July 4th, 2026
The Montreal International Jazz Festival celebrates in forty-sixth edition
The forty-sixth edition of the Montreal International Jazz Festival took place over ten days at the heart of our musical city. An abundance of musical treats for the masses that swarm to the festival each and every year. This year, of course, was no exception.
With multiple free outdoor stages, indoor paid shows, and extra special surprise bloc party performances, there was something to discover for all music lovers. A milestone year of record-breaking crowds and more diversity of artists representing the international jazz scene – and beyond.
See Also: The Guess Who at Place Bell, Laval
This year highlighted the younger generation’s participation of international jazz influenced artists to bring a whole new aspect and attract a broader audience to discover up-and-coming talent. The festival has been gravitating towards the inclusion of artists that are not strictly jazz artists per say, and this is the result. Interest from the hardcore jazz aficionado, as well as the youth. Something for everyone that helps make it more palatable for entire families. It was a smart gambit that certainly looks to have paid off.
A multi cultural, multi language affair for all to represent the best in all niche musical genres, as well. Highlighting the best of what Modern Free Press’s team has seen, here’s a breakdown of ten magical, jam-packed days of the festival. Or, as much of it as we could squeeze in.
Starting with the opening night highlight of DJ Jazzy Jeff’s indoor extravaganza at Club Soda. Here to celebrate the musical stylings of his career, but mainly to celebrate and pay tribute to J Dilla. A friend, a fellow legendary, influential artist. For the twentieth anniversary of Donuts, an annual celebration of Montreal Loves Dilla. Playing for over two hours to a sold-out crowd.
Of course, DJ Jazzy Jeff is best known for his time with Will Snith and the television hit show that an entire generation grow up on. He wasn’t the only alumnus in the Fresh Prince Of Bel-air family either; gracing the main stage was Will Smith’s daughter, Willow. Perhaps Willy himself was hidden somewhere amongst us all, watching his daughter and old pal up in the limelight.
Angine De Poitrine was the talk of the festival. If you hadn’t heard of the local Quebec artists that have taken the world by storm, you have now, after the record-breaking insanity that the hype caused in the downtown core. Angine De Poitrine appeared one day, despite having been performing for years together, and became overnight sensations. That hype hasn’t subsided one bit and has actually continued to grow and grow. Not just in Montreal, but everywhere. A ubiquitous international jazz sensation. Jazz? I don’t actually know how to pigeonhole them into a musical genre.
If you were lucky to get close to the stage, like the many who had been camping out for the best spot to catch them the entire day, hours before any artist was scheduled to ever perform. Then you caught an other worldly performance. For most though, that view was from a mile away as the crowd stretched beyond anything I have ever seen in the many years I have been coming to the Montreal International Jazz Fest. And what’s more, security had to refuse entry to a whole lot more that showed up just before the set, not knowing what madness awaited them.
The duo, a whimsical creation of aliens, with anonymous pseudonyms Klek and Khn, have solidified their own distinct sound and language. A mix of microtonal math experimental rock. So much interest was generated that people had climbed the walls of local businesses or anything that could be mounted just to catch a glimpse of these strange creatures. The amount of people spilled out two full city blocks beyond the festival. Most who came too late couldn’t even access the site. The black and white polka-dot motif of the band worn by fans and flags adorned the crowd for about a good square mile.
Kokoroko a band from London, came back to play the main stage in front of a packed crowd. With a fun mix of afrobeat, funk and soul and a warming vibe perfect for a very hot summer evening in the city. They received the twenty-first Antonio Carlos John award from the festival, honoring global music artists’ cultural fusions in jazz history. And did so in front of a large number of music lovers here in la belle province.
Over in the park, Prince’s bassist was performing with his group. Mono Neon attracted the younger audience, as well as those that were familiar with his work with Prince and others. With his futuristic, fresh visuals and music focused on microtonality. Giving much-needed energy to the late-night shows happening on the outdoor stages that draw less people, but attract more those that really do live and breathe live music. Mono Neon played in a balaclava, and his trademark sock that covers the headstock of his bass, and I couldn’t help but wonder how hot he must have been, in that get up on a very warm summer evening in Montreal. All while I sucked back on an ice cold pina colada from the adjoining bar.
The highlight show for me was indoors at Place des Arts’ Wilfred Pelletier amphitheater. St. Vincent Symphonique. A set that highlighted a whole new aspect of her talent while on this tour with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra. As if she needed to add such an enchanting touch to her already amazing musicianship. She brought a very young Canadian opener, Ruby Plume, with her. Intimate, innocent, raw perspective to a huge audience who greeted her with open arms. With mature lyrics and poise, she even took on the huge responsibility of covering a Joni Mitchell song.
St Vincent was joined by Jules Buckley’s transformation of her catalogue. Taking us on an emotional journey that really captured the cinematic aspect of her complexities in her songwriting. Commanding the stage with the ultimate powerhouse she is with her guitar skills. As much as she tried to keep in line, as a wild performer she jumped into the audience and ran around as far into the crowd to get closer to her fans. It was a truly electrical two hour performance.
Larkin Poe, a female-fronted family band, brought the rock and blues spirit to the main stage. With a band name derived from family lineage to Edgar Allan Poe. These southern sisters from Tennessee got everyone dancing. Creating an atmosphere of pure merriment with their harmonies and impressive steel guitar playing. I didn’t even know a slide-guitar could be played like that. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a musician play one that wasn’t sat on a table before now, but did the duo ever rock the audience tonight.
There is so much to see and do over the course of then ten days, that it is simply impossible to see and do it all. But what I can say with certainty, is that the Montreal International Jazz Festival is one of the greatest experiences anywhere on this big blue beautiful planet we call home.
Read More:
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>> Electric Callboy at Place Bell, Laval
>> Angine de Poitrine at Minotaure, Gatineau
Of course, there is so much on offer at the Montreal International Jazz Festival, that it simply is impossible to see and hear it all. A determined soul probably wouldn’t even be able to catch half of what the festival has to offer, if that person was truly dedicating themselves to doing so.
There is a reason why people from all over to witness the Montreal International Jazz Festival every year – and those that do dream about the day that the next edition begins anew. Until next year!
Adieu!
