Latest news with #EsperanzaSpalding
CTV News
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Montreal Jazz Fest: Free shows to take in as party kicks off
Esperanza Spalding performs during the second weekend of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP) With the Montreal International Jazz Fest in full swing, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the wealth of musical options to choose from. The good news is you don't need to be wealthy to take it all in – there are dozens of free shows on tap for Montrealers and visitors to the city to enjoy. Here's are some of the highlights ( you can get the full program here): Friday, June 27 Swing Riot at Esplanade Tranquille (7 p.m.) Founded in 2012, Montreal Swing Riot brings together the swing and street dance communities to celebrate jazz through improvisation and personal expression. Blue Rodeo Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor of Blue Rodeo perform together at the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Massey Hall in Toronto, on Saturday, September 28, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paige Taylor White (Paige Taylor White/The Canadian Press) Blue Rodeo at TD Stage (9:30 p.m.) Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame artists Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor lead the celebrated rock band Blue Rodeo as they take over the TD Stage. Saturday, June 28 Theon Cross at Pub Molson – Place Tranquille (8 p.m. and 10 p.m.) British tuba player and composer Theon Cross, known for his work with jazz band Sons of Kremet, performs at Pub Molson in Espace Tranquille. Grace Bowers & The Hodge Podge at TD Stage (7:30 p.m.) Nineteen-year-old rock guitarist and songwriter Grace Bowers, whose talent is creating an industry buzz, will take over the main stage on Saturday evening. Elisapie, an Inuk singer-songwriter from Salluit, Nunavik, poses for a portrait in Toronto, Thursday, June 20, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young Elisapie, an Inuk singer-songwriter from Salluit, Nunavik, poses for a portrait in Toronto, Thursday, June 20, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young Elisapie at TD Stage (9:30 p.m.) Quebec's own Elisapie, whose 2023 album features Inuk covers of popular pop and rock songs, headlines the TD Stage. Sunday, June 29 PJ Morton at TD Stage (9:30 p.m.) Grammy Award-winning New Orleans native PJ Morton, who has worked with Maroon 5 and focuses on R&B and gospel in his solo work. Monday, June 30 Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews This March 14, 2012 file photo shows Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews performing at the half time of the New Orleans Hornets and Los Angles Lakers NBA basketball game in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Bill Haber) Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue at TD Stage (9:30 p.m.) If you haven't caught him at past jazz fest performances, now's your chance. The trombone player fuses musical styles like rock, pop, jazz, funk and hip hop, and will hit the main stage Monday night. Tuesday, July 1 Ayra Starr at TD Stage (9:30 p.m.) This Nigerian singer/songwriter promises to get the crowd moving with her Afrobeats style, incorporating other genres like R&B and Afro-pop. Wednesday, July 2 Men I Trust at TD Stage (9:30 p.m.) Quebec City's indie band Men I Trust will take the stage at the Montreal Jazz Fest before hitting up their hometown for the Festival d'été de Québec on July 4. Thursday, July 3 Beth McKenna at Pub Molson – Place Tranquille (6 p.m.) Montreal saxophone player Beth McKenna brings modern jazz to mainstream audiences with a mix of jazz traditions, improv – and lots of energy. Allison Russell Allison Russell accepts the award for best american roots performance for "Eve Was Black" during the 66th annual Grammy Awards, Feb. 4, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello) Allison Russell at TD Stage (9:30 p.m.) Born and raised in Montreal, Grammy-nominated Allison Russell has been making a splash with her smooth blend of Americana, folk, blues and soul, with elements of jazz and pop. Friday, July 4 Uplift514 Block Party at Esplanade Tranquille (5 p.m.) Come on out and party with Uplift514 Block Party, who will dance it out with an energizing blend of styles like dancehall, hip-hop and freestyle. Monsieur Periné at TD Stage (9:30 p.m.) Colombia-based outfit Monsieur Periné brings in jazz, swing and Latin styles to their Afro-Colombian mix. Expect a global feel at this multilingual show. Saturday, July 5 Fulu Miziki Kolektiv at Rio Tinto Stage (8 p.m.) Promising to be a show like no other, eco-friendly Afro-futuristic punk band Fulu Miziki Kolektiv call their musical style Twerkanda, and their music and instruments are made entirely from recycled and assembled materials. Esperanza Spalding Esperanza Spalding arrives at the 67th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP) (Jordan Strauss/Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP) Esperanza Spalding at TD Stage (9:30 p.m.) Bassist and singer Esperanza Spalding will grace the TD Stage Saturday night. One of the bestselling contemporary jazz artists in the world, the five-time Grammy Award winner promises to mesmerize crowds.
