Christmas came early this year at the Montreal Children’s Hospital (MCH), as the halls were filled with joy and excitement on July 2. Hundreds of gift bags were delivered to young inpatients and outpatients as part of the annual “Christmas in July” celebration. The event was brought to life by the spirited students of The Coda Foundation—a youth-led charity committed to easing the burden of cancer—in collaboration with the Certified Child Life Specialists of the MCH.
Coda volunteers gathered in the P.K. Subban Atrium of the MCH to spread some mid-year holiday cheer, assembling 275 festive gift bags for children across a range of departments, including Oncology, Hematology-Oncology, Inpatient-Surgery, Pediatric/Neonatal Intensive Care, and General Pediatrics. Each bag was thoughtfully filled with a personalized stuffed animal, children’s books by local Montreal authors, generously donated toys, and other cheerful surprises—bringing the magic of the season to young patients spending their summer in the hospital.
Founded in 2019 at Marianopolis College in memory of a founding member’s beloved aunt—affectionately known as “Coda,” The Coda Foundation was created to honour her legacy by raising cancer awareness and supporting patients in need. This year marks the fourth edition of the foundation’s annual gift bag initiative, which has brought smiles to the Montreal Children’s and Sainte-Justine hospitals in years past. Initially focused on young cancer patients, the initiative quickly recognized the strength of its expanding network and broadened its impact across multiple hospital departments.
Reflecting on the experience, Coda Upper Management member Areeba Ahmed shared: “In a time of uncertainty and fear, we were able to create a moment of lightness and connection. I was reminded that while we cannot change someone’s diagnosis, we can bring them warmth and joy—and that kind of impact lasts far beyond the moment itself.”
For more information about The Coda Foundation and its upcoming events, you can visit their website at https://codafoundation.ca or follow their updates on Instagram.
The Killers love their sushi.
A KILLER SUSHI MEAL: When I walked over to the sushi bar at Ryu Griffintown less than two weeks ago to say hello to Chef Michael Godin, little did I realize that there was rock royalty right next to me. Dining there in advance of their solid performance at Osheaga were members of The Killers, Brandon Flowers, Dave Keuning, Mark Stoermer and Ronnie Vannucci Jr. Chef Michael recently returned to the Ryu family, having guided the culinary team at the Westmount location before it closed about a year and a half ago. The other Ryu spots are on Peel Street and two at the airport. Chef Michael honed his skills in culinary school at Lasalle College. After doing an internship with celebrity Chef Antonio Park, he ended up getting hired and spent some seven years working under one of the top sushi chefs in the world. After a few other stops, he heard about the planned opening of RYU Westmount in 2018 and reached out to COO Jason Lamarre. He was hired and the rest is history.
Simon Jodoin Bouchard
TIME OUT A SMASH: As part of its plans to turn the spotlight on local culinary talent as part of its fifth anniversary celebrations, Time Out Market Montreal was showcasing Simon Jodoin Bouchard recently. He is also known as the King of the Smash Burger and the chef behind Chez Simon Cantine Urbaine. Fueled by a passion for BBQ, Simon began his journey by participating in grill competitions across Canada and the U.S. This experience helped him carve out a place in the restaurant industry, eventually opening the first Chez Simon Cantine Urbaine in his hometown of Tétreaultville. Since then, he’s won over the hearts (and stomachs!) of locals, opening a stall at Time Out Market Montréal in March 2024 and a second location in Longueuil. He thrives on the adrenaline of a busy kitchen, and the one dish he believes everyone should try at least once is his signature Original Smash Burger topped with capicollo. I went for tasting last week and it was magnificent.
