^TM

by Madelyn Miller

Do these names have something magical about them? Carnival of Venice. Carnival of Rio. Du Maurier Québec City Summer Festival. Three magical cities. Three great celebrations. Three opportunities to join performers and visitors alike in a great outpouring of joie de vivre.

The du Maurier Québec City Summer Festival will take place in the most romantic and most European city in North America. It's surely the most passionate festival of the summer, and one of the best entertainment bargains in the world! World beat, French song, pop-rock, street and circus performances, classical music—600 performers, 20 countries, 15 superb venues in the heart of Old Québec, all within easy walking distance of each other. You'll find something that fits the bill, whatever your age, language or taste in music. It's friendly. It's safe. It's clean. And it's a cutting edge event for festival lovers 7 to 77.

Opening night Québec City will be alive with anticipation. The city's old walls serve as a magnificent backdrop as the huge, open-air stage gets set to host hundreds of performers over the 11 day life of the Festival. Excitement is in the air as music lovers gather. The performers know they've got a great audience waiting and give it everything they've got. A magical combination of music, strolling, history, fine cuisine, joie de vivre and harmony, the Festival is a must-attend event in the heart of French America. Here's a tourist event that fits perfectly into its urban setting!

Five large, beautifully decorated outdoor stages and dozens of pleasant public squares offer performances noon and night. A stepping stone to North America for some, a "can't miss" stopover for others, the Festival has hosted a whole roster of superstars in previous years: Celine Dion, The Chieftains, Paco de Lucia, k.d. lang, Cecilia Bartoli, Paul McCartney and his Liverpool Oratorio, Julia Migenes, Buddy Guy, Johny Lang, and the list goes on.

While out strolling, don't be surprised if you chance upon a group of actors or musicians eager to share their world of fantasy. Round a corner, and you could be swept up in the powerful beat of Japanese Kojo drums or the irresistible rhythm of African tambourines. And for youngsters, there's a special park full of activities—and of big, old trees to shade them from the beaming sun.

The Festival is also the perfect time to stroll around Québec City, discovering its many secrets, stopping for a drink at a patio café, or sharing a mouthwatering meal in a relaxed atmosphere. The Festival is a friendly event for the whole family. It's easy to enjoy and inexpensive. Visitors can purchase souvenirs at some fifteen kiosks located at Festival venues and in the streets of Old Québec. It's a wonderful opportunity to experience world music sealed with a French kiss.

For more information or to receive a free Festival program( when available in early June) write to 160 rue Saint-Paul, P.O. Box 24, Station B, Québec City, Québec, Canada G1K 7A1

The current festival dates are July 6 to 16, 2000

E-mail infofest@clic.net

or call (418) 692-5200

http://www.infofestival.com/eng/default.asp

Photo courtesy Festival d'ete de Quebec

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