Montreal’s Red Hot & Blue Festival

Every summer we look forward to the Red Hot & Blue, the legendary Canadian rockabilly weekend in Montreal. From August 30 to September 2, pin-ups and Rebels Without Causes can jive to twelve bands from the across the globe and wickedly talented DJs.

More than a music festival, hot rods and vintage cars will be on display to razz your berries. Ticks are fifty bucks, which is a steal when it comes to festivals these days. For those expecting the same old same old, there will be a few surprises in store — most of which are buckled into a 1970s Airstream.

Long-time supporters of Red Hot & Blue, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum is stepping up its game this year. In the past, they’ve generously offered free booze for the first handful of attendees, but for the eighth annual festival they’ve decided to bring up the men’s men from Crow’s Nest and TCB Tattoo.

Crow’s Nest is Toronto’s most handsome barbershop — a joint hidden just outside Chinatown in a basement. These guys know men’s hair like no other, and you’ll be hard-pressed to keep the ladies off your pomp once they’ve fixed you proper. The bad news is it’s first come, first served. The good news is it’s on the house.

TCB Tattoo is by far one of the most authentic tattoo parlours in Toronto. Its shop has no rock star pretention and more expertise than a jailhouse. Step up to a roulette wheel adorned with four traditional Sailor Jerry tattoo designs. Put your name in a lottery  (to avoid waiting around), then spin a roulette wheel of designs and that’s what you’re getting inked. All free.

Arron Thomas, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum’s brand ambassador, is eager to show off these additions to Red Hot & Blue. At the same time, he knows it won’t distract from the festival’s amazing line-up. “I’m excited to see it all,” he says confidently. “There’s some great talent from both Canada and the US.”

Tattoos, haircuts, live music, hot rods and cocktails for $50? You’d be a goof not to go. Get tickets here.