Montreal Jazz Festival returns with star-studded lineup
Music festival will run from June 30 to July 9, the first full edition in 2 years
The Montreal International Jazz Festival is back in full swing this year, with its first full edition in two years.
Over 350 artists will be performing over ten days of indoor and outdoor concerts in the Quartier des Spectacles from June 30 to July 9 — 2/3 of which will be free of charge.
On Tuesday, organizers shared a first look at this year's lineup which will feature several big names, including American hip hop band The Roots who will close out the festival with a free outdoor show July 9.
Saxophonist Kamasi Washington, Australian singer and songwriter Tash Sultana, rapper Joey Bada$$, blues rock band Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats are among the other headliners.
As usual, the festival will feature Canadian talent with Quebec pianist Jean-Michel Blais, singers Dominique Fils-Aimé and CRi, Toronto-based alternative rocker Allan Rayman and rapper Cadence Weapon all taking the stage as well.
Other acts announced Tuesday include Pink Martini, Alicia Moffet, Robert Glasper, Masego, Gregory Porter, The Psychedelic Furs, Basia Bulat and Brad Barr.
Festival organizers said more artists will be announced in the coming months and programming will be updated on the event's website.
Due to pandemic restrictions, the festival was reduced to a shortened concert series over a period of five days last September. In 2020, there were a series of concerts streamed online but no in-person events.
Tickets for paid indoor shows go on sale at noon on Friday, April 1.