Forbes
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Why Everyone In Music Is Watching Blue Note's New Hollywood Club
Kamasi Washington is on the lineup for Blue Note's Hollywood location. He's doing an 11-night stint that stretches from September into October. (Photo by Dave Simpson/WireImage) WireImage When Blue Note throws a club launch, it really goes all out. The storied Greenwich Village jazz institution is now a global brand and the latest listening spot is coming to Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles this summer. The grand opening for Blue Note Los Angeles is set for August 14, with tickets on sale today for shows running into early 2026. Full disclosure: I'm going to be first in line for a lot of these shows. Housed in the complex that was once home to Arclight Hollywood, the space will open with a back-to-back weekend stand by Grammy-winner Robert Glasper. This after construction delays tied to January's Hollywood fires pushed the club's debut back. The extra time seems to have only sharpened the lineup. August continues with rising R&B singer Alex Isley (Aug 16-17), saxophone futurist Terrace Martin with Kenyon Dixon (Aug 19-20), and a four-night run from Ravi Coltrane (Aug 28-31). In September, bassist-composer Esperanza Spalding (Sept 2-7), alto titan Kenny Garrett (Sept 11-14) and Atlanta rap philosopher Killer Mike (Sept 19-21) warm up the house for tenor powerhouse Kamasi Washington, who takes over for 11 dates straddling September and October. Throw in genre-jumpers like Charlie Puth (Oct 16-19), Branford Marsalis (Oct 21-22) and Andra Day (Nov 28-30) and you begin to understand why Blue Note's director of programming, Alex Kurland, once told me, 'We're less in the business of just booking gigs and presenting shows than in creating moments and creating memories and creating happenings.' It's definitely happening, people! Charlie Puth takes over Blue Note Los Angeles on October 17 (Photo byfor dcp) Getty Images for dcp As a jazz, blues and R&B fan, I love what Blue Note is bringing to the music scene, and the music industry is watching. The Hollywood outpost stays faithful to the original New York blueprint, with two sets nightly at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., table service throughout, and a booking philosophy that pairs legends with left-field collaborators. The main Hollywood showroom seats 200, while an adjoining 'B-Side' room adds another 100 spots—small enough for intimate moments but big enough to keep the bar booming. Los Angeles hasn't exactly lacked for jazz rooms. There's The Baked Potato, Catalina, Sam First and a revived Lighthouse that keep the scene percolating. But Blue Note definitely brings a fresh and vital appeal with with tour-routing gravity. A-list artists who once ignored L.A. or treated it as a one-night stop between San Francisco and who-knows-where now have a week-long home base. And since Blue Note is part of a worldwide network (Napa, Tokyo, Milan, Rio, Shanghai, et al.), fans are bound to get next-level performances by musicians looking to stretch their welcome with Blue Note tour bookers. A Calendar Designed to Dazzle Growing a jazz and blues-first brand in 2025 might sound counterintuitive but it's working. Club residencies (I'm so sorry I missed PJ Morton's recent stint in NYC) and Blue Note's Napa festival typically sell out fast. There's much to love about the full lineup for Los Angeles (Emily King! Esperanza Spalding! Branford Marsalis! Charlie Puth!) announced this week: August 14-15—Robert Glasper August 16-17—Alex Isley August 18—The Philharmonik August 19-20—Terrace Martin with Special Guest Kenyon Dixon August 21-22—Robert Glasper August 23-24—Emily King August 25—Mayer Hawthorne August 26-27—BJ The Chicago Kid August 28-31—Ravi Coltrane September 2-7—Esperanza Spalding September 8—Isaiah Collier September 9-10—Braxton Cook September 11-14—Kenny Garrett September 15—Fantastic Negrito September 16—Dominique Fils-Aimé September 17-18—GoldLink September 19-21—Killer Mike September 22-24—Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah September 25—Brasstracks September 