Feb 3, 2026 12:10 AM
In Memoriam: Ken Peplowski, 1959–2026
Ken Peplowski, a clarinetist and tenor saxophonist who straddled the worlds of traditional and modern jazz, died Feb. 2…
The Blue Note Jazz Festival New York kicks off May 27 with a James Moody 100th Birthday Celebration at Sony Hall.
(Photo: Blue Note Entertainment Group)Blue Note Entertainment Group has unveiled the lineup for the 14th annual Blue Note Jazz Festival New York, featuring performances by Grace Jones & Janelle Monaé, Branford Marsalis & Charles Lloyd, Emily King, Joshua Redman Quartet, Kenny Garrett, The Soul Rebels, Spyro Gyra, Marcus Miller, Tank and the Bangas, Santigold and dozens more.
Kicking off on May 27 with a James Moody 100th Birthday Celebration at Sony Hall and running through July 2, the festival will take place at venues all across New York City, including the Blue Note Jazz Club, Town Hall, SummerStage, Sony Hall, Celebrate Brooklyn Prospect Park and others.
The Blue Note New York jazz club takes a unique approach in curating its namesake New York festival, looking beyond the confines of genre, geography and time to craft a one-of-a-kind lineup. Pulling together history-shaping innovators, cultural icons from around the world and contemporary artists pushing the boundaries of music today, the festival aims to capture the social fabric of New York City.
“We’re excited to present artists this year who are singular and innovative,” says Alex Kurland, director of programming and talent buyer of Blue Note Entertainment Group. “Artists who have their own unique individuality and voice, and that are truly one of a kind. Artists who are exceptional and bold. Influential figures who transcend boundaries and who have and are making an impact in music culture. The artists presented across the Blue Note Jazz Festival New York embody tremendous artistic integrity, individuality and strength as musicians — from icons like Charles Lloyd, house music pioneer Louie Vega, Grace Jones, Branford Marsalis, Warren G and the tap dancer Savion Glover to the next generation of progressive artists including Emily King, Infinity Song, Janelle Monáe, Saba, The Soul Rebels, Gallant and Tank and The Bangas.”
For a complete schedule and ticket sales, CLICK HERE. DB
Peplowski first came to prominence in legacy swing bands, including the final iteration of the Benny Goodman Orchestra, before beginning a solo career in the late 1980s.
Feb 3, 2026 12:10 AM
Ken Peplowski, a clarinetist and tenor saxophonist who straddled the worlds of traditional and modern jazz, died Feb. 2…
Hammond came to the blues through the folk boom of the late 1950s and early 1960s, which he experienced firsthand in New York’s Greenwich Village.
Mar 2, 2026 9:58 PM
John P. Hammond (aka John Hammond Jr.), a blues guitarist and singer who was one of the first white American…
Richie Beirach was particularly renowned for his approach to chromatic harmony, which he used to improvise reharmonizations of originals and standards.
Jan 27, 2026 11:19 AM
Richie Beirach, a pianist and composer who channeled a knowledge of modern classical music into his jazz practice,…
“I play what I want and what I like,” said Andrew Cyrille. “I use my knowledge artistically and professionally.”
Feb 3, 2026 12:15 AM
Midway through August, a few days after concluding a week at the Village Vanguard with the quartet that Andrew Cyrille…
Marsalis will, if he chooses to use it, have a strong voice in perpetuating his vision through a role in choosing his successors.
Feb 3, 2026 12:09 AM
For the better part of a year, rumors have been swirling that Wynton Marsalis was going to step down as artistic and…
