The Invitation series presented by 93.5 CBC Radio, 7 :30 p.m., Théâtre Jean-Duceppe and the Cinquième Salle at Place des Arts

Photo: Biréli Lagrène

 Guitar virtuoso Biréli Lagrène will this year host the first section of the Invitation series, likely to set the tone for this year's entire fest as it takes place just before opening day. The magnificent guitarists will embark on a series of 5 concerts, some solo, some in duet with the likes of French accordion player Richard Galliano (June 28), Viaggio as well as New York Tango, which was awarded a  "Victoire" for music in 1997.  Next up will be the New Gypsy Project, a terrific evening in tandem with two of the original collaborators on the album, bassist Diego Imbert and guitarist Hono Winterstein, who'll be joined by saxophonist Franck Wolf (June29). Following will be a Swing Night with organist and trumpet player Joey De Francesco and master drummer André Ceccarelli (June 30); then an Evening of Guitar with Christian Escoudé, accompanied by Diego Imbert and André Ceccarelli (July 1). To wind up the musical escapade will be Alain Caron and his Big Band, directed by Michael Abéné (July 2). Italian born but living in France, Aldo Romano has been playing drums with refinement and elegance for over forty years. As host of the 2nd section of this year's Invitation series, the icon of the European jazz scene will offer festival goers four concerts, each very different from one another. First up at the Spectrum will be a terrific concert honoring the peoples of Africa with the Romano-Sclavis-Texier African Flashback (July 3) The following evening is Made in France with bassist Rémi Vignolo and guest Mark Turner (July 5), presenting a work that was extremely well received when it came out in 2002, Because of Bechet, accompanied by Rémi Vignolo, Emanuel Bex, Emanuele Cisi and Francesco Bearzatti (July 6), on bass, piano and saxophone, respectively. The drummer emeritus will complete the series with an homage to popular film scores of the 60's, with pianist Baptiste Trotignon and Rémi Vignolo (July 7).

Photo: Emanuele Cizi.

Baaba Maal (July 1) One of the most respected musicians from Senegal and a principal exponent of world music, Baaba Maal fuses traditional African sounds with the twang of North American blues. Cat Power Solo (July 2) is back after a three-year absence with selections from a soul- and folk-tinted album entitled The Greatest. Seu Jorge (July 3) is in his early thirties and bursting with talent-the new international wonder boy of Brazilian music.  Salif Keita (July 5) The illustrious singer and composer from Mali is back to his roots with selections from M'Bemba, a vast acoustic oeuvre. Come hear an artist in his prime. The Bell Orchestre (July 6) Hailing from Montreal and issuing from the group Arcade Fire with orchestral rock, with fine, powerful arrangements. Konono #1 (July 7) Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Konono will put lovers of world music into an electronic trance. This is their first visit to Montreal. Ani DiFranco (July 8) After a much-appreciated appearance in 2004, the folk/funk/punk/country artist is back with selections from her album, Knuckle Down. Opening act: Kaki King.