Festivals
Montréal Jazz Festival Announces Académie Event Program
The Festival International de Jazz de Montréal (FIJM), presented by TD Bank Group in collaboration with Rio Tinto, is continuing its educational and community mission with the return of the Académie. The first edition of this event series was so successful that it’s coming back this year with twice as many activities! Through 10 or so events, nearly all free of charge, this special space for sharing, held alongside the Festival, offers a unique meeting point for up-and-coming musicians and seasoned artists, furthering music practice through knowledge sharing between artists and the Montréal community. And there’s another new feature this year: the event will benefit from the expertise of an artist-in-residence, none other than Nate Smith, renowned American drummer, producer and singer-songwriter.
Académie: A platform for creative sharing
This year’s Académie will involve two activity series: Espace Discussions (discussion space), where intimate conversations will take place with guest artists; and Espace Créatif (creative space), which will feature interactive masterclasses on the art of making music, which attendees will be invited to contribute to. Save the dates: all free activities will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis!
Espace Discussion
Discussion with Wynton Marsalis
with Alexa Tarantino and Chris Lewis
June 26, 2025, 6:00 p.m.
Théâtre Jean-Duceppe (Place des Arts)
Paid activity
Meet talented American trumpeter and composer Wynton Marsalis, the first jazz musician to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music, in conversation with saxophonists Alexa Tarantino and Chris Lewis. Tickets go on sale May 22 at 10:00 a.m.
Discussion with Branford Marsalis
with Mark Ruffin
June 30, 2025, 1:00 p.m.
Cinquième Salle (Place des Arts)
Free!
Saxophonist, composer and bandleader Branford Marsalis, formerly the frontman of the Tonight Show Band, will take part in a conversation moderated by Mark Ruffin, radio host, music journalist, producer and author.
Discussion with Katherine McVicker
Anyone Can Book a Gig
July 1, 2025, 1:00 p.m.
Cinquième Salle (Place des Arts)
Free!
Take a deep dive into the rich professional world of agent Katherine McVicker, author of the book Anyone Can Book a Gig: A Performer’s Guide to Successful Touring and leading figure in the touring world for three decades, who now works with some 40 renowned contemporary jazz musicians through her talent and booking agency Music Works International.
Discussion with Patricia Pascal, Tao Ming-Lau & Caroline Fontanieu
Women in Music
July 2, 2025, 1:00 p.m.
Cinquième Salle (Place des Arts)
Free!
An in-depth reflection on the place women hold in the music industry, featuring some of its most vibrant participants: Caroline Fontanieu, ECM marketing director; Patricia Pascal, producer and director of the emerging artists program at Tomorrow’s Warriors; and Tao Ming-Lau, agent with Paquin. The discussion, moderated by Magali Ould, general manager of Secret City Records, is presented in collaboration with nonprofit organization Women in Music Canada.
Discussion with Camille Thurman
July 4, 2025, 1:00 p.m.
Cinquième Salle (Place des Arts)
Free!
Saxophonist, singer and composer, Camille Thurman talks in depth with Caroline Fontanieu, ECM marketing director.
Espace Créatif
Workshop with Nate Smith
Drums masterclass
July 1, 2025, 3:30 p.m.
Cinquième Salle (Place des Arts)
Free!
Nate Smith offers a masterclass on drumming, which will reveal more about his approach to the instrument.
Workshop with Derrick Hodge
Composition and creativity
July 2, 2025, 3:30 p.m.
Cinquième Salle (Place des Arts)
Free!
Composer, bassist and bandleader Derrick Hodge joins the Académie to lead a discussion on music creation, as well as an interactive music composition workshop.
Find the full Académie program here!
The 45th edition of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal will take place from June 26 to July 5, 2025 in the Quartier des Spectacles. More info here.
Festivals
FIFA Fan Festival Vancouver – Kaytranada
The FIFA Fan Festival™ at the PNE closed out another memorable week on Sunday with the biggest match in world football and a fitting musical finale. Fans packed the site well before kickoff, creating a sea of jerseys, flags, and face paint as they gathered to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final between Spain and Argentina. Every big chance was met with gasps and cheers, and when Spain secured the victory, the celebrations spread across the festival grounds as supporters soaked in the final moments of a month-long tournament.
There was little time for the excitement to settle before the day’s entertainment shifted from football to live music. Montreal’s Kaytranada took over the Amphitheatre stage, giving fans one last reason to keep the energy going after the trophy presentation. Known for blending house, hip-hop, R&B, and electronic music into a sound that feels uniquely his own, Kaytranada delivered exactly the kind of set the festival needed to close the weekend.
With Spain crowned world champions and Kaytranada providing the soundtrack to the celebration, the FIFA Fan Festival wrapped up another successful day at the PNE. It was a reminder that throughout the tournament, football and music proved to be the perfect combination, bringing thousands of people together to celebrate on and off the pitch.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
KAYTRANADA
All Photo Credit: Caroline Charruyer
Festivals
FIFA Fan Festival Vancouver – The Dead South, Jesse Roper, Colin James
The FIFA Fan Festival™ at the PNE Grounds delivered another full day of football and live music on Saturday, July 18, as fans packed the site to watch the FIFA World Cup third-place match before spending the afternoon discovering Canadian talent across the festival stages.
The day opened with one last piece of World Cup drama before the tournament finale. England defeated France in the third-place match, giving English supporters plenty to celebrate before the music began. Groups wearing England shirts could be spotted throughout the grounds after the final whistle, adding to the lively atmosphere that has become a daily feature of the Fan Festival.
Once the football wrapped up, the focus shifted to the Amphitheatre and Park Stage. Vancouver’s own Jesse Roper was among the first artists we caught, bringing his signature blues-rock sound to an enthusiastic crowd. His guitar work and easy stage presence made for a strong start to the afternoon, with plenty of fans gathering in front of the stage despite a full day of entertainment still ahead.
Over on the Park Stage, Canadian blues-rock legend Colin James reminded everyone why he has remained one of the country’s most respected performers for decades. His set mixed polished musicianship with plenty of groove, drawing listeners of all ages who appreciated every guitar solo and familiar chorus.
The Dead South closed out the day. The Saskatchewan quartet’s blend of bluegrass, folk and country proved to be a perfect fit for the outdoor setting. Fans sang along, clapped in time and danced throughout the performance.
With the World Cup final less than 24 hours away, there was already a sense that the tournament was nearing its conclusion. Even so, July 18 showed that the FIFA Fan Festival remained much more than a place to watch football. It continued to bring together sport, live music and community in a way that has made it one of Vancouver’s standout events of the summer.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
THE DEAD SOUTH
JESSE ROPER
COLIN JAMES
FANS
All Photo Credit: Caroline Charruyer