Music

Montreux Jazz Festival Miami 2024 Delivers a Sold-Out Weekend of Unforgettable Performances

Festivalgoers enjoyed Michelin-starred cuisine from Henrique Sá Pessoa.
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Montreux Jazz Festival Miami 2024 Delivers a Sold-Out Weekend of Unforgettable Performances

The second annual Montreux Jazz Festival Miami delivered a sold-out weekend of musical brilliance at The Hangar at Regatta Harbour in Miami’s Coconut Grove. From electrifying headliners to spontaneous jam sessions, the festival brought together a stunning mix of jazz, soul, Afro-Cuban rhythms, and contemporary music, making it one of the most talked-about events of the year.

[Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Hamilton de Holanda, Jon Batiste, Alfredo Rodriguez]

Friday Night: A Star-Studded Kickoff with Jon Batiste & Friends

The festival opened with an explosive set from Jon Batiste & Friends, featuring a 20-piece band and a series of surprise guests, including JoJo, Lauren Daigle, Maxwell, and Matteo Bocelli. The night also saw performances from trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf and opening act Justin-Lee Schultz, adding to the festival’s dynamic energy.

One of the most memorable moments came when Batiste led his band into the crowd for a "Love Riot" parade, creating an intimate and immersive experience.

🔥 Highlights:

  • WILLOW’s performance, which left the audience spellbound.
  • Late-night jam session featuring Batiste, Shania Twain, Lauren Jauregui, and over 30 musicians, delivering a nearly two-hour improvised set that became an instant festival legend.
Chaka Khan

Saturday Night: Powerhouse Performances from Chaka Khan & Janelle Monáe

The energy continued into Saturday, with Chaka Khan and Janelle Monáe taking center stage.

British singer-songwriter Griff, known for opening Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, kicked off the evening, with Batiste joining her on piano for a special moment.

Chaka Khan delivered iconic classics like "Ain’t Nobody" and "I’m Every Woman", while Janelle Monáe dazzled with an extensive, high-energy set that kept the crowd engaged from start to finish.

🔥 Highlights:

  • Another legendary late-night jam session, led once again by Batiste, featuring artists from the night’s lineup and beyond.
  • Twain and Jauregui’s encore participation, proving that the festival’s collaborative spirit was at its peak.
Afro-Cuban legends close festival grand.

Sunday Night: A Grand Finale with Afro-Cuban Legends

The festival closed on a high note with an Afro-Cuban jam session, "La Descarga," co-hosted by Jon Batiste and Cimafunk. The performance featured a rotating lineup of nearly 30 musicians, creating a two-hour musical spectacle.

🔥 Highlights:

  • A duet between Cuban legends Chucho Valdés and Paquito D’Rivera.
  • Dueling pianos with Gonzalo Rubalcaba and Jon Batiste.
  • A show-stopping ensemble including Pedrito Martinez, Ibrahim Maalouf, Alfredo Rodriguez, Aymee Nuviola, Emily Estefan, Hamilton de Holanda, Sammy Figueroa, and Yilian Cañizares.
  • A setlist that spanned musical generations, featuring "House Party" (Fred Wesley), "El Ratón" (Fania All Stars), and festival closer "Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing."

The evening began with Monsieur Periné and Alfredo Rodriguez, setting the stage for an unforgettable finale.

Looking Ahead: Montreux Jazz Festival Miami Returns in 2026

Following the resounding success of this year’s edition, organizers have announced that Montreux Jazz Festival Miami will return in 2026, with plans to expand and bring even more genre-defying performances to the Magic City.

🔗 Stay tuned for updates at MontreuxJazzFestivalMiami.com.

A World-Class Festival Experience

Beyond the music, festivalgoers enjoyed a curated selection of culinary and cultural experiences, including:

🍽️ Michelin-starred Chef Henrique Sá Pessoa’s exquisite dishes.
🎶 A pop-up installation from Wynwood’s Dante’s HiFi vinyl bar.

The festival’s 2024 edition built upon the success of its inaugural year, which featured performances from Jon Batiste, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Daryl Hall, Queen of Axé Daniela Mercury, Cimafunk, The Wailers, Cory Henry, Emily Estefan, Israel Houghton, Cécile McLorin Salvant, and more.

Prestigious Partners Elevate the Experience

Montreux Jazz Festival Miami was honored to have:

💎 Audemars Piguet as its Global Partner, continuing its legacy of supporting music and culture.
🎧 Meyer Sound as the Official Sound Partner, delivering an exceptional audio experience.
🚗 Blacklane as the official mobility partner, providing seamless transportation for artists and guests.
🌊 The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) supporting the festival and promoting Miami’s thriving live music scene.

Hospitality Partners:

🥂 Taittinger, La Fête Wine Co, Bacardí Ocho, SWAF Beer, and Mr. C Miami Coconut Grove.
💧 Saratoga®️ Signature Blue provided premium bottled water throughout the weekend.

With world-class talent, exceptional experiences, and a growing reputation, Montreux Jazz Festival Miami is solidifying itself as a must-attend event for music lovers worldwide.