Duke Ellington News

The LA Phil has revealed the 2026 Hollywood Bowl summer season with performances at the world-renowned amphitheater in the Hollywood Hills from June to September 2026.

Read a conversation with The Orchestra of St. Luke’s President and Executive Director James Roe about highlights of their 2026 season, how to support OSL, and how parents can get their kids involved in the Youth Orchestra of St. Luke's (YOSL).

Birdland Jazz Club and Birdland Theater will present a wide-ranging lineup from February 16 through March 1, featuring established jazz icons, Broadway favorites, and rising stars across both venues.

Following a storied career on the operatic stages across the country, acclaimed mezzo soprano Dency Graves is entering the next phase of her career. For the PBS culture series CANVAS, arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown caught up with the performer ahead of her retirement. Watch the segment now.

Plymouth's Spire Center for Performing Arts has revealed four new spring shows: An Evening with author Joan Lunden, Project Sidney, Robinson Treacher, and FJ- The Music of Foreigner, Journey, and Classic Legends.

Next month, 54 Below, Broadway’s Supper Club & Private Event Destination, will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond, including Vanessa Williams, Tony Danza and more. 

Tony Award–nominated Broadway actress, singer, and author Melissa Errico has released her new American Songbook album, I Can Dream, Can’t I?, now available on all digital streaming platforms. Listen to it now.

Orchestra of St. Luke’s has announced its winter and spring 2026 season, featuring concerts at Carnegie Hall and venues across New York City. Highlights include three Carnegie Hall mainstage programs, the annual OSL Bach Festival, and appearances in the Five Boroughs Music Festival.

 In February, Plymouth’s Spire Center for Performing Arts is launching the Spire Classic Film Series, celebrating timeless movies—presented the way they were meant to be seen. Learn more about the lineup here!

DC native Samantha Figgins returns to the district for 11 performances with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at the Warner Theatre, the first stop on a 20 city US tour. 

Carnegie Hall has announced its schedule of partner events presented by leading cultural and academic institutions across New York City and beyond from February through July 2026 as part of the Hall's United in Sound: America at 250 festival.

Songbook Sundays, created and hosted by Deborah Grace Winer celebrating the American Songbook will continue at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Dizzy's Club with On the Sunny Side of Dorothy Fields on Sunday, February 8th, at 5 PM and 7:30 PM.

54 Below will honor the Black performers, producers, and artists who are vital members of our artistic community this Black History Month, featuring performances by Vanessa Williams and more.

Birdland Jazz Club and Birdland Theater have announced programming for January 19 through February 1. Highlights include Ms. Lisa Fischer featuring the Orrin Evans Trio, The Mingus Big Band, Emma Smith Quartet, and return engagements by Vince Giordano & The Nighthawks and Jim Caruso’s Cast Party.

The concert DUKE IN AFRICA, exploring the influence of African music on Duke Ellington, plays through Jan. 17. We spoke with co-music director Chris Lewis about the show, which features the renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.

​​​​​​​Spoleto Festival USA has announced its 2026 season, running May 22–June 7, 2026, featuring more than 110 performances across opera, dance, theater, music, jazz, and community programs.

The January 15-17 show pays tribute to the influence of African music on the work of renowned jazz artist Duke Ellington. We spoke with co-music director Alexa Tarantino about the upcoming concert.

On Saturday, February 7, Flushing Town Hall will present GLOBAL MASHUP: The George Gee Swing Orchestra Meets the Arturo O’Farrill Afro-Latin Octet. Learn more here!

Hattiloo Theatre will present its first African performance with the musical BLUES IN THE NIGHT at Johannesburg's Market Theatre from February 5-22, 2026.

Here are a few top cabaret show and concert picks to consider in NYC this week including the Callaway sisters, environmentally focused comedy, plenty of jazz, and more.