Sound System Festival, 2016

It’s the Festival within the Festival!  Calling all Sound Systems and Sound System aficionados … if yuh Love to hear sweet Dubplates beat from a well tuned Sound Machine, you’re going to LOVE this!

Montreal Dancehall teams with Mr. Eric Blagrove and the Montreal International Reggae Festival for Sound System Festival 2016!

Doors open at 5pm and Sounds take the stage at 7pm!  The rest of your #MIRF2016 weekend looks like this:

Friday:

Cocoa Tea (Back by popular demand)

Ammoye

Mel Dube

Chelsea Stewart

Saturday:

Mavado

Vershon

Elephant Man

Spragga Benz

Sielle

Romie Se7en

Olatunji

2i

Sunday:

Barrington Levy

Sanchez

Romain Virgo

Jahmiel

Charlie Chaplin

Josey Wales

Kaisha Lee

Vernon Maytones

I'm Going to Party with Sean Paul!

Following the announcement of its first wave of programming unveiled last month, conforming the participation of Marcia Griffiths, Maxi Priest, Sanchez, and Percy Sledge, the Montreal International Reggae Festival is proud to confirm the participation of three other major stars of Jamaican music:  Sean Paul, I-Octane and Demarco!

Collin Demarco Edwards embodies a new era of avant-garde artists combining songwriting, music production, recording and live performance.  Over the past five years, Demarco has delivered a solid string of memorable hits, such as “Duppy Know Who Fih Frighten,” “Fallen Soldiers,” “True Friends” and “Show It.”

For the past 2 years in Jamaica, you can see and hear I-Octane everywhere!  The handsome young singer with the sweet warm voice has been recruited as a spokesperson for Digicel, Busta beverages and Guinness beer.  Discovered by brilliant producer Donovan Germaine (Penthouse Records), I-Octane has been touring constantly on the international circuit since the release of his debut album Crying to the Nation (Tads Records) which fuses Roots Reggae and Dancehall.  Fans look forward to the artist performing hit singles “L.O.V.E. Y.O.U,” “Jah, Jah Warrior,” and “Mama!”  This will be the artists’ first appearance at the Montreal International Reggae Festival and it is one not to be missed!

Headlining the festival this year is none other than Sean Paul!  Saturday evening will experience Full Frequency along the lines of the energy experienced in the artists 6^th syudio album of the same name!  Blending Jamaican and Caribbean culture with a splash of pop, cross over hits such as “Other Side of Love,” “Entertainment” and “Want Dem All” will have fans rocking in unison!  Montreal is about to get LOUD!

In addition to live entertainment, Montreal International Reggae Festival hosts an innovative series of workshops and conferences at O Patro Vys on August 12, 13 and 14.  The programming, complete schedule of events, as well as confirmations of additional performers and headliners will be announced at a press conference on July 14^th, 2014.

For more information about the festival visit www.montrealreggaefest.com, and to order tickets $80 CA for the weekend, advanced via www.ticketpro.ca!

Montreal International Reggae Festival - 2014

The Montreal International Reggae Festival (MIRF) has released a partial look at their 2014 line up which combines classic Lover’s Rock with Soul, and is forecasted to make Montreal the most popular Canadian city for August, 2014!

Taking place at the scenic Montreal Old Port, organizers from Canada’s most acclaimed Reggae festival have shared with media and fans 4 of the 12 headlining artists who will be performing at the 11^th annual festivities, offering patrons the right musical mix and value for their dollar.

On the heels of the release of his new album, Maxi Priest will take center stage to rock classics as well as some of his new singles “Easy to Love” (lead single from his new album of the same name), and “Every Little Thing.”  The Grammy Award winning, and Billboard chart topping artist is excited to be performing in the city.

The Queen of Reggae, Marcia Griffiths will endear fans with her sweet voice that has created so many memories.  Getting her start with the I-Threes who famously backed Bob Marley & The Wailers, Ms. Griffith now celebrates 50 years in the music industry and Montreal can’t wait to do the “Electric Slide” in her honor and classics such as “I Shall Sing” and “Dreamland!”

After an outstanding performance in 2009, Sanchez will return to the MIRF stage giving the city his unique mix of Gospel, Lover’s Rock and some Pop Reggae such as his new song “Him Buy You a Drink” which has been gaining traction on the Canadian Reggae landscape.

Soul has always been embraced by Reggae fans, so to sweeten the mix, MIRF brings legend Percy Sledge!  One of the most beloved American artists, Percy’s single “When a Man Loves a Woman” became an international top 40 hit and certified gold record.  Additional hits include “Warm and Tender Love,” and “Take Time to Know Her.”

Early bird tickets are available via www.ticketpro.ca with prices ranging from $80 CA for a weekend pass (if purchased between May 8^th and June 2^nd, 2014).

The complete 2014 lineup will be announced at a press conference to be held on June 14^th at O Patro Vys – 356 Mont Royal St. East at 11am.  In addition to performances, MIRF will offer workshops at O Patro Vys on August 12^th, 13^th and 14^th. 

For more information about this years festival visit the official website www.montrealreggaefest.com or @MTLReggaeFest

Tickets On Sale Now for the 11th Annual Montreal International Reggae Festival!

The Montreal International Reggae Festival announced today that tickets for its 11^th annual staging is officially on sale and available exclusively through the online portal www.ticketpro.ca!

With fans actively reliving their experiences from last year, and pressuring organizers to give them updates as early as possible, the MIRF team announced today that early bird weekend passes are available online until June 2^nd, 2014 for $80 (Canadian currency).

The 11^th annual celebration takes place August 15, 16 and 17 at the Old-Port in the heart of Montreal, and brings together the best and brightest names in Reggae and Dancehall.  Last years’ festival was just shy of capacity, and this year is expected to sell out.  If fans buy tickets after June 2^nd, the pricing options are:  weekend pass $100 in advance, $140 at the gate.  Friday single day tickets are $21, and $1 from each ticket will be donated to a charity.  Saturday and Sunday individual single day tickets are $55 in advance and $70 at the gate.  VIP Weekend passes are $275 and include some of the privileges received last year.

A partial artistic line up will be announced on Monday May 26^th, 2014, and will include information about interactive workshops held at O Patro Vys (356 Mont-Royal Ave East), and related to the industry and business of Reggae and Dancehall. 

For more information about tickets, patrons can call 514-790-1111 or 1-866-908-9090 and by visiting www.montrealreggaefest.com