Third Edition of the Montreal Musician and Musical Instrument Show Set for July 5-8

It's the virtuoso return of an event already beloved by fans of musical instruments: from July 5-8, all are invited to the 3rd edition of the MMMIS, the famed Montreal Musician and Musical Instrument Show, a North American exclusive presented by General Motors of Canada as part of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal.

Over four days, fans can look, listen and try out the finest in musical instruments and accessories, presented by exhibitors representing the best brands, all in the heart of Complexe Desjardins. The big news: thanks to the enhanced participation of General Motors, the MMMIS is twice as big. In one fell swoop, even more people can experience the joys that come from musical expression.

More, more, more.
This year's program offers close to 150 free interactive activities for all, more than twice last year's tally of 70. Better yet, the MMMIS' activities have been extended from last year's four-day run to the entire 11-day duration of the Festival, thanks to the GM-MMMIS Tent. Whether young or just young at heart, amateur or professional, fans who were thrilled by last year's edition—featuring workshops, face-to-face encounters with artists, fun low-key tutorials, free shows, impromptu jams, or our unique auction—will have almost triple the time to have twice as much fun. And it's all free.

What's new?
First and foremost, let's introduce the most recent addition to the family: the Montreal Guitar Show, which is already striking a chord with the public. Devoted exclusively to the guitar, it gathers the nec plus ultra of its craftsmen in one place. What's more—and this is news sure to thrill genuine guitar groupies—you needn't simply look at the marvelous handiwork of 70 luthiers from Quebec, Canada, the U.S., South America and Europe: these guitars will be available for purchase. All strummers, pickers, collectors or simple music fans are invited join in our full slate of activities, concerts, workshops and classes presented during three days dedicated exclusively to the guitar, July 6-8, in the Salon Alfred‑Rouleau of the Hyatt Regency Montréal. Admission: $10.

Speaking of new MMMIS activities, nothing says music like a jam session. A real crowd favourite in previous editions, this jam format invites players to participate without regard to expertise or age: simply grab an instrument and join the group. This year, the MMMIS welcomes Brazilian percussion and Djembé Jam.

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On the concert side, MMMIS is announcing a new series of free shows spread over the entire Festival run: the aptly-named Guitarissimo series, presented every night by General Motors in the GM-MMMIS Tent, features the stars of the six-string. Finally, something new for the little ones: starting at 10 a.m., every day of the Festival, MMMIS is offering activities to initiate them into the pleasures of making music, in the Grande-Place in Complexe Desjardins. It's a great way to warm up for the Petite école du Jazz.

Priceless sounds, and sound values
The MMMIS is a comprehensive four-day musical exhibition in Complexe Desjardins; but it is also a slate of already beloved activities like the Guitare Guitare series and its free concerts featuring major names in music, and the guitares Godin du Festival, in which MMMIS's artist-in-residence, Yves Archambault, revisits the masterworks produced by this guitar manufacturer. These unique wonders will be among the items available at the MMMIS silent auction, another crowd favourite. All profits from this event—a veritable treasure-trove of instruments and accessories—will once again contribute to the MMMIS Music-to-Youth Fund, which helps to ensure the self-financing of the MMMIS, a free non-profit event, and helps finance youth projects like the Blues Camp. Presented once again this year by TD Canada Trust Music, the Blues Camp invites 55 young people to live out their musical dreams, attending a week-long musical camp in Cégep du Vieux Montréal—and it's all free.

It's a date: the 3rd edition of the MMMIS, from Thursday, July 5 to Sunday, July 8, noon-9 p.m., at Complexe Desjardins. Don't miss the musical magic.

For more information, visit their web site at www.mmmis.ca.