Opening Gala with Dawn Tyler Watson

Gala • Jazz Music •
Date

October 27, 2026

1 performance

7:30 p.m.
Price
Regular: $35 to $65 Tx and fees incl. Youth rate available 

To celebrate its 11th edition, Festival Stella Musica, under the artistic direction of pianist Katarzyna Musiał, opens with a vibrant evening bringing together outstanding women from different cultures, generations, and musical worlds.

This evening will be headlined by Dawn Tyler Watson. A JUNO Award winner and recipient of numerous prestigious distinctions, she is one of the leading voices of Canadian blues. She captivates audiences with her stage presence and her unique style, which blends blues, jazz, soul, gospel, and rock.

She will be joined by exceptional guests, including Djely Tapa, a two-time JUNO Award-winning Canadian-Malian singer-songwriter who bridges West African traditions with contemporary

sonorities. Coming from a family of griots, she blends West African musical traditions with contemporary sounds. Rachel Therrien, an internationally renowned, GRAMMY-nominated jazz trumpet player and composer; Cécile Doo-Kingué, an award-winning guitarist and singer-songwriter influenced by blues, soul, jazz, and Afro-roots; and the up-and-coming Montreal singer-songwriter Rachel Dara complete the lineup.

From blues and jazz to West African influences, soul, and contemporary songwriting, this colourful evening celebrates artistic encounters, cultural diversity, and the power of women in music.

  • Duration 2h with intermission
  • Production / Presentation

    Stella Musica Festival

"One of Canada's true Blues treasures."

Blues Music Magazine

"Her fabulous voice and incandescent stage presence make her the Queen of the Blues in Montreal."

Journal de Montréal

"Watson, in a nutshell, smokes. She has a kit bag full of smooth moves, and a personality that lifts off the page."

Blues Revue Magazine

"What stands out in her show is stage presence - a subtle and sophisticated confidence that exudes class."

Canadianblues.ca
01/04

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