May and June in les Jardins Gamelin: A hot start to the season!

Montreal, May 17, 2018 – Today marks the opening of the fourth season for Les Jardins Gamelin. All Montrealers are invited to come enjoy the gardens – the perfect place for casual get-togethers, new experiences and cultural activities. With its original and diverse program, capturing the pulse of Montreal and its artistic diversity, everyone will find old favourites and new things to enjoy in the Jardins’ soothing green setting. Because each minute of the day is a unique moment, it’s worthwhile to keep coming back, whether with friends or family. Les Jardins Gamelin: open from this evening until September 30. And it’s free!

“With its free activities, shows, festivals and many cultural and artistic events, Les Jardins Gamelin bring colour and fresh vitality to the area all summer long. The gardens have become a favourite destination for all, including families, and we are pleased to be a partner in the festivities,” said Montreal’s mayor, Valérie Plante.

“As well as being an exceptional example of the rehabilitation of a public space, Les Jardins Gamelin – created in a spirit of diversity and inclusion – have become a favourite meeting place for Montrealers, who have embraced the gardens enthusiastically,” said Jacques Primeau, chair of the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership’s board of directors. “We are proud to have contributed, with the help of several partners, particularly the borough of Ville Marie, to making this place welcoming to all Montrealers. The transformation continues.”

NEW ACTIVITIES AND FEATURED ATTRACTIONS

Among the changes to the Jardins this year is an expansion of the terrasse. One of the city’s more pleasant spots now has even more space for getting together and relaxing. New planters and gardens have also been installed for added greenery. Another new feature is a butterfly tent and educational workshops presented by Sentier Urbain, the organization responsible for the Jardins’ vegetation, to guide you in exploring the world of the beautiful insects. A special butterfly release, with children as the main audience, will take place on June 17 from 11 a.m. to noon.

There are also some new residents in the Jardins this year! The Gamélites are 12 funny stone beings who will be part of life in different parts of the Jardins. As the days pass, the endearing gnomes – designed by the Le Pictographe collective – will change as they work their way into different aspects of Jardins life – agriculture, music, food and more. Don’t miss their lively personalities and funny, original aventures! Follow their Facebook page to watch them change as the season goes on.

As for new activities, outdoor meditation sessions will be held on Tuesdays from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. On Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. there will be a retro brunch with music from the 50s through the 80s – a great way to brighten your day! Mediation, Tuesdays from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Retro brunch, Saturdays de 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Lastly, Montrealers and cycling enthusiasts are invited to Mouvements libres, where they can participate in the making of an ephemeral group artwork on Friday, May 25 starting at 6:30 p.m. For the event, the participating cyclists will transform their bikes into platforms for free expression with a small device, the AgitPOV, that displays an illuminated word in the bike’s wheel when the rider starts pedalling. They will ride through the Quartier des Spectacles, displaying their words for the city to see. The event also includes a performance in the Jardins by local spoken-word artist Queen Ka, who will unveil an original piece inspired by the participants’ words. Sign up for Mouvements libres, a fun, civic-minded way to speak your mind!

GROOVE

The air will be filled with music again this year. For Tupi Wednesdays, the duo of Marcus Freitas (DJ Mks) and Wallace Roza (DJ Skambo) will explore the sounds of Brazil, expertly blending old and new, from samba to hip hop. Tupi Collective, every Wednesday from noon to 2 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m.

Thursdays feature the escales musicales series, with the latest world music made in Quebec. Travel the globe with these artists’ universal sounds and words. Guests include K-Iri au micro (May 14), Juliana et Jesse (May 31), DJ FunkyFalz  (June 7) and The Beatdown (June 14). Les escales musicales, Thursdays from noon to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Fridays bring twice the music! Spend lunchtime with accomplished musicians as they explore the different strands of jazz : Le Trio BBQ (May 18) and Jacques Kuba Séguin / Quartet (June 8 and 15). In the evening, shake it on the dance floor with DJ and musicians of the series Ce soir, on danse ! : The Ants (May 18), DJ Pierre Kwenders (June 8) and Pull Up Selecta (June 15).  Monday evenings are dedicated to musical fun, with karaoke night. Les midis jazz, Fridays May 18, June 8 and 15, from noon to 2 p.m. Ce soir, on danse ! Fridays May 18, June 1, 8 and 15, from 5 to 11 p.m. Karaoke, Mondays from 7 to 10 p.m.

Vent d’Asie presents two evenings in the Jardins. On May 25, hear traditional Asian music with artists including Patrick Graham, Lamia Yared and Nathaniel Huard. The next day, traditional Asian dance is featured with Ya Eshta, Phoenix (Hua Yun), Simork and Panama Luz ViMinda.

And on June 2 from 1:30 to 2 p.m. The Parade des Taupes (Moles’ Parade) will delight the crowd at Jardins Gamelin after walking around the neighbourhood. Part of the Festival TransAmériques, presented in collaboration with the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership.

