Featuring Max Richter, GENA, anaiis, KOKOROKO, and more.
The Montreal International Jazz Festival is set to return for its 46th edition from June 25th to July 4th. Boasting a myriad of renown acts from all genres from Kamasi Washington to Angine de Poitrine to Willow, the 10-day event features over 350 concerts taking place, most of them being free of charge.
This edition will also mark essential anniversaries, including what would have seen luminaries such as Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Tony Bennett turn 100. DJ Jazzy Jeff will also deliver a special set commemorating the 20th anniversary of the late and great J Dilla’s game-changing album, Donuts, alongside the Montréal Loves Dilla collective.
To mark the occasion, we’ve compiled a list of shows not to miss ahead of the festival’s kick-off.
Max Richter with the American Contemporary Music Ensemble at Place Des Arts on June 25th
The legendary German-British composer and pianist will deliver a sprawling set consisting of his most beloved works from his breakout 2004 album The Blue Notebooks and 2024’s In a Landscape on his ongoing North American tour. He’ll be joined by American Contemporary Music Ensemble (ACME).
anaiis & Grupo Cosmo on the Rogers Stage at Place des Festivals on June 26th
anaiis the French-Senegalese, London-based R&B and soul artist will be joined by Grupo Cosmo, a Brazilian trio comprised of drummer, Biel Basile, bassist Marcelo Cabral and singer/guitarist Sessa, performing their 2024 collaborative album.
Cymande on The TD Stage at Place Des Festivals on June 26th
The legendary nine-piece British band will perform an electric genre-blending set fusing elements of funk, soul, reggae and jazz.
Kokoroko on The TD Stage at Place Des Festivals on June 26th
The critically acclaimed London-based ensemble Kokoroko will return to the festival for a dazzling set packed with songs featuring their unique blend of jazz, Afrobeat, and highlife.
McKinley Dixon at Le Studio TD on June 26th
The Chicago-based rapper, and poet’s jazz-tinged hip-hop and complex storytelling takes a new turn on his latest concept album, Magic, Alive!, which features an element of magical realism to process sentiments of grief and healing.
GENA at Le Studio TD on July 1st
Singer-songwriter and producer Liv.e and renowned drummer Karriem Riggins meet at the intersection of jazz, neo-soul, and hip-hop on their new collaborative project. Their debut LP, The Pleasure is Yours, one of this year’s best albums, captures the unique alchemy of their combined talents. GENA are set to make their Montreal debut at the festival.
Annahstasia on The TD Stage at Place Des Festivals on June 26th
The Nigerian-American singer-songwriter and visual artist released her full-length debut album Tether last spring, which features a collection of lush love songs that feel larger than life
Tanya Tagaq at the Rogers Stage at Place des Festivals on July 3rd
The trailblazing, avant-garde Inuk artist is set to return to Montreal to deliver a gripping set featuring tracks from her latest effort, Saputjiji, an eclectic collection of songs that tackle the dark and chaotic state of the world in such a blunt and cathartic manner.
aja monet at Le Studio TD on July 3rd
The Los Angeles-based surrealist blues poet, storyteller, and organizer will present her sophomore album, the color of rain, a series of poetic compositions that offers a moment of tranquility during turbulent times, shifting the attention inward.
Etran de L’Äir at the Rio Tinto Stage at Place des Festivals on July 4th
The legendary Tuareg rock act hailing Agadez, Niger will return to the festival for another mind-melting performance with their infectious and virtuosic guitars melodies.
Check out the complete schedule and full festival details here.
