ontreal is indeed a festival city. We just can't seem to get enough. As soon as the curtains fall on one another looms on the horizon.

With this in mind one of the newer festivals on the scene is ready to take center stage. The Pop Montreal Fest is an innovative celebration being held Oct. 4th-8th at various venues throughout the city. The festival's pop appeal is in part due to the fact that it features several artistic disciplines rather than being limited to just one. The fest highlights music, film, and art in its many varied forms.

The music portion of the festival provides patrons with some eclectic choices. Performers scheduled to take part include such acts as Ramblin' Jack Elliot, Harvey Danger, The Cat Empire, Gary Wilson, Dr. Octagon, and Regina Spektor. Shows take place at several venues including La Tulipe, La Sala Rossa, Club Soda, Metropolis, and Le National.

The film portion of the fest is in its third year and promises to be an exciting potpourri of visual delights. Works shown include material as diverse as ungerground films, lost classics, shorts, and music videos.

The Puces element of Pop Montreal is composed of a two day art and cultural fair running from Oct. 7th-8th. It will feature an abundance of work by craftspeople, cake makers, fashion designers, silkscreen artists, and record vendors.

In terms of art the fest will feature artwork from around the world. Selections come from an array of genres and mediums as well as experimental pieces. The full line up of artists is to be announced soon.

Pop Montreal also plays host to the 6th Annual Future of Music Policy Summit. This event is being held from Oct. 5th-7th at McGill University's Schulich School of Music (555 Sherbrooke St. West). This is an internationsl symposium on issues related to music, law, technology, and policy. It will include lectures by various speakers, panel discussions, and workshops.

For more info on the Pop Montreal Festival visit their newly updated website at www.popmontreal.com. Concert tickets can be purchased through www.admission.com. The fest promises to showcase a vibrant and diverse array of music, film, and artwork. There's something of interest for just about everyone. Check it out.