CALENDAR

Juno Award-winning Singer-Songwriter Dawn Tyler Watson has earned her place among the International Blues elite. She adopted Montreal as her home after earning her BFA in Jazz Studies and Theatre from Concordia University.

Since then, her fiery stage presence and soul-stirring performances have garnered her national and world-wide recognition with multiple awards including Maple Blues Awards for Songwriter, Best Album, Female Vocalist of the Year, and a 2020 American Blues Music Nomination for Vocalist of the Year alongside greats like Curtis Salgado & Mavis Staples.

Her latest record “Mad Love,” was just awarded the 2020 JUNO award for Blues Album of the Year.

Musicians:
Dawn Tyler Watson: vocals
John Sadowy: piano
bass
drums

Youtube video: “It Don’t Mean A Thing”

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”

Winner of a Juno award ,the Montreal International Jazz Festival competition & 2nd prize at the world renowned Great American Jazz Piano Competition in Jacksonville, Canadian Jazz pianist and film composer, James Gelfand, has performed at numerous jazz festivals and clubs around the world, notably in Switzerland, France, Italy. Germany, the United States, and Canada. He has performed on over 40 albums, including 10 as leader and composer, with his latest Album “Ground Midnight” being
nominated for best Jazz album at ADISQ.

He will be performing his original arrangements of well known Xmas songs.

Musicians:
James Gelfand: piano
Ron di Lauro: trumpet
Remi-Jean Leblanc: bass
Mark Nelson: drums

Montreal-based Rémi-Jean LeBlanc has been active on the canadian music scene since 2005 and has collaborated with an array of musicians in Montreal and in Canada including Yannick Rieu, Jean-Michel Pilc, Marianne Trudel, Steve Amirault, Carol Welsman, and Elizabeth Shepherd.

R-J has also toured with different projects in Europe, China, Japan, Mexico, the US, and Canada and has performed with international artists such as David Binney, Seamus Blake, Greg Osby, Terri Lyne Carrington, Ari Hoenig, Gilad Hekselman, Ben Wendel, and Billy Hart.

He has put out a third album as a leader in 2018, Déductions. The album features NYC guitarist Nir Felder, cuban pianist Rafael Zaldivar, Montreal-native Sam Joly on drums and offers an energetic, introspective take on rock-infused jazz.

Musicians:

Nadia Hawa Baldé: Voix
Remi-Jean Leblanc (bass)
Jerome Beaulieu (piano)
Alexis Gagnon (drums)

Youtube video: “Flamme aux yeux”

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”

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at the Upstairs with vocalist Dawn Tyler Watson and her band!

New Year’s Eve Menu

tba

Youtube video: “Purple Haze”

Ségui Sô — which means “Return to the Roots” in the Bété language — is a musical project deeply rooted in tradition while embracing modernity. Through this album, Donald Dogbo explores the fusion of traditional rhythms from West and Central Africa with contemporary jazz sounds.

This project is a sonic journey that celebrates cultural heritage while infusing it with new and current energy. In collaboration with emerging musicians from Montreal, Ségui Sô offers a vibrant and moving performance where history, identity, and musical innovation converge.

Musicians:
Elli-Miller-Maboungou, Ngoma
Willy Javier Soto Barreto, piano
Étienne Dextraze, bass
Alex Francoeur, saxophone

Youtube video: “Coubli”

This great pianist, songwriter, composer and arranger born in Holguin, Cuba, evolving on the at every concert, he continues to impress with its imaginative musical approach and the wide variety of musical styles he has masters.

Musicians:
Piano: Yoel Diaz
Bass: Luis Izquierdo
Congas: Diomer Gonzales
Drums: Clarence Corbeil

Youtube video: “Yoel Diaz Quartet”

Alex Muscalu is an exciting new face in the Canadian jazz scene. The 26-year-old Montreal native passionately blends his jazz training from McGill University with his Romanian heritage. Don’t miss this concert, where Alex Muscalu’s captivating Balkan guitar, Rémi-Jean LeBlanc’s mastery of the bass, and Michel Lambert’s fascinating grooves come together to create a new trio sound.

