After unveiling the lineups for their indoor shows and new outdoor venue in Verdun, the outdoor lineup for the 40th edition of the Montreal Jazz Fest lineup is here.
Headliners include locals Charlotte Cardin and Matt Holubowski, Nick Murphy (AKA Chet Faker), New Orleans’ Cha Wa, Molly Johnson, Jordan Officer (with a 9 piece band), and more.
Cardin and Holubowski each made their first live appearances at Jazz Fest, which makes these large headlining sets even more impressive.
The Montreal Jazz Fest runs from June 26 – July 6. For tickets and more info visit the official festival site.
The entire outdoor lineup is below.
Thursday, June 27 – 9:30 p.m. – Rio Tinto Grand Event:
This year, the charismatic Charlotte Cardin will kick off our grand events on June 27, on the TD stage that festival-goers know and love. Her voice and musical creations will undoubtedly wonderfully launch the 2019 Festival International de Jazz with this grand event presented by Rio Tinto!
Tuesday, July 2 – 9:30 p.m- TD Grand Event:
On July 2, the great music of Australian artist Nick Murphy (fka Chet Faker) will thrill the public with sensual vibes and off-kilter beats.
Saturday, July 6 – 9:30 p.m. – Grand Closing Event:
Finally, the festival will close on July 6 with a highly anticipated concert by gifted Canadian performer Matt Holubowski. We can expect powerful energy on the TD Stage that night, during a concert filled with 11 days’ worth of emotion and effervescence!
And for this fortieth edition, in addition to the new satellite site of the festival in Verdun and its 40 free concerts, the vast downtown site will present anniversary concerts, moments of sharing with the artists, new activities, artists coming to the festival for the first time, and awesome partners! Here’s what the Festival has in store for the public this year as part of its free outdoor program:
An overview of the lineup, stage by stage
TD Stage (Place des Festivals)
In addition to its three major events, Place des Festivals will host larger than life parties with theTD Scales series at 6 p.m. and the TD Performances series at 9:30 p.m.
The TD Scales – at 6 p.m.
Friday, June 28 – Ilhan Ersahin – Istanbul Session (Turkey): An essential figure of the New York underground, saxophonist Ilhan Ersahin remains creative, original and innovative, reinventing electro-rock, funk and world music.
Saturday, June 29 – Thomas de Pourquery – Supersonic (France): French saxophonist and singer-songwriter Thomas de Pourquery brings legendary American jazz pianist/composer Sun Ra’s cosmic songbook back to life with creativity, boldness and poetry. Thomas de Pourquery will hit the stage with the six super musicians of Supersonic.
Sunday, June 30 – Laila Biali (Ontario): World-renowned, award-winning Canadian singer and pianist Laila Biali released a new self-titled album. She mixes jazz and pop to create brilliant, catchy songs.
Monday, July 1st – Steve Amirault, E.ast C.oast Orchestra: This Nova Scotia pianist and singer-songwriter is one of the most accomplished musicians in the country. He often plays in New York, Toronto and Montréal. He will present his new project E.C.O.
Wednesday, July 3 – Alex Pangman (Ontario): Great American Songbook expertAlex Pangman is continuing her swing career in spite of health problems. This survivor, who raises awareness about organ donation, celebrates life through the music of the ’30s – melodic, comforting and lyrical. Inspiring in many ways.
Thursday, July 4 – SHPIK: 2018 winner of the TD Jazz Grand Prix, the band SHPIK recorded their first electro-jazz album, Fabulation; a balanced, hypnotic, intense proposition. Leader Arnaud Spick-Saucier was inspired by film music to create Nils Petter Molvær-style atmospheres and rich multi-sensorial experiences.
Friday, July 5 – Blues Camp graduates: Some fifty 13-to-17-year-old musicians, selected for their interest, their talent and their passion, participated in this extraordinary day camp. During a week, they worked on their musical skills and knowledge with professionals. Future stars ahead!
The TD Performances – at 9:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 26 –Surprise Grand Event!
Thursday, June 27 – Charlotte Cardin – Rio Tinto Grand Event: With her mesmerizing voice and stage presence, this Quebec singer-songwriter charmed audiences from Brooklyn to Paris, London and Toronto. Her next album, inspired by human relationships and emotions, is highly anticipated just as her show on the grand Bell Stage.
