Montreal is tuning up for another unforgettable summer as the 2025 Festival International de Jazz de Montréal returns June 26 through July 5. And this year, all eyes are on a headliner who brings both Hollywood sparkle and real jazz chops: Jeff Goldblum.
That's right — the silver screen star and seasoned pianist will take the stage on June 30 at the iconic Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, leading his ensemble, The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra, through a night of swing, standards, and spontaneous banter. For fans of jazz, cinema, or just eccentric charisma, it's shaping up to be one of the hottest tickets of the season.
Goldblum may be best known for his quirky roles in Jurassic Park and The Grand Budapest Hotel, but in recent years, he's built a credible reputation in the jazz world. His group has toured internationally and released multiple well-received albums. Their latest release, Still Blooming, dropped in April and blends breezy renditions of jazz standards with playful, personality-infused arrangements. Guest appearances from artists like Norah Jones and even Scarlett Johansson add a layer of star-studded flair to his already magnetic sound.
At the Montreal Jazz Festival, Goldblum promises not just a concert but a conversation. Known for interacting with his audience between songs, he treats performances like living-room jam sessions with a side of improv comedy. Expect spontaneous Q&A moments, quirky trivia, and even audience sing-alongs—an experience that reflects his philosophy that jazz should be as unpredictable as it is expressive.
But Goldblum's set is just the tip of the iceberg. Now in its 45th year, the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal continues to set the global gold standard for jazz programming. This year's edition boasts over 350 concerts across ten days, with more than two-thirds of the shows offered free to the public. The festival transforms downtown Montreal's Quartier des Spectacles into a sonic playground, with stages dotting the streets, drawing locals and global travelers alike.
Joining Goldblum on the 2025 roster are major names like Nas, Ayra Starr, Thundercat, Allison Russell, and Ben Harper. From Afrobeat to electronic jazz fusion, the lineup reflects the genre's ever-evolving spirit and global reach. Local talents and emerging acts will also take the spotlight, continuing the festival's legacy of fostering discovery alongside celebration.
The Latino contingent is represented by Colombian duo Monseuir Periné and Chilean singer-songwriter Mon Laferte.
Festival organizers say this year's programming aims to bridge generations and genres. "We want to show that jazz is alive, fresh, and fun," artistic director Maurin Auxéméry said during the spring press announcement. "And no one embodies that spirit better than Jeff Goldblum."
Tickets for Goldblum's June 30 concert range from $76.50 to $139.50 and are available via Place des Arts. As always, the best advice is to act fast—his past shows have sold out quickly thanks to both his musical talent and his cross-generational appeal.
For full lineup details, artist schedules, and information on free outdoor shows, visit montrealjazzfest.com. Whether you're a jazz aficionado or just looking for an excuse to wander Montreal's summer streets, the festival promises ten days of rhythm, soul, and surprises. And if Jeff Goldblum's name is on the marquee, expect something wonderfully unexpected.
