Festivals
Montréal Jazz Festival 2025 – Ayra Starr
On Tuesday night, Nigerian singer-songwriter Ayra Starr delivered a masterclass on how to celebrate Canada Day in Montreal for the 2025 edition of Jazz Fest. The 23-year-old singer showed the people of Montreal that she’s ready for major headliner shows, before heading out to support Coldplay’s big stadium tour later this month.
More than two hours before her set started, people were already flocking to the TD Stage, undeterred by the pouring rain that had fallen an hour earlier. A sea of umbrellas, people of all ages, began to cram together as tightly as possible, just to catch a closer glimpse of the Nigerian star. A couple of minutes before she jumped onstage, the rain stopped. It truly felt like a timely sign from above, as the clouds cleared, the sun went down, and the stars appeared – the most important one of the night being Ayra herself.
“Ladies and gentlemen… I present to you… the great Ayra Starr!” a member of the crew shouted, as a giant pink star was projected onto the backdrop and a pool of blue light flooded the stage. Emerging through smoke, she rocked a black pinstripe suit with a cropped blazer and a statement necklace covered in charms. Her stage presence was undeniable, commanding her dancers around the stage while she hit every note with her R&B-forward vocals.
Throughout the set, she played some of the hits that cemented her stardom across the pond and in America, like “Bloody Samaritan” and “Control.” A highlight of the set was a cover of David Guetta’s “Titanium,” where she flawlessly hit every note originally sung by Sia, with every single one of the 20,000 people attending singing along with her.
It was a night filled with dancing, Afrobeats, and good vibes after a rainy Canada Day. It is no small feat that she is now performing a closing set on the main stage at Jazz Fest, joining a list of legendary artists such as Stevie Wonder, Esperanza Spalding, and Leonard Cohen who have also graced the biggest stages of this legendary festival. Ayra Starr is an artist in total command of her craft. Her star keeps rising and doesn’t seem close to stopping.
Visit the festival’s website for schedule and ticket information.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
AYRA STARR
All Photo Credit: Andres Amaya
Festivals
FIFA Fan Festival™ Vancouver – Lazy Syrup Orchestra
The FIFA Fan Festival™ Vancouver kept the celebration of the FIFA World Cup 2026 rolling on June 13, bringing together soccer fans, live music, and a packed day of entertainment in the heart of the city. With matches screening throughout the afternoon and evening, the festival once again transformed PNE into a gathering place for supporters from around the world.
Saturday’s schedule featured three international match broadcasts, beginning with Brazil vs. Morocco (1-1) in the afternoon, followed by Haiti vs. Scotland (0-1) and Australia vs. Türkiye in the evening. Between matches, festivalgoers were treated to live performances across the festival grounds, creating a lively atmosphere that blended sport, culture, and music.
One of the highlights of the day was Vancouver’s own Lazy Syrup Orchestra, who performed two sets on the Amphitheatre Stage. Known for their energetic fusion of Balkan, Latin, funk, and world music influences, the group brought an infectious energy that quickly drew a crowd. Their vibrant performance had fans dancing throughout the set and provided the perfect soundtrack between World Cup action.
We were on site to capture Lazy Syrup Orchestra‘s performances, and the band’s colourful stage presence matched the festival’s upbeat spirit. From families enjoying the afternoon sunshine to dedicated soccer fans gathering ahead of the evening matches, the crowd embraced everything the Fan Festival had to offer.
With live music, international soccer, food vendors, and entertainment throughout the day, June 13 showcased exactly why the FIFA Fan Festival™ is one of Vancouver’s must-visit destinations during the World Cup.
Check out our photos of the day below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
LAZY SYRUP ORCHESTRA
FIFA FAN FESTIVAL™
All Photo Credit: Caroline Charruyer
Festivals
FIFA Fan Festival™ Vancouver – The Funk Hunters & Dear Rouge
The FIFA Fan Festival™ in Vancouver kept the World Cup excitement rolling on June 12 with a full day of soccer, live music, and community programming at the festival grounds. Fans arrived early for the opening match between Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina (ending in a 1-1 tie), creating a lively atmosphere as supporters packed in to cheer on the home side and soak up the tournament energy.
Beyond the match screenings, the festival offered plenty of entertainment throughout the day. Local performances from Famous Players and Side One helped keep the crowd engaged during the afternoon, while Down With Webster brought a dose of Canadian nostalgia later in the day. The combination of live music and World Cup action made the Fan Festival feel like much more than a viewing party, giving visitors reasons to stay long after the final whistle.
The evening belonged to Vancouver favourites Dear Rouge and electronic duo The Funk Hunters. As the sun began to set over the festival grounds, both acts drew large crowds eager to celebrate the start of the weekend. Dear Rouge delivered their signature mix of indie rock and synth-pop, while The Funk Hunters closed out the night with an energetic set packed with danceable beats that had fans moving from start to finish.
With soccer on the big screens, local talent on stage, and thousands of fans gathering in one place, June 12 showcased exactly what the FIFA Fan Festival™ is all about: bringing people together to celebrate the game and the culture surrounding it.
Check out our photos of the day below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
THE FUNK HUNTERS
DEAR ROUGE
FIFA FAN FESTIVAL™
All Photo Credit: Caroline Charruyer