The Osheaga Music and Arts Festival, held annually in Montreal, Quebec, is a major highlight in the summer festival circuit. Known for its diverse lineup and vibrant atmosphere, this year’s festival was no exception. Spanning from August 2nd to August 4th, the event took place at the stunning Jean-Drapeau Park, offering a picturesque setting alongside the Saint Lawrence River.
This year’s line-up reflected the diversity of the global music scene. From indie rock to electronic beats, the festival showcased both established stars and emerging talent. Artists such as Chappel Roan, Teddy Swims, Green Day, Elyanna, Tyla, Sza and Noah Kahan were on the bill.
Osheaga is renowned for its lively and eclectic atmosphere. This year, the festival maintained its reputation with a vibrant crowd, engaging art installations, and a variety of food and beverage options from local vendors. The energy on the grounds was palpable, with fans fully immersing themselves in the festival experience.
Friday
Kicking off the weekend on the Green Stage, Mimi Webb delivered an exceptional performance that highlighted her vocal prowess and emotional depth. From the moment she took the stage, she captivated the audience with her dynamic presence and heartfelt delivery. Next up, Arlo Parks delivered a memorable and emotionally impactful experience on the Valley Stage. Arlo Parks’ stage presence was both intimate and engaging. She interacted with the audience in a heartfelt manner, sharing personal stories and insights that added depth to her performance. Her presence on stage was marked by a gentle yet confident demeanor, making the concert feel like a personal and shared experience. On the Bell stage, Teddy Swims delivered a powerhouse performance that showcased his vocal range and charismatic stage presence. From the moment he appeared on stage, he commanded attention with his energetic and emotionally charged delivery. His ability to seamlessly blend elements of soul, R&B, and pop created a dynamic and engaging live experience. The second to last performance of the day was breathtaking. Melanie Martinez’s stage presence was both engaging and theatrical. She effectively utilized visuals and costumes to create a compelling and immersive experience. Her charismatic performance and attention to detail in her staging made the concert feel like a live extension of her artistic vision. Headlining the main stage, Noah Kahan performed a captivating and emotionally resonant set. He showcased his impressive vocal ability and storytelling skills. Sharing a few stories about his previous experience attending Osheaga, he quickly won over the crowd with his charisma. From the moment he began, it was clear that his connection with the audience would be the centerpiece of the evening. Kahan’s performance was marked by a blend of introspective lyrics and energetic, crowd-pleasing moments.
Saturday
Opening the second day of the festival, New West delivered a captivating performance that showcased their musical versatility and depth. The band’s energy and enthusiasm were palpable, creating an immersive experience for the audience. The festival grounds filled up very quickly early in the day for one of the most awaited sets of the weekend: Chappel Roan. From the moment Chappell Roan took the stage, the energy was electric. Her performance was a blend of charisma, emotion, and sheer talent. Roan’s vocal prowess was on full display as she navigated through her setlist with ease, delivering each song with the passion and intensity that her fans have come to love. Headlining the Valley stage, Labrinth’s performance was a masterclass in musical artistry. From the moment he took the stage, he commanded attention with his powerful vocals and charismatic energy. His ability to blend elements of electronic, soul, and R&B created an immersive and electrifying atmosphere.
Sunday
Starting the last day of the festival, Elyanna’s show was a highly anticipated event, drawing fans eager to experience her unique blend of R&B and Arabic music. Elyanna delivered a compelling and immersive performance that highlighted her vocal prowess and charismatic stage presence. From the opening song, it was clear that her live show would be an emotionally engaging experience. After some delays due to the weather, Raye finally performed on the Coors Light stage. Raye delivered a dynamic and engaging performance that showcased her impressive vocal range and versatility. The audience was highly engaged and responsive throughout the concert. Fans reacted with enthusiasm, participating in sing-alongs and showing appreciation for Raye’s performance. Attracting a huge crowd to the Valley, Tyla’s performance underscored her skills as a vocalist and performer, making for an unforgettable night of live music. The visual and production elements of the concert were impressive and complemented Tyla’s music well. The stage featured a huge inflatable tiger where she sang on its back. With a well-curated setlist, engaging stage presence, and effective production, the concert was a memorable experience for both long-time fans and newcomers.
The performances at Osheaga were a testament to the festival’s commitment to delivering a diverse and high-quality musical experience. From exhilarating headliner sets to promising performances by emerging artists, the festival offered a memorable lineup that catered to a wide range of musical tastes. Whether you were there for the big names or to discover new talent, Osheaga delivered an impressive array of live music that left a lasting impression.
Osheaga will be back in Montreal next summer on August 1st through August 3rd for which you can already get tickets here.
Photos by Marjorie Halle: Website // Instagram
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