The second annual Montreux Jazz Festival Miami drew a sold-out crowd to The Hangar at Regatta Harbour from Feb. 28 to March 2. Widely regarded as the crown jewel of jazz festivals, it showcased stellar performances from some of the genre’s biggest legends.
The festivities kicked off on Friday night with Jon Batiste & Friends, featuring a lively 20-piece band and surprise appearances by JoJo, Lauren Daigle, Maxwell and Matteo Bocelli. A late-night jam session with more than 30 artists, including Shania Twain and Lauren Jauregui, left audiences craving more.
The excitement continued the following day with show-stopping performances by Chaka Khan and Janelle Monáe, who wowed audiences with their commanding vocals and high-energy sets. Another legendary jam session led by Batiste — the Grammy and Academy Award-winning artist and co-owner of the festival — brought the night to a spectacular close.
Sunday evening wrapped up the festival with “La Descarga” jam session, followed by breathtaking performances from Cuban jazz legends Chucho Valdés and Paquito D’Rivera, who blended jazz, salsa and soul into a dynamic finale.
Festivalgoers also savored exquisite dishes from Michelin-starred Chef Henrique Sá Pessoa and explored a pop-up installation from Wynwood’s Dante’s HiFi vinyl bar.
For more information, visit shorefire.com.
Photo by Valerie Chaparro
Jon Batiste