Music Festival

Summer Comes to La Note Bleue in Monaco

IARLA BYRNE4 May, 202611 Mins read481

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La Note Bleue in Monaco unveils the programme for its 2026 Summer Festival, which starts later this month and runs until the end of August.

For over two decades, La Note Bleue has stood as a cornerstone of live music, championing talent from the local scene to the international stage. Through its celebrated Summer Music Festival and its weekly live sessions, the venue has built a reputation for quality, atmosphere, and musical discovery.

This year’s programme pays tribute to that legacy. Artists who helped shape some of the venue’s most memorable moments return to the stage, offering audiences a chance to relive the energy, and for newer visitors, to experience it for the first time.

If you’ve yet to step inside, consider this your invitation. Expect a summer rich with sound and variety, where Funk, Soul, Jazz, and an eclectic mix of genres set the tone. It’s the kind of place where you don’t just attend a gig – you stumble upon your next favourite act.

SUMMER FESTIVAL PROGRAMME 2026

Scott Allen – Friday, 29th May

Soul, RnB, Funk

^{Video via LaNoteBleue on YouTube}

Scott Allen has earned near-legendary status within the local Funk scene – a musician whose name carries weight wherever groove is taken seriously. With a career spanning decades, he has devoted himself to spreading the Funk gospel both at home and across international stages.

A seasoned performer with undeniable presence, Scott has long been a cornerstone of the club’s identity. As a resident artist, he has consistently delivered high-energy live sets that keep audiences coming back, driven by rhythm, soul, and a deep-rooted passion for the music.

Jéroboam – Saturday, 30th May

Funk, Boogie, Disco

In just three short years, Jéroboam have wasted no time making their mark. With a string of underground classics released on Space Grapes (Danilo Plessow), Chuwanaga, and a full-length LP on Favorite Recordings, they’ve quickly emerged as one of the most compelling new forces in contemporary soul-funk.

^{Video via Echoes Of on YouTube}

But records only tell part of the story. Jéroboam are, at their core, a live band – tight, explosive, and built for the dancefloor. Their sound is rooted in funk tradition, yet never stuck in the past. Through sharp, original compositions and an unrelenting sense of groove, they capture the grit, fire, and spirit that define the genre, while driving it forward with real urgency. This isn’t revivalism – it’s funk, alive and kicking in the present tense.

Formula 1 GP Weekend with La Note Bleue DJs – 4th to 7th June

DJ sets, House, Disco, Funk

La Note Bleue shifts gears into full Grand Prix mode. As the energy of the big race takes hold, resident DJs step up across all four days, soundtracking the occasion with a sun-soaked selection of grooves that keep the momentum alive long after the engines fade. Amid the buzz and spectacle, the venue offers a welcome counterpoint – a place to step back, breathe, and reset by the sea.

Les Nubians – Friday 12th & Saturday 13th June

Neo-Soul, RnB

Pioneers of the Neo-Soul movement in France, Les Nubians carved out a sound entirely their own, where Afro roots meet European soul with effortless depth and style. Emerging in the late ’90s and flourishing into the 2000s, the sister duo, Hélène and Célia Faussart, quickly established themselves as one of the genre’s most distinctive voices.

^{Video via Les Nubians Official on YouTube}

Drawing inspiration from icons like Sade and Soul II Soul, they wove together smooth, hypnotic grooves with hip hop textures and rich African rhythms. The result was music that felt both grounded and global, earning them a Grammy nomination for their second album and building a loyal following well beyond Europe, particularly in the United States.

Now, they return for a rare double performance – two nights steeped in soul, where timeless sound meets enduring artistry.

Oscar Jerome – Friday 19th & Saturday 20th June

Jazz, Soul

A former member of the acclaimed collective Kokoroko, Oscar Jerome has steadily carved out his own path at the forefront of the UK’s ever-evolving jazz scene. As a bandleader, songwriter and guitarist, he continues to shape a sound that resists easy definition – fluid, exploratory, and unmistakably his.

^{Video via Hendrix Flat Sessions on YouTube}

His playing is woven into the fabric of London’s thriving musical landscape, both through high-profile collaborations and a growing body of solo work. Drawing on the spirit of Prince and Jimi Hendrix, the introspective storytelling of John Martyn, the desert blues touch of Ali Farka Touré, and production sensibilities reminiscent of Q-Tip, Jerome blends influences with a natural, unforced ease.

The result is music that feels both rooted and forward-looking – crafted with precision, yet alive with spontaneity. One of the most distinctive voices of his generation, Oscar Jerome stands firmly in a lane of his own.

More Than Soul – Friday, 26th June

Acid Jazz

More Than Soul pays tribute to the legacy of Acid Jazz with a sound that’s both faithful and alive, blending Jazz, Soul, Funk, and Blues into a rich, groove-driven experience. It’s music built on feel – tight, expressive, and rooted in a tradition that never really went away.

