Heading to the jazz festival? Check out these shows featuring Concordians

Get ready Montreal — several Concordians are set to light up the stage at the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal this week.

Until July 6, the 40th edition of the annual concert series, the largest of its kind in the world, will see millions of music fans descend on the city to watch performances by artists from 30 countries.

With multiple stages at Quartier des Spectacles in the downtown core — as well as the festival’s first satellite site in the Montreal borough of Verdun — there’s something for everyone at this year’s 10-day event.

Here’s a look at several Concordians taking the stage this week.

Jany Provost Quintette

Recent Jazz Studies alum Jany Provost (BFA 19) is gearing up for the release of her album, Audâze, in December 2019. On Tuesday, July 2, catch a sneak peek of her work when the Jany Provost Quintette takes over Complexe Desjardins Grande-Place (150 Ste. Catherine St. W.) at 5 p.m.

Lady J and the Jazz Cigarettes

Lady J and the Jazz Cigarettes is a group of Concordia alumni and students playing on Wednesday, July 3 at 5 p.m. at Complexe Desjardins Grande-Place. The four-member band has three albums available for download on Bandcamp.

Beth McKenna Quintet

Winner of the Opus Award for 2017-18 Jazz Concert of the Year, the Beth McKenna Quintet is playing an evening of cinematic jazz, indie rock, soul and R&B on Thursday, July 4 at 7 p.m. at Place Heineken (1238-1250 Jeanne-Mance St.).

A graduate student recruitment officer in the John Molson School of Business, McKenna is known for being one of the most versatile artists on the Montreal jazz scene.

Annabelle Brault (accompanying Justin Wright)

Annabelle Brault (MA 17), professor in the Department of Creative Arts Therapies, is accompanying Justin Wright on synthesizers and electronics for his festival debut on Thursday, July 4 at 8 p.m. at Théâtre Maisonneuve, Place des Arts (175 Ste. Catherine St. W.).

Tickets for the show cost $46.60 to $54.60, taxes and fees included.

Josh Rager Quintet

Canadian trumpet player Ingrid Jensen describes him as a "thoughtful and sensitive musician whose mature compositions and creative arrangements naturally inspire fine solos from all those involved."

Joshua Rager, assistant professor in the Department of Music, is back at this year’s festival with new material from his album, Dreams and Other Stories. 

Nominated for the Prix du Festival in 2005, Rager is playing with his quintet on Friday, July 5 at 7 p.m. at Place Heineken.

Jim Doxas Quartet

Jim Doxas is a Montreal jazzman, drummer and part-time faculty member in the Department of Music. He and his original quartet will showcase their stunning improvisational abilities at L’Astral (305 Ste. Catherine St. W.) on Friday, July 5 at 6 p.m.

Tickets to the Jim Doxas Quartet cost $37, taxes and fees included.

Past shows

Double bassist Adrian Vedady (BFA 07) joined Jacques Kuba Séguin and others for a show at L’Astral on June 27. Vedady lent his talents to help launch Séguin’s new album, MiGRATIONS.

On June 30, Dawn Tyler Watson (BFA 94) brought the blues to Montreal’s streets with a performance at the Hyundai Stage (Clark Esplanade, corner of Clark and De Montigny streets).

Find out more about Concordia’s Jazz Studies Specialization.