Ottawa Jazz Festival Celebrates 45 years 1980 - 2025

Ottawa (March 6, 2025) – Over the past 45 years, the Ottawa Jazz Festival has welcomed some of the greatest artists in music history, including: Stan Getz | Herbie Hancock | Wayne Shorter | Sonny Rollins | Chick Corea |Dave Brubeck | Diana Krall | Keith Jarrett | Oscar Peterson | Brad Mehldau |Esperanza Spalding | Kamasi Washington | Trombone Shorty | Christian McBride |Pat Metheny | Joshua Redman | Aretha Franklin | Norah Jones | Elvis Costello |Smokey Robinson | Janelle Monáe | Chicago | Buena Vista Social Club | The Roots and so many more legends!

Join us from June 20 – 29, 2025, as the Festival celebrates 45 years of world-class music, continuing our legacy as a beacon of culture, creativity and community! 

First Wave of Artists:

Already announced: 

Mavis Staples | Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis | Samara Joy | Richard Bona | Arooj Aftab | Marc Ribot’s Ceramic Dog and Kneebody.

Second Wave of Announcements:

Main Stage Headliners

Gary Clark Jr. – The electrifying multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and four-time Grammy winner brings his powerful and thought-provoking performance on June 25.

Broken Social Scene – Canada’s iconic and hugely influential indie rock collective, known for their expansive sound and ever-changing lineup is going to take the Main Stage by storm on June 26.

Allison Russell – A Grammy and two-time Juno-winning singer, songwriter, poet, activist, and multi-instrumentalist from Montreal will kick off Opening Night on June 20.

Branford Marsalis Quartet – The legendary saxophonist, composer, and bandleader—hailing from New Orleans jazz royalty—closes out the Festival on June 29.

National Arts Centre – Azrieli Studio

Bill Frisell Trio – Jazz enthusiasts can enjoy a special night with Bill Frisell, Rudy Royston, and Thomas Morgan in two back-to-back performances on June 27 at 7PM and 9PM.

National Arts Centre – Fourth Stage

Marc Copland – The renowned jazz pianist and composer will appear in two shows at the Fourth Stage. On June 21 he will perform with the Marc Copland Trio featuring John Hebert and Colin Stranahan. Then on June 24 he will perform with Ottawa guitarist Roddy Ellias.

OLG Stage

Balkan Paradise Orchestra – Bringing together friendship, a passion for Balkan brass, and a desire for a unique fanfare, on June 24, this all-female group from Spain evolved, blending Iberian and global influences into an eclectic, festive sound.

Brekky Boy – Australia’s genre-blending trio, known for its unpredictable and unique fusion of electronica, beat music and jazz improvisation performs on June 27.

Ghost-Note – Stick around after Brekky Boy and Samara Joy for an electrifying late-night set of percussion-based funk, hip-hop and jazz fusion on June 27. 

More headliners / artists will be announced soon! Check out the lineup and buy your Festival Passes and Tickets today.

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