^{Video via OB2M LIVE Music on YouTube}

At the centre stands Virginie Behem, whose powerful, soulful voice carries the band with confidence and depth. Backed by a razor-sharp four-piece rhythm section, the group taps into the spirit of the late ’80s and ’90s jazz scene, when groove was king, and every note meant something, while delivering it with the energy of a live act that knows exactly what it’s doing.

Tamo Junto – Saturdays 27th June, 18th July & 22nd August

Samba, Roda de Samba, Carnaval

Tamo Junto, one of the most vibrant Brazilian collectives on the French Riviera, takes over La Note Bleue this summer with a lively monthly mini-residency. Known for their infectious energy and deep connection to tradition, the group brings an authentic slice of Brazil’s musical culture straight to the shoreline.

Step into the spirit of Carnival and lose yourself in the rhythm of a true Roda de Samba – raw, communal, and driven by groove. With voices, percussion, and strings in full swing, it’s the kind of atmosphere that feels spontaneous yet deeply rooted. By the sea, under open skies, it’s as close as it gets to Rio without leaving the coast.

Shiny Gospel – Friday, 3rd July

Modern Gospel

^{Video via Shiny Gospel on YouTube}

Shiny Gospel brings a fresh, modern take on a timeless tradition. Led by the charismatic Virginie Behem – renowned locally for both her voice and her presence as a choir leader – the formation blends classic gospel roots with the broader spectrum of contemporary influences.

Drawing from the evolution of gospel in the United States, the band weaves in elements of funk, rock, and reggae, giving the sound a dynamic, uplifting edge. The result is a performance that doesn’t just stay on stage; it pulls you in. Expect an atmosphere charged with energy, where clapping hands, moving feet, and a chorus of “Hallelujah” come naturally before you even realise it.

Brooklyn Funk Essentials – Saturday, 4th July

Funk, Soul, Acid Jazz

With a career spanning more than three decades, Brooklyn Funk Essentials have built a reputation as one of the most daring and genre-defying collectives in modern funk. Blending soul, hip-hop, spoken word, jazz, and, of course, deep-rooted funk, their sound has always pushed boundaries while staying firmly grounded in groove.

Seven studio albums in, the group has long proven that their strength lies just as much on stage as in the studio. Renowned for their explosive live shows, they’ve captivated audiences across every continent, amassing a devoted global following and over 65 million digital streams along the way.

^{Video via Brooklyn Funk Essentials on YouTube}

Returning to headline the summer festival for the third time, the collective arrives in full force – this time fronted by UK powerhouse Alison Limerick. Expect nothing subtle: this is high-impact, full-throttle funk, delivered with the kind of energy that doesn’t just fill a room, it shakes it to its core. No better way to spend Independence Day!

The Sankofa Family – A Tribute to Angie Stone & D’Angelo – Friday 10th & Saturday, 11th July

Neo-Soul, RnB

In 2025, the music world bid farewell to two towering figures of soul, Angie Stone and D’Angelo. In their honour, the Sankofa family presents a vibrant live tribute, bringing together a collective of outstanding performers to celebrate their enduring legacy through music that defined a generation.

Since its founding in 2006, the Sankofa Soul Contest has grown into a cornerstone of the national scene for Soul and R&B talent. More than a competition, it has become a proving ground—spotlighting and nurturing some of the most compelling voices of today. Led by Joby Smith and David Smite, the platform has also served as a natural springboard toward major TV stages such as The Voice and Nouvelle Star.

This tribute show carries that same spirit: a meeting point of legacy and new talent, rooted in soul and driven by artists who carry it forward.

Nux Vomica – Friday, 17th July

Carnaval Ragga-niçois, Musique Occitane

^{Video via Nux Vomica on YouTube}

In the spirit of Massilia Sound System, Nux Vomica stand as a cornerstone of Nice’s local scene – fearless in their fusion of folklore, ragga, rap, and a rich mix of Mediterranean influences. Their sound is as much about identity as it is about rhythm, rooted in place but open to the world.

On stage, it’s a different story altogether: raw, high-energy, and impossible to ignore. Drawing on the wild, unfiltered spirit of carnival, the band delivers performances that feel more like celebrations than concerts. Expect nothing restrained – this is a full-blown burst of joy and percussion, a vibrant and proudly Nissart melting pot that brings people together the only way that really works: through rhythm, movement, and noise.

Brian Jackson – Friday 24th & Saturday, 25th July

Jazz Funk, Soul, Rare Grooves

As co-author, co-producer, and key collaborator, Brian Jackson played an essential role in shaping some of Gil Scott-Heron’s most celebrated works – from Winter in America to the iconic “The Bottle,” and far beyond. His musical reach didn’t stop there, going on to work alongside heavyweights such as Kool & The Gang and Roy Ayers.

After launching a solo career in the ’90s, Jackson has seen a strong resurgence in recent years, with a string of releases on BBE and a new album produced by house legends Masters at Work, enriched by a wide range of collaborations.

^{Video via BBC Music on YouTube}

Now, he returns to the stage with the unmistakable sound of his Fender Rhodes and a presence that remains as captivating as ever, delivering a performance rooted in history, yet fully alive in the moment.

