Jazz at Lincoln Center

Jazz at Lincoln Center was named a recipient of the inaugural America’s Most Admired Culture Award, an honor recognizing nonprofit organizations that exemplify leadership excellence, organizational integrity, and mission-driven impact. Presented by DRiWaterstone Human Capital, these awards celebrate institutions that demonstrate how strong values, engaged teams, and purpose-driven leadership drive meaningful, lasting results in their communities. On April 22, Katasha Harley, JALC Chief Human Resources Officer and Janna Spock, JALC Chief Development Officer, proudly represented our organization at the reception in Washington, D.C. Photos: DRiWaterstone’s CEO Doug Trout, Janna Spock, JALC Chief Development Officer and Katasha Harley, JALC Chief Human Resources Officer by Connor Studios

Thank you to everyone who joined us on April 15, 2026 for Jazz at Lincoln Center’s 2026 Gala “Rhythms That Move the World,” a remarkable evening hosted by Angela Bassett, with music direction by Carlos Henriquez and featuring the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and a star-studded list of special guests. Proceeds from "Rhythms That Move the World," an exclusive benefit performance, support Jazz at Lincoln Center’s mission to entertain, enrich, and expand a global community for jazz through performance, education, and advocacy. For more information on Jazz at Lincoln Center and to view the schedule of upcoming events, visit jazz.org Photo 1 by Gilberto Tadday/Jazz at Lincoln Center Photo 2 by Gilberto Tadday/Jazz at Lincoln Center: Keith Reinhard (Jazz at Lincoln Center board member, front, seated); Will Zeckendorf (Jazz at Lincoln Center board member, rear table) Photo 3 by Rachel Elkind/Jazz at Lincoln Center: Cosimo Fabrizio (Jazz at Lincoln Center board member) Photo 4 by Gilberto Tadday/ Jazz at Lincoln Center Photo 5 by Rachel Elkind/Jazz at Lincoln Center: Michael Morley (Jazz at Lincoln Center board member) Photo 6 by Leandro Badalotti/Jazz at Lincoln Center Gala host Angela Bassett and Wynton Marsalis Photo 7 by Leandro Badalotti/ Jazz at Lincoln Center Music Director and JLCO Bassist Carlos Henriquez

Just Announced: Angela Bassett, Academy Award–nominated, Golden Globe–winning actor and esteemed producer, director, and philanthropist will host the 2026 Jazz at Lincoln Center Gala “Rhythms That Move the World” on April 15, 2026. Ms. Bassett previously co-hosted Jazz at Lincoln Center’s 2022 Gala, bringing her signature poise and presence to the evening in support of the organization’s mission to entertain, enrich, and expand a global community for jazz. “Rhythms That Move the World,” anchored by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and music directed by JLCO bassist Carlos Henriquez, includes performances by special guests: Wynton Marsalis, vocalists Rubén Blades, Shenel Johns, Aymée Nuviola, Jeremy Bosch, and Ekep Nkwelle, drummer Herlin Riley, percussionists Cyro Baptista, bongosero Marcos Lopez , conguero Bobby Allende, members of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater premiering new choreography by Samantha Figgins, and more. The all-star and multi-generational lineup performs songs honoring the defining rhythms of the African diaspora. Concert only tickets are still available. For more information: jazz.org/galaconcert Photo by D’Andre Michael

Jazz at Lincoln Center announces its 2026–27 season, an international celebration of the music, vision, and influence of Wynton Marsalis, featuring the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and lineup of virtuoso musicians and emerging talent.   This 39th season in The House of Swing features 32 programs and 90 concerts celebrating the achievements of Wynton Marsalis as the founder and managing and artistic director of Jazz at Lincoln Center and his profound impact on modern jazz.   Current subscribers can take advantage of a priority period beginning today through May 1, 2026 before single sale tickets go on sale to the general public on May 19, 2026.                            For Jazz at Lincoln Center’s 2026-27 season concert schedule, visit jazz.org/26-27

Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Gala “Rhythms That Move the World” is coming up on Wednesday, April 15, at 7 p.m. ET. On this special evening, Jazz at Lincoln Center will present the Global Citizen Award to Joan Chamorro, Band Director of Sant Andreu Jazz Band of Barcelona, Spain. Under his leadership, the band earned second place in the 30th anniversary of the Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition and Festival, becoming one of the first international finalist ensembles invited to take part in the prestigious event. In addition to his work as an educator, Mr. Chamorro is a multi-instrumentalist who has released more than 100 recordings with jazz ensembles across the country, including more than 50 as a bandleader. The Gala concert, anchored by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, will feature performances by special guests Wynton Marsalis, Rubén Blades, Aymeé Nuviola, Shenel Johns, Ekep Nkwelle, Herlin Riley, Jeremy Bosch, and will premiere new choreography by Samantha Figgins of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. For more info, visit jazz.org/gala Photos of Joan Chamorro from Jazz at Lincoln Center’s “Essentially Ellington” High School Jazz Band Competition and Festival by Gilberto Tadday, 2025.

Jazz at Lincoln Center mourns the passing of Richard L. Menschel (1934-2026) Alongside his wife, Ronay, and his late brother Robert, Richard supported institutions devoted to the arts, education, and medical research. Through their philanthropy, they helped strengthen museums, libraries, universities, and cultural organizations around the world and across the city he loved. At Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Benjamin Menschel Arcade in the House of Swing-dedicated in honor of Robert and Richard's father-stands as a lasting reminder of the Menschel family's deep belief in the value and importance of the arts in civic life. Our thoughts are with Ronay and their daughters and extended family, and Richard's many friends and colleagues. Clarence Otis, Chairman of the Board Lisa Schiff, Chairman Emeritus Gordon Davis, Founding Chairman Diane M. Coffey, Founding Board Member Wynton Marsalis, Managing and Artistic Director Greg Scholl, Executive Director

Today, Jazz at Lincoln Center announced the appointment of Katasha Harley as Chief Human Resources Officer. Reporting to Executive Director Greg Scholl, Ms. Harley will lead Jazz at Lincoln Center’s people and culture strategy, working alongside Managing and Artistic Director Wynton Marsalis, Board of Directors, senior leadership, and staff to support the organization’s artistic mission, organizational excellence, and long-term sustainability. A native New Yorker and lifelong jazz enthusiast, Ms. Harley brings more than 20 years of senior leadership experience across media, entertainment, and mission-driven organizations. Read the full press release at https://lnkd.in/e7zXxTK3

Jazz at Lincoln Center announced today that, after nearly 40 years of visionary leadership, Wynton Marsalis will transition from his current role at JALC. Wynton will continue as Artistic Director during the 2026–27 season. Beginning in July 2027, he will serve on staff in an advisory capacity as Founder. At the end of his contract in June 2028, he will continue to serve on JALC’s Board as Founder in perpetuity. To read more about the Jazz at Lincoln Center’s leadership transition plan that celebrates Wynton and builds on his remarkable legacy, see the The New York Times story here: https://lnkd.in/e9JHb6cA