Friday, June 28 – ERIK TRUFFAZ QUARTET Ft.NYA – Bending New Corners 20th anniversary (France): This famous jazz trumpet player is celebrating the 20th anniversary of his album Bending New Corners, bringing back on stage rapper NYA, alongside Marcello Giuliani, Marc Erbetta and Benoît Corboz. History in the making! This concert will be filmed by MEZZO LIVE HD, at 9:30 p.m., and broadcast live. MEZZO LIVE HD, a worldwide reference for classical music, jazz, opera and dance, will also be on site to film the concerts by saxophonist Ilhan Ersahin, pianist Roberto Fonseca and drummer Makaya McCraven. There will be a free preview for Bell, Cogeco, CCAP Câble, Cableamos and Vmedia subscribers.
Saturday, June 29 – The War and Treaty – (United States): Michael and Tanya Trotter form a lively duo on stage and in the studio. With Healing Tides, they explore gospel-country. They both have powerful, dazzling voices. They embody passion.
Sunday, June 30 – LowDown Brass Band (United States): This band mixes the gritty sounds of Chicago with Crescent City street beats, with powerful trumpet, trombone and saxophone blasts over funky drums and sousaphone!
Monday, July 1st – Cha Wa (United States): Singer J’Wan Boudreaux founded Cha Wa, a New Orleans brass band. Impossible to resist their contagious energy!
Tuesday, July 2 – Nick Murphy fka Chet Faker (Australia) – Grand TD Event: The musical planet discovered him in 2011 with his viral cover of Blackstreet’s No Diggity. His stage name was then Chet Faker, a homage to one of his inspirations. Three Eps and an LP later, the Australian singer, wanting to reflect his evolution, is returning to his real name, Nick Murphy. This spring, after four years on the road, he released Run Fast Sleep Naked, a spare, authentic album.
Wednesday, July 3 – Plena Libre (Puerto Rico):Playing plena and bomba, distinctive styles from their native Puerto Rico, bassist Gary Nunez and his orchestra have been electrifying crowds for nearly 25 years thanks to their spectacular brass section, percussions and three-voice harmonies.
Thursday, July 4 – Molly Johnson (Ontario): Toronto’s Molly Johnson is one of the greatest jazz voices in Canada. The winner of several Grammy Awards, and critically acclaimed internationally, she performed at the Festival in 2018 to present her album Meaning to Tell Ya. Her return to Montréal is highly anticipated!
Friday, July 5 – Jordan Officer Full Band: For his 20th year at the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, Jordan Officer will celebrate with an epic, explosive concert! Supported by 9 musicians, he will revisit his 4 albums!
Saturday, July 6 – Matt Holubowski: With his first album Old Man in 2014, followed by Solitude in 2016 (it sold 40,000 copies), singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Matt Holubowski made his mark on the Quebec and Europe musical landscape.
Rio Tinto Stage (corner of De Maisonneuve and Jeanne-Mance)
At noon and 3 p.m. on the Rio Tinto stage, youth will show its talent during the Young JazzFest series, featuring secondary school and college ensembles. At 8 p.m., grown-ups will feel the heat with the Rio Tinto Jazzy Evenings series.
Young JazzFest– at noon
Friday, June 28 – Musique Études Jazz-Pop (École secondaire André–Laurendeau)
Saturday, June 29 – Jazz Band Saint-Luc
Sunday, June 30 – Jazz Band 1
Monday, July 1st – Ensemble Super Sax Combo du Cégep St-Laurent
Wednesday, July 3 – Nepean All-City Lab Band
Thursday, July 4 – Jazz Band de la Cité
Friday, July 5 – Big Band Montcalm
Young JazzFest – at 3 p.m.
Friday, June 28 – Les pros du Camp de Blues
Saturday, June 29 – Nepean All City Jazz Band
Sunday, June 30 – Big Band du Cégep Saint-Laurent
Monday, July 1st – Bing Band Intersection
Wednesday, July 3 – Sortie 210
Thursday, July 4 – Ensemble Jazz de Montréal
Friday, July 5 – La Tonique Big Band
Rio Tinto Jazzy Evenings at 8 p.m. – 90 minute concerts
Thursday, June 27 – Begonia (Manitoba): Manitoba’s Alexa Dirks aka Begonia, with her magnificent voice, sings intimate, honest songs that oscillate between light and shadow, fragility and toughness. An enjoyable balance for a singular artist.