26—The Soul Rebels & Special Guest September 27—The Soul Rebels & Special Guest September 28—The Soul Rebels & Special Guest Too $hort September 29—Samora Pinderhughes September 30-October 5—Kamasi Washington October 6—Arin Ray October 7-12—Kamasi Washington October 13—Lady Blackbird Residency October 14-15—Kiefer October 16-19—Charlie Puth October 20—Slum Village October 21-22—Branford Marsalis Quartet October 23—Aja Monet October 24-26—Sid Sriram October 27—Amaro Freitas October 28-November 2—1500 or Nothin' & Friends November 4-5—Ghost-Note November 6-9—Tank and The Bangas November 10—Emily Bear & Friends November 11-16—Chris Dave / Marcus King / Cory Henry / DJ Ginyard November 17—Julius Rodriguez November 18-19—Keyon Harrold November 20-21—Cimafunk November 22-23—Goapele November 24-25—James Francies / Joel Ross / Blaque Dynamite November 28-30—Andra Day December 1—Lady Blackbird Residency December 2-3—Adam Blackstone December 4—Gallant December 5-7—Derrick Hodge December 8—James Fauntleroy December 9-10—Theo Croker December 11—Ben Folds December 12-14—The Free Nationals December 15—Charles Lloyd Quartet December 16-21—Robert Glasper January 9-11—José James January 26—Lady Blackbird Residency March 23—Lady Blackbird Residency Blue Note Los Angeles is located at 6372 Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood.
Mail & Guardian
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Mail & Guardian
2025 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz: A three-day celebration of African and global jazz
Africa's premier jazz event, the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, returns in 2025 with a bold, expanded vision, offering three full days of live music, artistic innovation, and global collaboration. From 26 – 28 September, the Sandton International Convention Centre in Johannesburg will transform into a vibrant hub for jazz lovers, featuring over 60 musicians from 15 countries across three continents. A Festival of Firsts and Fresh Voices For the first time, the festival extends to three days, deepening its commitment to jazz's enduring spirit and highlighting the music's African roots and collaborative culture. This year's programming puts virtuoso women at the forefront, celebrating both legendary icons and rising stars. 'We are excited about where younger musicians are taking the music, whilst acknowledging the incredible voices of leading women of the music today,' says Mantwa Chinoamadi, CEO at T-Musicman, the festival's producer. Four Stages The festival's expertly curated four-stage layout promises a journey through jazz's many moods, from intimate performances to grand ensemble spectacles. Dinaledi Stage: The Dinaledi Stage highlights include: Esperanza Spalding (USA): Multi-GRAMMY-winning bassist and composer, performing works inspired by her collaboration with Brazilian legend Milton Nascimento. Thandi Ntuli (SA) with Blk Elijah & The Children Of Moroë: Featuring special guests Sipho Hotstix Mabuse and Om Alec Khaoli. Lakecia Benjamin (USA): Five-time GRAMMY-nominated saxophonist blending R&B, jazz, and funk. Nomfundo Xaluva (SA), Tshepo Mngoma (SA), Siya Makuzeni Big Band (SA), Steve Dyer (SA): Showcasing the depth of South African jazz talent. Andile Yenana and Cameron Ward: Standard Bank Young Artist alumni, representing the next generation of virtuosity. Diphala Stage: For fans of straight-ahead jazz and improvisational mastery, the Diphala Stage features: The Baylor Project (USA): Acclaimed husband-and-wife jazz duo from New York. Hakan Basar Trio (Turkey), Najponk Trio (Czech Republic), Kyle Shepherd Trio (SA): Showcasing international perspectives and ensemble interplay. Jazzmeia Horn (USA): Rising star vocalist known for her imaginative performances. Simon Denizart (Canada): French-Canadian pianist bringing melodic innovation. Siya 'Jazzmatic' Charles (SA), Phinda Matlala (SA), and Ncesh Nonxishi (SA): Celebrating African spirituals and jazz's expressive roots. Conga Stage: the Conga Stage explores jazz's Pan-African connections and global influences, featurinf Oumou Sangaré (Mali): The iconic griot matriarch of Wassoulou music. Meshell