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Montreal International Jazz Festival: Days 8 & 9 Celebrate Women, World Sounds, and Punk-Folk Surprises
As the 2025 Montreal International Jazz Festival entered its final stretch, Days 8 and 9 delivered an unforgettable mix of local pride, global rhythms, and unexpected punk-folk energy.
From Grammy winners to genre-bending legends, these two days proved just how eclectic and inclusive this world-class festival truly is.
Allison Russell Shines Bright on Home Turf
On Day 8, Allison Russell, the Grammy-winning Americana and folk artist originally from Montreal, took to the stage in front of a captivated hometown crowd. Known for her poignant lyrics and stunning voice, Russell delivered a soul-stirring performance backed by her all-woman band.
Together, they filled the stage with not only musical talent but infectious energy, dancing and playing with a sense of unity and purpose that was both moving and empowering. Her blend of Americana and folk, infused with deeply personal storytelling, reminded everyone why she continues to rise as a powerful voice in contemporary roots music.
Violent Femme
Day 9 took a delightfully unpredictable turn, beginning with a set by Violent Femmes, the iconic 1980s acoustic folk-punk trio. It was a refreshing surprise to see them on a jazz festival bill, but their raw, rebellious sound was a hit with the crowd.
With a massive acoustic bass thundering through the square and their signature folk-punk guitar work driving each track, the band performed their second and first albums in full—back to back. A standout moment was the appearance of Kevin Hearn of Barenaked Ladies, joining them as a special guest on accordion, adding a layer of nostalgia and charm.
Colombia’s Monsieur Periné
Closing out the night was Colombia’s Monsieur Periné, a Latin Grammy Award-winning group that brought Afro-Colombian rhythms and multilingual lyrics to the forefront.
Their vibrant, genre-blending sound offered a joyful contrast to the earlier folk-punk edge, rounding out the evening with color, rhythm, and irresistible dance vibes.
Montreal Jazz Festival’s Magic Is in Its Diversity
The beauty of the Montreal Jazz Festival lies in its ability to surprise. Whether it’s hometown heroes like Allison Russell, punk legends like Violent Femmes, or Latin fusion powerhouses like Monsieur Periné, the festival continues to celebrate diversity in music and culture.
Days 8 and 9 proved that jazz may be in the name, but the soul of the festival lives in every genre, every language, and every note shared on stage.
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