Fifteen years of Monday Jazz in Gatineau

Tashi Farmilo

For the past 15 years, local jazz musicians have gathered every Monday night at 9 pm at Le Minotaure in Gatineau, offering free performances in an intimate cabaret setting. The weekly series is driven by a shared commitment to musical experimentation and community.

“The Monday Jazz night is a bit of a secret,” said Philippe Roy, co-owner of Le Minotaure and president of L’Ambassade Culturelle. “It deserves to be discovered more. If you know, you know, as they say.”

The series began at Le Petit Chicago before moving to Le Minotaure, where it has become a fixture of the local scene. Though the format has evolved over the years, from informal jam sessions to a curated lineup booked months in advance, the spirit remains the same: accessible, artist-driven, and open to all forms of jazz.

“There’s a very close proximity between the crowd and the artists,” Roy said. “The vibe is mostly laid-back, sometimes experimental. All kinds of jazz are welcome.”

For musicians in the region, the event has become a space for exploration and risk-taking. “It’s a playground, a safe space,” Roy said. “A place to practice, to try new things, or just to let go and enjoy the space in front of an attentive crowd. It’s always such a pleasure to dive into their world. We have truly excellent jazz musicians in the region.”

Le Minotaure is located at 3 Rue Kent in the Hull Sector of Gatineau. Though the concerts are free, artists accept voluntary contributions from the audience.