Étoiles du métro stars – 2013 Edition The STM and RMMM reveal their star performers

Communiqué

Montréal, February 6, 2013   – The second edition of the Étoiles du métro program is being launched this week. For the occasion, the STM and the Regroupement des musiciens du métro de Montréal (RMMM) recruited sixty Étoiles or star performers, groups, or solo musicians eager to share their talent with Montrealers who ride the métro network on a daily basis. These musicians were selected after submitting to a rigorous audition process last November overseen by three judges active on the Montreal music scene. Among the 2013 edition Étoiles or stars, 24 of them are return participants for a second year in a row. To find out more about the sixty musicians scheduled to perform as early as mid-February in métro corridors, see attached list or visit the RMMM website (www.musimetromontreal.com).

“In addition to the four designated locations in métro stations, the STM wishes to broaden the horizons of its star performers beyond its network. Artists will have the opportunity to perform in outdoor venues where the STM is involved and participate in two series of shows organized by ARTVstudio”, announced Denise Vaillancourt. STM Executive director Planning, Marketing and Communications. The specialized television chain ARTV will present all these performances jointly. “We’ve had a successful array of talent in 2012 and this year is extremely promising”, stated Mr. Daniel Lalonde, president of the RMMM.

The four special signs designating Étoiles du métro performance areas are located in Berri-UQAM (Saint-Denis exit), Place-des-Arts (beside the Frédéric Back mural), Jean-Talon (downstairs), and Laurier (Laurier exit). A fifth sign should be added this year. Star musicians are easy to find since they each have a personalized banner with their stage names they can attach to the signs before every performance. Musicians have the opportunity to show off their talent in front of métro customers according to an established reservation calendar of performance hours prepared by the RMMM. The weekly schedule takes into account the availability of participating artists. Every musician is therefore committed to perform a minimum of six hours every week in the métro network.

The goal of Les Étoiles du métro program is to showcase métro artists by providing visibility and promotional support. Management of artists performances is handled by the RMMM. In keeping with improving the customer experience, this initiative aims to increase the variety of musical genres interpreted in the métro and enhance the careers of talented musicians. The STM offers musicians 55 free locations to perform within the métro network. These locations are identified by wall signage representing a harp symbol. Except for the four special signs reserved for Les Étoiles du métro program, musicians scheduled performance hours are achieved by random drawing.

Partners
The RMMM, a non-profit organization, represents purely the artistic interests of member musicians who perform on a regular or part-time basis in one or many métro stations. The organization also ensures that members respect STM rules and regulations regarding relations with customers, employees and retailers in the métro to create a harmonious and respectful environment for all.

As a partner, the television chain ARTV is proud to be associated with Étoiles du métro to encourage new local talent. As joint presenter of shows in outdoor venues and of two series of shows in their cultural space in the ARTV Studio, this specialized chain is proud to contribute to this unique initiative in agreement with its objective to broadcast arts and culture and its ultimate wish to make art travel.

–  30 –