Swing, smile, and discover the magic of Louis Armstrong as the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra brings his music to life with music director Alexa Tarantino and host Catherine Russell, whose warm vocals and storytelling have made her a favorite with audiences. Bursting with rhythm and joy, this family-friendly concert introduces young listeners to “Pops” and the spirit that shaped jazz, offering a vibrant first encounter with one of music’s greatest legends.

This program funded through the generosity of Mica and Ahmet Ertegun.

Backed by a full big band, drummer Ulysses Owens Jr. and British-Nigerian bassist Michael Olatuja present a unique concert taking the audience through the evolution of Afrobeat— a genre of West African acoustic music made famous by Fela Kuti— to today’s popular music of West Africa, Afrobeats, a more electrified sound pulling inspiration from Afrobeat. With their innovative approach and high-octane energy, they’ll take you on a thrilling musical journey through the music’s infectious grooves, all set against the stunning backdrop of nighttime Manhattan.

 Generous support for Big Band Afrobeat is provided by Jacqueline L. Bradley and Clarence Otis.

ARNHOLD INNOVATION SERIES

Start with our curated playlist for a taste of the Afro-Caribbean, Latin, and West African rhythms behind this powerful program, then join Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra live as they welcome Grammy Award–winning pianist Danilo Pérez and saxophonist Godwin Louis for a vibrant night connecting Africa and the Americas. With Grammy Award–winning vocalist Catherine Russell, spoken word artist Yvette Modestin, and master percussionist Weedie Braimah, the evening builds into a dynamic celebration of sound, story, and movement that fills the hall with energy.

Made possible by the John and Jody Arnhold Innovation Fund.

Guitar icon Bill Frisell takes over the Appel Room for a star-studded weekend that looks to the future while renewing the past. On Friday, he continues his "In My Dreams" project with longtime collaborators Jenny Scheinman, Hank Roberts, Eyvind Kang, Tony Scherr, and Rudy Royston. On Saturday, he's joined by vocalist Petra Haden, drummer Tim Angulo, and trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire.

Join the WeBop Family Jazz Band for a high-energy musical adventure that brings the joyful rhythms of Africa and the African Diaspora to life!

Overtures to Africa explores Africa’s influence on some of jazz’s greatest legends: Charles Mingus, Thelonious Monk, Dizzy Gillespie, and Max Roach. Part of the Journey Through Jazz concert series, this performance brings the JLCO and music director, drummer Domo Branch, to the intimate Appel Room, delving into the profound impact of African culture on jazz.

Part of the Lynne and Richard Pasculano Jazz Series, this is a pay-what-you-choose performance and not part of subscriptions.

Join us at our annual fundraiser, the premier event of the season for all who support the mission of Jazz at Lincoln Center. The Gala concert will feature performances by the incomparable Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and special guests Wynton Marsalis, Rubén Blades, Aymeé Nuviola, Dancers from AILEY (Premiering new choreography by Samantha Figgins of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater), Shenel Johns, Ekep Nkwelle, Anthony Almonte, Herlin Riley, Jeremy Bosch, and more.

From the first notes of the blues to the sounds that reshaped American music, JLCO saxophonist Sherman Irby leads an electrifying journey through this foundational tradition, beginning with W. C. Handy, the “Father of the Blues.” Joined by longtime collaborator and vocalist Kenny Washington, praised by Wynton Marsalis as “a real improviser who brings depth to everything he does,” along with special guests James Zito on banjo and guitar and vocal sensation Ekep Nkwelle, Irby traces the blues up the Mississippi River, celebrating its roots in American culture and its lasting influence on the music that followed.

Piano titan Oscar Peterson looms large as one of the 20th century’s great improvisers. Join us for a star-studded night in honor of one of the piano’s greatest practitioners.

Generous support for Oscar Peterson: A Centennial Celebration is provided by Keith Reinhard.

The JLCO and special guests commemorate the centennial of one of jazz’s most influential figures, Miles Davis. Featuring the orchestrations of one of Davis’ greatest collaborators, the endlessly inventive Gil Evans, these performances demonstrate why the innovative trumpeter’s big band work was every bit as important as his small group output.

Major support for Sketches of Miles is provided by Angela and Robert Kissane.

This show has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. Questions? Please contact customerservice@jazz.org.

Trumpeter Etienne Charles, known for his innovative stagings of Caribbean lore, returns to the Appel Room to present Folklore LIVE Vol. 2. Charles unveils new musical stories rooted in various elements of the African diaspora—including, but not limited to, Lowcountry Gullah-Geechee rituals, Haitian Vodou, Afro-Mexican Son Jarocho, and Garifuna rhythms—blending big band textures with dancers, masquerade, and spoken word.

The JLCO with Wynton Marsalis lights up Rose Theater with a high-energy celebration of Brazilian jazz, powered by Latin Grammy–winning bandolin virtuoso Hamilton de Holanda, who performs throughout the night. The concert brings the iconic sound of Moacir Santos to the stage, honoring the pioneering composer whose work helped define Brazil’s modern musical identity, and pairs it with Holanda’s own electrifying new music. Together, the program bursts with rhythm, color, and the unmistakable pulse of Brazil.

Back by popular demand, Blues Jam returns to Rose Theater for an electrifying night of soul, featuring Grammy Award winners, beloved icons, and rising stars—all celebrating the enduring power of the blues with a fresh, modern edge.