Grammy-winning artists Ledisi, Durand Bernarr and Big Freedia are among the performers slated for the 2026 Blue Note Jazz Festival New York. Being staged at multiple venues across the Big Apple, the 15th annual festival begins June 1.
On that date, two-time Grammy-winning hip-hop group Arrested Development will kick off the proceedings at Sony Hall. Running through July 1, Blue Note Jazz Festival New York’s additional lineup includes UMI, Destin Conrad and Cymande. Among the additional venues presenting performances are the Blue Note Jazz Club and SummerStage.
The festival — which concludes July 1 — will also feature the Official Blue Note Jazz Fest Midnight Jam presented by Chris Rob on June 26, in addition to its popular jazz brunches. Blue Note Jazz Festival New York will run concurrently with the Blue Note Jazz Festival Hollywood Bowl. Presented in collaboration with the LA Phil, the latter fest — whose lineup includes Patti LaBelle, Gregory Porter, Wyclef Jean and Samara Joy — takes place June 13-14.
“We started the Blue Note Jazz Festival New York 15 years ago with a focus on unique curation and programming an eclectic range of artistry, said Blue Note talent buyer Alex Kurland in a statement. “The festival has always focused on presenting artists who are singular and one of a kind, who push the sound and state of the music forward. Artists who are completely individual.
“This year is particularly special for us with a lineup that continues to read like a playlist of taste, focused on artists that we love,” added Kurland. “Artists who are your favorite artists’ favorite artists. Stylistically diverse, singular and soulful. This year’s lineup spans from Big Freedia to Brian Blade, to Ledisi and Durand Bernarr; from Dirty Dozen Brass Band to Kokoroko and MonoNeon. Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah to Destin Conrad and BLK ODYSSY. Incomparable voices that creatively propel the sound and music culture forward.”
Find more information about Blue Note Festival New York and tickets on the event’s website.
