What’s your festival vibe? Eight ways to make the Jazz fest your own
Festival International de Jazz de Montréal
What’s your type? Easygoing afternoon flâneur or diehard night owl? Jazz purist or dancing fiend? Explorer of far-flung sounds or seeker of family fun? Regardless of the answer you’re in luck – the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal has something for you! Thanks to these insider tips from programming team member Modibo Keita, you can put together your very own musical journey every day between 5 p.m. and 3 a.m., based on your tastes and preferred pace.
The afternoon festivalgoer arrives at 3 p.m., alone or with friends, to hang out on the site and enjoy some relaxed shows before the evening rush. This niche includes “plenty of local talent,” says Keita. Some favourites: Nora Toutain, a singer of French-Moroccan origin who marries pop, R&B and North African sounds. Another brilliant find: Tyreek McDole, a crooner who conjures up memories of Nat King Cole with his accessible, crowd-pleasing style. It’s the perfect time of day to relax and discover the impressive depth of our local scene.
If you’re into festive, accessible shows, head for the big outdoor stages around 8 p.m. Artists like neo-soul legend Bilal, or funk-folk star Fantastic Negrito, can be caught for free. Other notable free shows: Dylan Sinclair, a rising R&B star from Toronto, or the electrifying Colombian trio Balthvs.
If you love staying up into the small hours, you’re in luck. From 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., the Club Montréal Loto-Québec stage is a true “open-air night club,” thanks to the Afrotonik and Vibe Benders collectives, featuring both DJ sets and live musicians. When it comes to night owls, it’s all about “festivalgoers’ listening habits,” Keita notes. Plus: don’t miss the jam sessions held at partner clubs, where musicians get together to jam deep into the night, sometimes until sunrise!
The festival includes an intriguing selection of artists for fans of bold, avant-garde sounds. For example, the duo of Vijay Iyer and Wadada Leo Smith will perform an intimate set at the Gesu. It’s “a very interesting show,” in Keita’s opinion. Special mentions: Salami Rose Joe Louis, who’s signed to the Brainfeeder label, and Afrobeat-adjacent drummer Salin, with shows at Studio TD.
Purists are well served this year! The Pub Molson stage is “100% dedicated to pure jazz,” Keita says. Artists like virtuoso avant-garde trumpeter Peter Evans or Brandon Woody, an up-and-comer who’s signed to Blue Note, will perform. Also on the program: acclaimed contemporary jazz artist, bassist Linda May Han Oh.
Around Esplanade Tranquille, the festival site is an interactive playground: activities, dancing lessons, dynamic shows. A trio of troupes – Swing Riot, Tipika Bachata and Uplift 514 – host workshops for all ages. “With kids, it’s a lot more interactive than watching a concert on stage,” Keita notes.
If your body craves rhythm, make your way to the shows by KES, a band from Trinidad specializing in high-energy soca. They’ll turn the Parterre symphonique into “a big, super-festive block party.”
Sensitive souls might prefer some more chill sounds. Pianist Jean-Michel Blais, forming a duo with artist Lara Somogyi, creates an “immersive and introspective experience,” according to Keita.
But what if the best schedule is the one you didn’t even plan? Just follow your ears and your mood, take an impromptu turn here or there, and you might just discover the artist who makes your summer!