10 must-see concerts this summer in the Quartier des Spectacles
Summer is always a busy time in the Quartier des Spectacles, with loads of festivals and one-off events beckoning us to come out. Those who love movies, comedy or the circus have a wealth of options – and so do music lovers. Here are ten shows to check out between now and September.
KALEO
MTelus
July 28
The Montreal stop on Icelandic rock band KALEO’s North American tour, Way Down We Go. The tour marks the 10th anniversary of their landmark album A/B, which includes the Grammy-winning song No Good (best rock performance, 2017). They’ll welcome several special guests for the occasion: Dawes, Elle King, Darren Kiely and Quebec musician Vincent Lima.
CALAMINE
Part of Fierté Montréal Pride
Jardins Gamelin
July 31
Calamine continues to build a big following in the local hip-hop scene while subverting the genre with her activist rapping. This spring the Hochelaga-based artist released her fourth album, Rétrograde. This free concert is part of Fierté Montréal Pride. She’ll be joined on-stage by four women: rappers Kelzk, Soraï and Kimmortal and DJ Thatz.
G Flip
Studio TD
August 7
Australian artist Georgia Flipo, better known as G Flip, is on a roll. After releasing the album Dream Ride last September, G Flip came right back this spring with an EP, Bed on Fire. Announcing their August tour dates in North America, G Flip mentioned their love of performing and eagerness to see their fans in some smaller venues.
Anyma Ora’
Part of the First Peoples’ Festival
Place des Festivals
August 10
If you don’t know her yet, here’s a golden opportunity to explore the music of Anyma Ora’. The artist, who hails from Wendake, has just released a new single called Fish. She creates a happy blend of electro-pop and Indigenous sounds, and prominently features dance in her shows. This free concert is part of the 36th First Peoples’ Festival.
Chance The Rapper
MTelus
August 15
Since emerging on the Chicago hip-hop scene 15 years ago, Chance the Rapper has become one of the genre’s leading American artists. He’s currently touring North America to celebrate the tenth anniversary of his mixtape Coloring Book, a bold work melding rap and gospel that earned him the Grammy for best rap album in 2017. For this show, Chance the Rapper will perform it in its entirety!
GABA Collective
Part of Festival M.A.D.
Place des Festivals
August 21
Since forming in 2022, the GABA collective has become well known for its immersive, highly danceable shows featuring emerging Montreal artists. A year after a memorable concert in Place des Festivals, the group is back this year for Festival M.A.D. If last year is any indication, this will be one intensely festive night!
Stephan Moccio
Cinquième Salle de la Place des Arts
August 21
The highly regarded Canadian composer and producer Stephan Moccio – known for successful collaborations with Céline Dion, The Weeknd, Miley Cyrus and Andrea Bocelli – is also an accomplished pianist. Here he will perform pieces from his most recent solo album, Scenes From a Velvet Room, inspired by memories of his years as a young musician playing piano in the lounge of the Four Seasons in Toronto.
Nuovo Testamento
Foufounes Électriques
August 22
This trio from California – singer Chelsey Crowley, keyboardist Andrea Mantione and drummer Giacomo Zatti – crafts an irresistible blend of Italo disco and synth pop. The band will fill the Foufs dancefloor by playing selections from the EP they released last summer, Trouble.
Jeff Mills, Cleo Leigh, JakoJako et Polygonia
Part of MUTEK
MTelus
August 28
Immerse yourself in the world of techno with the Metropolis 1 event, presenting a variety of ambiances from modular synthesis to organic atmospheres. The evening features Berlin-based DJ JakoJako, the multidisciplinary artist from Munich Lindsey Wang a.k.a. Polygonia, DJ Cleo Leigh, from Newfoundland, and Detroit electronic music pioneer Jeff Mills, who will present the North American premiere of his new show, Stargate.
Melanie C
Club Soda
September 8
Feeling nostalgic for the 90s? You’re in luck: Melanie C is launching her North American tour right here in Montreal! The former Spice Girl’s new album, Sweat, came out this spring. The show will have two sets: one DJing, one singing. As well as a career-spanning selection of hits, her new material is a reminder that she’s one of the U.K.’s finest pop exports.