ther free shows are playing continuously throughout the 11-day-fest; here's a little taste of what's in store: the brit-soul singer Nate James will hit the stage on July 4 – think of a concoction of Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. Rupa & April Fishes (July 5) will be one of the native Montrealers performing, and will bring their French chansons and fun, wacky dances on stage. Angel Forrest's (June 26) passion-infused blues sultry singing and husky, alluring voice has made her someone to watch out for in the Quebec music scene. That is just a minute taste of what the free shows have in store for you.

As for paid shows, Nikki Yanofsky hits the stage for her third year in a row – and she's only 14. This Jazz singing sensation is already a veteran on the stage; she left mouths hanging wide open when she had her first performance at the fest outdoors two years ago. Then last year, she sold-out a four-show series of Ella… Of thee I Swing, a tribute to the immortal Fitzgerald. This year she's back again for another two performances of perfect pitch and a tone way beyond her years.

Another singer whose sultry voice shot her to fame is Yael Naïm, the Paris-born, Tel-Aviv-raised singer/guitarist/songwriter. Sound familiar, but not quite sure if you know her songs? Well, you most likely know one of them; her song, "New Soul" is that sweet, pretty song you hear in the new MacBook Air commercials.

The fest isn't just created for the music-lovers, but also the offspring of music lovers with many activities for kids such as jugglers, mimes, face painting and, best of all, The Little School of Jazz show, which is an interactive show presented twice a day that teaches kids about jazz music. They are taught songs that they already know like the Sesame Street or Simpsons theme songs and more. The show is in the form of a play, and the teacher is a blue cat Mascot called "Ste.Cat." The fest in general is a great place for families, or really anyone at all to have fun in the sun without even having to spend that much money since many activities are totally free.