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The JLCO with Wynton Marsalis
Embark on a captivating journey through the evolution of blues, starting with W.C. Handy, the "Father of the Blues." Led by JLCO saxophonist Sherman Irby and featuring special guests, this concert traces the blues up the Mississippi River, showcasing its deep roots in American culture and its evolution into a musical genre that revolutionized the world.
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Date
Saturday, April 18, 2026 2:00PM
Name
Birth of the Blues
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra
Description
ABOUT THE CONCERT
Set the tone with our curated playlist as the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, under the musical direction of saxophonist Sherman Irby, takes the stage with vocalists Kenny Washington and Ekep Nkwelle and special guest guitarist and banjoist James Zito. Inspired by W.C. Handy’s groundbreaking “Memphis Blues,” the program captures the groove, storytelling, and spirit that have carried this music across generations, exploring how the blues continues to live, breathe, and evolve within the jazz tradition.
For Irby, the blues hit close to home. Raised in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, he grew up surrounded by country, gospel, Black Belt blues, R&B, and jazz, all branches of the same musical tree. With the orchestra, he brings these sounds together through classic repertoire, new arrangements, and original music shaped through the lens of big band storytelling, from the pioneering voices of W.C. Handy and King Oliver to the swing of Count Basie and Duke Ellington and the soul of Nina Simone. Join us for a night where the blues sing, swing, and stay with you long after the final note.
Start your evening with a pre-concert set in the Ertegun Atrium featuring the Langston Hughes II Quartet, blending blues and swing standards with original compositions. A separate pre-concert discussion offers a closer look at the music, artists, and stories behind the program. This complimentary event has limited seating and is first come, first served. Atrium performances and pre-concert discussions take place before evening shows, and are not offered for the April 18 matinee.