Friday, June 28 – Luedji Luna (Brazil): Brazilian singer-songwriter Luedji Luna has a wonderful voice, breathing life into relevant lyrics over Afro-Brazilian rhythms, R&B, soul and blues. Refreshing, charming, irresistible.
Saturday, June 29 – Quiana Lynell: Warm, dazzling, passionate Texan jazz singerQuianna Lynell, who grew up with gospel music, moved to New Orleans to raise her children, teach music and play with great artists, notably Herbie Hancock and Marcus Miller. In 2017, she won the international Sarah Vaughan jazz contest, launching her solo career.
Sunday, June 30 – Micheal Mwenso & The Shakes (United States): Michael Mwenso, in the company of his happy musicians from Sierra Leone, London, South Africa, Greenwich Village, Madagascar, France, Jamaica and Hawaii – all based in Harlem –, will take you on a whirlwind of jazz, blues, African and African-American music. Both harmonious and intense.
Monday, July 1st – Lorraine Klaasen: She gets her energy from her mother, famous 1950s South-African jazz singer Thandie Klaasen. Inspired by the Township culture and music as well as other musical styles, she sings in various languages and dialects in order to continue to surprise, charm and electrify audiences worldwide. A great artist!
Tuesday, July 2 – Devon Gilfillian (United States): R&B, hip hop, rock, blues and soul filled his childhood in Philadelphia. This singer-songwriter made a splash in 2016 with his self-titled EP, a homage to his first loves. This rising star will release a highly anticipated album this year.
Wednesday, July 3 – Victory (United States): Descending from a great family of musicians, Victory grew up busking in the New York metro. After singing with rap legendJay-Z, she recorded her first solo EP, It’s a New Dawn, then the album The Broken Instrument,ensuring her place in the soul-jazz-folk world.
Thursday, July 4 – Paul Cargnello and guests: Aiza, Fredy V, Sarah MK, Satellites, Clerel: This Montréal singer-songwriter has been going at it for 20 years. He’s back with an unpredictable new funk album, Promises. He will be surrounded by many guests to deliver an outstanding groovy experience.
Friday, July 5 – Scratchophone Orchestra (France): This electro-swing band will get people moving with their wild beats and scratching. Charleston or madison, this swing universe is always a joy. Bubbly like champagne.
Saturday, July 6 – Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar (Ontario): With her 2nd album Run To Me, this Toronto singer-songwriter confirms her style and uniqueness. With her bright, melancholy voice, she sings songs of love and longing, sometimes heartbreaking, with super soul and blues harmonies.
Casino de Montréal/CBC/Radio-Canada Stage
Petit parterre, corner of Clark and de Maisonneuve
Among the places most beloved by festival-goers for its friendly atmosphere, festive spirit, and two series of concerts. Tempo created as par of the Canadian Multiculturalism Day celebrations, and Grooves, respectively at 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.!
Tempo– at 6 p.m.
Thursday, June 27 – The Haitian party of Vox Sambou and guests: Emeline Michel, Malika Tirolien & Jai Nitai Lotus – Quebec — Haïti: Vox Sambou, founding member of Montréal hip hop band Nomadic Massive, invites you to a festive evening of traditional Haitian rhythms, Afrobeat, reggae and hip hop. The queen of creole music Émeline Michel, the bright and powerful Malika Tirolien, and super rapper Jai Nitai Lotus will also hit the stage for an explosion of Caribbean joy and warmth.
Friday, June 28 – Rafael & Energia Dominicana – Quebec – Dominican Republic: A genuine “merenguero”and “bachatero,” proudly representing Latin music, specifically from his native Dominican Republic. Groove and fiesta!
Saturday, June 29 – Karim Dabo and guests: Daby Touré, Gotta Lago, Bobo & Joyce N’sana – Quebec — Senegal — France: A superb voice, political lyrics in Wolof, and Afro-pop melodies. A percussionist like his Senegalese father, he traded his djembé for a guitar. He’ll be joined on stage by gifted Mauritano-Senegalese composer and multi-instrumentalist Daby Touré, Côte d’Ivoire storyteller and musician Gotta Lago, Congolese jazz reggae singer Joyce N’sana, and reggae man William Atchouellou.
