With Fall already grabbing us by the arms and hauling us into the truth that Summer is gone, it would be wise to accept it and continue finding ways to keep ourselves entertained (and well-heated) with good times and good people surrounding us. That is one of many reasons why I shall be covering POP MONTREAL 2006.

The festival, entering its fourth year, has grown into something that is finally reaching the same level as North-by-Northeast and Canadian Music Week. However, Pop Montreal seems to take a different route by promoting more parties and less industry affiliation. The festival presents a booming list of artist that range in genres from alternative-indie to synth-pop. Along with the music, thre is a film & arts event, cultural fair and conference called Puces Pop. The majority of the events take place in Montreal's "Mile End" neighbourhood with shows going on at Montreal's hot-spots for small-to-fairly large shows such as La Sala Rossa, O Patro Vys, Club Lambi, Club Soda, Casa del Polpo & more.

There are bands from all over North America and parts of the world that will be joining the Pop Montreal brigade over the next week. I will cover a fair number of Toronto-based bands and some outsiders, as well. Big artists (to name a few) to be playing the festival are Joanna Newsom, Vashti Bunyan, Akron/Family, Beirut, Gonzales, Islands, Gary Wilson and others. Smaller, but fantastic acts that should be seen are The Born Ruffians, Think About Life, Basia Bulat, The Adam Brown, Plants & Animals, The D'Urbervilles, Castlemusic, Laura Barrett and WAY more.

The festival begins on Wednesday, October 4th and runs until Sunday, October 8th. Keep your eyes on BlogTO for daily updates and photos. SALUT!