One of Canada’s most sought after musicians, Jim Doxas plays extensively both nationally and overseas. Distinguished for his improvisational approach to jazz, he makes the case that percussion can be as performative as a lyrical instrument.

Video: “Upstairs Jam Session hosted by Jim Doxas”

Since its formation in 2014, Fuel Junkie has revealed itself as one of the most promising upcoming artists on the Montréal blues scene. Passionate about the blues at a very young age, Mark LeClerc founded the group with close friends met during his music studies. Singer and composer of the band, he came up with the idea of a saxophone section brought to the spotlight by modern arrangements.

Grounded in the blues, Fuel Junkie is also strongly influenced by funk and soul music. The combination of a classic trio with three saxophones gives the band its unique identity that stands out on the blues scene. Creative interaction between the band members during solo sections make way for unexpected and standout moments at every concert. The group is known by its fans for the constant flow of energy and authenticity during every performance.

Musicians

Mark LeClerc: Lead Vocal/Tenor sax
Philippe Brochu: Tenor sax
Patrice Luneau: Baritone sax
Antoine Loiselle: Guitar
Jean-François Charest: Bass
Philippe Fleury: Drums

Youtube video: “High Stress, Low Money”

Pianist Moncef Genoud, born in Tunis in 1961 and blind since birth, is celebrated for his deeply lyrical playing and remarkable musical memory. After graduating from the Geneva Conservatory, he has performed on major international stages.

Seamus Blake is a renowned tenor saxophonist and composer celebrated for his virtuosic playing and innovative contributions to contemporary jazz.

Past collaborations include artists such as John Scofield, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Bill Stewart and the Mingus Big Band. Blake’s dynamic performances and masterful technique have solidified his reputation as one of the most influential saxophonists of his generation.

Musicians:
Moncef Genoud: piano
Seamus Blake: sax
Tommy Crane: drums
bass

Youtube video: “JAZZI’IT Festival Tunis 2025”

Pianist Moncef Genoud, born in Tunis in 1961 and blind since birth, is celebrated for his deeply lyrical playing and remarkable musical memory. After graduating from the Geneva Conservatory, he has performed on major international stages.

Seamus Blake is a renowned tenor saxophonist and composer celebrated for his virtuosic playing and innovative contributions to contemporary jazz.

Past collaborations include artists such as John Scofield, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Bill Stewart and the Mingus Big Band. Blake’s dynamic performances and masterful technique have solidified his reputation as one of the most influential saxophonists of his generation.

Musicians:
Moncef Genoud: piano
Seamus Blake: sax
Tommy Crane: drums
bass

Youtube video: “JAZZI’IT Festival Tunis 2025”

Led by Montreal-based pianist Mat Jon, the quintet delivers “straight-ahead” jazz rooted in the bebop tradition and the Great American Songbook. A regular presence at Upstairs Jazz Club, Mat Jon is known for his work as a bandleader and curator, bringing together some of the city’s strongest players for swinging, high-energy performances. The repertoire draws from composers such as Bud Powell, Sonny Clark, Gigi Gryce, Freddie Redd, Horace Silver, Barry Harris, Kenny Dorham, Hank Mobley, alongside the great composers of the American Songbook.

Jazz saxophonist Jacob Chung moved from Toronto to New York City in 2022 and has since maintained an active performance schedule at The Django, Ornithology, Smalls, Mezzrow, Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Brvsh Cvl7r3, and other NYC clubs. Jacob plays in Rodney Green’s Jackson Miller Band, the Chris Byars Octet, the Richard Cortez Band, and is a regular member of Erena Terakubo’s Sextet. He has also shared the stage with Ken Peplowski, the John Pizzarelli Big Band, Peter Washington, the Mingus Big Band, Pasquale Grasso, Ari Roland, and Joe Farnsworth. Jacob has performed twice at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Washington D.C., first in 2023 with the prestigious Betty Carter Jazz Ahead program and most recently with vibraphonist Chuck Redd in 2024. Jacob’s sophomore album The Sage (2024), which features Vincent Herring and drummer Joe Farnsworth, was named one of the best Canadian jazz releases of 2024 (Peter Hum, Ottawa Citizen).

Jacob Chung – tenor saxophone
Rafael Salazar – trumpet
Mat Jon – piano
Sam Park – bass
Baptiste Lejeune – drums

Youtube video: “In The Still of The Night”