by Marie Moliner.

Starting Thursday, August 7, morning, noon and night, North Hatley will be filled with music – jazz music, to be precise. The North Hatley Jazz Festival’s inaugural program includes locals and internationally renowned artists who will gather for 17 FREE concerts and events.

Featuring a range of styles, with performances by well-known jazz musicians and emerging talent, four ticketed concerts start every day at 4:30 p.m., at the Sainte-Élisabeth Church in downtown North Hatley, priced at $25.

The concept for the festival originated less than a year ago during discussions among local musicians and residents who share an appreciation for live music and its power to foster a sense of community. This idea soon became a non-profit aimed at promoting a celebration of jazz and community spirit.

“The notion of a jazz festival to foster community and culture was enthusiastically received by the town hall and local sponsors and residents, who contributed financial support as well as their time and expertise to the launch,” says Richard Léger, president of the non-profit.

Ticketed Events

The festival opens Thursday with Gentiane Michaud-Gagnon, celebrated for her musical sensitivity and refined playing. The next day, listen to Théo Abellard, a young piano virtuoso and a rising star on the contemporary music scene.

Saturday, North Hatley’s own pianist, Eric Harding, accompanied by the talented Auburn Trio, take the stage. And Sunday, the legendary Lorraine Desmarais, recently inducted into the Ordre des arts et des lettres du Québec, will close the series and her cross-Canada summer tour in North Hatley with a heartfelt tribute to the great Bill Evans.

FREE Every day at 3 p.m. – Emerging Artists

A music kiosk will shine a spotlight on graduating students from Bishop’s University and the University of Sherbrooke. On Friday, with the Blaney Jazz Project, hear a quartet specializing in gypsy jazz that blends tradition with modern influences through original compositions. On Saturday, Connor Knibbs and his quintet from Bishop’s University will deliver an energetic and talent-filled performance that you won’t want to miss!

FREE Every day at 7:15 p.m. – Established Artists

In the evening, enjoy performances by established musicians. On Thursday, vocalist Isabella Hallia and her quartet will bring their signature musical elegance to the stage, while on Friday, the Cuban Quartet led by Julian Gutierrez will transport you with a fusion of jazz and Latin music, featuring compositions inspired by the landscapes of Cuba. On Saturday, the Village Concert Series presents Séraphin Larivière, promising a truly memorable evening!

FREE Every day Concerts at River Park, 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, the Satellite Quartet, joined by guest guitarist Jon Gearey, will transport you with its original compositions and captivating exploration of ECM sounds, swing, and Latin rhythms. Friday, get ready to be swept away by the Yannick Rieu Quartet, led by one of the most talented saxophonists in the world and a master of improvisation — winner of three Félix awards and the prestigious Oscar Peterson Award. Finally, Saturday, the Rachel Therrien Quartet will take the stage, showcasing the incredible creative flair and artistic mastery of the internationally acclaimed trumpeter.

So, bring your folding chair and a picnic to North Hatley this Thursday through Sunday and join an extraordinary inaugural jazz festival from August 7 to 10!

Daily Schedule Thursday, August 7

  • 4:30 p.m. – Ticketed Concert
    The festival opens with Gentiane Michaud-Gagnon, celebrated for her musical sensitivity and refined playing.
  • 3 p.m. – Emerging Artists
    The music kiosk shines a spotlight on graduating students from Bishop’s University and the University of Sherbrooke.
  • 7:15 p.m. – Established Artists
    Vocalist Isabella Hallia and her quartet bring their signature musical elegance to the stage.
  • 8:30 p.m. – Concert at River Park
    The Satellite Quartet, joined by guest guitarist Jon Gearey, will transport you with original compositions and captivating exploration of ECM sounds, swing, and Latin rhythms.
  • 10 p.m. – Jam Session at the Curling Club
    Fans of improvisation can enjoy a lively Jam Session.

Friday, August 8

  • 4:30 p.m. – Ticketed Concert
    Théo Abellard, a young piano virtuoso and rising star on the contemporary music scene, takes the stage.

  • 3 p.m. – Emerging Artists
    Blaney Jazz Project, a quartet specializing in gypsy jazz, blends tradition with modern influences through original compositions.
  • 7:15 p.m. – Established Artists
    The Cuban Quartet, led by Julian Gutierrez, fuses modal jazz and Latin music, inspired by the landscapes of Cuba.
  • 8:30 p.m. – Concert at River Park
    Get ready to be swept away by the Yannick Rieu Quartet, led by one of the most talented saxophonists in the world.
  • 10 p.m. – Jam Session at the Curling Club
    Another night of improvisation and music at the Curling Club.

  • Feel the rhythm of jazz during cocktail hour at:
    • Massawippi Mercantile
    • Tap Room at Manoir Hovey
    • Pub Villandré

Saturday, August 9

  • 4:30 p.m. – Ticketed Concert
    Eric Harding, North Hatley’s own pianist, accompanied by the talented Auburn Trio, will deliver a performance full of emotion.
  • 3 p.m. – Emerging Artists
    Connor Knibbs and his quintet from Bishop’s University will deliver an energetic and talent-filled performance.
  • 7:15 p.m. – Established Artists
    The Séraphin Larivière performance promises to be a truly memorable evening.
  • 8:30 p.m. – Concert at River Park
    The Rachel Therrien Quartet, featuring the internationally acclaimed trumpeter, will put on a powerful and inspiring performance.
  • 10 p.m. – Jam Session at the Curling Club
    More improvisation and live music to close out the night.

Sunday, August 10

  • 4:30 p.m. – Ticketed Concert
    Lorraine Desmarais    , legendary pianist recently inducted into the Ordre des arts et des lettres du Québec, will close the series and her cross-Canada summer tour with a heartfelt tribute to the great Bill Evans.
  • 3 p.m. – Emerging Artists
    The music kiosk features a final spotlight on graduating students from Bishop’s University and the University of Sherbrooke.
  • 2 p.m. – Scenic Getaway at Domaine Bergeville
    Enjoy an outdoor musical experience at the Domaine Bergeville vineyard.
  • 10 a.m. – For Children
    A special activity combining theater and storytelling will be hosted at the North Hatley Library.
  • Morning – Sherbrooke Swing
    Start your Sunday with energy and joy, as Sherbrooke Swing offers a lively solo jazz swing dance activity at River Park.

Throughout the Weekend

  • Conferences on the History of Jazz
    Join Amy Panetta at the UU Estrie Church and Lucien Vachon Hall at Sainte-Élisabeth Church for insightful jazz history talks.
  • Arts Workshops
    Unleash your creativity with the arts workshops offered by Arts-Cultures Massawippi throughout the festival.

For more information, visit: North Hatley Jazz Festival