Nas, Ayra Starr and Oscar Peterson homages headline Montreal’s 2025 Jazz Festival

The TD Scene stage at Jazz fest in 2022. SOURCE: Montreal International Jazz Festival

The Montreal Jazz Festival released its lineup for its 45th edition, featuring major international acts and local artists alike.

The festival will run from June 26 to July 5 and features some 350 acts, both in concert halls and outside, two-thirds of which are free.

Among the headlining acts is legendary New-York rapper Nas, who is touring for his first album Illmatic’s 30th anniversary, accompanied by the Symphony Orchestra. Montrealers can catch him on July 29 at Place des Arts.

Nigerian R&B sensation Ayra Starr and Thundercat are also top of the bill.

Quebec favourites Men I Trust and Elisapie join the eclectic roster, which includes actor Jeff Goldblum on the piano, Afrofuturist pioneers Sun Ra Arkestra, folk-punk band Violent Femmes, and several homages to Montreal phenomenon Oscar Peterson.

On top of the Oscar Peterson Centennial Quartet and Centennial Jazz Orchestra, the festival will feature a free exhibit devoted to the Montreal legend showcasing rare photos taken by the pianist himself. He would have been 100 in 2025.

Tickets go on sale soon, and festival-goers can take advantage of an exclusive pre-sale as of 10 a.m. Wednesday.