Montreal, a city known for its culture and diversity, is now on its fifth year of Igloofest. This festival truly defines the diversity and magic of the city. Located on the quays in old Montréal, Igloofest showcases top international DJ’s in what feels like a winter wonderland atmosphere. A promenade made of ice and warmed by fires creates an igloo village; a host of bars and ice sculptures glowing with colorful lights.

Inside the Quay giant walls of lights is a massive video screen system illuminate and creating dazzling effects for the dance floor. The lights and effects sync with each of the performers individual electronic sound transforming the area uniquely for each artist. The venue is powered by an exceptional sound system and the volume stays up all evening thanks to Montréal’s festival friendly city laws.

A second level balcony running along the sides of the main quay dance arena provide an elevated area to view the gorgeous Montréal skyline and glimpse the entirety of the festival which leaves even Igloo veterans in awe. If the fire and the music outside are not enough or the feeling of frostbite is beginning to set in, a second indoor room complete with a separate stage and fully independent itinerary of performances in a warehouse/ club style arena makes up the indoor area. In the past Igloofest has drawn crowds of over 7000 people. The atmosphere coupled with a showcase of Canadian talent as well as international artists. M.AnDy. (Oh superman), Jessie Rose, Nick Fanciulli Mark Farina, Adam Freeland and James Holden (the sky was pink), just to name a few, are all performers that have headlined the events in the past.

The 2011 Igloofest, scheduled for every Thursday, Friday and Saturday of January has a great spectrum of artists performing on DJ turntables, visual mixers, light controllers, live p.a.’s, laptops and even ipads. The opening weekend had a lot to live up too. Opening weekend, January 14th,15th and 16th kicked off the festival and set the tone for the following weeks. Entertaining an excess of 15,000 festival attendants over the weekend has set the bar high for the following weeks. If the opening weekend can be used as a gauge this year is going to be bigger than ever.

Over the weekend there was some big Canadian talent such as Mike Mind and Tomas Von Party who have a heavy international tour schedule returned to their roots at Igloofest. Playing in Montréal must feel like playing for the home team for the duo. In addition to having their label TURBO recordings based out of Montréal it is also their hometown. Many of the other artists are representing countries across the globe.