Sunday, June 30 – Daniel Bellegarde with special guest Eddy Prophet – Quebec — Haïti: With his European influences, this talented singer and percussionist explores the rural world of Caribbean music. These Cuban and African sounds transport us into a world of melodies recalling traditional Quebec music. His guest is an incredible Haitian keyboard player, the great Eddy Prophet.
Monday, July 1st – Afrikana Soul Sister with special guests: Mélissa Lavergne and Élage Diouf – Quebec — Mali: With production and sound mixing by Jean-François Lemieux, and wild percussions by Joannie Labelle and Fa Cissokho, as well as the magnificent voice of Djely Tapa. The electro-house, African influenced quartet will hit the stage with Belle et Bum host and multi-percussionist Mélissa Lavergne, and Senegalese singer-songwriter and percussionist Élage Diouf.
Tuesday, July 2 – H’Sao with guests Marie-Josée Lord, Ilam and Elete – Quebec — Tchad: Sharing rich, original, culturally mixed music and delivering dynamic performances. Great soprano Marie-Josée Lord will join the band, with Ilam and Elete.
Wednesday, July 3 – Boogát with special guests: Ramon Chicharron, Gypsy Kumbia Orchestra & Mamselle Ruiz – Quebec — Mexico: Hailing from Quebec/Paraguay/Mexico, Boogát blends styles: “alternative modern urban Latino music,” in his own words. Colombian artistRamon Chicharron calls his own musical fusion, “cumbia chicharronica.” The creative members of Gypsy Kumbia Orchestra, and charming Mexican singer and guitarist Mamselle Ruiz will also perform. A Latin party.
Thursday, July 4 – K-IRI with special guests: Emde, Lavanya, Shemar – Quebec — Burkina Faso — Ethiopia: Two young artists, Sarah-Judith (from Burkina Faso), and Iri (from Ethiopia); two voices harmonizing over an acoustic guitar and violin. With jazz and soul influences, sometimes lively, sometimes soothing, always beautiful.
Friday, July 5 – Montréal Kasba with Ayrad and special guests Salamate Gnawa – Quebec — Morocco: Montréal band Ayrad, founded by Hamza Abouabdelmajid (vocals, guitar, composition) and Annick Beauvais (vocals, hautbois), plays Berber and Andalusian rhythms as well as reggae, Latin and Moroccan chaabi grooves. As for Salamate Gnawa, they are inspired by Gnawa music. A custom-made collaboration for a lively Northern Africa evening!
Saturday, July 6 –Brasilera! – Bïa’s Brazilian party with Paulo Ramos, Diogo Ramos & Maracujà – Quebec — Brazil: The mesmerizing Bïa will be joined by guitar virtuoso Paulo Ramos, composer and super guitarist Diogo Ramos, and Maracujá’s Brazilian rhythms. A joyful celebration of Brazilian culture and music, featuring artists from the country of samba.
Grooves at 10 p.m.
Thursday, June 27 – Agua Negra: Two oceans meet, as do twostyles – rap and neo-soul –, as Latino Montréal duo, featuring Cristobal “El Cotola” and Paranoize, play warm melodies borrowing from cumbia and bolero.
Friday, June 28 – L.TEEZ: This young rapper performed in Europe, Japan and Korea, before releasing The Half Full Ep, which confirms his outstanding talent. A perfect mix of hip hop and jazz, with poetic and political lyrics.
Saturday, June 29 – Planet Giza: This trio of young rappers literally exploded online. They will perform at the FIJM for the first time with a live band.
Sunday, June 30 – Forest BOYS: Inspired by hip hop, funk and world beat, the music of Forest BOYS knows no boundaries. On stage, the six musicians connect with the audience through dance.
Monday, July 1st – Munya: This name hides a secret not so well kept anymore. Singer-songwriter Josie Boivin charmed our neighbours to the South with her “new synth folk,” in her own words.
Tuesday, July 2 – Fjord: Two years after their first EP, Quebec electro-pop duo is back with Shallow Waters,produced by Tim Bran (La Roux, The Verve), with guitars, piano, strings, flute and harp mixed with electronic textures.