Sometimes calm and meditative, sometimes fiery and intense, their improvisations will delight you and introduce you to the beauty of Balkan jazz. The Alex Muscalu Trio takes listeners on a wonderful journey through a world of colorful textures, dancing rhythms, and gorgeous melodies.

Band:
Alex Muscalu – guitar
Rémi-Jean Leblanc – bass
Michel Lambert – drums

Youtube video: “Master’s Recital”

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”

Jim Doxas has been heavily influenced by rock, jazz, Motown and World Music. His work can be heard on over 150 albums and soundtracks, and he is a popular featured artist at jazz festivals worldwide.

Jim has been recognized by way of receiving Felix and Juno Awards, as well as nominations for Academy and Grammy Awards.

Musicians
Jim Doxas: Drums
Al McLean: sax
Taurey Butler: piano
bass

Youtube video: “CODE Quartet – Tipsy (Live 2021)”

Brazilian pianist Manoel Vieira joins forces with the talented singer Madame Brasil for a unique evening. Through a carefully selected repertoire, we invite you to delve into the earliest popular music of Brazil. This vibrant musical journey will blend authentic rhythms and timeless melodies, revisited with a jazz influence. This project highlights the very essence of Brazilian culture, interpreted by passionate artists.

Musicians:
• Manoel Vieira: Piano
• Alexandra Nicolas: Vocals
• Juan Cruz: Bass
• Olivier Bussières: Percussion

Youtube video: “Segment”

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”

Off the Hook delivers a captivating blend of blues and standard instrumentals that are guaranteed to energize any audience. Sometimes diving into different early jazz vibes while keeping a strong link to the rich, warm blues tones of yesteryear.

In recent years, OTH collaboration with the talented Luso-Canadian jazz vocalist Suzi Silva has added a dynamic flair, as her powerful stage presence and exceptional voice truly capture the essence of the blues. Together, they create a complete musical experience that honors and celebrates a century of blues music, spanning from the deep South to the windy city of Chicago and everyplace in-between.

Musicians:
Suzi Silva | Vocals
Jean-Sébastien Clement | Upright Bass
Francis Laliberté | Drums
Bernie Yeo | Guitar
Mike Zablotsky | Guitar and vocals

Youtube video: “Rock me Baby”

Guillaume Martineau has pursued many years of professional studies in classical piano. Guillaume as a classical pianist received many honors including winning first prize at the Canadian Music Competion in 2009 and the opportunity to be heard playing Chopin in the recent movie “Louis Cyr”.

At the age of 13, Guillaume made his first attempts in jazz as a classical pianist with introduction from bassist Éric Lagacé. Over ten years later, Guillaume meets Éric Lagacé once again together with Oliver Jones and finally decides to make a diving transition into the world of jazz. After graduating from Berklee College of Music, Guillaume is now very active on Montreal’s music scene in many unique projects of his own.

Musicians
Guillaume Martineau, piano
Olivier Babaz, bass
Mark Nelson, drums

Youtube video: “Le matin des magiciens”

Hailed by Radio Canada jazz critic Stanley Pean as “an extraordinary trumpeter”, Lex French is fast becoming a bright star on the Canadian jazz scene, and is a highly in-demand composer and arranger. For this show, Lex will present music from his latest album, along with new compositions and well known jazz standards.

Joining are François Bourassa (piano), Walter Stinson (bass), and Jim Doxas (drums), all of whom are improvising musicians of the highest order who bring their individual and personal approaches to the music but also function as members of the group in order to create a whole that is great than the sum of its parts.

