Montreux Jazz Festival Miami Returns to Coconut Grove with Star-Studded 2025 Lineup Curated by Jon Batiste

Montreux Jazz Festival Miami Announces 2025 Return

The esteemed Montreux Jazz Festival Miami is poised for its highly anticipated return, gracing Coconut Grove with three nights of world-class musical performances and cultural experiences. Scheduled to take place from February 28 to March 2, 2025, the festival will once again transform The Hangar at Regatta Harbour into a vibrant hub for jazz and beyond, offering an intimate setting with a capacity of 1,500 attendees.

This year’s event holds particular significance as the programming will be entirely curated by none other than five-time Grammy and Academy Award winner Jon Batiste, who also holds a co-ownership stake in the festival. Batiste’s unique artistic vision is expected to shape an eclectic and unforgettable experience, blending diverse genres and bringing together renowned talents from across the musical spectrum.

A Curated Artistic Vision by Jon Batiste

Jon Batiste’s involvement extends beyond performance; as curator, he has meticulously assembled a lineup that reflects his broad musical interests and deep respect for artistic innovation. His role as a co-owner underscores a commitment to the festival’s ethos of celebrating musical excellence and fostering connection.

Batiste, known for his groundbreaking work in jazz, R&B, soul, and his role as bandleader for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, brings unparalleled credibility and creative insight to the curatorial process. His influence is expected to draw a diverse audience and showcase a range of artists who push the boundaries of contemporary music while honoring foundational traditions.

The 2025 Performance Lineup Revealed

The festival’s three nights promise a compelling mix of established icons and rising stars:

The opening night on Friday, February 28, will feature performances by keyboardist and vocalist Justin Lee-Schultz, the genre-bending artist WILLOW, and the highly anticipated set by curator Jon Batiste & Friends, promising collaborative surprises.

Saturday, March 1, brings a dynamic fusion of pop, R&B, and soul with performances by British singer-songwriter Griff, the legendary vocalist and multiple Grammy winner Chaka Khan, and the multifaceted artist Janelle Monáe, known for her innovative sound and captivating stage presence.

‘La Descarga’: An Afro-Cuban Grand Finale

The festival culminates on Sunday, March 2, with a truly special event: an Afro-Cuban “La Descarga” improvised jam session. This session, characteristic of spontaneous, high-energy collaborations in Cuban music, will be co-hosted by Jon Batiste and acclaimed Cuban artist Cimafunk. Cimafunk, recognized for blending traditional Cuban rhythms with funk and Afrobeat, is an ideal partner for this vibrant musical convergence.

The “La Descarga” session is set to feature an extraordinary roster of musicians, showcasing masters of Afro-Cuban jazz and beyond. Confirmed participants include the legendary pianist Chucho Valdés, iconic saxophonist Paquito D’Rivera, virtuoso pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba, acclaimed trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf, master percussionist Pedrito Martinez, among others. The lineup also includes celebrated pianist Alfredo Rodriguez and the Colombian group Monsieur Periné, promising an international flair to the improvised proceedings.

This closing session highlights the festival’s commitment to showcasing spontaneous musical creation and celebrating the rich traditions of Latin jazz and global fusion, offering a rare opportunity to witness these masters share the stage.

Beyond the Stage: Masterclasses, Jams, and Culinary Delights

In addition to the main stage performances, the Montreux Jazz Festival Miami is designed as a holistic cultural experience. The festival will offer music masterclasses, providing educational opportunities for aspiring musicians and enthusiasts to learn from some of the world’s leading artists.

The legendary Montreux Jam Sessions, a hallmark of the original Swiss festival, will also be a part of the Miami iteration, offering more intimate, late-night opportunities for artists to collaborate spontaneously in a relaxed setting.

Further enhancing the festival experience are curated dining options featuring acclaimed Miami restaurants. Attendees will have the opportunity to savor culinary creations from establishments such as Sereia by Chef Henrique Sá Pessoa, Celia’s, and Bayshore Club. These dining experiences are integrated to complement the musical journey.

An Intimate Experience by Design

The Montreux Jazz Festival Miami deliberately limits tickets to maintain its intimate atmosphere. With the venue capacity set at 1,500, attendees can expect a more personal connection to the music and the artists, reminiscent of the festival’s roots in creating up-close and memorable musical moments. This limited capacity ensures a premium experience for those fortunate enough to secure attendance.

The return of the Montreux Jazz Festival to Miami’s Coconut Grove, guided by the vision of Jon Batiste and featuring a stellar international lineup alongside educational and culinary offerings, positions the 2025 event as a must-attend fixture on the global cultural calendar.