The second year of Montreux Jazz Festival Miami at The Hangar in Coconut Grove felt like a living, breathing symphony—a place where jazz’s storied past met the boundless energy of its future. From the moment the festival opened its doors, it was clear that this year’s edition was not just a continuation but an elevation.
As we shared in our kickoff editorial, Montreux Miami stands as a gateway—bridging cultures through music, capturing the spirit of the iconic Swiss festival while infusing it with Miami’s own rhythmic heartbeat. This year, the festival cemented its place as a sanctuary for music lovers, a haven for spontaneity, and a gathering ground for legendary artists and rising stars alike
A Grand Opening with Jon Batiste’s Magic
From the first night, the energy was palpable. Jon Batiste, a maestro of boundless joy, opened the festival with his signature infectious spirit—his red melodica in hand, weaving through the crowd like a pied piper of jazz. His set felt like a masterclass in pure musical expression, an unfiltered moment of communion between artist and audience. As if that weren’t enough, surprise guests emerged, elevating the experience into an unrepeatable spectacle.
Following Batiste’s luminous performance, Willow took the stage for a stunning solo set, mesmerizing the audience with her ethereal energy and undeniable artistry. She commanded the space with a presence that felt both intimate and grand, leaving the crowd in awe of her vocal prowess and emotional depth.
Each night concluded with the legendary jam session, hosted by JAMMcard founder Elmo Lovano, a cornerstone of Montreux Miami’s magic. The first evening’s jam was an explosion of talent, featuring standout performances from Justin Lee Schultz and an unforgettable series of surprise appearances—JoJo, Matteo Bocelli, and a breathtaking rendition of Can’t Help Falling in Love. The audience was treated to an exclusive, never-before-heard collaboration between Batiste and Bocelli, an emotional moment that felt like history in the making.
Then came Lauren Daigle, leading the crowd in a spirited rendition of When the Saints Go Marching In, transforming the space into a chorus of voices and celebration. But perhaps the most unexpected and electrifying moment of the night was the appearance of Lauren Jauregui, and the ultimate surprise—Shania Twain, stepping onto the stage and delivering a moment for the ages.
Chaka Khan: A Queen Takes her Stage
If night one was a fever dream of improvisation and surprise, night two was pure, funky soul. The legendary Chaka Khan—a queen in every sense of the word—graced the stage, delivering a performance that felt both timeless and urgent. With a career spanning over five decades, her voice remains a force of nature, effortlessly commanding the crowd through a setlist of classics. Miami responded in kind, singing along with an energy that made The Hangar feel like a sacred space for funk and soul worship.
The night continued with Janelle Monáe, an artist who embodies the fusion of past, present, and future. Her performance was a masterstroke of artistry, seamlessly blending jazz, funk, and futuristic soul. And, in true Montreux fashion, the legendary JAMMcard jam brought even more unexpected faces to the stage, including Emily Estefan, and a surprise appearance by Rauw Alejandro.
The final night of Montreux Jazz Festival Miami delivered one last sonic feast, a night that felt like the purest distillation of the festival’s spirit—unpredictable, electrifying, and deeply communal.
The evening began with a high-energy performance by Monsieur Periné, whose stage presence and playful genre-blending had the crowd fully engaged from the start. Their ability to seamlessly weave together jazz, cumbia, and Latin swing set the stage for what would become an unforgettable closing night.
This year’s closing jam was the iconic La Descarga, led by an unstoppable trifecta: Cimafunk, Jon Batiste, and an ensemble of world-class musicians who turned The Hangar into a pulsing, rhythmic force of nature.
The lineup of artists who graced the stage read like a dream roster of jazz, Latin, and global music powerhouses, including La Tribu, Brenda Navarrete, Aymée Nuviola, Pedrito Martinez, Yissy García, Chucho Valdés, Ibrahim Maalouf, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Jon Batiste, Emily Estefan, and Julián Valdés, among others.
One by one, each artist melted into the jam, bringing their unique musicality into the collective moment. It was an intoxicating mix of Afro-Cuban rhythms, jazz improvisation, and deep, soulful grooves, a reminder of why Montreux remains a sacred ground for musicians.
As the final sounds echoed through the venue, it became clear—Montreux Jazz Festival Miami is more than a festival. It’s a celebration of sound. A place where legends are made, and where music transcends borders, genres, and expectations.
Timeless Captures with Miami Flavor
Throughout the festival, the iconic Anoush Abrar lent his artistic touch, capturing the occasion with his signature Mantra Portrait captures. His ability to distill the essence of each artist and moment into a single frame became a visual narrative of the weekend, elevating the festival’s atmosphere with an added layer of artistry.
Miami’s vibrant culture was also reflected in the carefully curated local vendors, from Sereia Restaurant and others offering exquisite bites to a pop-up vinyl haven curated by none other than Dante’s Hi-Fi, featuring Sven, Alan Drummond, and Miami’s own Rum & Coke on various nights. These elements reinforced Montreux Miami’s commitment to blending world-class music with local soul.
Montreux Jazz Festival Miami, in just its second year, has already carved out something special—a space where legends walk among rising stars, where genres dissolve in service of the groove, and where the unexpected is the only certainty. The heart of the festival remains intact: it’s a meeting ground for true music lovers, a playground for sonic risk-takers, and a testament to the unifying power of jazz in all its forms.
As we sift through the stunning visuals captured by Valerie Chaparro, one thing is clear—Montreux Miami is more than just a festival. It’s a feeling, a moment in time that lingers long after the last notes fade.
Until next year, Montreux.
All photos by Valerie Chaparro.
