CALENDAR

Singer Sarah MK strikes the balance between message and music with graceful mastery. Seamlessly alternating from swinging Jazz to slow-burning R&B and full-blown MC, she has an impressive sonic versatility, characterized by her love for Afro-American music and improvisation. Her latest album ”Wax & Gold” was released in 2022.

Musicians:
Jonathan Lorgis – bass
Philippe L’Allier – guitar
Harvey Bien-Aimé – drums
Piano – tbc

Youtube video: “Late Nights Early Mornings”

Julian Shively is a virtuosic pianist and cellist whose artistry spans a wide range of genres and influences. A graduate of McGill University with degrees in both jazz piano and classical cello, Julian’s musical experience has taken him across the globe, performing in a wide array of musical settings from serving as principal cello with orchestras traveling in Western Europe and China, to collaborating with jazz ensembles in the United States and The Bahamas, to performing as a featured soloist with 9 different orchestras.

Julian has developed a reputation for his versatility and technical prowess with an affinity for jazz and classical music (as well as a love for R&B and impressionist music) creating a dynamic and eclectic sound world. He invites you to experience an evening of original compositions and arrangements that reflect his unique creative journey. Join him for a night of beautiful and varied music, as well as many delightful surprises!

Musicians:
Julian Shively – keys
Maude Fortier – sax
Edmund Paquin – drums
Michael Goulart – bass

Listen to “Alone together”:

One of Canada’s most sought after musicians, Jim Doxas plays extensively both nationally and overseas. Distinguished for his improvisational approach to jazz, he makes the case that percussion can be as performative as a lyrical instrument.

Video: “Upstairs Jam Session hosted by Jim Doxas”

Born in Santiago de Cuba, young Andy Rubal Bello has had music running through his veins ever since he was a little boy.

Musicians
Andy Rubal: piano and vocals
Yojan Vargas: bass
Lazaro Martinez: percussions
Sax (tbc)

Youtube video: “Andy Rubal with MARACA – Todo o Nada”

Oná Ensemble is a Brazilian-Canadian chamber music group that blends jazz and is based on and inspired by the life force that is Brazilian music.

Although they are an emerging ensemble, each musician has achieved international recognition on the stages of Classical, Jazz, and World Music over the past 3 decades. The unique instrumentation of the ensemble, featuring two French horns, bassoon, reeds (flute, clarinet, saxophone), guitar, and percussion, provides
a captivating global and “classical” sound combined with the soul of Brazilian Jazz and Choro.

Oná Ensemble strives to create new paths for musical creation, collaboration, and performance.

Video: “Carinhoso”

Both poetic and enticing, groovy and melodic, the music of Marianne Trudel transports and marvels us. Accompanied by two outstanding musicians, Rémi-Jean Leblanc (bass) and Jim Doxas (drums), she offers us a truly original, rich and exciting project!

Youtube video: “La joie de l’éphémère”

Ingrid Li is a 20 year-old saxophonist turning heads on the Canadian jazz scene. Based in Vancouver and Montreal, she enjoys working as a bandleader, composer, and sought-after sidewoman. Her warm, powerful alto sound and classic jazz language pays respects to her musical heroes and saxophonists Sonny Stitt, Frank Strozier, and notably, Cannonball Adderley.

She is thrilled to play a tribute to the classic album “Nancy Wilson / Cannonball Adderley” with her star-studded band featuring some of Canada’s best young musicians.

Musicians:
Stella White on Vocals
Emmet Murray on bass
Thomas Andersen on piano
Matteo Romaniello on drums

One of Canada’s most sought after musicians, Jim Doxas plays extensively both nationally and overseas. Distinguished for his improvisational approach to jazz, he makes the case that percussion can be as performative as a lyrical instrument.

Video: “Upstairs Jam Session hosted by Jim Doxas”

Taurey Butler is a phenomenal jazz pianist of the highest calibre.

Hailing from East Orange, New Jersey, he has played in numerous cities across the world from Hong Kong to New York and now makes his home in Montréal. Taurey’s debut self-titled recording on the Justin Time label was released in November 2011 to resounding critical acclaim. He emerges as a fully-formed master of hard-driving swing with a deep feeling for the blues and ballads.

