At 5:30PM every day during the Festival, the Lotto Quebec Parade started from Scene Bell, through Place des Arts to Boulevard de Maisonneuve (roughly south to north). It winds its way through the crowd, which is both a challenge to the parade, and to somebody wishing to see (and especially photograph) the parade.
Overlooking the start of the parade. The Festival guide says the parade starts from Scene Bell (left of this photo), it was never obvious to me that it did. But then I'm not sure I ever saw the start. The stage at the rear of this photo is the main outdoor stage, Scene General Motors. The parade is lead by some sort of bird character.
Ah, the "dancers with colourful headdress" part of the parade.
And more colourful headgear.
And now the bird, and the stilt walkers, dressed as pirates. Well, I suppose jazz started in New Orleans, which is close to the Gulf of Mexico, so perhaps pirates are relevant. And Montreal is also a port, so its shipping may also have suffered pirate attacks.
A colourful mix.
The bird passes in front of Parc du Mont Royal, with its large cross on the top.
And I guess these are the Lotto Balls?
A better view of these balls, near the end of the parade.
A better view of the bird. Or is it a chicken head?
Saint Cat again, and although it looks like a fighting cat, the closer view reveals his true musical heritage. One cool cat indeed!
Meanwhile, on Scene General Motors, the group "Odd" was playing. It consists of four members who are classically trained. I don't recall finding this act very interesting, but my notes on the subject are sparse!
The scene at the Festival site, as seen from my hotel room. Apart from the angle of the sun, there's also many more people around.
Tonight's concert featured Al Jarreau and Roberta Flack. It was enjoyable enough, though would have been better had it not been so overpoweringly loud. Next tour I will remember to bring ear plugs. Actually, now that I think of it, I did have earplugs with me - for use in Italy. I'm just not in the habit of taking them to concerts.
Afternoon Jazz Festival
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