Monthly Archives: July 2010

Jul 12

Music | How They Got Over


The Roots play to a sold-out crowd

By Galit Gilor

It was a chilly Wednesday night in Montreal, but the winds could not be felt inside the Metropolis, as excited fans gathered to see The Roots play. On the contrary, the venue was blazing hot, as the sold-out crowd flowed the sounds of the livest hip-hop band.

The group was in town as part of the 2010 edition of the Montreal International Jazz Festival, attracting a crowd that reflected the diversity of the city. Students, 40-something adults, tourists, hipsters, and hip-hoppers all piled-up close to the stage, standing side-by-side while waiting to comply eagerly with The Roots’s every demand.

The heterogeneous nature of the crowd reflected the group’s mass appeal. Some, like Jennifer Jones-Clark, came from out of town just to see the show.

“I come from the United States every year to the Jazz Fest, and I always come to this venue because they always have amazing, cutting-edge artists; and that’s what The Roots are, “ said Jones-Clark.

The Metropolis was the appropriate venue for this show, as its size allowed for fans to connect with the band. Throughout the show, members of the crowed waved their hands high, and sang along to every song, as most ignored the heat and the sweaty neighbors standing next to them.

Friends Christopher Laard and Simon Lenoir were excited to hear the band’s new material. “Unfortunately, I don’t know much of their older stuff, but with Rising Down, I listened to that, and flipped out, “ said Laard. “I haven’t listened to their new album [How I Got Over], so tonight should be quite a surprise, and quite fun.”

About the show, Lenoir said, “I’m a big fan of live performance for rap, and The Roots are one of the best, so that’s why I came. But, I also think that more people would have showed up if the show was outside.”

By the end of the show, the group left the crowd starving for more of their jazzed-up sounds and guitar solos. To make their feelings heard, members of the crowd began screaming, and stomping their feet in unison, demanding for an encore. “Roots, Roots, Roots, Roots,” they chanted.

Much to the audience’s pleasure, the band came back to play more songs. “Who do you want?,” screamed singer Black Thought. Prompting the crowd to chant back, “Roots Crew.” “When do you want it?,” Black Thought continued. “Right now,” the crowd replied. At that point the crowd was rilled-up, as the group completed a set that lasted almost two hours and a half – with no intermission.

David Rimock, who had seen The Roots play live shows before, still had the time of his life. “I loved the show. It’s actually the fourth time I’ve seen them, and they amaze me every time with the way that they are able to mix so many different styles into their music,” he said.

The Roots’s new album, How I Got Over, was released on June 21, 2010. Fans can also catch them every weeknights as the house band on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon.

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Jul 7

Arts and Culture | Bridging the Gap

Permanent exposition showcases West African traditions

By Galit Gilor

Nested in the calm streets of the Villeray neighborhood, La maison de l’Afrique-Mandingo is a hidden treasure unknown to many. However, what lies on the other side of its door is a great escape that takes visitors directly to the African continent without leaving Montreal.

Created by Miriam Sy Diawara, who arrived from Ivory Coast in 2004, La maison de l’Afrique-Mandingo plays the role of hub for those interested in increasing their knowledge of West African culture and traditions. The center is divided into four spaces: Touba (the gallery), Akwaba (the boutique), Cauris (the library-café), and Kari-Sy Bilé (the meeting space). Each area plays a specific role in creating a link between West Africa and Quebec.

Although the center is presently showing the FIFA World Cup matches in the Kari-Sy Bilé space, it is the permanent art and costume exhibition held in the Touba space that catches the visitor’s eye. For the past year, La maison de l’Afrique-Mandingo has been displaying a variety of traditional costumes, each signifying a specific period or era in an individual’s life.

“The exhibition has as its mission the discovery of the identity, the unity and the sense of belonging that one has to a particular community expressed through costumes”, explains Soa Rajaona, who is in charge of tourism for the center. She continues, “Each costume has a specific significance to a particular traditional event.”

For example, one can witness the outfit that a young girl would wear during a genital mutilation. Although it is a cruel practice that has been banned from most African countries, organizers at La maison de l’Afrique-Mandingo believe it is important to explain its history.

Mamouna Kaboré, who is in charge of the boutique and the library-café, says, “We wanted to show this dress because behind this horrible practice there are also important social customs that many people forget.”

Many of the costumes and masks displayed come from West Africa; more specifically, from Mali, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, and Mauritania. “This mask has history,” says Kaboré, pointing to a mask which was actually worn by warriors in Zaire.

Also on display are artifacts retrieved from various archeological digs. Certain items can even be purchased, but due to their sacred nature, prices are not for everyone. However, collectors will be charmed by these items’ uniqueness.

Visitors interested in the permanent exhibition can head to La maison de l’Afrique-Mandingo from Monday to Friday between 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. With its many activities and welcoming hosts, the center will be sure to charm anyone crossing its doors.

La maison de l’Afrique-Mandingo

6256 Henri-Julien Ave.

Montreal, QC

H2S 2T8

(514) 875-7710

Jul 7

Sports | More than Just a Sport

World Cup excitement hits Montreal

By Galit Gilor

Every four years, an event shakes the core of the world. This event is the FIFA World Cup. During one month, tensions are set aside and the battle is fought on the soccer field rather than on the trenches. Montreal is not exempt from the madness that surrounds the 2010 edition of the Games; actually, the city has caught the fever and the temperature keeps on rising.

“A businessman came to see me earlier in the week asking that we broadcast the game on the television in the lobby. He wanted to watch it while taking a break from his business meeting,” says Kireny Garcia, Concierge at the Loews Hotel Vogue in downtown Montreal.

Most businesses in the city have set up widescreen televisions in their facilities as a way to attract a clientele that does not mind sitting in a bar or restaurant in the early hours of the day. Even if most games are shown as early as 7:00a.m., seating in most places is filled to capacity.

“I’d rather watch the game live,” says Aina Raoelina, who works at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth hotel in downtown Montreal. He mostly watches the game at home because he works evenings. About the bar ambiance, he notes, “There can be fights if you root for the wrong team. Do not go into a Portuguese bar rooting for the opposing team. To avoid confrontation go to a neutral place, like Cage aux Sports or La station des sports.”

As Diego Flores, who works for TD Canada Trust, attests, “There is a rivalry between nations, but a sane one”.

The World Cup is a time for individuals to pledge alliance to their country, their community, and their identity. This is no different in Montreal, a city known for its cultural diversity. Social classes disappear, ethnic differences are set aside, and rivalries are put on hold, as everyone comes together to rally behind their favorite team.

“There is no difference between you and the other person that is celebrating the same goal. When there is a goal, you celebrate. It’s a consecration,” says Raoelina.

For those looking for a place to watch the games, Google Maps has set up a directory that lists which bar is broadcasting a certain match. For example, to celebrate with England fans, Google Maps suggests heading to Burgundy Lion Pub in the Little Burgundy neighborhood.

The 2010 FIFA World Cup showcases more than just a sport; it unites the city, even for a little while. Bars are booming, friendships are forming; Montreal has caught the fever and no medicine can relieve it.