The Montreal Jazz Festival is really two festivals in one.
On one hand, there are the large free shows on the many stages located around Place Des Arts. These are loud celebrations of music and fun. The Gala performance, which usually takes place on the Tuesday night, is attended by over 100,000 people. Get there early to stake out a place to stand. Thankfully, even this large crowd feels safe compared to many American crowds of this size. The best free shows over the past few years have been the free midnight blues shows at the new Club Soda.
The second aspect to the festival is the number of paid shows by some of the legends of Jazz, Blues, Rock, Electronica and Soul. It's usually
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On one hand, there are the large free shows on the many stages located around Place Des Arts. These are loud celebrations of music and fun. The Gala performance, which usually takes place on the Tuesday night, is attended by over 100,000 people. Get there early to stake out a place to stand. Thankfully, even this large crowd feels safe compared to many American crowds of this size. The best free shows over the past few years have been the free midnight blues shows at the new Club Soda.
The second aspect to the festival is the number of paid shows by some of the legends of Jazz, Blues, Rock, Electronica and Soul. It's usually worth checking out at least a few of these concerts during the week. In the past, these performers have included Prince, Sting, and Medeski Martin and Wood. It's essential to get one of the free show guides in order to plan your evenings so that you do not miss anything of interest.
Also of note, the surrounding clubs in the jazz-fest area tend to offer great free music as well during the duration of the festival -- especially the Luba Lounge on Bleury.
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