Venue of the Month: Il Motore

The nondescript Jean Talon street salon will play host to a total of eleven shows this month, including two anniversary parties for two of Montreal’s best concert promoters as well as some regular shows by some incredible bands and artists. Take a look at some of the highlights.

Passovah 2 Year Anniversary – February 6th

Firstly, on Saturday, February 6th, we have Montreal concert promoter Passovah’s two year anniversary party, with performances by The Luyas and Shapes & Sizes. If you haven’t yet heard of either of these two bands you should definitely come out to this one because they both put on lively and entertaining performances. We also currently have a contest going for a pair of free tickets to attend this show, which you can enter here. Tickets are $8.00.

The Antlers + Golden Isles – February 17th

On February 17th, one of the biggest breakout bands of 2009 will be coming to town. The Antlers, who were responsible for putting out the wonderful Hospice, which was a mainstay on many top albums of 2009 lists, will be bringing a whole heap of emotion laden rock songs to Il Motore for our listening pleasure. Opening up for them will be up and coming Montreal band, Golden Isles, making this a show not to be missed. Tickets for this one are $15.00 and can be purchased here.

El Perro Del Mar + Taken By Trees – February 20th

Next we have perhaps the most exciting show of the month. Splitting the bill on February 20th at Il Motore will be two of Sweden’s most talented female songwriters. Firstly, Taken By Trees will be playing, which is actually former Concretes singer Victoria Bergsman’s solo project. On her latest album, East of Eden she mixes elements of indie pop along with some Middle Eastern influences to create what was one of the most interesting things to come out last year. Joining her on this night will be the lovely and talented El Perro Del Mar, who also happens to be from Sweden. She will play some of her dreamy electro tracks from her latest album, Love is Not Pop and hopefully some older classics as well. Tickets for this one are $13.00 in advance and $15.00 at the door and car be purchased online here.

PHANTOGRAM – February 21st

The staff at Il Motore better clean up quick because the very next day the venue will play host to Greenwich, New York’s PHANTOGRAM. The duo is made up of guitarist Josh Carter and keyboardist Sarah Barthel and since the release of their excellent debut LP, entitled Eyelid Movies this duo has known great success. This success includes landing opening gigs for the likes of Zero 7, Ra Ra Riot, Yeasayer and Brazilian Girls along with a performance at last year’s SXSW Festival. Opening up will be Junk Culture. The show is a reasonable $12.00 and tickets can be purchased here.

Blue Skies Turn Black 10th Anniversary – Feb. 25, 26, 27

And finally, to cap off an excellent month of shows at Il Motore, we have three consecutive nights devoted to celebrating arguably Montreal’s best concert promoter, Blue Skies Turn Black, which is turning 10 this February. So February 25th, 26th, and 27th will be night’s of celebration at Il Motore featuring performances by some incredible bands. Some of the bands scheduled to perform are The Besnard Lakes, Shapes & Sizes, Adam & The Amethysts and No Joy. But what will really be special are reunion shows by North of America, Rockets Red Glare and Thundrah on the last night. This will be an unforgettable night of shows so be sure to make it out. Tickets for each night are $10.00 and can be purchased here: 25, 26, 27 or at the door.

Tags: Adam & The Amethysts, Blue Skies Turn Black, BSTB, El Perro Del Mar, February, Golden Isles, Il Motore, Junk Culture, Montreal, No Joy, North of America, Passovah, PHANTOGRAM, Rockets Red Glare, Shapes & Sizes, Taken by Trees, The Antlers, The Besnard Lakes, The Luyas, Thundrah, TONSTARTSSBANDHT, Venue of the Month