It’s easy to get lost in the fire and funk, the sweetness and swing, of Taurey Butler. But you can also follow the light that his music emanates.

Musicians:
Taurey Butler (piano)
Rémi-Jean LeBlanc (bass)
Wali Muhammad (drums)

Youtube video: “Taurey Butler Trio – The Preacher”

NEA Jazz Master Louis Hayes is a legendary drummer who has been at the heart of the jazz world for over five decades. In the 1950s and ’60s, Hayes was the rising star drummer in the iconic bands of Horace Silver, Cannonball Adderley, and Oscar Peterson. His extensive career has seen him work and record alongside other jazz legends, including Horace Silver, Oscar Peterson, Cannonball Adderley, Grant Green, Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, Wes Montgomery, and John Coltrane.

With an impeccable sense of feel and a propulsive swing, Hayes has played a pivotal role in shaping the art of jazz drumming. The Guardian praises Hayes for his “unmistakable style: excitement tempered by poise,” while All About Jazz notes, “Today, Louis is one of the last men drumming from jazz’s galloping hard-bop era. Best of all, he hasn’t lost an ounce of energy or style.” Do not miss your chance to hear the legendary Louis Hayes with Montreal guitarist Mike Bruzzese.

Musicians:
Mike Bruzzese – Guitar
Andres Vial – Piano
Jonathan Chapman – Bass
Louis Hayes – Drums

Video: “Louis Hayes”

NEA Jazz Master Louis Hayes is a legendary drummer who has been at the heart of the jazz world for over five decades. In the 1950s and ’60s, Hayes was the rising star drummer in the iconic bands of Horace Silver, Cannonball Adderley, and Oscar Peterson. His extensive career has seen him work and record alongside other jazz legends, including Horace Silver, Oscar Peterson, Cannonball Adderley, Grant Green, Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, Wes Montgomery, and John Coltrane.

With an impeccable sense of feel and a propulsive swing, Hayes has played a pivotal role in shaping the art of jazz drumming. The Guardian praises Hayes for his “unmistakable style: excitement tempered by poise,” while All About Jazz notes, “Today, Louis is one of the last men drumming from jazz’s galloping hard-bop era. Best of all, he hasn’t lost an ounce of energy or style.” Do not miss your chance to hear the legendary Louis Hayes with Montreal guitarist Mike Bruzzese.

Musicians:
Mike Bruzzese – Guitar
Andres Vial – Piano
Jonathan Chapman – Bass
Louis Hayes – Drums

Video: “Louis Hayes”

Drummer Loïc Du Sablon, originally from Quebec City and now based in Montreal, releases his debut album, “Belvédère.” The album represents a retrospective of his musical life, bringing together the various influences that have allowed him to flourish as a musician. It features pieces inspired by modern New York jazz, progressive rock, and even power ballads, all in a jazz format focused on improvisation. With Nicolas Riverin on trumpet, Félix Dubé on piano, Étienne Bédard-Roy on double bass, and Alex Muscalu on guitar, the quintet performs virtuoso music that is sometimes rhythmically complex, sometimes lyrical and sentimental.

Musicians:
Loïc du sablon: drums
Nicolas Riverin: trumpet
Alex Muscalu: guitar
Félix Dubé: piano
Étienne Bédard-Roy: bass

One of Canada’s most sought after musicians, Jim Doxas plays extensively both nationally and overseas. Distinguished for his improvisational approach to jazz, he makes the case that percussion can be as performative as a lyrical instrument.

Video: “Upstairs Jam Session hosted by Jim Doxas”

Hailing from the lower west side of Montreal, Otis – Ali delivers old school blues in an old school way, and never fails to entertain… Having shared stage and studio with some of the greatest blues musicians of our times, such as Junior watson, Fred Kaplan, Richard Innes, Larry Taylor, Johnny Dyer, Lazy Lester, Piano willie etc.

Youtube video: “Bharath & His Rhythm Four – Caraquet en Bleu”

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.

Youtube video: “Beautiful Love”

Taking its name from the word for heart or soul in the Afro-Cuban religion of Santeria, 2-Time JUNO Winner OKAN fuses Afro-Cuban and other global rhythms with jazz, folk and classical forms.

