The stalled financial state of the auto industry has forced General Motors to pull out as official sponsor of the Montreal International Jazz Festival.

"We have a year and a half to find a new lead sponsor," says Alain Simard, president of the festival's parent company, L'Équipe Spectra.

"It's not easy in these times, but in 30 years we have never been without a sponsor."

Most of the festivals 500 concerts are free and seen by more than a million people.

The lineup for next summer includes Buddy Guy, Dave Holland, Patricia Barber, and Madeleine Peyroux.

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