Montreal never sleeps, and if you listen closely, you can hear a double bass line or a burst of trumpet lulling its nights to sleep. No matter the season, the city refuses to fall asleep and is ablaze with a contagious groovy energy that never seems to run out of steam!
The best part of it all? Montreal’s jazz scene is a culture of sharing that caters to every taste, whether you’re looking for an impromptu jam session at a bargain price or the prestigious glamour of The Jazz Room concerts.
L’Upstairs: The Soul of Mackay Street
If you’re looking forthe epicenter of this groove, head down the few steps tothe Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill. Nestled in a century-old building in the Shaughnessy Village, this club has already been featured in the “Great Jazz Venues Guide” (published by DownBeat magazine, the global authority on jazz). This selective directory serves as an international passport, listing the most notable venues across the globe.
In 1995, Joël Giberovitch took over a bankrupt venue with his father before transforming this simple piano bar into a true institution. Inspired by a formative journey through New York’s legendary clubs (such as the Village Vanguard and the Blue Note), he returned with a clear vision: to give Montreal a jazz temple with a New York soul.
Late-night sessions: the regulars’ secret
While the excellence of Upstairs’ headliners usually comes at a price, regulars know the venue’s “real” hidden gem: the late-night sessions. After 9:30 or 10 p.m., the doors open for a third set that’s sometimes free —a rare chance to extend your evening without spending a dime.
But the club’s soul is also its role as a launching pad. On certain nights, students from Concordia or McGill take over the stage for university jam sessions . It’s raw, it’s spontaneous, and it’s exactly where you get a feel for Montreal’s up-and-coming talent, just inches away from the instruments.
All this excitement, whether experienced at a free jam session or not, serves to train your ear. Whether you end your evening in the dim light of Mackay Street or swept away by the grandeur of a symphonic tribute, jazz in Montreal can’t be described—it must be experienced. The invitation is out: head down a few steps, let go, and let yourself be surprised…