Embracing genres and roles that have historically been dominated by men, co-leaders, composers and multi-instrumentalists Elizabeth Rodriguez and Magdelys Savigne bring a fresh perspective to Latin and world jazz fusion through their powerful vocals, incredible musicianship and potent lyrical content.

Both are JUNO-nominees for their work with Battle of Santiago and Grammy-nominees for their contributions to Jane Bunnett and Maqueque of which they are former members.

Youtube video: “Oriki Oshun”

Kevin brings to the stage an ensemble of talented young people who will be the next generation of Canada’s finest jazz musicians.

Youtube video: “Change of Heart” w/ Kevin Dean, Al McLean, Mike Rud

One of Canada’s most sought after musicians, Jim Doxas plays extensively both nationally and overseas. Distinguished for his improvisational approach to jazz, he makes the case that percussion can be as performative as a lyrical instrument.

Video: “Upstairs Jam Session hosted by Jim Doxas”

Led by actor/singer Michel Perron and his harmonica, this 5-piece band will take you on a musical journey that covers more than a hundred years of blues and rock and roll music.
A one of a kind energy and a contagious joie de vivre.

You will be conquered by the Blues Bastards!

Musicians
Michel Perron: vocals, harmonica
Jean-Marc Séguin: guitar, vocals
Maxime Rose: bass
Jo RoRo: drums
Sébastien « Slim » Dubois: piano

Video: “Can’t quit you baby”

Caity Gyorgy (pronounced George) is a 2 time JUNO award winning Canadian vocalist known for singing bebop and swing music. She has performed at jazz clubs and festivals across Canada, Mexico, Japan and the USA and has worked and recorded with incredible musicians including Christine Jensen, Pat LaBarbera, Jocelyn Gould, Ira Coleman, Bryn Roberts and Joe LaBarbera, to name a few.

In addition to being a performer, Caity is an avid writer and composes songs in the style of the Great American Songbook. Her compositions have been sung by other vocalists around the world, and have won multiple awards including the Grand Prize in the jazz category of the 2021 John Lennon Songwriting Contest. She is also a sought after clinician and is currently on faculty as a vocal jazz instructor at the Yukon Summer Music Camp in Whitehorse, Yukon and the Interprovincial Music Camp in McKellar, Ontario.

She is currently signed to Brooklyn label La Reserve Records and has released several albums of original and standard music with them including her two JUNO award winning albums « Now Pronouncing » and « Featuring » and her JUNO nominated album with pianist Mark Limacher titled « You’re Alike, You Two”.

Video: “Standards Medley”

Join Toronto-based pianist Anthony D’Alessandro on the Montreal stop of his ‘City Lights’ album release tour, as he presents the music from his newest album, as well as exciting swing and stride arrangements of music by Oscar Peterson, George Gershwin, James P. Johnson and many more. City Lights, out October 24 2025, is D’Alessandro’s sophomore album featuring a star studded cast including SNL band trumpeter Summer Camargo, NYC saxophonist Jacob Chung, and JUNO award winning drummer Ernesto Cervini. Read more at www.anthonydalessandro.ca or check out @anthonydalessandromusic on Instagram.

Anthony D’Alessandro – piano
Rafael Salazar – trumpet
Devon Gillingham – bass
Jacob Wutzke – drums

Alex is an up and coming working musician on the local scene. He can be found playing many styles of music across many genres all over town but always with an improvisatory focus. He has played alongside many Montreal and international luminaries such as Kevin Dean, Sam Kirmayer, Mike Bruzzese, Frank Lozano, Levi Dover, Yur Yesli, Jihye Im, Baron Tymas, Fraser Hollins, Greg Amirault, Mathieu Soucy and Alex LeBlanc among others.

Musicians:
tbc

One of Canada’s most sought after musicians, Jim Doxas plays extensively both nationally and overseas. Distinguished for his improvisational approach to jazz, he makes the case that percussion can be as performative as a lyrical instrument.

Video: “Upstairs Jam Session hosted by Jim Doxas”

Born in Santiago de Cuba, young Andy Rubal Bello has had music running through his veins ever since he was a little boy.

