Festival International de Jazz de Montréal Announces Dynamic 45th Edition Lineup
The Festival International de Jazz de Montréal (FIJM), launched by TD Bank Group in partnership with Rio Tinto, has unveiled its lineup for the 45th edition, set to take place from June 26 to July 5, 2025. Over a span of ten days, downtown Montreal will pulse with the sounds of jazz, featuring more than 350 concerts, two-thirds of which will be free to attendees. The festival will welcome renowned artists, including hip-hop legend Nas and rising star Ayra Starr, while also celebrating the Oscar Peterson Centennial — a nod to the significant contributions of the late jazz pianist to the genre.
Ticket Sales and Program Highlights
Tickets for paid concerts will go on sale starting April 17, 2025, at 10 a.m. The festival promises an expansive musical journey, designed not only for devoted jazz fans but also to attract a broader audience. Among the highlights, Dianne Reeves, an iconic American jazz vocalist, will perform at the Théâtre Maisonneuve, and Mon Laferte, a Mexican-Chilean Grammy winner, will take the stage at the Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier.
The festival will foster collaborations between local talents and international acts. Noteworthy performances include those of Elisapie, an Inuk singer-songwriter, and Salin, a drummer with a unique focus on Northern Thai music. They will perform alongside BALTHVS, a Colombian band infusing elements of psychedelic funk into their music. Additionally, British DJ Bonobo and the historic Sun Ra Arkestra, pioneers of Afrofuturism, will contribute to the diverse lineup.
Emerging Artists and Free Performances
As part of its commitment to fostering emerging talent, FIJM will spotlight performers like Samara Joy, whose career skyrocketed after taking the stage at previous festivals. She will be featured in the LE FESTIVAL À LA MAISON SYMPHONIQUE ROGERS series. Young vocalist Tyreek McDole will also be showcased, performing alongside the Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra.
The festival’s commitment to accessibility will shine through its numerous free outdoor concerts. Notable acts include the acclaimed Esperanza Spalding, the first jazz musician to win the Grammy Award for Best New Artist, and Trombone Shorty, who has been a notable figure in jazz from a young age. The festival will also celebrate guitar-focused acts like Yasmin Williams, known for her innovative styling, and Tommy Emmanuel, an Australian fingerpicking legend.
Community Engagement and Festival Culture
The FIJM promises to deliver familiar community favorites alongside new experiences. A highlight will be the pop-up bar PHONO, featuring DJ sets that promote local music culture. The Académie series will return, offering interviews, performances, and educational discussions with festival artists.
The festival also charged ahead with an assurance of additional surprises to be revealed soon. According to FIJM’s Director of Programming, Maurin Auxéméry, the festival’s ability to adapt and redefine jazz is a testament to its ongoing relevance and unity in a world often divided by genres and boundaries.
Partnership Commitments
In support of the festival’s ongoing efforts, both TD Bank and Rio Tinto have expressed their commitment to the event’s mission. Abe Adham, Chair of the Quebec Market for TD Bank Group, highlighted the festival’s role in creating “extraordinary musical experiences” accessible to all. Meanwhile, Marie-Christine Dupont, General Counsel for Rio Tinto, emphasized the festival’s ability to enrich Montreal’s cultural scene and enhance community strength through music.
As the festival gears up for another year of celebrating jazz in all its forms, its 45th edition promises to engage, inspire, and invigorate both performers and audiences alike, continuing to honor the legacy of jazz while embracing its future.
For more information and to listen to the music featured at the festival, attendees can check the official festival website as the event approaches. The excitement surrounding this engaging quintessence of jazz culture showcases why FIJM remains a premier destination for music lovers around the world.
