stores anywhere from Holt Renfrew and other specialty retailers to Bedo. True elegance can be found by all.

Denis Gagnon's exhibition will be presented free of charge from October 19, 2010, to February 13, 2011, in the contemporary Art Square at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.

For more information please click on the link below.

http://www.mbam.qc.ca/en/expositions/exposition_158.html

STREETDANCE 3D - Review

You might think that this movie is going to be your typical dance film.

Not so... Streetdance 3D proves this to be far from the truth. It all becomes evident as the cast starts to build up momentum in this wonderful story line.

Set in the UK, Carly (Nicola Burley) lights up the screen with her feisty yet charming British character. The story begins as she is thrown into the unexpected position of choreographing her team mates for a very important dance competition. The movie is not only filled with incredible and diverse dance but also includes drama, romance, action and laughter - all leading up to a beautiful life lesson for young and old at heart.

Streetdance 3D will have you moving, taking sides, loving the music, cheering, laughing and even ducking under your seats.

This movie has is all.

A fantastic film for dance enthusiasts and for us "feel good go getters".

I left the theatre feeling revitalized and wanting to jump for joy.

Click here for the preview and prepare to be entertained:

http://www.alliancefilms.com/en/34/trailers/play_trailer/12499/default_high/all/120/

In theatres 1st October, 2010

Yoel Diaz - Encuentros

Yoel Diaz brought the roof down at Montreal's local "Upstairs" bar and grill this Tuesday.With the launching of his new CD "Encuentros", Diaz shone a bright light on Cuban Jazz.

True to the meaning of the title, "Encuentros" Diaz absolutely brought together the "meeting" of artistic and muscial adventure. The rhythm of the tight ensemble of musicians made keeping still almost impossible as you felt compelled to move to the beat of the congos.

While Diaz's masterful "tickeling of the ivories" was second to none, Karen Young's sultry voice has only improved to perfection like a fine wine. Her lustrous voice almost brought me to tears. All I can say is what a welcoming and refreshing addition to our world of international music.

Click on this link to watch performance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICo_y_okRDc

Bravo!

The Last Exorcism - Review

Not since "The Blair Witch Project" has anyone come close to terrifying an audience with such realism until now.

Set in the backwoods of Louisiana, this disturbing story of a teen girl's exorcism unfolds with such sublimity that you only realize that you have been completely sucked into it when you find your butt at the very edge of your seat.

Reverend and renowned preacher, Cotton Marcus (Patrick Fabian) is called in from the big city as a last resort to perform an "exorcism" on the daughter (Ashley Bell) of a fundamentalist farmer (Louis Herthum).

Daniel Stamm does a terrific job on bringing Louisiana's underground fanatic religious beliefs, rituals, superstitions and tales of VooDoo together to drag you into this horrific documentary style tale.

It is unquestionably one of the most thought provoking horror films of our time. This movie will definitely have you thinking and speculating for days after. Not recommended for the weak at heart.

Click below to see trailer. If you dare...
http://www.alliancefilms.com/en/89/details/display/12461/

In theatres 27th August, 2010

Montreal's 34th World Film Festival

The 34th Annual World Film Festival takes off in Montreal on the 26th August this year for 12 glorious days. 80 countries will be competing from around the world with promise of an amazing journey. With over 430 films to see, there will be something for everyone.

WFF will be showcasing an extensive repertoire of international program line-up designed to promote cultural diversity. This festival has always acted as an important platform for industry talent so competition will be fierce.

At a press conference 10th August, 2010 held by * Telefilm at the Imperial Cinema, we had a preview of what was to come.

Said Sheila de La Varende, Director of National and International Business Development at Telefilm, "From the onset, WFF has given both established and emerging filmmakers the opportunity to share their work with audiences and garner attention from local and international critics... By supporting WFF, Telefilm assists in the rise of Canadian cinema and it's International Influence." The festival will open with Telefilm-funded Route 132, by Louis Belanger (The Timekeeper, Gaz Bar Blues).

The World Film Festival will offer both admission screenings at indoor cinemas and the ever popular free outdoor screenings and runs from 26th August until 6th September, 2010.

For full Festival program details visit: http://www.ffm-montreal.org/

* Telefilm is a proud supporter of the WFF http://telefilm.gc.ca/

Inception in IMAX

The much awaited film "Inception" hit theatres a couple of weeks ago with a fury. I saw it recently at the IMAX theatre. One word - Wow!