Musicians
Andy Rubal: piano and vocals
Yojan Vargas: bass
Lazaro Martinez: percussions
Sax (tbc)

Youtube video: “Andy Rubal with MARACA – Todo o Nada”

PJ Perry has shared the stage with countless jazz greats such as Dizzy Gillespie, Woody Shaw, Michel LeGrand, Pepper Adams, Kenny Wheeler, Tom Harrell, Rob McConnell, Slide Hampton, Herb Spanier, Bobby Shew, Fraser McPherson, Tommy Banks, Joe LaBarbera, Clarence “Big” Miller, Red Rodney and many more talented artists, too numerous to list here. He was a featured soloist on the hit 2010 Broadway production of Come Fly Away, highlighting the songs of Frank Sinatra and the choreography of Twyla Tharpe.

Musicians:
PJ Perry: sax
Kevin Dean: trumpet
Ira Coleman: bass
Darrell Green: drums
Josh Rager: piano

Youtube video: “Live at the Cellar”

Raoul and The Big Time have been performing their particular brand of “Toronto/Chicago/Hollywood” Blues for over 25 years and return to Montreal for their first show since a headlining spot at the Jazz Festival in 2011! Maple Blues Award winners and International Blues Challenge semi finalists they have released five albums, played at major folk, jazz and blues festivals across the country and have recorded or performed with legends such as The Mavis Staples Band, Canned Heat, Bettye LaVette, Billy Boy Arnold, Curtis Salgado, Junior Watson, Mark Hummel and many more.

Band:
Raoul Bhaneja – harmonica, vocals
Darren Gallen- guitar
Tom Bona- drums
Justine Fischer- upright bass
Jesse Whiteley- keys

Youtube video: “High Roller”

Shahrzad Sabzehali is a pianist whose work spans both classical and jazz traditions. She leads a Latin Jazz ensemble that blends Cuban rhythms, Latin Jazz, Classical and Persian/Middle Eastern influences into a distinctive and original sound in her compositions. Trained in both classical piano and jazz performance, she studied at McGill University and has performed across Montreal and beyond.

Musicians:
Pianist: Shahrzad Sabzehali
Bassist: Katie Crevier
Percussionist: Diomer Gonzalez
Drummer: Tom Yanez
Sax: Thomas Rolland

Video: “Live at Upstairs”

One of Canada’s most sought after musicians, Jim Doxas plays extensively both nationally and overseas. Distinguished for his improvisational approach to jazz, he makes the case that percussion can be as performative as a lyrical instrument.

Video: “Upstairs Jam Session hosted by Jim Doxas”

Taurey Butler is a phenomenal jazz pianist of the highest calibre.

Hailing from East Orange, New Jersey, he has played in numerous cities across the world from Hong Kong to New York and now makes his home in Montréal. Taurey’s debut self-titled recording on the Justin Time label was released in November 2011 to resounding critical acclaim. He emerges as a fully-formed master of hard-driving swing with a deep feeling for the blues and ballads.

It’s easy to get lost in the fire and funk, the sweetness and swing, of Taurey Butler. But you can also follow the light that his music emanates.

Musicians:
Taurey Butler (piano)
Rémi-Jean LeBlanc (bass)
Wali Muhammad (drums)

Youtube video: “Taurey Butler Trio – The Preacher”

Over the last few years, ALEX BIRD has become one of the most exciting names on the Canadian Jazz scene, with 2 JUNO Nominations for ‘Best Vocal Jazz’ (2022 & 2024) and with praise from around the globe. Bird has created timeless and heartfelt originals for a modern audience with his 4 original albums.

Musicians:
Alex Bird – Vocals
Carter Brodkorb – Piano
Julian Anderson-Bowes – Bass
Norbert Botos – Drums

Video: “The way she moves”

Marianne Trudel is a multi-talented pianist, composer, improvisor, and arranger. At once energetic and passionate, her music cross-cuts a wide swath of musical interests.

As a performer, she pursues an active career in a variety of settings ranging from solo performance to duo, Trifolia, Marianne Trudel 4 + Ingrid Jensen, septet, and large ensembles. She has played in Canada, United States, Mexico, France, Spain, Germany, England, Scotland, Netherlands, Itlaly, Hungary, Lithuania, and China. She has published 6 recordings as a leader, all having garnered rave reviews.

