It's no secret that Montreal is the festival capital of North America. With the pandemic causing many cancellations and delays in this year's event calendar, many Montrealers are worried they won't get to enjoy their favourites. Thankfully, one of the city's most popular festivals, Montreal's International Jazz Fest, is still happening — just not in the same way that we're used to.
From June 27 – 30, Montreal's Jazz Fest is hosting a special online edition on the Festival's digital platforms.
And it's free!
"This special edition of the Festival is a gift for Montreal fans, the jazz community, the Festival team, partners, and to all the passionate music lovers all over the world who revel in the opportunity to be moved by something as magical as live music," according to the news release.
June 27 also happens to be Canadian Multiculturalism Day, which seems fitting for the diverse and talented group of artists set to perform this year.
Some of the artists in this year's special line-up include Canadians acts, like Walk Off the Earth, and Montreal's very own The Barr Brothers and Charlotte Cardin.
"Despite the challenging circumstances this year, we are thrilled to be able to offer an innovative solution to get the music out to the fans!" says Jacques K. Primeau, the Festival’s General Manager.
You'll be able to enjoy live music all weekend at montrealjazzfest.com.
The Jazz Fest Facebook page will also go live every night from 6 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Montreal's iconic L'Astral will host a unique and intimate venue to broadcast some of the performances on the ground floor of La Maison des Festivals in Quartier des Spectacles (home of the Festival).
There will also be archival footage from some of the legendary moments from the festival throughout the years.
Montreal International Jazz Festival
When: June 27 – 30
Where: Happening online