Special Events

More than 11h of classes, 2 cultural panels, 3 nights of partying to live music, a special collab with MTL Swing Riot Competition, unique performances. 3 days of an immersive and spectacular experience!

Everything we do at Cat’s Corner lead us to this event: the opportunity to learn from cultural and tradition bearers of the black art forms we have the privilege to enjoy. Get the full experience all weekend long!

LIfe is busy, we get it. So everyone can enjoy at least part of the festival, we are offering a-la-carte passes from daytime workshops to single evening parties. We can only recommend attending the whole festival, but if one class is all you can do, seize the day, learn from the best!

He is the mentee of some of the greatest jazz artists, musician and dancers alike. A respected consultant and choreographer for the Los Angeles music and film industry. A living encyclopedia you have got to meet!

A dancer and academic who’s been a force of change in the wider Lindy hop scene. A key ref. to learning about the Showgirls of the era, she is a mentee of the original dancers and a mentor to many herself.

A contemporary African dance artist and close collaborator. She’s built a year long training at Cat’s Corner, setting the foundations of black dance and its embodied living tradition, linking movement to context and values.

At first encounter, Raoul became a symbol of Vernacular Spectacular, embodying its values and aspirations. As a multidisciplinary artist, he is a House and Jazz dancer, and also the creator of the VS logo.

He is a musical gem of the local community, the band leader we have been waiting for, a Cat’s Corner close collaborator with whom we have been building our wildest mutual dreams and making them come true. Just enjoy!

From Salsa, House, Contemporary African dance and Haitian family gatherings where music and dance is part of life, Myth aka Blackgold grounds her approach to dance and freestyle in the openness of the body. Her DJ set is not to be missed!

Known for his spontaneous free style as a locker and his versatility as a dancer, he has won many all star competitions and danced for legends such as Madonna. He coincidently battled against our dearest Marie N’Diaye at ILHC 2024. He will be our guest judge for the All That Jazz Battle.

Beginners get to learn from the most praised dancers of our time. The first workshop introduces the theme of the festival. A Friday programming unlike any other one. Start your journey with Vernacular Spectacular here.

The musical body in Black dance is the central topic that brought Cat’s Corner and Sarah Elola together. We will dive into this idea even further with our guests, leading the dancer to be their own embodied musical directors.

SANKOFA: Dance is part of a continuum. Knowing where it comes from help us understand where to go. The afternoon will be about UBUNTU: moving through our common space, our shared and connected humanity.

We live for the get down, for the release of energy, for the joy of sharing space through dance & music. Jazz is about the circle, the democratic coming together, improvising, listening, feeling free! So is its music, connecting genres to move our souls.

This is a fundraising initiative to support our scholarships and solidarity model and help you get your dream shoes!
1) Pay 10$ for 1 raffle ticket or 40$ for 5 raffle tickets to ++ your chances of winning a pair of shoes
2) Follow safshoes and catscorner

Saturday night is the night to immerse yourself in the magic of Vernacular Spectacular! This year, we host Montreal Swing Riot’s famous ALL THAT JAZZ Battle. Compete freestyle to live jazz music. Battle to win a sold out pass to MTL Swing Riot in July and qualify for their semi-finals (value of 350$)!

Our volunteer cooks are preparing amazing lunches to purchase so you don’t miss a quote from the panel! Free midnight buffet will be served for all Saturday night attendees to keep us going all night.
325F a Malagasy caterer will also be serving supper on early Saturday evening. Enjoy Happy Hour at the bar.

A design created by Raoul Wilke and produced by Anaïs Sékiné for a Spectacular line of merchandize exclusively for Vernacular Spectacular.
Tshirts, hoodies, tote bags…
We can’t promise it’ll be cheap, but you’re paying for the art, the quality of the clothing and the dedication of your fashion editor!
Purchase in person only.