QUEBEC'S MILITARY BAND FESTIVALS Part 2

In August the Quebec International Festival of Military Bands lasts 3 great days. It's not unusual to see bands from France, Norway, Germany, United States and other overseas venues join Canadian bands from Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Vancouver and Quebec.

Nearly 50 free performances on the parade grounds, Plains of Abraham and other popular public places troll up interest for the evening concert events that offer symphonic perfection. Many of these bands are full-time professional musicians in uniform. Bands do march, but they also offer Sibelius as well as Sousa. According to my husband Louis a veteran and band buff, whose Grandfather played French Horn in John Phillip Sousa's band, "You won't find better music indoors and out anywhere".

On the last evening you can enjoy a wonderful performance with 500 musicians on stage in full uniform from the different groups joining together on stage with select conductors from the different bands exchanging the baton. The music is better with the single band performances indoors and out, but as the musicians parade down the cobble streets in the old part of Quebec there's no question fothat the photo opportunities to peak.

Besides these special performances, you'll find Quebec offers over 40 free concerts during this festival and then for the closing event the 500 military musicians in full dress uniforms with their instruments.

There is a full schedule of other festivals as well. One of the brightest is the Grands Feux Loto-Quebec this international gathering of fireworks manufactures from five countries light up the sky against the spectacular setting of Montmorency Falls. Schedule fireworks are usually held on Wednesdays and Saturdays from the end of July to mid-August and the view from the St. Lawrence River is not to be missed.

In August you can enjoy also savor the New France Celebrations. This annual historical event, takes over all Quebec City with the costumed fur traders, missionaries, explorers, farmers and performances reenacting events at historic sites. Visitors are welcome to dress up and join in the fun and;grazing; food stands seems particularly good, not that anyone need go hungery in Quebec City.

In early September, Quebec screens the annual International Film Festival and more sporting and cultural events extend into winter. Around Canadian Thanksgiving; a different date than in the United States in October you can enjoy the Sacred Music Festival in Sant-Roch. Festivities happen around the Saint Charles River as well as other downtown sites.

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