July Talk's Montreal Magic: From Loft Shows to Oscar Stage and Weekend Events
This weekend in Montreal offers a vibrant mix of cultural experiences, highlighted by the Toronto-based rock band July Talk, whose singers Peter Dreimanis and Leah Fay Goldstein recently graced the Academy Awards stage. The band is set to perform at the Beanfield Theatre on Saturday as part of their cross-Canada tour celebrating the 10th anniversary of their sophomore album, Touch. In an exclusive interview, Dreimanis and Goldstein shared their deep connections to Montreal, underscoring how the city's artistic energy shaped their careers.
From Montreal Lofts to Hollywood's Dolby Theatre
Peter Dreimanis, still glowing from his post-Oscars experience, recounted his role in director Ryan Coogler's hit film Sinners, which won multiple major awards. Dreimanis played a vampire/country singer and participated in a wild performance at the Dolby Theatre that echoed a pivotal moment in the film, celebrating the history of African-American music. "It was amazing. It was a shocking experience," Dreimanis said from Winnipeg, where the band was preparing for a gig. "Everything to do with Sinners has been affirming because it's like one of those good-people-winning scenarios. To see them be rewarded is so grounding."
Leah Fay Goldstein, who studied dance at Concordia University in the early 2000s, reminisced about her formative years in Montreal's vibrant arts scene. "It was the first Osheaga, just amazing different shows every weekend, a bunch of freaks making really fun art," she said. "The affordability allowed people to live the dream of having a loft and putting on shows in their own space. I realized later that was a special thing unique to Montreal."
Montreal Roots and Artistic Influence
Dreimanis, who grew up in Edmonton with a father from Montreal, shared nostalgic memories of summer visits to the Plateau, exploring alleys and attending events like the jazz festival. He noted that July Talk's first show was at Casa del Popolo, where an incident involving their drummer, a trained paramedic, helping a passed-out attendee became a memorable moment. Goldstein's entry into the Toronto music scene brought a "very Montreal energy," with her band Mothers of Brides embracing unconventional performances, such as drumming with kitchen knives.
"We found common ground in embracing our stink," Dreimanis explained. "Leah and her friends wanted to be loved for who they actually were, not for trends. That's a very Montreal attitude from those years, and our show reeked of that authenticity." The Beanfield Theatre performance holds special significance for the duo, reflecting their journey from intimate Montreal lofts to international stages.
Weekend Highlights in Montreal
Beyond July Talk's concert, Montreal offers a diverse lineup of events this weekend:
- Harry Potter: Visions of Magic: An immersive exhibit at Place Bonaventure running all weekend, featuring experiences like a ride on the Knight Bus and a walk down Knockturn Alley. Saturday and Sunday are sold out, but tickets are available through June.
- We Are Wolves: A post-apocalyptic punk rock show with electronic elements at Le Verre Bouteille on Saturday, promising an energetic night at one of the Plateau's cool taverns.
- MTL Punk Rock Flea Market: A free community event on Sunday at Foufounes Électriques from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., offering vintage items, handmade art, skateboards, and music-related goods in a punk-themed setting.
- Persona: A screening of Ingmar Bergman's classic film at Cinéma du Musée on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. with English subtitles, providing a nostalgic trip to art-house cinema.
These events showcase Montreal's rich cultural tapestry, from mainstream entertainment to underground scenes, making it a destination for diverse artistic expressions. Whether you're a music fan, Potter enthusiast, or film buff, this weekend has something to captivate every interest.
