HARLEM JAZZ SERIES to Feature Eddie Allen, Eli Yamin & More This Summer

The Harlem Jazz Series has announced its July 2026 lineup, featuring a month of performances by established and emerging artists at Mount Morris Ascension Presbyterian Church in Harlem.

All performances will take place from 7:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. at the church, located at 15 Mount Morris Park West. Tickets are $30.

In addition to the Friday concert series, every Thursday evening will feature Craig Harris & the Harlem Nightsongs Big Band as part of the ongoing "Thursday Night Rhythms of Resistance" series. Launched in April 2026, the program explores the role of music in social movements and community building through performances by trombonist and composer Craig Harris and his ensemble.

The Friday lineup begins on July 3 with trumpeter and flugelhorn player Eddie Allen. A veteran of New York's jazz scene, Allen has performed with artists including Art Blakey, Dizzy Gillespie, Randy Weston, Henry Threadgill, and Lester Bowie. He also served as musical director of Lester Bowie's Brass Fantasy and has performed in Broadway productions including Ain't Misbehavin' and Jelly's Last Jam.

Pianist, vocalist, composer, and educator Eli Yamin will perform on July 10. A graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music, Yamin has performed internationally and has been involved with educational initiatives through Jazz at Lincoln Center.

The series continues July 17 with pianist and composer Sonelius Smith. Over a career spanning more than five decades, Smith has performed with Charles Mingus, Lionel Hampton, and Stanley Cowell, while contributing to dozens of recordings as a leader and sideman.

Drummer and composer Reggie Nicholson will take the stage on July 24. A member of Chicago's Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) since 1979, Nicholson has worked with artists including Henry Threadgill, Muhal Richard Abrams, Anthony Braxton, Myra Melford, and Don Pullen.

The month concludes July 31 with saxophonist, composer, and arranger Jordan Young. Young has performed alongside artists including Wallace Roney, Antoine Roney, Onaje Allan Gumbs, Lenny White, Craig Harris, Dick Griffin, Nasheet Waits, Darrell Green, and Damien Escobar, and has contributed music to the feature film Paris.

July 2026 Harlem Jazz Series Schedule

Every Thursday Evening
Craig Harris & the Harlem Nightsongs Big Band

Friday, July 3
Eddie Allen

Friday, July 10
Eli Yamin

Friday, July 17
Sonelius Smith

Friday, July 24
Reggie Nicholson

Friday, July 31
Jordan Young

Performance Information