It's our Fest, after all

>> >> Locals to look for over the next 10 days

by RUPERT BOTTENBERG

Given Montreal's long history in the North American jazz scene, and its current vivacity as a source of new and interesting music, it's only appropriate that homegrown talent should have a prominent place in the Jazz Fest schedule.

The big deal this year is Lullaby Baxter Trio, who've nailed down a Fest-long spot at the Monument-National's Jazz Café, nightly at 8:30 p.m. The quirky, folky lounge pop of Angelina and company is less of a local secret every day. If you're in that frame of mind, there's also the cool, stripped-down rhythm 'n' bossa stylings of Bet. E & Stef, on Friday, June 30 at the Air Transat outdoor stage. And don't forget Gazelle, who have a new album of electronic urban lounge to show off, at the Blue Dry stage on Tuesday, July 4 at 10 p.m.

If you'd rather hear the ebonies and ivories do the talking, check out newcomer Jaffa when he joins drum & bass DJs Double A and Twist, honchos of the Dune label to which he's signed, in opening for Nightmares on Wax at the Club Soda DJ 2000 series, midnight on June 30. Also crazy with the keys are Jazz Pharmacy, gradually shaking off a long winter holed up in their studio. Jamming wildly on a steady groove, this quartet (they're hauling a trombonist along) make the Blue Dry stage their bitch on Monday, July 3 at 10 p.m. as they warm up for what's sure to be an intense autumn for them, what with a new album forthcoming and all.

Some older and very familiar faces pop up again this year: Quebec's own Roi du drum, Guy Nadon, gives the bop jazz hard touch a dose of comedic clowning while never missing a beat. He's at Salle de Gesu on Sunday, July 2 at 7 p.m. Finally, the Stephen Barry Band may not have Oliver Jones in tow this time, but their good-time blues/swing/folk is so upbeat and solidly delivered that they won't be hurting for it. They'll be handy on the Fest's last day, July 9, for two sets at the Labatt Blues stage--7 and 11 p.m. Watch them bring down the house before the techs tear down the stages. :

With Pest 5000, Jimmy Brain and April Showers at Casa del Popolo on Saturday, June 24, 9pm, $6