Montreal is non-stop fun thanks to all the parties, festivals and happenings that come back to the city year after year.
Come summer, Montreal is always on fire with tons of things to do. In addition to its reputation as being a party town with lively nightlife, the city is insanely busy with festivals and events no matter the time of year.
Thanks in part to Expo 67, the International and Universal Exposition, in the swinging sixties, sites like Quartier des Spectacles and Parc Jean-Drapeau were designed to receive a heavy rotation of world-class festivals.
Playing to a crowd of more than two million visitors, the world’s largest celebration of jazz takes over Quartier des Spectacles every June and July. Nab tickets for gigs in iconic downtown venues or grab a beer and chill in Place des Festivals where a heavy rotation of crooners and bands play free open-air shows.
No worries if jazz isn’t your thing, as organizers always include a mix of mainstream headliners alongside the hottest names in the genre.
When is the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal?
The 44th edition of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal will take place from June 27 to July 6, 2024, in the Quartier des Spectacles.
Here are our top 5 picks for the Montreal International Jazz Festival:
1. André 3000
Why go: André Lauren Benjamin (André 3000), the American rapper, singer-songwriter, musician, and actor, rose to fame as part of the hip-hop duo Outkast. Known for his innovative approach, André features the flute prominently on his latest album, New Blue Sun. Expect elements of new age, jazz, and ambient music combined during his live performance.
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2. Stanley Clarke
Why go: This four-time Grammy Award-winning bassist is joined by his newly formed band 4EVER for a show that honours his deep jazz fusion roots. Featuring a mix of rock, funk, R&B, hip-hop, and electronic influences, the performance promises intricate arrangements with plenty of improvisation.
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3. Nora Jones
Why go: Norah Jones skyrocketed to fame with her 2002 debut album "Come Away With Me," and has since amassed nine Grammy Awards, sold 53 million albums worldwide, and has been musically streamed over 11 billion times. She will perform "Visions," a 12-song collection around the themes of freedom, dance, reconciliation, and embracing life's challenges. Bonus: Canadian singer-songwriter Martha Wainwright will kick off the event.
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4. Laufey
Why go: Expected to draw considerable attention at the festival is Laufey Jónsdóttir, the Icelandic singer-songwriter sensation. In 2023 she surpassed Björk and Sigur Rós as the most streamed artist from Iceland, and became the youngest to win a Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album thanks to her classic jazz vocals. Her latest album, Bewitched, is the Icelandic-Chinese artist's adept fusion of jazz and pop.
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5. Al Di Meola
Why go: Since the 1970s, this esteemed American guitarist has been an icon of jazz fusion. Celebrated for his flawless technique and agile playing style, Di Meola merges jazz, rock, flamenco, and world music, continuously pushing the boundaries of his instrument.
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For more information about the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, click here.
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