What sets this festival apart and makes it truly unique is its ability to cultivate an atmosphere of inclusivity, diversity, and artistic innovation.
At the 43rd-2023 Montreal International Jazz Festival, there were several notable highlights on the stages and streets:
- Isaiah Collier's Multifaceted performance
- Hiromi and Publiquartet collaboration
- Marisa Monte's Magical shows
- Anouar Brahem's oud mastery
- John Scofield's legendary appearance
- James Francies at the relaxing outdoor venue
- David Ryshpan and Bruxo collaboration
- Sold-out concert by Robert Plant and Alison Krauss
- Herbie Hancock's iconic show
- Thundercat's electrifying performance
As the festival looks towards 2024, one can anticipate a continuation of this rich tradition, with an eclectic lineup that reflects the ever-evolving landscape of jazz and global music.
Location and Dates
The Montreal Jazz Festival takes place annually in the vibrant city of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The festival typically spans over 10 days, offering a musical extravaganza that attracts visitors from around the world. The dates vary each year, but it generally occurs during the summer months, often in late June or early July.
[ Read: Things to do in Quebec ]
If you're considering attending 2024’s 44th edition, mark your calendar from June 27th to July 6th for an unforgettable experience filled with incredible jazz performances and the lively atmosphere of Montreal.
Venues and Performance Stages
The Montreal Jazz Festival utilizes a variety of venues and performance stages throughout the city, creating a dynamic and diverse festival experience. Some notable venues and stages include:
Place des Arts
- Location: 175 Saint-Catherine St W, Montreal, QC H2X 1Y9, Canada
- Capacities: Varied capacities across multiple performance spaces within Place des Arts.
- Unique Features: As a major cultural complex, Place des Arts houses multiple theaters, concert halls, and outdoor spaces, providing versatile settings for different musical performances.
Monument National
- Location: 1182 Saint-Laurent Blvd, Montreal, QC H2X 2S5, Canada
- Capacities: Varied capacities in different spaces within Monument National.
- Unique Features: A historic venue with a rich cultural heritage, Monument National serves as an atmospheric setting for jazz performances.
Outdoor Stages
- Locations: Various outdoor spaces throughout the city.
- Capacities: Variable, depending on the specific outdoor venue.
- Unique Features: Open-air stages contribute to the festival's festive atmosphere, offering free performances that are accessible to a broad audience.
Artists
The Montreal Jazz Festival boasts a diverse lineup of artists, showcasing the richness and versatility of jazz music. Some prominent jazz musicians who have graced the festival's stages include:
- Colin Stetson
- Isaiah Collier
- Emmet Cohen Trio
- Thundercat
- Nduduzo Makhathini
- Chick Corea
- Denyse McCann
Lineup for the 2024 Festival
The Festival International de Jazz de Montréal in 2024 is set to deliver another unforgettable musical experience, featuring a mixture of legendary jazz musicians and rising stars. As the anticipation builds, explore the exciting lineup and get tips to stay updated with the latest news.
Headliners and Emerging Artists
Here's a closer look at the phenomenal artists making up the lineup for the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal in 2024.
- Laufey: An Icelandic-Chinese artist whose music skillfully blends jazz, pop, and the singer-songwriter aesthetic, Laufey has made waves in the music industry with her soulful voice and playful melodies. Her breakthrough came with her debut single, "Street By Street," in 2020, garnering international acclaim.
- Pink Martini: Known for their unique fusion of jazz, Latin music, cabaret, and cinema scores, Pink Martini is a musical experience not to be missed. Comprising talented musicians from Portland, Oregon, they have been nominated for multiple awards throughout their careers.
- Joshua Redman and Gabriele Cavassa: Joshua Redman is a renowned jazz saxophonist and composer known for his rousing improvisations. Performing alongside Gabrielle Cavassa, a rising star in the jazz scene with a distinctive vocal style, expect a thrilling performance that encapsulates the spirit of jazz.