Wednesday, July 3 – Schemes: On their first EP, Montréal sextet blend neo-soul, free jazz and hip hop, in the spirit of 90s acid jazz. The voices Mike Clay and Nadia Baldé act like instruments.
Thursday, July 4 – KALLITECHNIS: Her stage name, “master of her art” in Greek, reflects her origins and her passion for the arts. A rising star of indie R&B, the Montrealer released her sophisticated first EP, Chromatic, in January.
Friday, July 5 – Léonie Gray: It’s impossible not to be charmed by young Montréal singer Léonie Gray. Influenced by Amy Winehouse, Corinne Bailey Rae and Feist, her style mixes pop-soul and R&B.
Saturday, July 6 – Liana: This young singer-songwriter with a warm, clear voice takes us into her electro-pop/R&B world. Delicious and sensual.
Hyundai Stage – le Parterre (corner of De Montigny and Clark)
The annual rendezvous of blues lovers: the famous Parterre stage! First, The Hyundai Blues Concerts at 7 p.m. then the Hyundai Blues Nights at 11 p.m.! Get ready!
The Hyundai Blues Concerts at 7 p.m.
Thursday, June 27 – Cécile Doo-Kingué: With her suave, deep voice and skillful guitar playing, Cécile Doo-Kingué admirably blends genres. Blues, soul, rock and African rhythms: unique, sensible and authentic.
Friday, June 28 – Miss Emily (Ontario): Her music breaks down barriers and builds bridges. Her performances mix blues, jazz and rock and roll. For 15 years, she has captivated audiences throughout Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom.
Saturday, June 29 – Angélique Francis (Ontario): This versatile and gifted Canadian musician and singer-songwriter will win you over with her performance blending blues, soul, jazz and folk.
Sunday, June 30 – Daddy Long Legs (United States): On Lowdown Ways, their fourth album, this festive Brooklyn trio renowned for their rowdy blues adds Cajun, gospel and country sounds. For nearly 10 years, they have never slowed down.
Monday, July 1st – Barbara Diab & The Smoked Meat Band Feat: Tony Coleman – The expressive voice of this Montrealer hailing from Australia made her reputation on the blues scene. At the Festival, drummer Tony Coleman, who played with B.B. King and Otis Clay, will join her and her husbands, bassist Pierre Lamontagne. Sparks will fly.
Tuesday, July 2 & Wednesday, July 3 – Jenie thai (Ontario): This constantly evolving pianist and singer-songwriter is inspired by blues and such artists as Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Tom Waits and Nina Simone. Her latest album Night on Fire features songs that are both tough and tender.
Thursday, July 4 – Stephen Barry Band – For 44 years, this legendary blues band has performed on stage, in addition to releasing nine albums. Their style blends folk-blues and swing, as well as electric blues. Let’s hope they will keep playing for a long time.
Friday, July 5 – Steve Marriner (Ontario) – As a teenager, he was already a prodigy on the harmonica. He won the Maple Blues award six times. After touring with folk-blues icon Harry Manx, he became the singer and guitarist of the band MonkeyJunk, and the harmonica player of Colin James. This multi-instrumentalist blends roots, soul and blues.
Saturday, July 6 – Miche Love & Blues Dynamite – Impossible to stand still with this dynamic singer and band. Jump blues, swing, rockabilly: they take audiences back to the golden age of blues.
The Hyundai Blues Nights at 9 and 11 p.m.
Thursday, June 27 – Guy Bélanger and guest: Kim Richardson: Harmonica player Guy Bélanger will share the stage with great singer Kim Richardson. A match made in heaven.
Friday, June 28 – Mississipi Heat (United States): Inspired by traditional 50s Chicago blues and African-American music, bandleader and harmonica player Pierre Larocque has recorded more than a dozen albums and performed worldwide. Authentic blues!
Saturday, June 29 – Victor Wainwright & The Train (United States): With keyboard player and gritty singer Victor Wainwright and his talented band, it will rock for sure. Genuine, heartfelt, energetic blues.
At 9 p.m. – Sunday, June 30: Dawn Tyler Watson Band: The Queen of Montréal blues has won 3 Maple Blues Awards, 9 Lys Blues awards and recently, the first Memphis Blues Challenge! She presents the blues, soul and gospel songs of her new album MAD LOVE.
