Montreal's Soul of the City showcases local R&B and soul talent across four nights

Montreal's inaugural Soul of the City festival arrives Wednesday, August 12, with four nights of R&B and soul showcases built by and for the artists who've been filling the city's venues for years.

The festival spans three venues clustered on the Main: Casa del Popolo, La Sala Rossa, and La Sotterenea. The lineup features Clerel, Janette King, Avery Jane, Nora, Hanorah, Olivia Khoury, and Nyota Parker as headliners, supported by a deep roster of local openers including Sara-Danielle, Aphrose, Kola, Rose Adams, Gemini Crab, Christian, Coco Rose, Zaynab, Victoria Jean, YZABO, Sankya, and Zibuwa.

The festival kicks off Wednesday with a mixer at Café Bravo bringing artists and industry figures together, followed by the first night of music. Thursday and Friday each feature double-header shows across venues. Saturday closes the festival with a 5 à 7 on the Casa terrasse.

Co-founded by Elizabeth Hanley (Hanorah), Sarah Armiento, Christian Henegan-Comeau, and Avery Jane Paul, Soul of the City was built to give Montreal's soul and R&B community "the dedicated platform and industry attention they deserve." The organizers say the festival fills a gap in the city's event landscape, after years of local artists building momentum in clubs and smaller rooms. Ticket and timing information is available on the festival website.