A new Montreal music festival is hosting soul and funk dance parties downtown this summer
And music won't be the only soul food on offer.
Festival arist 'Slim' Williams on keyboard. Right: A colourful soul food dish.
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.
SOULFEST
When: July 11 to 14
Where:
- Square St-James (rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest between rue St-Alexandre and rue City Concillors)
- Le Balcon, 463, rue Saint-Catherine Ouest
Cost: $50/single-day pass | $175/full festival pass
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