Ndegeocello (USA): Genre-defying musical visionary. Gabi Motuba (SA): Presenting 'The Sabbath,' a testament to South African jazz innovation. Alune Wade (Senegal), Steve Bedi (Ghana): Bringing West African rhythms and melodies. Ababhemu Quartet (SA/Den/Nor): A South African-Nordic collaboration. Fischermanns Orchestra (Switzerland): Large ensemble sound from Europe. Guitar Convergence (SA): Celebrating Mzansi's unique guitar heritage with Moss Mogale, Vusi Mahlasela, and Billy Monama. L'wei Netshivhale (SA): Storytelling through guitar rooted in the Limpopo river basin. Mbira Stage: Cross-Genre Storytelling, the Mbira Stage offers a lighter, more contemporary vibe, blending jazz with soul, R&B, and African Soul: José James Sings Badu (USA): Jazz vocalist reimagining Erykah Badu's songbook. Amanda Black (SA), KB Motsilanyane (SA), Sylent Nqo (Zimbabwe), Tresor (DRC/SA), Velemseni (Eswatini), Leomile (Lesotho): Showcasing Africa's diverse vocal talents. Berita, Mondli Ngcobo, Elaine, The Muses, Beyond Vocal (all SA): Powerful cultural storytelling through music. Muneyi (SA): 2025 Standard Bank Young Artist Award winner, blending folk, indigenous, and contemporary sounds. Honouring Heritage, Celebrating Innovation Now in its 26th year, the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz continues to honour its legacy while pushing boundaries. The festival is a testament to unbroken musical excellence, celebrating both heritage and the future of jazz in Africa and beyond. Tickets and Discounts Tickets are available via Ticketmaster: Day Pass: R1,350 2-Day Pass: R2,250 (Friday & Saturday or Saturday & Sunday) Weekend Pass: R3,250 (all three days) Standard Bank cardholders receive up to 15% off (limit two tickets per person, subject to availability). With a line-up that bridges continents, generations, and genres, the 2025 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz is set to be a landmark event celebrating the ever-evolving sound of jazz and the powerful voices shaping its future.
Montreal Gazette
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Montreal Gazette
Blue Rodeo to play free outdoor show at jazz fest
Blue Rodeo has been added to the lineup of this year's Montreal International Jazz Festival. The Canadian rockers will hit the TD Stage at Place des Festivals for a free outdoor show on June 27 at 9:30 p.m. They'll join an already packed schedule on the main free stage, including American soul legend Mavis Staples on June 26 and Esperanza Spalding on July 5. The Lost Together hitmakers celebrated their 40th anniversary as a band in 2024. They were also inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2012 and received their own stamp from Canada Post earlier this year. Blue Rodeo are no strangers to the city. They most recently played Place des Arts in 2022 and 2023. For the latter, they played their album Five Days in July in its entirety to mark its 30th anniversary. The group, led by Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor, released Blue Rodeo Greatest Hits: Vol. 2 in March. The 45th Montreal International Jazz Festival runs from June 26 to July 5.
Time Out
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Events: What's on in Johannesburg
The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival returns to the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, for its most ambitious edition yet — three full days of genre-defining performances, global icons, bold collaborations, and an elevated celebration of jazz's enduring legacy. With over 60 artists from 15 countries across four stages, this year's festival puts a spotlight on powerful women in jazz, visionary Pan-African sounds, and cutting-edge global talent. Highlights include Esperanza Spalding, Lakecia Benjamin, Oumou Sangaré, Meshell Ndegeocello, Thandi Ntuli, Jazzmeia Horn, The Baylor Project, Amanda Black, Tresor, and a full showcase of Standard Bank Young Artist Award winners. From soul-stirring solo sets to orchestral grandeur, audiences will experience an immersive musical journey rooted in African heritage and shaped by contemporary voices from across the world.