ROYALMOUNT FUN: As part of its very first summer programming, Royalmount Montreal’s premier destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment, is proud to partner with MURAL, the city’s leading authority on urban art, for a series of immersive events that sit at the intersection of art and local culture. From August 15 to 31, Royalmount’s Urban Park will be transformed into an open-air art gallery across three weekends, inviting guests to explore a series of unique immersive experiences. Combining interactive art installations, live music performances, and wellness activities, this program is curated in partnership with MURAL and aims to spotlight the richness of the local art scene. The program offers privileged access to art in all its forms within an inclusive, creative, elegant, and welcoming atmosphere. The community will be invited to dive into the vibrant and colorful world of Montreal-based artist Melissa Mathieson (@melissalikessushi), who will unveil a series of original installations specially designed to create an interactive open-air pathway blending creativity, immersion, and interactivity. Through these works, guests will enjoy a one-of-a-kind sensory experience that invites discovery and wonder. Meanwhile, the festive and eclectic vibes of local music collectives Frikiton, Bonne Famille, and Terrasse Season will infuse the event with energy and warmth through dynamic live performances. This fusion of visual art and music sets, all within
Royalmount’s signature refined ambiance, promises to make each visit a memorable and inclusive experience for all. The first weekend, from August 15 to 17, will kick off with an opening night on Friday the 15th, followed by a Block Party on Saturday the 16th hosted by the Frikiton collective, known for its festive energy and Latin vibes. On Sunday the 17th, accessible wellness activities will be offered for all. The second weekend, from August 22 to 24 will feature a Block Party with Bonne Famille on Saturday the 23rd, followed by another round of wellness activities on Sunday the 24th. The third weekend, from August 29th to 31st, will spotlight a Block Party in collaboration with Terrasse Season on Saturday the 30th, before a final day of relaxation and wellness on Sunday the 31st. This event series also marks the first anniversary of Royalmount, celebrating a year filled with cultural, culinary, and artistic happenings. This collaboration between Royalmount and Mural reflects a shared commitment to supporting local artists, making culture accessible to all, and creating memorable experiences for both Montrealers and visitors alike.
THE INFINITY SAGA CONCERT EXPERIENCE: Under the direction of Francis Choinière, the FILMharmonique Orchestra invites audiences to a spectacular cinematic and musical experience with Marvel Studios’ The Infinity Saga Concert Experience, presented at Place des Arts’ Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier at 7:30 p.m. on August 15 and 16.This one-of-a-kind concert offers a journey through all 23 films that make up Marvel Studios’ iconic saga. From the origins of Iron Man, Captain America, and Thor to the epic Avengers storyline and the arrival of heroes like Black Panther, Doctor Strange, Captain Marvel, and the Guardians of the Galaxy, each legendary moment will be brought to life on the big screen, accompanied by a live symphony orchestra. The soundtrack, a true emotional cornerstone of the Marvel Universe, highlights the music of legendary composers such as Alan Silvestri, Michael Giacchino, Ludwig Göransson, Danny Elfman, Christophe Beck, Ramin Djawadi, and many others. The show will also feature iconic songs like Back in Black by AC/DC, Hooked on a Feeling by Blue Swede, and Star Spangled Man by Alan Menken and David Zippel. Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe will be immersed in a moment of pure delight, where visuals, music, and emotion come together to celebrate one of the most influential sagas in modern cinema. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the Marvel Universe, this is the perfect opportunity to rediscover its most iconic moments powered by the full force of a symphony orchestra.
HAMILTON LOTTERY: Producer Jeffrey Seller, Broadway Across Canada and evenko, announced a digital lottery for Hamulton tickets that began in conjunction with the show’s first performance on Tuesday, August 19 at Place des Arts. A limited number of tickets will be available for every performance for $10 each. The lottery first opened at 10 am last Friday and will close at noon on Thursday, August 14 for tickets to performances Tuesday, August 19 to Sunday, August 24. Subsequent digital lotteries will begin on each Friday and close the following Thursday for the upcoming week’s performances.
A Hamilton curtain call.
How to enter? Use the official app for Hamilton, now available for all iOS and Android devices in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store . The lottery will open at 10 am every Friday and will close for entry at 12:00 PM the next Thursday prior to the following week’s performances. Winner notifications will be sent between 1 pm and 3 pm every Thursday for the upcoming week’s performances via email and mobile push notification. Winners will have two hours to claim and pay for their ticket(s). No purchase or payment necessary to enter or participate. Each winning entrant may purchase up to two tickets. Only one entry per person. Repeat entries and disposable email addresses will be discarded. Lottery tickets may be picked up at will call beginning two hours prior to the performance with a valid photo ID. Lottery tickets will void if resold. Patrons must be 18 years or older and have a valid, non-expired photo ID that matches the name used to enter. Tickets are non-transferable. Ticket limits and prices displayed are at the sole discretion of the show and are subject to change without notice. Lottery prices are not valid on prior purchases. Lottery ticket offer cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. All sales final – no refunds or exchanges. Lottery may be revoked or modified at any time without notice. A purchase will not improve the chances of winning. A revolutionary story of passion, unstoppable ambition, and the dawn of a new nation. Hamilton is the epic saga that follows the rise of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton as he fights for honor, love, and a legacy that would shape the course of a nation.
