It is well-known that Quebec has music in its veins, which is probably why it hosts a good hundred annual music festivals, the most famous of which is the Montreal International Jazz Festival, renowned worldwide.

The magnificent city of Quebec is recognized for its Summer Festival (FEQ), which is practically sold out every year. However, not everyone appreciates the enormous crowds and the spectators chatting during the shows. Fortunately, there is the Festival “Québec Jazz In June”, which for its 6th year, offers us ten days of intimate concerts where proximity to the musicians and sound quality are the top priorities.

The organizers, mostly from the music world, have made it their mission to showcase both emerging and established talents from Quebec and introduce us to gems from around the world.

Seven magnificent venues will welcome spectators from June 20 to 30, where 350 musicians will present 90 shows, including 60 free ones, whether outdoors or indoors.

The opening show features an improvisation battle between a quartet from Quebec and a quartet from Montreal, an incredible musical experience that members of the press got a preview of during the program launch on April 2 in Quebec City.

Another unique event will highlight European pianist Simon Denisar and the Eska quartet, musicians who have never met before and who will offer us a performance conceived on the same day. Yes, that’s also what jazz is about.

Whether you’re into acoustic or electric, the Québec Jazz Festival in June has something for everyone, from jazz beginners to connoisseurs. A warm, human-scale festival in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

I invite you to explore the program, as I could talk about the quality of the lineup all day.

Treat yourself; there are still good tickets available.

https://www.festivalquebecjazzenjuin.com/en-salle

https://www.festivalquebecjazzenjuin.com/programmation-exterieure

Photo credit: Daniel Tremblay