The musical ambiance of les Jardins Gamelin reflects the space’s diversity and conviviality at any time of day, thanks to ICI Musique, the musical destination of Radio-Canada.

MOVE

The ever-popular Salsafolie evenings will attract Latin dancing fans from far and wide to salsa under the stars. Get ready to do the bachata and the merengue when the Dominican Republic takes the spotlight on the first Saturday of the season (May 19). Dancers are also invited to the bals de l’été (summer balls): every Wednesday, an instructor will introduce a new dance. The season starts with a lesson of samba no pé (May 23).

Also on Wednesdays, morning vinyasa yoga sessions invite yogis of all levels to start the day on the right foot with a session at 7:30 a.m. Bring your own mat. Lastly, on June 2 the National Ballet School invites you to a grand celebration of dance. Salsafolie, Saturdays from 7 to 11 p.m. Outdoor yoga sessions, Wednesdays from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Les bals de l’été, Wednesdays from 7 to 11 p.m.

THE AMAZING YELLOW HOUSE AND OTHER KIDS’ SPACES

The Maison jaune (yellow house) is a favourite family play space, where kids can enjoy a variety of creative workshops and activities. In front of the house is a shaded area for parents and kids can play – or parents can relax while the little ones have fun. Sundays are time for family mornings with Les Petits bonheurs, where kids under 12 are introduced to the performing arts through workshops and shows. The first Sunday features a hilarious interactive puppet show, Viateur et le castelet voyageur. Every week, children are invited to the Chalet ambulant du gros A, a tent where they can explore the joys of reading. In May and June, the Maison jaune is open Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Family mornings with Les Petits bonheurs, Sundays at 10 a.m.

PLAY AND LAUGH

With the expert facilitators from Randolph to guide you, enjoy all kinds of friendly games every Sunday with the game club. In the evening, trivia night tests your knowledge while delivering plenty of laughs. For the fête mondiale du jeu on May 27, you’ll have the chance to play strategy, skill and brain-teaser games. Lastly, on Monday evenings, the Art Machine, a talent show hosted by Carlos Vézina and presented by Théâtre Sainte-Catherine, presents sketches, circus acts, burlesque routines and amazing stories. Game club and trivia night presented by Randolph, Sundays from 2 to 9 p.m. Art Machine with Théâtre Sainte-Catherine, Mondays from 6 to 7 p.m.

GROW

Les Jardins Gamelin is a green oasis in the heart of downtown. Specialists from the social-greening organization Sentier Urbain are cultivating the seven theme gardens plus the greenhouse, which produce a tonne of vegetables distributed free to residents. Sentier Urbain also hosts workshops and lectures, offering new perspectives on urban space and social action. Côté Jardins - lectures, Tuesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. Côté Jardins - workshops, Sundays from 11 a.m. to noon, both with Sentier Urbain.

SEE MONTREAL DIFFERENTLY

Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec (BAnQ) invites you to explore Montreal’s rich history. The library’s vast collection and weekly theme activities will reveal the history of health, law, culture, the counter-culture, industry and social movements in the city. The BAnQ’s archivists and librarians also invite you to discover a variety of collections and join in discussions on local history and heritage. No prior knowledge required – only curiosity. BAnQ workshops, Tuesdays from 2 to 5 p.m.

EVENTS FOR ALL

On June 7, the Différents comme tout le monde will be a joyful gathering in celebration of solidarity, tolerance and the inclusion of people with disabilities. Two days later, La caravane de la Terre will host a gathering focused on reconciliation between indigenous and settler peoples.

ABOUT LES JARDINS GAMELIN
In the spring of 2015, Place Émilie-Gamelin showed a new face to Quartier des Spectacles residents and visitors with Les Jardins Gamelin, open from May to October. A large, green and inviting civic space in the heart of downtown, Les Jardins Gamelin return every year with an original temporary layout and a versatile set of facilities. The space’s unique, accessible and human-scale programming, now in its fourth season, has become a part of daily life for residents and visitors, making Les Jardins Gamelin an inclusive gathering place in true Montreal style. The initiative, led by the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership, is produced in collaboration with Pépinière & co, Sentier Urbain and numerous partners, with the financial support of the borough of Ville-Marie.

ABOUT THE QUARTIER DES SPECTACLES PARTNERSHIP
The Quartier des Spectacles Partnership, founded in 2003, is a non-profit organization with more than 70 members active in the district. It is responsible for animating the Quartier des Spectacles by programming cultural activities, managing and animating public spaces, providing distinctive illumination, and promoting the Quartier as a must-visit cultural destination. The Partnership is supported by the Ville de Montréal.

For more information, visit quartierdesspectacles.com

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MEDIA RELATIONS

Marie Lamoureux | marie.lamoureux@quartierdesspectacles.com | 514 923-6772