The Festival International de Jazz de Montreal is a rich and exciting tapestry of global sights and sounds. Located in the very heart of downtown Montreal, the Festival hosts an average of 500 concerts (3/4 of which are free), performed by over 2000 musicians, representing some 20 countries, making it one of the largest Jazz festivals in the world.

Although it's not surprising that the festival enjoys over 2 million visitors each year, what is surprising is the intimate atmosphere it maintains. Just picture a sultry four-block wide Jazz club and you'll get the idea.

Scattered throughout the area are a wide variety of bistros and bar and food kiosks, including a festival favorite, jumbo spicy sausages, served hot off the grill. A little mustard and a large frosty beer and you're two steps from heaven! If you're in the mood for something a little less casual, the area is surrounded by some of Montreal's finest restaurants, many of which offer outdoor terraces facing the festival grounds.

The Jazz Fest is kid friendly, offering entertainment designed especially for the young, and young at heart. A favorite is the huge play area where kids can make their own music by dancing on giant piano keys, or take a slide down a king sized trumpet! There's also arts and crafts, free face-painting, jugglers, clowns, and the Little School of Jazz show, which teaches kids about jazz by using familiar children's songs.

Also appearing at this years Jazz Fest are Martha Wainwright, Jesse Cook, Dave Brubeck, Paul Simon, The Wayne Shorter Quartet, Baaba Maal, and Ani DiFranco, just to name a few.

Great music, great food, and great atmosphere – La vrai joie de vivre! (The true joy of life.)