Musicians
Marianne Trudel: piano
Etienne Lafrance: bass
Sasha Daoud: drums

Youtube video: “Marianne Trudel joue Antonio Carlos Jobim”

Hailing from the lower west side of Montreal, Otis – Ali delivers old school blues in an old school way, and never fails to entertain… Having shared stage and studio with some of the greatest blues musicians of our times, such as Junior watson, Fred Kaplan, Richard Innes, Larry Taylor, Johnny Dyer, Lazy Lester, Piano willie etc.

Youtube video: “Bharath & His Rhythm Four – Caraquet en Bleu”

Join François Bourassa, Philippe Côté, and Erik Hove as they explore the timeless music of Lennie Tristano, Warne Marsh, and Lee Konitz. These three accomplished Canadian musicians present a selection of compositions and improvisations that showcase Tristano’s advanced harmonic concepts and his star pupils’ innovative approaches to cool jazz.

Experience how these groundbreaking works from the 1940s and 1950s have retained their freshness and modernity to inspire these contemporary artists.

Youtube video: “Francois Bourassa Quartet”

Shaw & Robertson quintet is a mutable band featuring the longtime duo Ethan Robertson (bass) and Benjamin Shaw (drums). At its core, this band’s goal is to bring improvised music that excites and inspires themselves as much as the audience. This second edition of the band will feature Sam Bags and Al McLean on saxophones, aswell as Jean-Michel Pilc on piano.

Youtube video: “Return”

One of Canada’s most sought after musicians, Jim Doxas plays extensively both nationally and overseas. Distinguished for his improvisational approach to jazz, he makes the case that percussion can be as performative as a lyrical instrument.

Video: “Upstairs Jam Session hosted by Jim Doxas”

Since its formation in 2014, Fuel Junkie has revealed itself as one of the most promising upcoming artists on the Montréal blues scene. Passionate about the blues at a very young age, Mark LeClerc founded the group with close friends met during his music studies. Singer and composer of the band, he came up with the idea of a saxophone section brought to the spotlight by modern arrangements.

Grounded in the blues, Fuel Junkie is also strongly influenced by funk and soul music. The combination of a classic trio with three saxophones gives the band its unique identity that stands out on the blues scene. Creative interaction between the band members during solo sections make way for unexpected and standout moments at every concert. The group is known by its fans for the constant flow of energy and authenticity during every performance.

Musicians

Mark LeClerc: Lead Vocal/Tenor sax
Philippe Brochu: Tenor sax
Patrice Luneau: Baritone sax
Antoine Loiselle: Guitar
Jean-François Charest: Bass
Philippe Fleury: Drums

Youtube video: “High Stress, Low Money”

To round off 2025 on a high note, Carl Mayotte fulfilled one of his greatest dreams: performing John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme. A truly spiritual and revolutionary masterpiece, this iconic 1965 album marked the legendary American saxophonist’s transition from the modal period to a more experimental exploration. Taking on the challenge of performing this iconic work in both an authentic and innovative manner represents a pivotal moment in the Quebec bassist’s career.

To accompany him on this musical adventure, Carl enlisted the help of New York drummer Ari Hoenig, virtuoso pianist François Bourassa—one of Quebec’s greatest talents—and saxophonist Damien-Jade Cyr, a key creative figure on the jazz scene. This concert promises to be one of the major events of the fall, a special moment for music lovers in the nation’s capital.

In addition to the music of John Coltrane, the group will perform compositions by Carl as well as pieces by other great jazz figures.

Carl Mayotte – Bass
François Bourassa – Piano
Damien-Jade Cyr – Saxophones
Ari Hoenig – Drums

Michelle Sweeney has performed around the world and has worked beside some of the world’s greatest entertainers, including Celine Dion, Mary J. Blige, and Oliver Jones. For the past years, her main stage has been Montreal’s House of Jazz.

Michelle’s success is waking up and doing what she was born to do: share her voice and bring joy to everyone.

Musicians:
Michelle Sweeney – Vocals
Piano:
Bass:
Drums:
Sax:

Facebook Video

Kevin brings to the stage an ensemble of talented young people who will be the next generation of Canada’s finest jazz musicians.

