Hidden Beats
Your Ultimate Source for Music, Entertainment and Community
Day 7: Montreal International Jazz Festival Keeps the Groove Alive
As the sun dipped into golden hour, Day 7 of the Montreal International Jazz Festival brought a diverse lineup that celebrated the soulful, the dreamy, and the downright funky. From heartfelt performances by rising local talent to powerhouse veterans who had the crowd on their feet, this evening was yet another reminder of the festival’s unmatched ability to curate music that moves the body and lifts the spirit.
Whether it was genre-bending newcomers or legends with years of touring under their belts, Day 7 proved once again that jazz—in all its modern mutations—is alive and thriving in Montreal.
Wic Whitney Brings Joy and Pride to His First Festival Stage
Arkansas-born, Chicago-based artist Wic Whitney made a bold, beautiful debut at the Montreal International Jazz Festival. Mixing hip-hop with the rich textures of jazz, funk, and blues, Whitney’s genre-bending set felt like a breath of fresh, soulful air. From the moment he stepped on stage, his energy was radiant—genuinely happy, bubbly, and endlessly welcoming.
This marked Whitney’s first-ever performance at a festival, and you could feel how much it meant to him. There was something magnetic about how freely he expressed himself, proudly and loudly sharing his queer identity through his lyrics and stage presence. One particularly memorable moment came when he performed a track celebrating that pride, drawing cheers from a visibly moved audience.
Fans of Teddy Swims would find a lot to love in Wic Whitney’s vocal style and genre versatility. His voice floated between funk-infused grooves and rap verses, showcasing impressive control and emotional resonance. It was more than just a performance—it was a celebration of self, of sound, and of soul.
Maggie Lennon Delivers a Dreamy Pop Rock Escape
Montreal’s own Maggie Lennon opened the evening at MTelus with a hypnotic dream-rock set that had the crowd instantly hooked. Signed to local label MOTHLAND, Lennon blends pop-rock sensibilities with a dreamy, ethereal edge—perfect for easing into the evening or soundtracking a summer drive.
As the opener for The Cat Empire, she could’ve easily been overshadowed—but instead, she shone. Dancing freely across the stage and beaming with gratitude, Lennon made it a point to connect with every person in the room. Her music flowed effortlessly, inviting the audience into a sonic world that felt nostalgic, yet fresh.
What stood out most was her ability to make each song feel deeply personal without ever dragging the energy down. There’s a lightness to her sound, the kind that never grows old. With easy listening appeal and a quietly powerful stage presence, Maggie Lennon is an artist you’ll want to keep an eye on—and keep in your playlists.
The Cat Empire Turns MTelus Into a Nonstop Funk P
Australian multi-platinum band The Cat Empire brought the house down at MTelus with a performance that was pure, joyous energy. Their signature fusion of jazz, funk, and Latin-inspired rhythms had the front rows dancing from the first beat to the final encore.
Led by founding member and charismatic frontman Felix Riebl, the band operated like a well-oiled musical machine—with a twist of wild spontaneity. Every member had their moment to shine, showcasing not just talent but the deep camaraderie that makes The Cat Empire so infectious live.
The crowd was packed wall to wall, and the atmosphere was electric. Unlike many headliners who take center stage solo, this group thrives on collaboration. They played as a true team, passing musical leads like a basketball squad in perfect sync. Their sound was big, bold, and built for dancing—and they made sure every single person in the venue felt like a part of the party.
If there’s one act you must see live at least once, it’s The Cat Empire.
A Night of Connection, Community, and Celebration
Day 7 of the Montreal International Jazz Festival was a genre-hopping, soul-shaking testament to the power of live music. From Wic Whitney’s vulnerable yet celebratory debut, to Maggie Lennon’s dreamy hometown vibes, and the raucous energy of The Cat Empire, the night had something for every kind of listener.
More than just performances, these sets felt like shared experiences—where joy, pride, and rhythm brought strangers together. The festival continues to prove that Montreal is not just a host city for jazz—it’s one of its loudest, proudest champions.
www.montrealjazzfest.com
Send us a message here
© Hidden Beats Corp. All Rights Reserved 2020