At 11 p.m. – Sunday, June 30: Ben Racine Band: In 2017, Ben Racine won the Albert King Award for the best guitar performance in the international blues band category in Memphis. His voice is as exceptional as his guitar playing. For blues and R&B fans, this can’t be missed.
Monday, July 1st – Wellbad (Germany): Daniel Welbat sings as if he had been in the darkest bars for years, finding the stories and dreams that make up his songs, drinking in rock, blues, jazz and hip hop to create a potent cocktail.
Tuesday, July 2 – JP Soars (United States): This versatile guitarist has played with heavy metal, gypsy jazz or country bands, but he found his signature sound with Southern blues rock. He’ll warm your heart as well as thrill you.
Wednesday, July 3 – Paul DesLauriers Band: This Quebec band features three blues musicians. The virtuoso guitarist and singer Paul DesLauriers and the prodigious Greg Morency (bass) and Sam Harrisson (drums) have been musical colleagues and friends for more than 20 years. It’s obvious when they hit the stage.
Thursday, July 4 – Popa Chubby (United States): Hailing from the Bronx, he plays New York blues with rock and funk colours. This wild guitarist can play hard and fast, but also softly, like when he performs Hallelujah.
Friday, July 5 – Matchedash Parish (Ontario): This blues band features 9 musicians and two choir singers, which will give you the impression to be in a church in the South of the United States for a gospel and roots concert.
Saturday, July 6 – Sue Foley (United States): As a teenager, the Ice Queen wanted to play guitar. This singer-songwriter originally from Ontario has since released more than 15 albums and became a blues icon.
Heineken Place – (corner of Jeanne-Mance and René-Lévesque)
A key venue of the Festival with its beautiful terrace, its bar and music playing all night thanks to our sponsor Heineken. At 4 p.m., the Animations musicales will begin, then at 5 p.m., the Apéros Jazz will follow. At 7 p.m., the Les Brunantes Jazz series will launch the evening, and at 11 p.m., the Heineken Sessions will bring much effervescence!
Les animations musicales by Heineken at 4 p.m.
Thursday, June 27 & Friday, June 28 – Funkxie Groove: The Funkxie Groove ensemble skillfully blends funk and Dixie jazz (and sometimes rock). Led by trumpet player and teacher Jocelyn Couture, this band features 5 brass players, a guitarist and a drummer.
Saturday, June 29 & Monday, July 1st – Sweet Dixie: Led by Pierre Perron on clarinet and saxophone, this traditional jazz band takes us on a colourful, festive journey. Close your eyes and you’ll be in New Orleans.
Sunday, June 30 & Thursday, July 4 – Esprit de la Nouvelle-Orléans: L’Esprit de La Nouvelle-Orléans, longtime friends of the Festival, will charm you once again with their superb, often moving melodies played on the trumpet, clarinet, trombone, banjo, sousaphone and drums. These spiritual sons of Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington deliver an irresistible take on traditional jazz.
Tuesday, July 2 & Wednesday, July 3 – Montréal Dixie: Playing traditional Dixieland music, the musicians of Montréal Dixie have performed for years on cruise ships. In Montréal, the band has added popular jazz and Latin standards to their set.
Friday, July 5 & Saturday, July 6 – Le Dixieband: A wonderful tribute to 1920s music, especially traditional New Orleans jazz. For more than 30 years, the six musicians of this Montréal band have brought back to life this songbook with love and wit.
Les Apéros Jazz Heineken at 5 p.m.
Thursday, June 27 – Curtis Nowosad (Ontario): The drummer and composer Curtis Nowosad, originally from Manitoba, now living in Harlem, displays raw power. A highly skillful, versatile and groundbreaking musician, committed to social justice. His jazz/blues blows the roof off everywhere he goes.
Friday, June 28 – Audrey Ochoa Trio (Alberta): Certainly one of the most prolific trombone players in Edmonton, she can play everything: jazz, rock, pop, Latin, punk, ska… This rising star is full of talent, inspiration and wit. In the running for the TD Grand Jazz Award.
Saturday, June 29 – Ensemble Alex Leblanc: A busker during his adolescence in Quebec City, he fell in love with double bass while studying jazz and classical music. He founded his own ensemble to showcase his talents as a composer and an arranger. In the running for the TD Grand Jazz Award.
