A new Montreal music festival is hosting soul and funk dance parties downtown this summer

Summer in Montreal is getting a fresh soundtrack with the launch of SOULFEST, a new music festival steeped in soul, R&B, gospel, and funk music.

The four-day block party from July 11 to 14 will see local music legends like Kim Richardson and Freddie James perform in downtown Montreal's Square Saint-James. The lineup will also feature shows at Le Balcon, inside the stunning cabaret at Saint-James Church.

"After 17 years at the helm of Le Balcon, it's finally time to present SOULFEST to Montrealers and the whole world. It stems from a deep desire to showcase incredibly talented artists and get Montreal dancing," said festival founder Julien Robitaille.

Once you work up an appetite from all that dancing, there will be a soul food menu to keep your energy up and the night going.

Festival schedule

• July 11 (Thursday): The festival kicks off with 'Slim' Williams at 6 p.m. followed by DJ Cynful at 7:45 p.m. and Kim Richardson and Dorion Sherwood delivering powerful renditions of soulful hits and R&B standards at 9:15 p.m.
• July 12 (Friday): Freddie James Project takes the stage at 8 p.m., bringing an energetic mix of soul and Motown classics.
• July 13 (Saturday): Michelle Sweeney will get the audience moving with Motown and gospel hits at 9:15 p.m.
• July 14 (Sunday): The closing night will see "Tina Turner meets the vocal power of a Whitney Houston-style diva" Dawn Tyler Watson take the stage.

Getting passes

Tickets are available starting May 14. Options include:

• Single-Day Pass: $50, access to all performances and food areas for one day.
• Full Festival Pass: $175, includes entry to all four days of the festival.
• VIP Pass: $300, offers premium stage views, exclusive lounge access, and complimentary refreshments.

Soulfest is joining an already-busy festival roster this year, and it might just be your newest Montreal summer tradition.