Three different anniversaries
A quick look at five noteworthy shows Thursday at the Montreal International Jazz Festival:
Alejandra Ribera (7 p.m., Club Soda, 1225 St-Laurent Blvd., $31.50). The Montrealbased singer-songwriter — whose debut album, La Boca, was released in February and features songs in English, French and Spanish — has earned comparisons to Kate Bush, Björk and Tori Amos for her intimate, idiosyncratic compositions and passionate live performances.
Alain Lefèvre and the OSM
(8 p.m., Maison symphonique, $81 to $104). Lefèvre, the Montreal pianist and composer, will be joined by Montreal jazz standouts Michel Donato on double bass and drummer Paul Brochu to celebrate the 90th anniversary of George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, as well as the 35th anniversary of the jazz fest and the OSM’s 80th season. Angélique Kidjo (Metropolis, 59 Ste-Catherine St. E., 8:30 p.m., $34 to $58.55). The acclaimed singer and worldmusic superstar from Benin released her 13th studio album, Eve — a celebration of the strength of African women — earlier this year, as well as her autobiography, Spirit Rising: My Life, My Music. Kidjo is also a UNICEF goodwill ambassador. Woodkid (9:30 p.m., TD Stage, Jeanne-Mance St. and de Maisonneuve Blvd., free). The singer-songwriter from France had Montreal buzzing following his majestic sold-out performance at Metropolis for last year’s jazz fest. He’ll have a chance to convert many more fans as he performs the festival’s traditional free opening blowout, which regularly draws tens of thousands. Roy Hargrove Quintet (10:30 p.m., Gesù — Centre de créativité, 1200 Bleury St., $51.35). Hargrove, the Grammy Award-winning trumpet virtuoso, is known for his adventurous playing, whether as an in-demand sideman for musicians of all stripes or the leader of his own big band and quintet. The latter will be featured at the intimate Gesù. For tickets and more information, visit montrealjazzfest.com. All ticket prices include taxes.