If you caught Naïka at MTelus just a few months back, you already know how incredible her live energy is. But seeing her step onto the huge outdoor TD Stage at Jazz Fest on June 29th was something else entirely. She went from playing an intimate venue to looking out at a sea of about 30,000 people. You could tell she was genuinely moved by the turnout, and how could she not be, considering the crowd was more than ten times the size of her last show in the city.

She started the set in this beautiful, draping white dress that paid tribute to her French-Haitian roots. It looked amazing, but right after the opening track, she shed the layers for a short skirt and a white top so she could actually move around, dance, and really own the massive stage.

The setlist felt like a perfect journey through her catalog. She hit some of her biggest tracks like “Ma Chérie” and “1+1,” and then completely flipped the mood by playing a gorgeous, soulful cover of “Killing Me Softly” that had us all swaying and singing along to every word. The absolute highlight, though, was when she surprised everyone by bringing Jessie Reyez out to perform “One Track Mind.” The chemistry between them on stage was so cool to see live.

Beyond the music, just standing in that crowd felt special. Looking around, it was a massive mix of people from every background and culture imaginable. It really reminded me of why Montreal’s melting-pot vibe makes festival season so unique. For an independent global artist like Naïka, the whole night felt less like a standard festival set and more like a major milestone moment in her connection with the city.

Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!

NAÏKA AT JAZZFEST MONTREAL

All Photo Credit: Andres Amaya

On June 28, the FIFA Fan Festival™ in Vancouver wrapped up the day with an atmosphere that will be remembered for years. Just after Canada defeated South Africa in dramatic fashion, scoring a last-minute winner to book its place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 for the first time in the country’s history, supporters stayed at the festival ready to celebrate.

The amphitheatre was packed from the moment the music began, and the energy never faded. Fans dressed in red and waving Canadian flags carried the excitement of the match, turning every performance into part of the day’s celebration.

American folk-rock artist Shakey Graves delivered a captivating set that balanced laid-back storytelling with energetic moments. His blend of blues, folk, and Americana fit perfectly with the summer evening, and the crowd responded warmly throughout the performance.

On the Park Stage, Grayson Repp brought his own style to the festival with an engaging performance that drew a steady audience dancing to classics celebratory songs. Together, the two artists provided a fitting soundtrack to a day already filled with unforgettable memories.

Check our our favourite photos of the show below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!

SHAKEY GRAVES

GRAYSON REPP

All Photo Credit: Caroline Charruyer