Sun Ra in Montreal

[sethdenizen]

Hello Everybody,

I am trying to find out about Sun Ra's brief time in Montreal, specifically where he played and lived.

So far I have found two contradictory stories:

Szwed says he played at "Le Mocambo" in the fall of 1960, which may or may not have been a cabaret located at 2591 rue Notre Dame est (now a bare patch of highway with a view of the bridge).

Robert Campbell says he played at "El Morocco" July 31, 1961, which may or may not have been on Closse St, right next to the Forum (which Sun Ra is said to have appeared at for a prize fight wearing his space threads)

They both agree however, that after the Arkestra was fired from that gig after two nights they got a steady spot at "The Place," which was "across the street from McGill," wherever that is....

Anyone have any other information about where the Arkestra lived / gig'd in Montreal?

[Van Basten II]

I have an acquaintance who actually saw a Sun Ra gig here, when I'll see him I'll ask about it. Too bad the jazzfest is over because it's the time of the year I see him the most

[medjuck]

I saw him in the early fall of 1961 with a small group I think at The Place. All I remember is that it was September and he played The Christmas Song (Chestnuts roasting etc.)

[AllenLowe]

if you want Szwed's email, send me a PM - maybe he can clear it up.

[Guest Bill Barton]

Another helpful resource might be the Emanonjazz_Montreal Yahoo! group. Sadly Len Dobbin is no longer with us. My bet is that he could have answered your question.

Emanonjazz_Montreal

[sethdenizen]

if you want Szwed's email, send me a PM - maybe he can clear it up.

I sent an email to Szwed's yale account, but he has't gotten back to me. If you have a more direct line that would be great.

I saw him in the early fall of 1961 with a small group I think at The Place. All I remember is that it was September and he played The Christmas Song (Chestnuts roasting etc.)

Wow that's totally amazing. Do you remember where in Montreal exactly The Place was?

[AllenLowe]

pm sent -