12 free shows you need to see at the Montreal International Jazz Festival

There may only be a few more days of Jazz Fest, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of shows left to see!

Even better, there are still plenty of free shows happening all over the city. Take advantage of the weekend ahead and check out as many free concerts as you can!

For a little inspiration, check out 12 free shows you can still attend at the Montreal International Jazz Festival!

Five Senses, One Band: Busty and the Bass

The beloved band that formed at McGill University, Busty and the Bass, returns to Montreal to perform a free show at the International Jazz Festival, this time alongside a luminous installation that is sure to stimulate all the senses.
When: July 8, 8:30 pm
Where: L’Astral, 305 Ste. Catherine St. West

The Little School of Jazz

This interactive show is essential a fun-filled jazz lesson for the whole family! Lead by Victor-Jacques Ménard and James Gelfand, don’t miss out on this dynamic and bilingual show!
When: July 6-8 at 11 am and 1:30 pm
Where: Complexe Desjardins’ Grande-Place, 150 Ste. Catherine St. West

The Brooks

Funk octet, The Brooks, will be performing tracks from their latest album, Pain and Bliss, on the TD Stage in Place des Festivals tonight!
When: July 6, 9 pm and 11 pm
Where: TD Stage, Place des Festivals

Renee Wilkin

Renee Wilkin was a finalist of Marc Dupré’s team on La Voix II. And now she’s back to perform songs from Soul 67, where she unleashes the hits of soul and R&B circa 1967.
When: July 6, 8 pm and 10 pm
Where: Rio Tinto Stage, Corner of Ste. Catherine and Jeanne Mance

Urban Science

Join in on this informal music session at Savoy du Metropolis happening every night at midnight. Prepare to see an eclectic group ranging from beatboxers to rappers.
When: July 6 – 8, 11:59 pm
Where: Savoy du Métropolis, 59 Ste. Catherine St. East

Alicia Olatuja

Raised in Missouri before moving to study opera, she embraced jazz at a young age and has worked alongside some of the best in the biz. The official event page invites you to “Witness her sumptuous voice, artistic versatility and unique stage presence!”
When: July 8, 8 pm
Where: Rio Tinto Stage, Corner of Ste. Catherine and Jeanne Mance

Atlantis Jazz Ensemble

This quintet, featuring a saxophonist, pianist, trumpeter, bassist, and drummer, has mastered percussive instrumental jazz, meaning you’re in for a treat this Saturday night!
When: July 8, 7 pm
Where: Club Jazz Casino de Montréal à la place SNC-Lavalin, Corner of De Bleury and René Lévesque

Jacob Deraps

For something a little different, head to the Bell Stage this Friday night for a performance from hard-rocker, Jacob Deraps.
When: July 7, 7 pm
Where: Bell Stage, Le Parterre, corner of De Montigny and Clark

Brandi Disterheft

This Grammy and Juno Award-winning artist is performing in Montreal this Sunday night. Known for her “dreamy voice,” you won’t want to miss hearing this double bassist live!
When: July 8, 5 pm
Where: Club Jazz Casino de Montréal à la place SNC-Lavalin, Corner of De Bleury and René Lévesque

Lee Aaron: Electric Blues

Lee Aaron, otherwise known as The Metal Queen, returns after nearly two decades, with a jazz and blues album for the ages. Titled Fire and Gasoline, you’ll love her classic rock tracks in the same style as Led Zeppelin or Bowie.
When: July 8, 9 pm and 11 pm
Where: Bell Stage, Le Parterre, corner of De Montigny and Clark

Nomadic Massive

Be mesmerized by Nomadic MAssive, the multi-lingual hip hop collective from Montreal who takes influence from soul, reggae, and Afro-Caribbean.
When: July 8, 9 pm
Where: Club Jazz Casino de Montréal à la place SNC-Lavalin, Corner of De Bleury and René Lévesque

The Deslondes

Inspired by the vintage sounds of Mississippi and Louisiana, The Deslondes hail from New Orleans and have come up north to spread their music, which has been described as a cross between rock ‘n roll jubilation and western lyricism.
When: July 8, 5 pm and 7 pm
Where: Place Heineken, Corner of Ste. Catherine and De Bleury

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