2025 Montreal Jazz Festival: The Must-See Concerts

Some voices sing notes; others ignite a feeling. At this year’s Montreal Jazz Festival, you have the rare opportunity to experience the latter with a free performance from the one-of-a-kind artist, Bilal. Forget neat genre labels. For over two decades, Bilal has been the music world’s best-kept secret, a master vocalist who treats soul, jazz, and funk not as distinct styles, but as raw materials for his sonic experiments. His music is a fearless exploration, celebrated by fellow musicians for its daring arrangements and raw, emotional honesty.

If you follow artists like Kendrick Lamar, Erykah Badu, or The Roots, you’ve already heard Bilal’s influence and his unmistakable voice on some of their most iconic tracks. Now is your chance to see the source. A Bilal concert is an electrifying, unpredictable event where virtuosic vocal runs meet raw, improvisational energy. This isn’t background music; it’s an immersive experience. Come discover the powerful, genre-defying artist who has long been a creative force just beneath the surface of mainstream music.

Makaya McCraven, the visionary Chicago-based drummer, producer, and “beat scientist,” has revolutionized jazz by blurring the lines between live performance and studio production. He records, samples, and remixes improvised music to create breathtaking new compositions that are deeply rooted in both jazz and hip-hop. He is joined by Theon Cross, a revolutionary force from the explosive London jazz scene. Cross has single-handedly redefined the tuba for a new generation, transforming it into a seismic, floor-shaking bass instrument that channels the sounds of the Caribbean diaspora and UK club culture.

When these two masters of rhythm and sound share a stage, the result is a hypnotic and powerful exploration of the groove. The performance promises to be a deep dive into uncharted territory, where McCraven’s intricate, layered beats meet the raw, thunderous power of Cross’s tuba. This is a unique opportunity to witness two of the most innovative figures from the world’s most exciting jazz scenes engaged in a powerful musical dialogue. Prepare for a performance that will move your body and expand your mind.

Released in 1994, Nas’ debut album, Illmatic, is a cultural touchstone. Widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential hip-hop albums ever made, its raw, poetic storytelling and groundbreaking production created the blueprint for modern lyricism. For this special event, the grit and realism of Queensbridge, New York, are brought to life as Nas performs the album in its entirety, joined by the majestic power of a full symphony orchestra. The project re-contextualizes a hip-hop classic, proving its place as a truly timeless work of American art.

This unique performance bridges two worlds, magnifying the cinematic scope and emotional depth that has always lived within the album’s legendary tracks. Hearing Nas’s intricate rhymes intertwined with soaring strings, powerful brass, and dramatic orchestral arrangements is a breathtaking experience. It is a powerful celebration of a genre-defining masterpiece, and a chance to witness a legendary artist collaborating with a symphony to explore, elevate, and reimagine the very definition of classical hip-hop.

Released in 1994, Nas’ debut album, Illmatic, is a cultural touchstone. Widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential hip-hop albums ever made, its raw, poetic storytelling and groundbreaking production created the blueprint for modern lyricism. For this special event, the grit and realism of Queensbridge, New York, are brought to life as Nas performs the album in its entirety, joined by the majestic power of a full symphony orchestra. The project re-contextualizes a hip-hop classic, proving its place as a truly timeless work of American art.

This unique performance bridges two worlds, magnifying the cinematic scope and emotional depth that has always lived within the album’s legendary tracks. Hearing Nas’s intricate rhymes intertwined with soaring strings, powerful brass, and dramatic orchestral arrangements is a breathtaking experience. It is a powerful celebration of a genre-defining masterpiece, and a chance to witness a legendary artist collaborating with a symphony to explore, elevate, and reimagine the very definition of classical hip-hop.

You’ve heard his work on the world’s biggest stages as the keyboardist for Maroon 5, but PJ Morton’s music is where his true artistry lives. A native of New Orleans, Morton is a powerhouse in his own right, celebrated for continuing the rich legacy of soul music for a new generation. He channels the masterful songwriting of Stevie Wonder and the raw feeling of Donny Hathaway, creating a sound that is timeless, authentic, and entirely his own.