Flexie Muiso & Rom D Collective – Friday, 31st July

Soul, Funk

Flexie returns to La Note Bleue, and it’s been a long time coming. The English singer of Nigerian origin left a lasting impression on the venue, and his comeback carries a sense of unfinished business.

Reunited with his longtime collaborator Rom D and their collective, the group is gearing up for a night built on chemistry and experience. Expect a carefully crafted set blending original material with standout covers, moving seamlessly through Soul, R&B, Funk, and Jazz.

One night, no filler – just musicians who know exactly how to deliver.

JVNO – Saturday, 1st August

Jazz, Funk, RnB

^{Video via JVNO on YouTube}

Driven by raw energy and the hunger of a band on the rise, JVNO arrive with the kind of spark you don’t manufacture. This young quartet has already cut its teeth on stage, building confidence where it matters most: in front of a live audience.

Their sound sits at the crossroads of Jazz, Funk, and contemporary Soul, shaped by influences such as Jamiroquai, Tom Misch, and Incognito. But this isn’t imitation, it’s a foundation. What they bring is tight, modern, and forward-moving, with just enough edge to stand apart.

Early days, yes – but the direction is clear, and the intent is there.

Larry Houl – Friday 7th & Saturday, 8th August

Groove, Funk

Larry Houl has spent the past decade carving out a solid place in France’s house and nu-disco scene. With a voice that recalls the smooth, unmistakable tone of Jamiroquai’s Jay Kay, he’s brought his signature touch to a wide range of collaborations, working alongside names like Demuja, Jean Tonique, and Oden & Fatzo.

At his core, he’s a songwriter, but just as comfortable behind the decks, Houl understands how to build a night from the ground up, setting the tone, lifting the energy, and keeping it there. There’s no guesswork to it; it’s experience doing the heavy lifting.

For these special shows, he steps out with a full live band, raising the stakes properly. Expect a performance that starts strong and doesn’t let up – exactly as it should be.

Hyleen – Friday 14th & Saturday, 15th August

Soul, Funk, Pop

^{Video via Hyleen Official on YouTube}

Hyleen is a French guitarist, singer, and composer whose sound moves effortlessly between soul, funk, jazz, and pop. Since the release of her debut EP U & I in 2013, she has steadily built momentum, refining her voice, sharpening her songwriting, and earning her place on the scene through consistency rather than hype.

Along the way, she’s collaborated with respected figures such as Omar and Franck McComb, released her acclaimed first album B-Side in 2016, and now returns with Majestic Land in 2026 – her most assured work to date.

Over the years, Hyleen has become a reliable name in French soul: grounded, skilled, and still evolving. Bringing her and her band back to the stage feels less like a booking and more like a natural continuation.

Emily Johnson – Tribute to Whitney Houston – Friday, 21st August

Soul, RnB

^{Video via Emily Johnson Official on YouTube}

Emily Johnson is a powerhouse vocalist whose career has seen her collaborate with renowned figures such as John McLaughlin and Narada Michael Walden – names closely tied to legends like Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, and Sting. With that pedigree comes both experience and authority on stage.

For this special evening, she steps out with a full nine-piece band to deliver a dedicated tribute to the one and only Whitney Houston. Done properly, this isn’t imitation, it’s a celebration of one of the greatest voices in modern music, carried by a singer who has the range and presence to do it justice. Seats are limited, and rightly so.

The GroovyBoyz – Friday, 28th August

Funk

The GroovyBoyz deal in groove, and they do it properly. Their sound runs from ’70s funk in the spirit of James Brown through reggae, jazz, and neo-soul, shifting between vocal numbers and tight instrumental passages without losing momentum.

Formed between San Remo and Nice, the band started simply – just a few gigs, no grand plan. But the chemistry was there, undeniable. What began casually quickly turned serious, leading to the release of a debut EP in 2023 that put their name firmly on the map.

^{Video via GroovyBoyz on YouTube}

This is an evening built around funk as it should be played: raw, rhythmic, and honest. No shortcuts – just the real thing.

Carlos Lopes – Saturday, 29th August

Soul, Jazz, Pop, Funana, Morna

Carlos Lopes draws from his vibrant Creole roots to shape a sound that feels both rich in heritage and firmly contemporary. Blending Afro-pop with touches of soul, jazz, and R&B, his music carries the warmth and rhythm of his Cabo Verdean background while embracing a modern edge.

A natural songwriter, he has a knack for crafting instantly memorable tracks, delivered with a sense of joy and charisma that translates effortlessly on stage. It’s music that connects quickly and sticks with you.

His return to the stage is one people have been waiting for – and with good reason.

All shows get underway at 9 pm, except the Tamo Junto shows, which start at 6 pm. Admission is free to the Summer Festival, but you need to reserve your table in advance by calling +377 93 500 502

And when summer fades, the music doesn’t. From September through May, La Note Bleue keeps the rhythm alive with its Wednesday night sessions, spotlighting some of the finest local musicians alongside a rotating lineup of unexpected guests.