Club Montreal TD Stage

New to the Fest this year and located on the Esplanade of Place des Arts, a new outdoor stage will offer two to three free shows each evening. Locally sourced food and drinks will also be on offer, curated by a yet-unnamed guest chef.

The Club will also serve as the afterhours party place to be, with a series of 11 p.m. shows scheduled nightly and some amazing local talent.

Here are some quick-pick highlights we’re excited about.

Fernie: The West Island youth puts a soulful accent on a decidedly goth aesthetic with an incredible live presence. (Friday, July 1, 7 p.m.)

Emma Beko: A Cult MTL favourite, the singer/MC plays the same night. (Friday, July 1, 11 p.m.)

Suuns: On the heels of last autumn’s heavy-hitting LP The Witness, Suuns bring it home with a stiff night cap. (Friday, July 8, 11 p.m.)

Chiiild: The pop soul project from Montreal’s Yonatan Ayal and PierreLuc Rioux delivered one of last year’s strongest albums with Hope for Sale and finally, triumphantly headlined their hometown late last month. This last-minute addition to the lineup is not to be missed. (Saturday, July 9, 11 p.m.)