This free concert is a rare opportunity to experience a true musician’s musician. Led by his effortless voice and virtuosic keyboard playing, a PJ Morton show is an uplifting and unforgettable event that feels both intimate and electric. His songs, rooted in the joy and spirit of gospel, pop, and classic R&B, are performed with a warmth and groove that will connect with any music lover. Come discover the powerful artist who has long been one of the most respected voices in modern soul.

Get ready for an unstoppable force of rhythm and groove. Ghost-Note is the brainchild of Snarky Puppy’s multi-GRAMMY®–winning percussion duo, Robert “Sput” Searight and Nate Werth. Their music is an explosive cocktail, shaking up deep funk with the infectious polyrhythms of afrobeat, the swagger of hip-hop, and the adventurous spirit of a psychedelic jam session. It’s a sound that is consciously futuristic while being deeply rooted in the traditions of funk masters like James Brown and Sly & The Family Stone.

A Ghost-Note concert is not for the faint of heart. On stage, the band expands to include a lineup of monster musicians on bass, keys, and horns, creating a sound so massive and a groove so deep it’s impossible to stand still. This is music that commands you to move. Prepare for a night of world-class musicianship and raw, unrelenting energy. If you’re looking for the funkiest party at the festival, you’ve just found it.

World-renowned Israeli bassist, composer, and singer Avishai Cohen has captivated audiences for decades with his distinctive and passionate musical language. His celebrated sound is a rich fusion of modern jazz with the lyrical, sun-soaked melodies of the Mediterranean, Middle Eastern folklore, and Latin rhythms. This special performance, Two Roses, expands his artistic vision to its grandest scale, taking the brilliant, near-telepathic interplay of his core trio and uniting it with the lush, dynamic power of a full symphony orchestra.

The concert is a journey through Cohen’s most cherished compositions, re-imagined with sweeping new arrangements that elevate their inherent beauty and emotional weight. From the intimate, intricate dialogue of the trio to the soaring, cinematic power of the full orchestra, the performance is a breathtaking exploration of sound and feeling. Prepare for an evening of passionate lyricism and virtuosic musicianship from a global jazz superstar, presented in its most epic and unforgettable form.

From the heart of London’s vibrant and acclaimed jazz renaissance comes one of its most essential voices. Nubya Garcia is a visionary saxophonist and composer who is pushing the boundaries of the genre. Her music is a masterful fusion, weaving the deep, spiritual lineage of artists like Pharoah Sanders and John Coltrane with the bass-heavy rhythms of her Caribbean heritage, the hypnotic pulse of dub reggae, and the energy of modern club culture. It’s a global sound, anchored by her commanding and soulful tenor saxophone tone.

On stage, Garcia and her quartet create a powerful and immersive sonic world. Their performances are a journey, moving seamlessly from moments of meditative beauty to exhilarating, groove-fueled peaks. The music is built on a foundation of deep communication, where hypnotic rhythms lay the groundwork for Garcia’s expansive and searching improvisations. This is your chance to experience the artist at the forefront of the new wave of jazz: a sound that is inventive, soulful, and utterly captivating.

Winner of the prestigious Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Competition, trumpeter and composer Marquis Hill is a visionary force in today’s music. Hailing from the rich cultural landscape of Chicago, Hill has developed a truly signature sound: a seamless and sophisticated blend of modern jazz with the authentic grooves of hip-hop, R&B, and soul. His music isn’t a collage of styles but a fluid, unified language, spoken with a beautifully warm and impeccably controlled trumpet tone that has made him one of the most revered instrumentalists of his generation.

