The Montreal Jazz Festival released its lineup for its 45th edition, featuring major international acts and local artists alike.
The festival will run from June 26 to July 5 and features some 350 acts, both in concert halls and outside, two-thirds of which are free.
Among the headlining acts is legendary New-York rapper Nas, who is touring for his first album Illmatic’s 30th anniversary, accompanied by the Symphony Orchestra. Montrealers can catch him on July 29 at Place des Arts.
Nigerian R&B sensation Ayra Starr and Thundercat are also top of the bill.
Quebec favourites Men I Trust and Elisapie join the eclectic roster, which includes actor Jeff Goldblum on the piano, Afrofuturist pioneers Sun Ra Arkestra, folk-punk band Violent Femmes, and several homages to Montreal phenomenon Oscar Peterson.
🎷PROGRAMMATION 2025 LINEUP 🎷
— Festival International de Jazz de Montréal (@mtljazzfestival) April 15, 2025
Ça sent l'été !!! Plus de 300 concerts, (dont le 2/3 sont gratuits❗️) vous attendent du 26 juin au 5 juillet ☀
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Summer is in the air!!! Over 300 concerts (most of them are free❗), are waiting for you from June 26 to July 5 ☀ pic.twitter.com/xasybDwo3P
On top of the Oscar Peterson Centennial Quartet and Centennial Jazz Orchestra, the festival will feature a free exhibit devoted to the Montreal legend showcasing rare photos taken by the pianist himself. He would have been 100 in 2025.
Tickets go on sale soon, and festival-goers can take advantage of an exclusive pre-sale as of 10 a.m. Wednesday.