- Elisapie: Representing Canada's indigenous culture, Elisapie's music is a beautiful blend of folk and pop. Singing in Inuktitut, English, and French, she's won multiple awards and even landed a spot on the Polaris Music Prize shortlist in 2019.
- Alfa Mist: Alfa Mist is a rising star from the UK known for blending jazz with elements of hip-hop and soul. Having begun as a grime and hip-hop producer, his seamless amalgamation of genres has led to a rapid rise on the international stage.
Other artists in the lineup include:
- Vieux Farka Toure
- Joep Beving
- Ill Considered
- Django Festival Allstars
How To Stay Informed About Updates to the Lineup
Staying up-to-date with the 2024 lineup of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal is crucial to planning your festival experience. Being an informed concert-goer allows you to catch your favorite artists and discover new ones.
Here are several strategies to help you stay updated:
- Regularly check the official festival website and subscribe to newsletters for the most accurate and updated information
- Follow social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
- Download the festival app
- Set Google News alerts
- Join jazz and festival-focused online communities, like Reddit or dedicated forums
Attending the 2024 Festival
Attending the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal takes some preparation. But with the right information and steps, you'll have everything you need for a smooth, enjoyable experience.
Ticketing and Passes
Tickets for the festival can typically be purchased online and at the venue, depending on availability. It's advisable to purchase in advance due to the festival's popularity. Different types of experiences include standard event tickets, full festival passes, and VIP packages.
- Standard event tickets give access to a specific concert or artist's performance.
- Full festival passes allow access to all the general-admission concerts during the festival.
- VIP packages often include festival passes, reserved seating at concerts, and other special privileges.
Steps to buy your tickets or passes:
- Visit the official Festival International de Jazz de Montréal website.
- Navigate to the Tickets/Passes section.
- Select the type of ticket or pass you wish to purchase.
- Follow the checkout process, providing the necessary information and payment details.
- Upon purchase, you should receive a confirmation email with your e-tickets or instructions for collecting physical tickets on the day.
Age Restrictions and ID Requirements
The festival is generally open to all ages, but certain venues or events may have age restrictions. Attendees may be required to present valid identification for entry.
COVID-19 Protocols
Given the evolving nature of health guidelines, the festival implements COVID-19 protocols as necessary. This may include vaccination requirements, mask mandates, and social distancing measures. Attendees should stay updated on the festival's website for the latest information.
General Admission, VIP Passes, and Special Experiences
The Festival International de Jazz de Montréal offers a variety of ticketing options that cater to different preferences and budgets. These options may include:
General admission
- Provides access to free outdoor performances and may include entry to select indoor concerts.
- Prices vary based on the specific event, with some performances offered at no cost.
VIP passes
- VIP passes offer enhanced festival experiences, including priority seating, exclusive access to VIP areas, and sometimes meet-and-greet opportunities with artists.
- Prices are higher than general admission and vary depending on the level of VIP access.
Special experiences
- The festival may offer special experience packages that include unique perks such as backstage tours, artist interactions, or curated dining experiences.
- Prices for these packages are tailored to the exclusivity of the experience.
Travel Tips and Information: Stay Informed
Are you considering a visit to the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal? Whether you're a local looking for transportation options or a visitor seeking accommodation recommendations, here are some practical tips to enhance your festival experience:
- Stay informed: Check the official Festival International de Jazz de Montréal website regularly for the latest information on dates, schedules, and lineup details.
- Explore transportation options: Plan your travel in advance, considering public transportation, festival shuttles, or parking options.
- Accommodation planning: Secure accommodations early, whether it's local hotels or Airbnb, to ensure a comfortable stay during the festival.
- Download the festival app: Enhance your experience by downloading the official festival app for real-time updates, interactive maps, and personalized schedules.
- Weather preparedness: Check the weather forecast for Montreal during the festival dates and pack accordingly. Be ready for both indoor and outdoor events.
