It’s easy to dismiss all things American right now. But to ignore jazz—arguably America’s greatest contribution to culture—would be a mistake.
Rooted in the African-American experience, jazz music began in the early 20th century in New Orleans, and quickly spread across the country—and the world. Here in Canada, Montreal became a hub for jazz during the Prohibition era, drawing American musicians and nurturing local talent, such as the great Oscar Peterson and Oliver Jones.

Kamasi Washington, Jazzfest 2022. Photo by Landon Entwistle.
Today’s jazz musicians—wherever they’re from—continue to build on the African-American tradition, blending the genre’s rich history with new sounds and perspectives.
For 45 years, the Ottawa Jazz Festival has presented the best jazz the world has to offer. This year, in keeping with Canada’s newfound patriotism, the Festival highlights Canadian musicians with their Made in Canada lineup and accompanying Spotify playlist.
In that spirit, here are five standout acts—from both sides of the border and beyond—you won’t want to miss.
Allison Russell
Demonstrating just how intertwined our two cultures really are, Canadian singer-songwriter Allison Russell continues to amass acclaim for her contributions to Americana music.
She recently took home the 2024 Grammy for Best American Roots Performance for her song “Eve Was Black” from her sophomore album The Returner. In 2022, her debut album, Outside Child, earned three Grammy nominations and won the Americana Music Association’s Album of the Year.
Born and raised in Montreal in difficult circumstances, including foster care, abuse and homelessness, Russell has channelled her remarkable resilience into her music. Audiences can expect a performance delivered with raw emotion and lyrical depth. Accompanied by her band, The Rainbow Coalition, the concert will be filled with joy, celebration, and groovy rhythms.
Allison Russell performs Friday, June 20 at 8:30 p.m. on the Main Stage at Confederation Park. Day passes are $70 for adults, $45 for youth (ages 11 – 21), and include entry to Carl Mayotte Quintet, Tanika Charles and The Bros. Landreth.
Kombilesa Mi
Along with great North American acts, Jazz Fest often programs performers from farther afield. I’ll never forget the rollicking party that was Dhaka Brakha, playing what they call Ukrainian “ethno-chaos.” Then there was Joyce, a Brazilian contemporary of Caetano Veloso and Gilberto Gil, whose mastery of bossa nova was something to behold. Just last year, it was a true delight listening to Parisian chanteuse Gabi Hartmann.
This year, Jazz Fest is collaborating with Axé WorldFest to bring two Colombian groups to Ottawa, La Pambelé, and Kombilesa Mi, a seven-piece band known for their socially conscious lyrics and vibrant percussion. With recent appearances at the Kennedy Center and NPR’s Tiny Desk, this will be Kombilesa Mi’s first performance in Canada, and certainly worth checking out.
Kombilesa Mi performs Saturday, June 21 at 7:30 p.m. at Marion Dewar Plaza. Day passes are $80 for adults, $45 for youth (ages 11 – 21), and include entry to Mavis Staples, Deborah Davis and Segue to Jazz, and La Pambelé.
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Wynton Marsalis has had a giant impact on American jazz history—as a virtuoso trumpeter, composer, educator and advocate for the genre. As Artistic Director of Jazz at Lincoln Center for almost 40 years, he has revitalized interest in traditional jazz, especially through his promotion of the music of Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and other legends, while also nurturing new generations of jazz musicians.
Marsalis also puts on a great show. Performing with the acclaimed Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, he and his band promise to deliver a masterclass in big band jazz that truly swings. Cross your fingers for clear skies and a nice breeze – this is the kind of jazz summer evenings were made for.
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis performs Tuesday, June 24 at 8:30 p.m. at the Main Stage of Confederation Park. Day passes are $80 for adults, $45 for youth (ages 11 – 21), and include entry to the Prime Rib Big Band, Polky and the Balkan Paradise Orchestra.
Samara Joy
While the great Wynton Marsalis represents the history of American jazz, Samara Joy embodies its future.
The 25-year-old with a huge Gen Z following, including hundreds of thousands on Tik Tok, is taking the conventional jazz world by storm. Already, she has won five Grammys, including for Best New Artist and Best Jazz Vocal Album for Linger Awhile in 2023, and Best Jazz Performance and Best Jazz Vocal Album for her holiday EP in 2025.
Frequently compared to jazz greats like Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan, I’m sure the Ottawa Jazz Festival folks are clicking their heels at getting Joy to play at this year’s event. If you can see only one concert, this is it.
Samara Joy performs Friday, June 27 at 8:30 p.m. at the Main Stage of Confederation Park. Day passes are $80 for adults, $45 for youth (ages 11 – 21), and include entry to the Atlantis Jazz Ensemble, Brekky Boy and Ghost-Note.
Nubya Garcia
Another star in the constellation of young, contemporary jazz artists, London-born saxophonist and composer Nubya Garcia ingeniously blends the genre with Afrobeat, reggae and electronic music.
The 30-something sensation has already headlined Newport Jazz and the BBC Proms, and her music has been featured on Ted Lasso and Atlanta, as well as in the video game Fortnite. She was voted a Rising Star in Downbeat’s 2021 Critic’s Poll and shortlisted for the 2021 Mercury Prize, one of the UK’s most prestigious music awards.
According to past reviews, Garcia brings a commanding stage presence to her live performances, often dancing and engaging with the audience, creating an atmosphere that’s both intimate and exhilarating. Expect genre-defying soundscapes, combining soulful jazz melodies with deep dub grooves and complex rhythms.
Nubya Garcia performs Sunday, June 29 at 10:30PM at Marion Dewar Plaza. Tickets are $35.
Ottawa Jazz Festival takes place June 20-29 2025 on stages in Confederation Park, Marion Dewar Plaza and the National Arts Centre. Full festival passes are available starting at $195 for youth and $379 for adults. Tickets for individual shows, and day passes are also available. There are a number of free shows for the public at venues around the city.