Go to the Upstairs, located close to you in Shaughnessy Village, and discover the biggest names in Jazz in a cozy atmosphere reminiscent of 1920’s New York!
The century-old buildings lining Mackay Street in Shaughnessy Village hide a closely guarded secret for Montreal music lovers. The Upstairs offers nightly jazz concerts appealing to both newcomers and true fans (like us!)
The discreet façade sets the tone: the atmosphere is understated and tasteful. Black and white are the primary colors, much like the aesthetics of a musical score.
Around 9:00pm, the place fills with groups of friends and music lovers. Here, we eat and listen to jazz! The menus and risers are decorated with a piano key motif, and the walls feature pictures of the great masters of jazz such as Miles Davis, Nina Simone and Louis Armstrong. One of the hottest spots in a changing Montreal, Upstairs has been animating the scene for over 20 years.
Let yourself be swept away by the sounds of piano, bass, guitar and saxophone while sipping a Negroni or Old Fashioned: you’ll be transported to John Coltrane’s New York! The jazz bar also offers a wide selection of beer and wine and a varied menu of dishes (salads, grills, tapas and pasta.) A modest sum of $8 (most of the time) will be added to your bill for the musical entertainment.
We had the chance to hear the Sam Dickinson Trio, who performed jazz classics and original compositions to the delight of the mesmerized audience. The three musicians – a drummer, a guitarist and a bass player – are from Toronto. They’re regulars at Upstairs, so you’ll certainly get the chance to hear them!
Our low-budget suggestion: The show is free if you get there for the last third of the show! You can enjoy half an hour of great jazz music, without spending a dime. It’s the ideal place to visit!
Getting tired of your three favorite bars? Whether for a drink and a show or to deepen your knowledge of jazz, blues and bibop, the Upstairs is the place for you. Go ahead and jazz up your evening!
Upstairs – Jazz, Bar & Grill
1254 Mackay Street
514-931-6808
Monday to Thursday: 11:30am – 1:00am
Friday: 11:30am – 2:00am
Saturday: 5:30pm – 2:00am
Sunday: 6:30pm – 1:00am
