Pitchfest Gets it Between the Posts

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Can’t wait for Women’s World Cup/FIFA? It starts June 6. In the meantime, get yourself stoked for all those acrobatic kicks and impossible staves with Pitchfest, Montreal’s second annual festival dedicated to football (or soccer, if you prefer). Film, art, music — the whole Montreal cultural trifecta is on offer.

Music

Music and mayhem start with the Kaiser Chiefs at the Virgin Mobile Corona Theatre. The British band has won a whack of prizes (Brit Awards, NME award, and played the London Olympics closing ceremonies among other things). Supporting them are Palma Violets, who we reviewed HERE. Also opening are Priory and Public Access TV. Don’t miss this UK love fest. Kaiser Chiefs play the Virgin Mobile Corona Theatre on May 16. 8 p.m. $32.

Art

The ever cool Station 16 gallery is hosting a vernissage of artists curated by Fred Caron. The show, entitled Praise: An Art show about Soccer has local and international artist’s works on display. These include outsider artist Ricardo Cavolo from Spain who makes colorful, cartoonish works that explode on the page in fireworks of patterns. French punk fanziner Meka melds skate and punk cultures with his organic, free form designs, and boldly outlined figures. Also keep an eye out for multi-media artist Paul Labonté and photographer Celia Spenard-Ko. The Pitchfest Art Vernissage takes place May 19 at Station 16 Gallery. 7 p.m.

Film

For film, Pitchfest has a film festival at Cinema du Parc. Documentary films and a few feature films are being shown. Films include old favorites like Bend It Like Beckham. Premiering on May 22 at 9 p.m. is The Two Escobars. While not related by blood, both Escobars were top of their game. Pablo Escobar was the most powerful drug kingpin and Andres Escobar was the biggest soccer star in Colombia. Andres scored against his own team in the 1994 World Cup and was ultimately killed for it. Find out about the connection between sports, politics, and drugs. Another premiere is Keane and Vieira: Best of Enemies which plays on May 23 at 8 p.m. Arsenal vs. Man U is one of sport’s great rivalries. These two men face off face to face on and off the field. For your Sunday pick, we recommend Les Rayures du Zebre on May 24 at 7 p.m. This Canadian premiere is about a soccer scout who specializes in African players. His latest pick José is not just an ordinary soccer player. The Pitchfest film fest starts May 21 at Cinema du Parc. $11.50 per film, $55 for full pass.

Pitchfest takes place May 16-24 at various locations. Click HERE for more.