Sunday, June 30 – Sasha Berliner (United States): After graduating from the New School of Jazz and Contemporary Music, this vibraphonist, percussionist and composer from San Francisco released an EP and played with Beck and Ravi Coltrane. At age 19, she won the LetterOne Rising Stars Award.
Monday, July 1st – Benjamin Deschamps No Codes: Benjamin Deschamps, a saxophonist, composer and arranger very in demand in the city – and the 2017 Radio-Canada Jazz revelation, presents the new collective No Codes. They borrow from the rhythms of jazz, the music of the Andes, and free jazz. Rigorous and classy. In the running for the TD Grand Jazz Award.
Tuesday, July 2 – Baritone Madness (Alberta):His love for baryton saxophone led Keith O’Rourke to form a trio revolving around this instrument with Pat Belliveau and Gareth Bane. Each one alternately takes centre stage, going from swing to funk.
Wednesday, July 3 – Razalaz: Pianist Olivier Salazar composes with precise instrumentation in mind to create groove funk that goes from powerful parts to more intimate, melodic parts. The band won the 2018 Grand Prix Festi Jazz de Rimouski. We understand why!
Thursday, July 4 – Rachel Therrien Quintet: From Rimouski to Brooklyn, where she now lives, this trumpet player, composer, and Latino-American culture expert is rising fast. The 2015 TD Grand Jazz Award winner is touring throughout North America and Europe.
Friday, July 5 – Jean-François Groulx trio – Spirale: Jazz is his favourite environment, but this pianist also plays world music and pop songs, in addition to taking part in TV shows and various albums as a musician and collaborator. When he’s not composing his own music…
Saturday, July 6 – Marie-Josée Frigon MJF5 : The explosive saxophonist from TV show Belle et Bum, nicknamed “la Bleuette,” impresses with her skills and charisma. She has played with Bobby Bazini, Richard Desjardins, Les Trois Accords, Paul Anka and Lionel Richie. She presents her jazz project MJF5, featuring some of the best local musicians.
LesBrunantes Jazz Heineken at 7 p.m.
Thursday, June 27 – Tom Easley (Nova Scotia): One of the best bassists of the Maritimes, he founded The Easley Quartet in 2017. Their sound is aimed at classical jazz aficionados as well as groove fans.
Friday, June 28 – Rémi Bolduc Quartet: Powerful, controlled and extremely precise, Rémi Bolduc is one of our best saxophone players. This breathtaking musician will take the stage with his quartet.
Saturday, June 29 – Yuri Honing Quartet (Netherlands): This jazz saxophonist from the Netherlands has won two Edison awards (Dutch Grammys). He will present his album Desirewith his Acoustic Quartet. He has previously collaborated with such jazz greats as Charlie Haden, Paul Motian, Gary Peacock, Paul Bley, Pat Metheny…
Sunday, June 30 – Nubya Garcia (United Kingdom): This young saxophonist and composer based in London is a strong-willed artist. Nubya Garcia blends Afro-groove, jazz and hip hop in her own unique way. She’s surrounded by the best musicians from London. A gem to discover.
Monday, July 1st – Lex French: He left New Zealand, where he was considered to be one of the best trumpet players, to come live in Montréal. Since then, he often plays with the Christine Jensen Quartet, as well as other artists like Diana Krall, in addition to being part of the Orchestre national de jazz de Montréal.
Tuesday, July 2 -David Helbock’s Random/Control (Austria): Austrian jazz pianist and composer David Helbock, two-time winner of the most important solo jazz piano contest in the world in Montreux, has many projects. The latest, Tour d’horizon, with Random | Control, covers songs by the artists that inspired him: Abdullah Ibrahim, Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Keith Jarrett, Joe Zawinul.
Wednesday, July 3 – Larnell Lewis (Ontario): He started playing drums in a gospel church, before experimenting with various musical styles. He also joined the Grammy Award-winning bandSnarky Puppy. His debut album, In the Moment, explores the deep relationship between jazz and his Afro-Caribbean culture.
Thursday, July 4 – Beth McKenna Quintet – Spaces Beyond Here: One of the most talented and versatile artists of the Montréal jazz scene. The winner of the Opus Award for the Jazz Concert of the year (2017-2018), her music has been described as a mix of cinematic jazz, indie rock, soul and R&B. In the running for the TD Grand Jazz Award.
