Five years already! Five years of putting music—and literally, musical instruments!—into people’s hands, of bringing music fans of all stripes together, and of promoting music making in tangible ways! Anyone who has attended one of the previous editions would instantly understand why the Montreal Musical Instrument Show, presented by General Motors of Canada as part of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, has become the benchmark event in terms of promoting music making:  the best known instrument and musical accessory exhibitors converge to showcase their latest products, while musicians of all levels throng to the SIMM to check out the masterpieces and try playing their dream instruments, and families give themselves up to the music experience.

More diverse than ever

For three whole days, you can see, hear and try the top brand-name instruments and musical accessories and participate in a full slate of activities that have become the event’s signature, from fun “instant” courses on how to play the guitar or harmonica in one hour (!) to djembé jams that invite fledgling musicians to let loose to the beat! Add to that the irresistible SIMM auction, which will not only blow your mind with its many treasures fit for both collectors and Sunday musicians, but will also help fund the SIMM, a non-profit organization, and its youth activity fund; the famous Blues Camp, which again this year, will offer music heaven to some 60 youngsters ages 13 to 17 during a dream-packed week of music; and the superb, unique Godin guitars specially touched up by Yves Archambault, the Festival’s artist-in-residence. And if that’s not enough, for its 5th edition, the SIMM will be coming on even stronger...

The SIMM moves outdoors!

The biggest—and most exciting!—new feature this year is that the SIMM is moving... outside into the street, quite literally into the midst of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal! In fact, the SIMM is not just moving, but undergoing a veritable revolution that now more than ever will plunge visitors into the heart of the musical experience! Just imagine…

… the brand-new Village de la musique created by the Festival and located in a vast block (bounded by De Maisonneuve, De Bleury, Jeanne Mance and Mayor) adjacent to the new Place des festivals. At this unique venue, the SIMM exhibitors will be erecting some 25 tents, where they will showcase the most outstanding leading-brand instruments and accessories. This nomadic village dedicated to music will be overlooked by the impressive Magic Mirror pavilion, the same type of Big Top that so wowed last year’s Festival-goers. Dubbed the Pavillon SIMM-GM, it will be the gathering place for all—big and small, music junkies and hobbyists alike—as it will house the famous free family activities that have so enhanced the SIMM’s reputation. Thanks to this highly original village and these activities, the SIMM will also be able to run for the entire duration of the Festival! In short, music fans will find themselves more in their element than ever, while exhibitors will gain exposure to a bigger, more diversified clientele! And all this, just a stone’s throw away from every conceivable type of music, in the very heart of the world’s biggest jazz festival in full swing!

In closing, I wish to offer sincere thanks to our invaluable partners, whose support makes the presentation of all our free activities possible: our presenter General Motors of Canada, Industry Canada, the ministère des Affaires municipales, des Régions et de l'Occupation du territoire, the MIAC and Tourisme Montréal, our industry partners — Godin Guitars, Archambault, Marshall, Roland and Steve's Music Store — and our media partners (Planète Jazz 91.9, CIBL 101.5 FM and CKUT 90.3 FM). Thanks also go to all our partners and to our exhibitors.

I’m delighted to invite you to check out our new village of incorrigible music fans, on Friday, July 10 from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., and on Saturday, July 11 and Sunday, July 12, from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m., for the 5th edition of the Montreal Musical Instrument Show!

Jacques-André Dupont
Founder and General Manager of the SIMM