Video: “Live at Crescent”

Mason Jeffery-Off is a Canadian double bassist, electric bassist, composer and bandleader based in Montréal, Canada. Originally from Ottawa, Ontario, Jeffery-Off is in the fourth year of his Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Performance at McGill University. There, he has studied with Ira Coleman and Rémi-Jean LeBlanc. An on-call Montréal bassist, he has performed with the likes of Jean-Michel Pilc, Darrell Green, Caity Gyorgy and Kevin Dean.

This performance marks the debut of Jeffery-Off’s quartet with French pianist and McGill professor Jean-Michel Pilc on piano, as well as trombonist Margaret Donovan and drummer Julian Ferrer, both from Vancouver.

Musicians:
Mason Jeffery-Off (bass)
Jean-Michel Pilc (piano)
Margaret Donovan (trombone)
Julian Ferrer (drums)

Youtube video: Sorgen Sang

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

Youtube video: “Carola” live at Festival International Nuits d’Afrique 2023″

Trumpeter and composer, Charles Ellison has performed with an impressive roster of artists and organizations including Cannonball Adderley, David Baker, John Blake, Ted Dunbar, Marvin Gaye, Henry Mancini, Johnny Mathis, Oliver Jones, The Staple Singers, Billy Taylor, Henry Threadgill, Vic Vogel, I Musici de Montréal and the Montreal Symphony.

Youtube video: “Tribute to Miles Davis”

Singer and composer Emma McDonald has been making waves in a variety of different music scenes since she can remember. Starting her studies at the early age of 3, she has starred in a number of productions by the Michigan Opera, performed in 50+ musical productions across the U.S. and Canada, won top vocalist at Warner Bros. Studios in LA, and performed at Carnegie Hall at only 14 years old.

Since coming to Montreal, she has immersed herself in her jazz studies at McGill University and has since become a leading musician in the city, leaning into her love of R&B and neo-soul.

Musicians:
Emma McDonald – voice
Julian Shively – piano
Ryan Bennett – drums
Michael Goulart – 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”

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”

Come celebrate the launch of The Last Minute, the debut solo album by the sought after Brazilian trumpeter, composer, and educator João Lenhari. Recorded live in a single session in São Paulo, the album captures the raw energy and spontaneity of a world-class ensemble, with no edits or post-production — just pure, unfiltered jazz. Featuring original compositions and fresh arrangements, the music reflects a modern, post–hard bop sensibility, drawing inspiration from jazz styles spanning the 1980s to the early 2000s as well as Lenhari’s Brazilian roots. This special event promises an evening of dynamic performances, heartfelt artistry, and a deep connection to the spirit of live jazz.

João Lenhari – Trumpet/Flugel
Guillaume Carpentier – Tenor Sax
Louis Plouffe – Tenor and Soprano Sax
David Ryshpan – Piano
Mark Nelson – Drums
Nicolas Bedard – Contrebasse

Youtube video: chanson d’amour

Pianist and composer Kate Wyatt has been praised as having “musical ideas and a style of playing and writing that is on par with the current jazz piano elite: Mehldau, Yaron Herman, Shai Maestro, Fred Hersch.”, and has been hailed as “one of the top artists of Montreal, Quebec, or even Canadian jazz.” (Cardin/Brunet, panm360.com). Her recent debut album “Artifact” was released to overwhelmingly excellent critical reviews, and was featured on “Best Jazz of 2022” lists from Canada, the US and Europe.

For this very special evening of music Kate invites multiple Juno award-winning Toronto-based saxophonist and composer Kelly Jefferson to join her in performing a selection of original compositions and music from the Great American Songbook.

“[Kelly Jefferson’s] muscular playing, eloquence and range of emotion, and versatility
justify his popularity. — Peter Hum, Ottawa Citizen

Musicians:
Kate Wyatt: piano
Kelly Jefferson: saxophone
Adrian Vedady: bass
Rich Irwin: drums

katewyattpiano.com

Youtube video: “Kate Wyatt Quartet live at Crescent”

https://youtu.be/6G16XPDvLvU?t=942