A Marquis Hill performance is a masterclass in subtlety and captivating groove. Backed by a band of virtuosic and like-minded musicians, he creates an atmosphere that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. The focus is on intricate arrangements, lyrical beauty, and the telepathic interplay between the players, drawing the audience into a cool, focused, and deeply felt musical conversation. This is your opportunity to witness a brilliant composer and performer who is thoughtfully redefining the sound of contemporary jazz.

She is the unmistakable voice and creative engine behind Hiatus Kaiyote, the globally celebrated, GRAMMY-nominated pioneers of future-soul. In her solo work, Nai Palm peels back the layers of her band’s complex sound to reveal the raw, intricate heart of her artistry. This is an intimate setting that puts her singular, once-in-a-generation talents into sharp focus: a voice that soars and dives with breathtaking agility, and a complex, self-taught guitar style that is a rhythmic and harmonic world unto itself.

Armed with just her voice and guitar, she creates a soundscape that feels both immense and intimate, weaving together stories of love, loss, and resilience with stunning vulnerability and virtuosic skill. It is a rare opportunity to witness the unfiltered essence of a true original, an artist who channels a universe of feeling through her music.

This is a rare gathering of giants, a supergroup of four of the most influential and acclaimed figures in contemporary music. The evening is led by Nate Smith, the master drummer and visionary composer whose deep, infectious grooves have defined a new era of rhythm. He is joined by a truly stellar lineup: the legendary, 5-time GRAMMY®-winning vocalist Lalah Hathaway; the brilliant keyboard virtuoso and harmonic innovator James Francies; and the foundational bassist and producer Derrick Hodge. Each a celebrated bandleader in their own right, they come together for a can’t-miss collaborative event.

Prepare for a performance where sublime artistry meets telepathic interplay. The rhythm section of Smith and Hodge alone represents one of the most powerful forces in modern groove, creating an unstoppable foundation for Francies’ dazzling keyboard work and the rich, iconic voice of Lalah Hathaway. This concert is a masterclass in soul, jazz, and funk, performed by four artists at the absolute peak of their powers. Expect an evening of electrifying chemistry and unforgettable musical moments.

From the legendary Treme neighborhood of New Orleans comes a true force of nature. Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews is an ambassador of his city’s spirit, a bandleader with rock-star charisma, and a virtuoso on both the trombone and trumpet. With his powerhouse band, Orleans Avenue, he has created a sound all his own: “Supafunkrock.” It’s an explosive, genre-defying blast of music that merges the raw power of a stadium rock show with the deep-seated groove of classic funk and the vibrant, brass-band traditions of his hometown.

To see Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue live is to witness one of the most energetic and exhilarating performances in music today. This is a non-stop party and a breathtaking display of instrumental firepower, led by Shorty’s astonishing musicianship and boundless energy. It’s loud, proud, and guaranteed to make you move. Brace yourself for a hurricane of sound that celebrates the past, present, and future of New Orleans music.

From the heart of the vibrant Los Angeles beat scene comes the infectious sound of pianist and producer Kiefer Shackelford. As a cornerstone artist for the legendary Stones Throw Records, Kiefer has perfected a sound that exists at the crossroads of instrumental hip-hop and virtuosic jazz. His music is a joyful and uplifting blend of sun-soaked keyboard melodies, sophisticated harmony, and beats that are guaranteed to make you nod your head. He channels the spirit of piano greats and iconic hip-hop producers into a sound that is uniquely his own.

A live performance from Kiefer is an invitation to immerse yourself in a world of pure positivity and effortless groove. With his masterful piano playing at the forefront, he and his band create a warm, laid-back atmosphere that feels both relaxing and invigorating. The focus is on feel-good energy, soulful expression, and the simple beauty of a perfectly crafted melody over a satisfying beat. Come experience one of the most exciting and optimistic voices in modern instrumental music.

