On Saturday, January 11, 2025, the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal brought its celebrated Winter Jazzfest to Brooklyn, offering New Yorkers a vibrant taste of Montréal’s rich jazz scene. Presented by TD Bank, this event transformed venues across Brooklyn and Manhattan into jazz hubs, creating an immersive experience for music lovers. With a dedication to culture and accessibility, the festival brought together artists, communities, and genres in a celebration of music.
In times like this, we need to come together to allow instrumentation to scramble the code of what’s currently happening in the world. Music has the power to do that, especially jazz in winter, here in Brooklyn—and that’s on everything I love.
Among the standout performances, Baby’s All Right hosted a night of soul-stirring sounds featuring two powerhouse female artists, Salin and Dominique Fils-Aimé, who represented the Montréal jazz community with passion and talent.
The Night at Baby’s All Right
Salin: Funk Meets Thai Tradition
Salin, a member of the Salin Group and originally from Thailand, delivered a mesmerizing set in support of her upcoming album, “Rammana,” slated for release on March 28, 2025. Her music seamlessly blends the funk influences of her idol, James Brown, with the sounds of her Thai heritage.
During her eight-song set, Salin showcased her unique artistry, particularly on the track “Puaj”, which featured the Kaan, a traditional Thai instrument. Her fusion of funk, jazz, and Thai aesthetics created a dynamic and unforgettable experience for the Brooklyn audience.
Dominique Fils-Aimé: Haitian Soul in Montréal Jazz
Haitian-born, Montréal-based artist Dominique Fils-Aimé brought her soulful energy to the Winter Jazz Festival. As a presenter and performer, Dominique captivated the crowd with her deep, resonant voice and her ability to weave Haitian rhythms into jazz compositions. Her performance gave Brooklyn a heartfelt glimpse of Montréal’s diverse musical influences.
Modibo: The First Black Talent Buyer in 45 Years
One of the most inspiring figures behind the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal is Modibo Keita, who made history as the first Black talent buyer in the festival’s 45-year existence. His groundbreaking role stems from his work with The Shed Montréal, a cultural platform he created to empower Black creatives and foster collaboration.
From Grassroots to Global Influence
Founded by Modibo, The Shed Montréal began as a series of underground music parties in warehouses. These events blended genres like dancehall, hip-hop, R&B, and kompa, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a Black cookout—a space for joy, creativity, and cultural celebration. The Shed quickly became a hub for 200-300 guests per event, offering Black creatives a platform to share their work and connect with their community.
This success caught the attention of the Montréal International Jazz Festival, where Modibo now curates lineups and champions diversity on a global stage.
A Legacy of Cultural Impact
As a talent buyer for the festival, Modibo continues to break barriers and create opportunities for underrepresented voices in jazz. His work is a testament to how grassroots organizing can transform the landscape of the music industry.
A Celebration of Jazz, Culture, and Community
The Winter Jazz Festival wasn’t just about music—it was about celebrating the culture, history, and innovation of jazz. From the fusion of Salin’s funk and Thai roots to Dominique Fils-Aimé’s soulful Haitian influences, the festival offered an unforgettable showcase of talent.
By highlighting diverse voices and bridging the cultural gap between Montréal and New York, the Winter Jazz Festival reaffirmed why jazz continues to inspire and unite audiences around the world.
Stay Connected
For more information on the Winter Jazz Festival and its artists:
•Montréal International Jazz Festival
Jazz is alive and thriving, bringing cultures, genres, and communities together. Don’t miss the next chapter in this global musical journey!
