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Ottawa Jazz Festival Announces Third Wave of Artists Featuring BADBADNOTGOOD, Becca Stevens Trio, Tomoki Sanders, Takuya Kuroda & Big Smoke Brass


The Ottawa Jazz Festival announces its third wave of artists for its 46th annual edition, taking place June 19–28, 2026, further expanding its diverse and genre-spanning lineup. The third wave of artists will be announced on Wednesday, April 8 at 10 a.m. EDT, with tickets going on sale Thursday, April 9 at 10 a.m. EDT.


Returning to downtown Ottawa, performances will be presented at Confederation Park and the National Arts Centre (NAC). By bringing the Festival’s outdoor programming into a more connected and walkable footprint, this expanded layout creates a unified musical experience at the heart of the city. Situated between Elgin Street and the Lieutenant Colonel John By Fountain, the new Elgin St. Stage allows audiences to move seamlessly between performances, deepening their engagement with the Festival’s diverse programming in a shared, immersive environment.


Newly announced performers include Toronto’s BADBADNOTGOOD, the internationally acclaimed group known for redefining modern jazz through collaborations across hip-hop and beyond. They are joined by the Becca Stevens Trio, led by twice GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter Becca Stevens, whose work blends pop, jazz, folk, indie rock, and world music.


Also joining the lineup are saxophonist Tomoki Sanders, known for a sound rooted in spiritual jazz and contemporary influences, and trumpeter Takuya Kuroda, recognized for his fusion of jazz, funk, and soul.


Rounding out the announcement is Big Smoke Brass, known for high-energy performances and brass arrangements shaped by hip-hop, pop, and street culture.


In addition to live performances, the Festival will present “In Conversation with the Grateful Dead’s Legacy Manager and Archivist David Lemieux”, offering audiences a behind-the-scenes look at The Grateful Dead's legacy.


These artists join previously announced performers including St. Vincent, WILLOW, Jeff Goldblum, Hiromi, and Ibrahim Maalouf, reinforcing the Festival’s reputation as one of North America’s leading destinations for boundary-pushing music.


Third Wave Artists: 2026 Lineup

Tickets on Sale: Thursday, April 9 at 10am EDT


June 19: BADBADNOTGOOD — Jazz / Hip-Hop / Instrumental

June 19: Becca Stevens Trio — Jazz / Folk / Indie / Singer-Songwriter

June 19: Big Smoke Brass — Brass / Hip-Hop / Live Band

June 19: Takuya Kuroda — Jazz / Funk / Soul

June 21: In Conversation with David Lemieux — Talk / Special Presentation

June 26: Tomoki Sanders — Jazz / Spiritual Jazz / Contemporary


“Ottawa Jazz Festival is a place where audiences and artists meet on equal ground, where the music is raw, generous, and deeply human,” says Petr Cancura, Executive & Artistic Director. “It’s where tradition and innovation exist side by side, we’re excited to share this incredible lineup with you.”




For full festival details and ticket information, please visit ottawajazzfestival.com.

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