ARCMTL is proud to announce the launch of a new project about the history of The New Penelope, the legendary Montreal café that in the 1960s hosted intimate performances by the likes of Muddy Waters, Joni Mitchell, Robert Charlebois, Frank Zappa and many more ! This mulitmedia online exhibit will be presented for the first time on September 26, 17h – 20h at bar BMP, 3714 du Parc, free!
The New Penelope and its era – Call for memories!
The local non-profit archive ARCMTL is also working on a book about the New Penelope and its era, 1965 – 1970. We’re looking for anyone who remembers the era, or who may have related material such as old posters, flyers, audio or video recordings, ticket stubs and other ephemera. Please contact us if you or someone you know may be able to help! We can be reached by email at arcmtl@arcmtl.org.
Montreal Underground Origins
Montreal Underground Origins shines a light for current and future generations on the early days of what is now considered a thriving city of the arts. It was conceived and produced by the non-profit arts promotion and preservation organization, ARCMTL starting in 2014.
Check out our image blog to peruse excerpts and full scans of vintage photos, magazines and varied publications from the era — or go to our searchable collection of vintage Montreal magazines on the archive.org website. Our blog features a growing number of articles, interviews and discussion transcripts exploring various aspects of the 1960s – 1970s Montreal underground arts and activist scene.
Comments and discussion from the public are welcome! Anyone can post comments under each blog post on the site.
If you have any material or memories of your own to add, please email arcmtl@arcmtl.org to let us know.
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The New Penelope Café and its era! Call for memories! Open for just a few years in the late 1960s, the New Penelope Café is legendary in the history of Montreal music and nightlife. It was the first independent concert venue in Montreal to feature important names in 1960s rock, blues, folk and jazz, from Muddy Waters and Frank Zappa to Joni Mitchell and Jesse Winchester. It was also a
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