Maracujá, the passion fruit, fell from its tree for the first time on the stage of the Montreal Casino in 2003. Since then, the group has become the incontestable standard bearer for Brazilian music in Montreal, with fans of their unique and energetic style that go well beyond the city’s Brazilian community.

At its core, their modern sound is born out of the tangible synergy between four musicians of various rich cultural heritage: singer Elie Haroun, bassist André Faleiros, drummer Sacha Daoud, and keyboardist John Sadowy.

In April 2016, Maracujá launched its first album, full to the brim with its recognizable melodic style. Their musical identity is unmistakeable, and their verve irresistible. The fruit is ripe, and the table is set. It’s Maracujá in bloom!

Musicians
Elie Haroun, vocals
André Faleiros, bass
Sacha Daoud, drums
John Sadowy, keys

Youtube video: “Maracujá”

Rafael Salazar is a trumpet player/composer on the Montreal jazz scene. He is a competent improvisor with a soulful approach, taking influence from the masters of Black American Music and stylists of the instrument such as Kenny Dorham and Donald Byrd all the way to Roy Hargrove and Ambrose Akinmusire. He has been mentored by some of the finest musicians of both the Montreal and the NYC jazz scene. A recent graduate of the Schulich School of Music, McGill University. (As of May 2025)

Join Rafael Salazar and his mentors for an evening of standards & original music, marking his debut as a leader at the Upstairs Jazz Club.

Musicians:
Raf Salazar – trumpet
Erik Hove – Alto Saxophone
Jean-Michel Pilc – piano
Ira Coleman – bass
Julian Ferrer – drums

Aiming to elevate each song through high energy performances and intense exchange of musical ideas, The Four Horsemen first met during their undergrads in Jazz Performance at McGill University, and, encouraged by their teachers and peers, continued playing together ever since. Influenced by traditional and modern jazz, they collectively believe in painting the song with different colors in each opportunity, getting inspired by each element that surrounds them and letting the ideas roam freely from their instruments.

Each member comes from very different backgrounds, playing different styles of music in their professional careers, and converging all that to create unique performances that promise to take the listeners to places they have never been before.

João Menegale Barbi: Bass
Eamon van der Berg: Drums
Charles-Olivier Talbot: Trumpet
Thomas Rolland-Apergis: Sax

Youtube video: “O Ribombar da Tempestade”

Boasting a warm, finely burnished tone and a robust melodic and harmonic imagination, tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander has been exploring new musical worlds from the outset.

Youtube video: Ambraceable You

Join Toronto-based pianist Anthony D’Alessandro and his quartet featuring NYC’s Benny Benack III on the Montreal stop of their cross-Canada tour for an evening of swing, standards, and original music from D’Alessandro’s acclaimed debut album Searchin’ (2024). Featuring a joint-Toronto/New York based band:

Anthony D’Alessandro – piano
Benny Benack III – trumpet/vocals
Jonathan Chapman – bass
Jacob Wutzke – drums

Youtube video: “East of the Sun”

Ranee Lee is now celebrating thirty-five years in Montreal where she enjoys a successful, multi faceted career as one of Canada’s most popular jazz vocalists, an award-winning actress, a songwriter, and a proud author of children’s books.

Musicians:
Dave Watts: bass
Taurey Butler: piano
Carlos Jimenez: guitar
Paulo Riccardo: drums

Youtube video: “Beautiful Love”