Youtube video: “Change of Heart” w/ Kevin Dean, Al McLean, Mike Rud

Carmel Moran is an up-and-coming pianist and composer from Montreal. Currently studying at McGill University, Carmel has been passionate about jazz ever since discovering this musical style in his teens. His music is subtle, intricate, sophisticated, groovy, intuitive and captivating.
In this concert, he will share his interpretations of some of his favourite jazz standards in addition to several original compositions, including some of his father’s compositions.

Musicians:
Carmel Moran – piano
Alexander Ravvin – guitar
Oscar Robertson – bass
Eric Szilagyi – drums

Video: “Gadi’s Groove”

One of Canada’s most sought after musicians, Jim Doxas plays extensively both nationally and overseas. Distinguished for his improvisational approach to jazz, he makes the case that percussion can be as performative as a lyrical instrument.

Video: “Upstairs Jam Session hosted by Jim Doxas”

Born in Santiago de Cuba, young Andy Rubal Bello has had music running through his veins ever since he was a little boy.

Musicians
Andy Rubal: piano and vocals
Yojan Vargas: bass
Lazaro Martinez: percussions
Sax (tbc)

Youtube video: “Andy Rubal with MARACA – Todo o Nada”

Full-time New Yorker David Rourke comes back to his home jazz club Upstairs.

Musicians:
Kevin Dean – trumpet
David Rourke – guitar
Sam Park – bass
Baptiste Lejeune – drums

Youtube video: The Shadow of your Smile”

Alto saxophonist Tevet Sela brings a wealth and breadth of influences to his playing that few musicians possess. The adept and dexterous post bopper’s music is often drenched in blues, klezmer and Middle-Eastern inflections. His music is full of wisdom, emotion and storytelling.

In this special evening, Tevet delves deeper into his roots, revisiting beautiful authentic songs, presenting them with rich colours and spices from the Middle-east.

Musicians:
Tevet Sela – Saxophone
John Roney – Piano
Frederic Alarie – Bass
Loic Du Sablon – Drums

Youtube video: “Sweet Tears”

Taurey Butler is a phenomenal jazz pianist of the highest calibre.

Hailing from East Orange, New Jersey, he has played in numerous cities across the world from Hong Kong to New York and now makes his home in Montréal. Taurey’s debut self-titled recording on the Justin Time label was released in November 2011 to resounding critical acclaim. He emerges as a fully-formed master of hard-driving swing with a deep feeling for the blues and ballads.

It’s easy to get lost in the fire and funk, the sweetness and swing, of Taurey Butler. But you can also follow the light that his music emanates.

Musicians:
Taurey Butler (piano)
Rémi-Jean LeBlanc (bass)
Wali Muhammad (drums)

Youtube video: “Taurey Butler Trio – The Preacher”

Diavi is an experienced trumpetist, composer, arranger and band leader coming from Cuba who has the intention of bringing his Afro-Cuban Contemporary Jazz to Montreal’s scene, having a warm mix between contemporary Jazz and his cuban influences coming from La Rumba, Latin Jazz and the Cuban music of this days, introducing his own project “Diavinci’s Code”

Musicians:
Willy Barreto on Piano
Clarence Corbeil on Drums
Arturo Zegarra on Congas
Juan Quintero on Bass
Diavi on Trumpet

Youtube video

Kayla Summer brings a fresh perspective to jazz, with a voice that is young, vibrant, and deeply connected to the present moment. Hailing from Québec, she represents a new generation of artists breathing new life into the classics while paving their own musical path.

From an early age, she was drawn to the great voices of jazz—Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Nina Simone—but it’s with her own unique sensitivity that she embraces this rich repertoire, blending in modern influences and a deeply personal touch full of emotion and authenticity.

On stage, Kayla captivates with her luminous presence and a voice that is both gentle and powerful, transporting audiences into a warm, intimate world. Her repertoire flows seamlessly between timeless standards, original compositions, and bold reinterpretations of contemporary songs, always infused with the soulful warmth of jazz that defines her style.

Today, Kayla Summer is an artist to watch—a rising voice in the Québec jazz scene, known for her vocal talent and the sincerity of her performances. Whether in an intimate setting or on a grand stage, she delivers a musical experience that is elegant, heartfelt, and unforgettable.

Musicians:
Kayla Summer: vocals
Zach Frampton: Piano
Chris Ross: Bass
Aaron Dolman: drums

Video: “All of Me”