A CJLO Preview of Mundial Montreal

From November 14-17, this 4-day conference brings the world to us! Through carefully curated showcases, including Indigenous Sounds, professional panels such as Breaking into the US: Marketing World Music and numerous networking activities, Mundial Montreal is North America’s world music summit.

Mundial Montreal is not only a great opportunity for you to discover emerging talent from Canada and beyond but it is also a tool to enter into the world music network and build professional opportunities. Whether you are a festival pass holder or participating on-a-dime, here are some of my top-picks and tips on how you can get involved this year!

Music

Mundial offers the public a chance to discover some of the best emerging talents. In an intimate stage setting, each artist plays 25 minute located in a specially selected Montreal venue with great sound production.

Tuesday, Nov 14th: Opening Night showcase: Nive & The Deer Children, Kaia Kater, Quantum Tangle, Leyla McCalla & Turkwaz @ Cabaret Lion d’Or, 1676 Ontario St E (9pm)*

Wednesday, Nov 15th: Free Afternoon Showcase: New Canadian Global Music Orchestra, Gordon Grdina’s Haram, Noreum Machi & Rakkatak @ Cafe/Petit Campus, 57 Rue Prince Arthur E (3:45pm)

Thursday, Nov 16th Free Afternoon Showcase: Amanda Rheaume, Lacey Hill & William Prince @ Divan Orange, 4234 St Laurent Blvd (3pm)

Friday, Nov 17th: Free Afternoon Showcase: Bonsa, Zimbamoto, Dominique Fils-Aime, Jazzamboka @ Monument National, 1182 St Laurent Blvd (2:30pm)

Friday, Nov 17th: Closing Night showcase: Kobo Town, Roberto Lopez, Doctor Nativo @ Groove Nation, 410 Rue Rachel E (9pm)*

Panels

Mundial is one-of-a-kind, specialized event with industry professionals and keynote speakers. Please note some panels are delegate badge holders only so if you are interested in attending panels without purchasing a badge, you can buy tickets for these:

Wednesday, Nov 15th: Stephen Budd presents Africa Express = A successful bet @ Monument National, 1182 St Laurent Blvd (1:30pm)

Friday, Nov 17th: Film Projection: The Africa Express @ Monument National, 1182 St Laurent Blvd (6:30pm)

Final Tips

If you are on a tight budget and cannot attend the panels for badge holders but want to network and get involved further, here are some tips on how to do that!

Many artists and delegates will be attending all events, including the free showcase events so be prepared to give and receive business cards.

Don’t forget to write information about the person on the back of the cards and follow up with an email within the week.

Share information about yourself other than music, it will help you stand out

Be courteous and professional at all times, don’t be shy, and ask people questions

Wear comfortable shoes, drinks water, but more importantly, enjoy yourself and dance whenever possible!

Kelly Belfo is CJLO's World Music Director