The Montreal International Jazz Festival—an annual pilgrimage for lovers of rhythm, soul, and sonic spontaneity—turns 45 this year, and it’s looking better than ever. With a theme of “a modern twist,” the 2025 edition honors tradition while boldly exploring the future of jazz. Running from June 26 to July 6, the city’s Quartier des Spectacles will once again pulse with global grooves, late-night jam sessions, and genre-defying performances.
But before we get too deep into this year’s lineup, let me take you back.
Flashback: DJ Don Edwards at MJF 2006 & 2007
I had the chance to experience the magic firsthand in 2006 and 2007, and let me tell you—Montreal knows how to swing. In 2006, I stumbled upon a back-alley jam session that felt more like a spiritual gathering than a concert. The next year, I caught a performance that changed the way I listen to horns forever. Montreal in July was alive, and the jazz wasn’t just in the air—it was in the pavement, the food, the conversations between strangers.
Rachel Therrien’s Latin Jazz Project: A Masterclass in Energy and Elegance
Fast forward to more recent highlights, and I’d be remiss not to mention Rachel Therrien, one of the most electric and innovative voices in modern jazz. Her Latin Jazz Project was an absolute standout at the festival. The way her trumpet lines soared over Afro-Caribbean rhythms was nothing short of breathtaking—controlled chaos, structured freedom. She didn’t just perform; she commanded the stage.
Therrien’s genius hasn’t gone unnoticed. She was awarded the 2016 Stingray Rising Star Award and recently took home the coveted Jazz Award at the Montreal International Jazz Festival, a testament to her ever-expanding influence on the genre.
Looking Ahead: The 45th Edition and What to Expect
This year’s festival promises to be a celebration of contrasts: old-school legends meeting digital-age boundary-pushers. From global fusion to local experiments, the festival continues to redefine what jazz can be in 2025.
At a glance: 🗓 June 26 – July 6, 2025
📍 Quartier des Spectacles, Montreal
🎶 Expect everything from traditional big band to electro-jazz fusions
🏆 Featuring past and present award winners like Rachel Therrien
Whether it’s your first time or your 15th, the Montreal Jazz Festival never fails to impress—and for those of us who’ve been lucky enough to walk its musical streets, it’s a reminder that jazz isn’t just a genre. It’s a conversation that never ends.
See you in the groove,
🎧 DJ Don Edwards
The Improv Café
#MontrealJazzFestival #RachelTherrien #LatinJazz #MJF45 #JazzLives #TheImprovCafe