He is one of the most iconic and wildly creative forces in music today. The GRAMMY-winning bassist, singer, and songwriter known as Thundercat has created a universe of his own, influencing a generation of musicians with his signature sound and becoming a crucial collaborator for artists like Kendrick Lamar on his masterpiece To Pimp A Butterfly. His music is a psychedelic journey through 70s funk, cosmic jazz, and soulful R&B, all anchored by his distinctive falsetto and lyrics that are as witty and heartfelt as they are wonderfully surreal.

A Thundercat concert is a jaw-dropping display of musicianship. With his six-string bass, he plays with a speed and dexterity that pushes the instrument into the realm of a lead guitar, unleashing torrents of melodic and harmonic ideas. Backed by an equally virtuosic band, his live shows are an exhilarating ride: funky, unpredictable, and packed with an incredible amount of talent and personality. Come experience the singular artistry of a true original.

He is the foundational pulse of modern creative music. As a GRAMMY-winning bassist, composer, and producer, Derrick Hodge has been the anchor for a generation of trailblazing artists, most notably as a core member of the Robert Glasper Experiment. As a bandleader, he steps forward as a visionary sound sculptor, building entire worlds of music that are rich with emotion and cinematic in scope. His work is a stunning tapestry woven from the threads of jazz, orchestral composition, hip-hop, and soulful R&B.

On stage, Hodge’s mastery is on full display as he uses the bass not just for rhythm, but as a powerful melodic and textural voice. This is not just a concert; it’s an immersive journey into deep grooves and beautifully layered soundscapes. The performance is a dynamic exploration of melody and mood, shifting from moments of quiet introspection to powerful, uplifting crescendos. Come experience the singular artistry of one of the most influential and forward-thinking musicians of his generation.

For decades, Ben Harper has been a singular and powerful force in music, crafting a sound that is entirely his own yet feels universal. The multi-GRAMMY® winner is a true master of fusion, weaving together the raw emotion of the blues, the storytelling of folk, the righteous energy of reggae, and the fire of rock and roll. His songs are anthems of justice, spirituality, and love, all brought to life by his soulful voice and the wailing, transcendent sound of his signature instrument: the lap steel guitar.

Whether performing with a full band or alone with his guitar, he commands the stage with a raw, soul-stirring honesty that has captivated audiences around the world. It’s an opportunity to see a true craftsman and activist whose music continues to resonate with timeless truth and incredible skill.

She is, without question, one of the most acclaimed and essential bassists in modern jazz. A Guggenheim Fellow and a key member of jazz icon Pat Metheny’s quartet, Linda May Han Oh has established herself as a breathtaking virtuoso and a brilliant composer. Her music is a masterful display of rhythm and intellect, featuring intricate lines, complex harmonies, and a powerful, lyrical sense of melody. She pushes her instrument and her ensembles into new territory, crafting compositions that are as emotionally resonant as they are technically dazzling.

To see Linda May Han Oh lead her band is to witness musical communication at its absolute highest level. She anchors the music with a commanding presence, guiding her world-class collaborators through her dynamic and sophisticated pieces with near-telepathic interplay. The result is a captivating performance that is both a thrilling showcase of virtuosity and a deeply engaging musical narrative. This is a must-see for anyone who wants to experience the vibrant, cutting-edge of contemporary jazz.

Few artists in recent memory have so completely redefined the possibilities of music as Esperanza Spalding. A bassist, singer, composer, and visionary, she is a true force of nature whose boundless creativity has been celebrated far beyond the confines of jazz, including a historic GRAMMY® win for Best New Artist. She doesn’t simply cross genres; she dissolves them entirely, weaving together elements of jazz, classical, avant-pop, and theatre into breathtaking new forms. Each project is a new world, built with fearless intellect and profound emotional depth.

Never the same show twice, her concerts are immersive artistic events where her staggering virtuosity as a bassist and her uniquely fluid, expressive voice act as the guides through ever-changing sonic landscapes. This is not a recital of past hits, but a living, breathing exploration of new ideas. Prepare to be challenged, enchanted, and ultimately transformed by one of the most important creative minds of our generation.