Jun 9, 2026 10:54 AM
In Memoriam: James Blood Ulmer, 1940–2026
With deep sorrow and profound love, we announce the passing of James Blood Ulmer, a boldly innovative guitarist,…
The 14th annual Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Festival will be held May 14–16 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
Dee Dee Bridgewater will host the event, which will also include performances from Esperanza Spalding, Anat Cohen, Janis Siegel, Anne Drummond, Carmen Lundy and the Maria Scheinder Orchestra. Along with ticketed events at the Terrace Theater, the festival will include free performances on the Millennium Stage, including the winners of this year’s Mary Lou Williams Competition, which focused on pianists. Williams’ biographer Tammy Kernodle and pianist and pianist Deanna Witkowski present a program of discussion devoted to the her sacred jazz works.
More info: kennedy-center.org
To the world, James Blood Ulmer was a legend, a visionary and a musical force whose sound was distinctive and unique. To his family, he was their teacher, their storyteller and a source of strength.
Jun 9, 2026 10:54 AM
With deep sorrow and profound love, we announce the passing of James Blood Ulmer, a boldly innovative guitarist,…
A drummer’s drummer, Rodney Holmes gigged with everyone from Joe Zawinul and Carlos Santana to Steve Kimock and the Brecker Brothers.
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