Friday, July 5 – Josh Rager Quintet: The 4th album of pianist, arranger, composer and teacher Josh Rager, Dreams and Other Stories, is clear and rigorous. He’s surrounded by talented musicians.
Saturday, July 6 – Connie Han Trio (United States): Flamboyant feminity, incredible piano skills, musical maturity: this 23-year-old Californian pianist has awed the jazz scene since the release of her sophomore album, Crime Zone. Her trio is very in demand.
The Heineken Sessions at 11 p.m.
Thursday, June 27, Friday, June 28 & Saturday, June 29 – Les Royal Pickles: Montréal swing band Les Royal Pickles stand out with their hot jazz, boundless energy and crazy concerts. Get ready to dance.
Sunday, June 30 & Monday, July 1st – Sax Machine (France): This trio mixes hard-bop, Afrobeat, funk and hip hop! Founded by saxophonist Guillaume Sené and trombone player Pierre Dandin, who are joined by MC Racecar, from Chicago.
Tuesday, July 2 & Wednesday, July 3 – The Liquor Store: This pioneering future soul band mixes funk, jazz and hip hop to create a potent cocktail. A groovy sound that will make every generation dance!
Thursday, July 4, Friday, July 5 & Saturday, July 6 – Manteca (Ontario): These nine musicians from Toronto, who have played together for 40 years, perform jazz that is both light and powerful, with salsa, samba and funk influences.
M2 (59 Sainte-Catherine Street East)
The smallest venue for the wildest parties! The Nightcap Heinekenseries at midnight. These concerts are all free!
Nightcap at Midnight
Thursday, June 27 & Friday, June 28 – The Shed Featuring Melanie Charles: This collective of Montréal musicians has organized improvised jazz-soul-R&B nights for a little more than a year, featuring a guest artist each time. For the sessions at the Festival, The Shed has invited Brooklyn-born Haitian musician and singer Melanie Charles. An intense, warm jam that will make you dance and sweat!
Saturday, June 29, Sunday, June 30 & Monday, July 1st – Fredy V & The Foundation:Funk prodigy, talented multi-instrumentalist, wild performer: a few ways to describe this artist born in Washington and now living in Montréal.
Tuesday, July 2 & Wednesday, July 3 – Sonido Pesao: Rap, merengue, salsa, cumbia, reggae – all the “urban” Latino rhythms assemble to party with Montréal band Sonido Pesao. With the songs from their latest album, their joy and their boundless energy, summer will heat up instantly.
Thursday, July 4, Friday, July 5 & Saturday, July 6 – Urban Science #LECYPHER: Hosted by Urban Science, these reinvented old-school hip-hop jam sessions have become an essential part of the Festival. With virtuoso musicians from every corner of the Montréal scene, live music and an open mic.
La Grande-Place du Complexe Desjardins
At La Grande-Place du Complexe Desjardins, La Petite école du jazzwill introduce children of all ages to music in a dynamic, interactive, fun way, with the famous blue cat Ste-Cat, the mascot of the Festival. The favourite event of the little ones for more than 25 years! At La Grande-Place du Complexe Desjardins, every day at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
At 5 p.m. at La Grande-Place, Les Envolées du Festivalwill bring together musicians from several Quebec universities and music schools. Come hear local talents!
Les Envolées du Festival at 5 p.m.
Thursday, June 27 – Quintet A (Université de Montréal)
Friday, June 28 – Seamour (UQAM)
Saturday, June 29 – Le Renoir (Université Laval)
Sunday, June 30 – Underground Combo (Université Laval)
Monday, July 1st – Combo de l’École de Musique Vincent d’Indy
Tuesday, July 2 – Jany Provost Quintette (Concordia University)
Wednesday, July 3 – Lady J and The Jazz Cigarettes (Concordia University)
Thursday, July 4 – Emma Rose Quintet (McGill University)
Friday, July 5 – Gabriel Perreault Septet (UQAM)
Saturday, July 6 – Marshall Herridge Trio (McGill University)
CBC/Radio-Canada moving show
Every day at 5 p.m., an extraordinary marching band will play playful covers of hip-hop tracks: the Urban Science Brass Band in the CBC/Radio-Canada moving show. Fun in the street!
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