Montreal Jazz Festival has a star-studded summer lineup, including Andre 3000 and Norah Jones

This summer, the Montreal Jazz Festival returns with a lineup that reads like your coolest friend's playlist, serving up a hot slate of acts including André 3000, Norah Jones, and Killer Mike from June 27 to July 6.

The festival is planning over 350 performances of jazz infused with rock, pop, and hip hop — and two-thirds of the shows are free of charge.

"Jazz constantly takes its cues from current music styles," said festival programmer Maurin Auxéméry, which keeps the genre both foundational and fresh. "That interdependence is really exciting, as it speaks to the relevance of jazz."

Montreal's summer soundtrack

Outkast lyricist André 3000 is a festival headliner who veered into the unexpected with the release of his New Blue Sun album last November. Rumoured to be a "flute jazz" venture, the album emerged as a whole new age exploration. Collaborating with Los Angeles-based musicians rooted in spiritual jazz and ambient — including Carlos Niño and Nate Mercereau — André 3000's new album shows him experimenting heavily with digital woodwinds. Fans can catch his live performance on June 30 at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier in Place des Arts.

Norah Jones will grace the same stage for two nights, bringing her soulful sound alongside Martha Wainwright on July 2 and 3, while Icelandic singer-songwriter Laufey will enchant audiences on June 29 at the Maison Symphonique de Montréal. Pink Martini will deliver their mix of classical, jazz, and old-school pop tunes on July 4 and 5.

Hip-hop's gravitational pull is also bringing names like Killer Mike and Erick The Architect to the festival. Killer Mike is set to energize fans as part of The Mighty Midnight Revival — Down By Law Tour, appearing on July 3. at MTELUS. Erick The Architect will perform at Club Soda on July 5.

A lineup that hits all the right notes

Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Marcus Miller will anchor the traditional jazz stages, while international flavours will permeate with performances by artists like Etran de l'Aïr from Niger and South Africa's The Brother Moves On.

Local talents Alexandra Stréliski, Elisapie, Apashe and Leif Vollebekk are just a few of the homegrown artists set to shine. Meanwhile, Kid Koala will also be back with an encore of his Storyville Mosquito show, back by popular demand after a triumphant stint at Montréal en Lumière.

In the (free) spirit of jazz

When it comes to Jazz Fest free shows, Hiatus Kaiyote, Cory Wong, and Robert Glasper are set to perform at no charge. On June 27, Hiatus Kaiyote kicks off at the TD Stage, followed by Cory Wong the next day. Dominique Fils-Aimé will captivate on June 29 with her powerful vocals.

Other noteworthy performances include Freddie Gibbs in collaboration with El Michels Affair on June 30, bringing a mix of rap and soulful beats. The free concert series hits a high note on July 1 with Robert Glasper, who is known for blending jazz with R&B and hip-hop, hosting a special event alongside notable guests. Jeremy Dutcher will perform on July 3 at the TD Stage, adding his unique blend of Wolastoqiyik classical and jazz influences

Tickets for paid concerts will go on sale starting April 12.