The story takes you on a mind bending, "edge of your seat" ride through a genre never presented in film. Directed by Christopher Nolan, you knew that you were going to be in for a suspenseful treat. Every twist and turn has you wondering if you are in the reality of the film or if you are being swept away by someone else's travels in their dream. If you ever doubted Leonardio DiCaprio's talent, this movie will put your reservations to rest. His performance is above riveting as he swoops you into his character and spits you out at the end of the ride.

The supporting troupe was perfectly cast and I see lots of awards on the horizon. Definitely a must see in theatres!

Shakespeare in the Park

If you missed Romeo and Juliet at "Shakespeare in Westmount Park" tonight, fear not, it will be playing again on the 19th, 20th and 21st August. http://www.westmount.org/page.cfm?Section_ID=3&Menu_Item_ID=270&Menu_Item_Sub=448


The Repercussion Theatre's "Shakespeare in the Park" tour will be playing in various Montreal parks right up until the 21st August, 2010. For more information, check out their link. http://www.repercussiontheatre.com/index.php/productions/park/



















Sarah Peterson as Juliet
Nathan Barrett as Romeo


Photograph by Ginga Takeshima

Best Bagels

Nothing screams Montreal brunch (or apres bar snack) louder than a "real" Montreal bagel with cream cheese. It's tradition. The only question is - Fairmount or St-Viateur? That is an age old Montreal question that locals are very passionate about.
I recently went on a visit to both and frankly, I'm still stumped! I reviewed both of them. Here they are in alphabetical order.






Fairmount has a very nice variety of flavoured bagels (along with the traditional sesame seed and poppy seed ones) and is home to one of my all time faves, the "chocolate chip" bagel with flecks of orange rind. It's got the stuff dreams are made of.

Fairmount Bagel is located at:

74 Fairmount W., Montreal, QC. H2T 2M2
http://www.fairmountbagel.com/eng/index.htm

St-Viateur's no slouch for flavoured bagels either and also home the scrumptous and traditional sesame seed and poppy seed ones. The day I went, all varieties seems to be coming straight out of the oven. The aroma was intoxicating. I had the "all dressed" and let me tell you, it had flavour bursting out of it's wonderful bagel seams.

St-Viateur bagel has numerous shops around the city but the original bakery is located at:
263 StViateur W., Montreal, QC, H2V 1Y1
http://www.stviateurbagel.com/main/

Fairmount & St-Viateur bagel are open 24 hours.

Yippee!!!

Whichever way you go, you're sure to enjoy! I sure do... I love them both!

Time for mine...

Get yer own!

CTV British Columbia - Montreal makes list of world's happiest places - CTV News

CTV British Columbia - Montreal makes list of world's happiest places - CTV News

Another lovely Sunday in the Park

This time it was with the "Sheila Smith Quartet".

They played soft jazz sprinked with a little bit of folk music (Gordon Lightfoot) and although the mix sounds a little out of the ordinary, it worked.







The quartet consisted of a bass player, guitar player, drums and a female vocalist.








There were people of all ages and it almost felt like a private extension of the free concerts offered at the Montreal Jazz Festival.










Only 3 free concerts left for the summer.

Check it out!

Summer Concerts in Westmount Park

Two weeks ago I attended a free concert in Westmount Park. The group was "L'Ensemble du Carre St-Louis".

The trio entertained us on a beautiful summer's day with everything from Bach to the Beatles. It was truly a gift to be present.

Today, we will be treated to another free concert. This time it will be the "Sheila Smith Quartet" playing Jazz.

Concerts will be held every Sunday for the rest of the summer in Westmount Park at the Lagoon. In case of rain, the venues will be moved to Victoria Hall.

Local Rescue Organizations host Dog Speed Dating

This afternoon my dog Simba and I wandered over to Lafontaine park for a day of dog speed dating hosted by the SPCA and other well-known rescue organizations across Montreal.

This party was hosted to promote adoption from rescue sites. It was for people (and other dogs) to get a "hands on" experience with the dogs up for adoption.

The promoters were well organized and had big banners of the rescue sites. There were lots of photos and descriptors of dogs that were available. Informational items and freebies including dog cookies, t-shirts, promo items from the movie "Cats and Dogs" were present and they had very useful catagorized postcards with various dog related businesses on the back of them. Great idea! The volunteers were friendly and knowledgeable. Of course there was a huge water well for the thirsty pooches. The dogs were very well behaved and were well received by one and all.

The event was held at Parc Laontaine and the site was perfect as was the day. It was attended by people and furry friends of all ages. I believe this was a very successful event and I even overheard that two dogs were already reserved for adoption.

Way to go SPCA, Underdoggers and Gerdy's Rescue!