JOAT FESTIVAL: The vibrant energy of street dance is set to take over the Quartier des Spectacles once again: JOAT Festival international de street dance is back for another edition, from August 26 to September 1, in co-production with Danse Danse. Staying true to its inclusive DNA, the festival promises an exciting week of Breaking, Hip Hop and Popping battles, as well as composer ‘s battles, introductory street dance workshops, master classes, a conference, an exhibition, an art market and much more. Whether curious or passionate, there’ll be plenty to move, learn and marvel at. Under the artistic direction of Handy Yacinthe, this 2025 edition offers a real showcase for the richness of street dance, carried by artists from here and abroad. Many of the activities are free and open to all, such as those taking place for the first time at the MEM, including a panel discussion with three key witnesses of street dance’s golden age, the event C’est quoi les DAW’s, a participative photo exhibition and a film screening.
The three evenings of battles at Club Soda will feature top-class dancers in Breaking, Hip Hop and Popping. In a one-on-one format, artists will take turns improvising to music chosen live by the DJ, with an MC leading the way. International judges will then select the winners in each category. This year’s event will feature distinguished judges and guests. Among them are Phil Wizard, Canadian dancer and gold medalist in breaking at the 2024 Summer Olympics, and DJ FLEG, who was the breaking DJ at the last Olympics. MT POP, winner of the 2018 JOAT Battle, will also be taking part. The Vietnam-born icon, who has over 313,000 followers on Instagram, is sure to leave a lasting impression at JOAT 2025. More than 250 dancers are expected to compete in the Prelims, which will take place during the day on the Esplanade de la Place des Arts. On the basis of a solo improvisation in front of the judges and the public, 16 finalists will be selected to participate in the battle at Club Soda the same evening. All finalists will receive a cash prize, a festival feature that’s uncommon in the world of battles. Since its beginnings, the Festival has opened its doors to all generations with the JOAT KidzBattle, an All Styles dance battle for kids and pre-teens with Urban-Element Zone. New this year, the KidzBattles will be held in the same format as the adults: the finals will take place at Club Soda in the presence of prestigious young local guests – Princess Intimidate (Adeline Kerry Cruz), Iko and Èvie – as well as international judges Buddha Stretch (USA), Kosi (Canada) and Waldo (Canada).
The windows of the 2-22 Building, at the corner of Sainte-Catherine Street East and Saint-Laurent Boulevard, will once again serve as a showcase for short, dynamic performances, JOAT Vertige. This time ten dancers will perform over no less than eight evenings, with two performances each evening. The shows will be accessible to the general public and will be sure to generate a lot of buzz on Sainte-Catherine Street. The exhibition SIX STEPS by Do Phan Hoi, a Montreal-based photographer specializing in street dance culture, will also be open to the public free of charge, offering an immersion into the street dance scene through the spotlighting of key figures in the industry. This year’s edition also sees the return of the krump battles with MKA Sessions, the Montreal Loves Dilla DJ set in tribute to legendary Hip Hop producer J Dilla, and the C’est quoi les DAWs confrontation, organized by Artbeat Montreal for beatmakers. Young and not-so-young alike can also take part in free introductory street dance workshops open to all skill levels. At the same time, master classes will be given by battle judges and international guests, offering a unique opportunity for dance enthusiasts and novices alike. The festival will also feature the SPOT Session, a free practice area for all street dance lovers, hosted by the 100lux organization.
If you have an item of interest, e-mail [email protected]. Follow me on Instagram @MikeCohencsl
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.thesuburban.com ’
