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July 25, 2008

Jack Johnson headlines Osheaga Festival

By STEVEN HOWELL

MONTREAL -- Osheaga is on the move.

How, you ask? Look no further than your calendar.

The third edition of the Osheaga Music and Arts Festival returns to Jean Drapeau Park Aug. 3 and 4. Headlining this year are Jack Johnson, the Killers, Iggy & the Stooges, Duffy, CSS, Gogol Bordello, Broken Social Scene, Cat Power, and N.E.R.D. In all some 50 acts will perform on four outdoor stages over the two-day event.

ALWAYS AUGUST

A word of note -- this year's "weekend" is a Sunday and Monday. A bigger word of note: While the fest spent its first two years trying to establish itself as an end-of-summer Labor Day bash, in years to come, organizers now aim to keep the festival dates in early August.

"We moved to August because the weather in September can be pretty unpredictable," said Osheaga Artistic Director Nick Farkas. "We also found out that there were more bands available in August. So it was just better timing."

Farkas said many of the same bands travel throughout North America and Europe during the summer festival circuit.

"But we've gotten easier to book," Farkas said. "People want to play Osheaga because we not only know what were doing now," he chuckled, "but it's worthwhile for the artist."

Why a Sunday/Monday?

"Because NASCAR is in town that Saturday (Aug. 2)," Farkas said. "We'll try for the weekend next year."

The artistic director does get to have some fun during the festival.

"I do get to enjoy the show. A lot of my work is done by that day," he said. "Jack Johnson has never played Montreal, so we're looking forward to that. And Iggy Pop hasn't been here in 20 years, so that'll be cool."

Overall, Farkas said, he's quite happy with the progression of Osheaga.

"I think we've progressed nicely over the first two years," he said. "Our notoriety has certainly grown, and we're able to get acts from all over the world. It takes time to build a festival like this, but we're patient. We're still learning and trying different ways to keep it fresh. We're still a work in progress."

Aren't we all.

THE LINEUP

Osheaga takes place Aug. 3 and 4 at Jean Drapeau Park. The music starts at 2 p.m. and continues until around 11 p.m. The set times range from 30 minutes to an hour and a half for each performance.

The lineup Aug. 3 includes the alternative electric precision of the Killers; Iggy & the Stooges (yes, the one and only Iggy Pop -- and friends); the ethereal vocals of Cat Power; the oh-so-smooth stylings of Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings; the rap-fusion artistry of N.E.R.D.; the hip-trip percussion sounds of the National Parcs; and '80s "Electric Avenue" icon Eddy Grant. Also on the bill is Foals, Metric, Spiritualized, Devotchka, Booka Shade, Plants and Animals, Chocolat and Duchess Says.

The Aug. 4 lineup includes the smooth vocal and soulful acoustic combo of Jack Johnson; the prominent indie anthems of Broken Social Scene; the Welsh smoky-vocaled pop princess Duffy; the ever-engaging and incredible Gogol Bordello; Brazilian-based funsters CSS (you may know them best from the iPod commercials); Canadian faves the Weakerthans; the lighthearted antics and artistry of Jamie Lidell, and the breezy electro-pop fun of Chromeo. Also performing will be MGMT, the Black Keys, the Kills, the GO! Team, Matt Costa, Rock Plaza Central and the Enemy UK.

INFO

For more information, visit www.osheaga.com.

Single-day tickets cost $67.50. The two-day pass costs $120 (prices in Canadian dollars). Tickets are general admission. Call Admission Ticket Network at 1-800-678-5440 or www.admission.com.

The easiest way to get to Osheaga is by public transportation -- Metro station Jean Drapeau leaves you in the thick of things. Show your Osheaga ticket for a free ride on the Metro to the concert.

The Osheaga kickoff party takes place Aug. 2 at L'Olympia Theatre. On stage will be Kid Koala and other invited guests. You need a separate ticket for the kickoff. The cost is $22.50. The 10th edition of MEG Montreal plays at the Osheaga site as well and also at downtown clubs Aug. 1 to 4. Visit www.megmontreal.com for more information.

writeonbetty@sympatico.ca

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