The 43rd Montreal International Jazz Festival sets the tone for the summer with an exciting lineup of world-class performances. Taking over the heart of downtown Montreal, the festival will present ten days of exceptional music that symbolizes the city’s cultural identity. The festival, which runs until July 8, will showcase internationally renowned artists like Diana Krall, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, Melody Gardot, Herbie Hancock, Thundercat, Vance Joy, Christine, and the Queens.
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Performances to Kickstart the Festival
The festival started with an exhilarating performance from jazz-soul legend George Benson, charming the crowd at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier. Concurrently, the entrancing world-jazz trio of singer Arooj Aftab, pianist-keyboardist Vijay Iyer, and bassist Shahzad Ismaily enchanted the audience at Monument National.
The festival’s spirit was incredibly vibrant at the outdoor stages, where music enthusiasts could enjoy free concerts. Jazz lovers of all ages gathered around the stages to soak in the music, with some festival goers citing the ambience as ‘safe and friendly.’
Exploring the Heart of the Festival
Located in the Quartier des Spectacles, the festival’s site offers extraordinary music and a range of dining options. Open from 5 p.m. until midnight, it provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable night of music and dining. However, it’s worth noting that bicycles, skateboards, and in-line skates are not permitted on-site.
The festival also offers adapted facilities for people with limited mobility, ensuring that all music lovers can enjoy the celebration of jazz.
Newcomers and Regulars, United by Jazz
The Montreal International Jazz Festival has the unique ability to bring together both newcomers and long-time attendees. McGill students Dhanishta Ambwani and Shaam Beed, attending the festival for the first time, were awed by the “much bigger crowd” than expected and the “groovy” sounds of Kokoroko.
Meanwhile, festival regulars like Montrealer Yannick Khong have attended the jazz fest since their early years, making the annual event a cherished family tradition.
The Soulful Essence of the Festival
One of the festival’s defining moments came from Lebanese-French jazz trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf, who captivated the crowd with his genre-bending music. Infusing hip-hop, Middle Eastern influences, funk, and soul, Maalouf offered a performance that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the Montreal Jazz Festival: innovative, diverse, and soulful.
Final Words
The Montreal International Jazz Festival promises even more jazz this year, with incoming programming director Maurin Auxéméry emphasizing the commitment to the genre. As the festival continues, fans can look forward to diverse performances that honor jazz’s rich legacy while pushing its boundaries.
Through it all, the festival’s mission remains clear: to unite people through the shared love of music. As Montreal welcomes another summer, the city welcomes an incredible lineup of artists, fans, and festivities united in their passion for jazz.
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