A Lineup Tied to Music History

Behind every unforgettable jazz performance is a story—sometimes one that links today’s boldest artists with the icons who shaped modern music. This year’s Ottawa Jazz Festival lineup features a remarkable group of musicians whose careers include collaborations with legends like Miles Davis, Elton John, Beyoncé, Bonnie Raitt, and more. Get to know some of the artists bringing this rich musical lineage to our stages this summer:

Sexmob – June 21, 7pm, NAC Azrieli Studio: The irreverent energy of Sexmob is powered by slide trumpet wizard Steven Bernstein, a musical chameleon whose past work includes arranging for Elton John, performing with Rufus Wainwright, and serving as a key member of Levon Helm’s band. Bernstein’s fearless improvisation and genre-bending vision make him a perfect example of how jazz keeps evolving. With Sexmob, he channels all that history into a wild, unpredictable show where boundaries are meant to be broken—and reimagined.

Mavis Staples – June 21, 8:30pm, Main Stage: With a voice that helped shape the soundtrack of the civil rights movement, Mavis Staples is more than a music legend—she’s a national treasure. As a member of the iconic Staple Singers and through her own groundbreaking solo career, Staples has worked with Prince, Bob Dylan, Arcade Fire, Hozier, and Bon Iver, among others. She delivered one of the most iconic performances in Martin Scorsese’s legendary concert film The Last Waltz, joining The Band for an unforgettable rendition of “The Weight.” She’s performed for presidents, marched with Dr. King, and continues to use her voice to inspire love, justice, and joy. Her powerful presence at the Festival is not just a concert—it’s a moment in music history.

Keyon Harrold – June 25, 10:30pm, OLG Stage: When Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Eminem, and D’Angelo need a trumpeter, they call Keyon Harrold. Known for his expressive tone and genre-crossing fluency, Harrold has worked with giants of hip-hop, soul, and pop—while keeping his heart rooted in jazz. From film scores like Miles Ahead to his GRAMMY-nominated Foreverland, Harrold brings a deeply personal voice and extraordinary technical skill to everything he touches. His shows are a masterclass in contemporary Black music.

Joey Landreth (The Bros. Landreth) – June 20, 10:30pm, OLG Stage : If you’ve heard Bonnie Raitt’s Grammy-winning “Made Up Mind,” then you’ve heard Joey Landreth’s songwriting. The soulful guitarist and vocalist co-wrote the track with his brother Dave, and their group The Bros. Landreth blends roots, blues, and lush harmony with rare intimacy. Their latest album Come Morning explores healing, fatherhood, and renewal—a quiet triumph from an artist whose work continues to resonate far beyond the folk and Americana worlds.

Mike Stern – June 28, 7pm, NAC Azrieli Studio, Low Ticket Warning! Mike Stern earned his stripes as a guitarist for Miles Davis during the electric 1980s era—a time when Davis was revolutionizing jazz all over again. Stern’s own career has been no less bold, with a string of solo albums showcasing blistering solos and genre-crossing collaborations. His fusion of bebop, blues, and rock remains jaw-dropping, and his performance at this year’s Festival is a chance to witness a true jazz giant, still pushing the envelope decades into his storied career.

Marc Ribot’s Ceramic Dog – June 22, 7 pm, NAC Azrieli Studio, Low Ticket Warning! Marc Ribot’s raw, experimental guitar playing has made him a go-to collaborator for Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, and Alison Krauss. With Ceramic Dog, he dives deep into avant-rock, free jazz, punk, and protest music, delivering both virtuosity and visceral urgency. Their latest album Connection is full of furious grooves, social commentary, and unexpected twists—hallmarks of Ribot’s fearless musical ethos.

iskwē – June 26, 7:30pm, OLG Stage: Few artists combine tradition and innovation like iskwē. Drawing from her Cree Métis roots and a deep well of electronic and alternative influences, iskwē’s music blurs boundaries and centers Indigenous storytelling in fresh, thrilling ways. She’s collaborated with punk icon Nina Hagen and Canadian music legend Tom Wilson, performed everywhere from Parliament Hill to Sweden’s royal palace, and earned praise from NPR, Billboard, and CBC. Known for her immersive, multi-sensory performances that weave together music, movement, and multimedia, iskwē creates experiences that are both cathartic and unforgettable. She’s not just reshaping what it means to make music in Canada—she’s redefining what it means to bear witness, through sound.

Don’t Miss These Musical Trailblazers

When you experience these artists live at the Ottawa Jazz Festival, you’re not just hearing their music—you’re hearing echoes of the legends they’ve played with, reimagined in real time. Get your tickets now and witness the next chapter of jazz history unfold!