Today, Jazz at Lincoln Center announced that the organization’s signature fundraiser Gala will celebrate the defining rhythms of the African diaspora that have shaped the American musical landscape. The event, Rhythms That Move the World, takes place Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in Jazz at Lincoln Center’s home, Frederick P. Rose Hall, located on Broadway at 60th Street, New York, New York. Proceeds from Rhythms That Move the World, an exclusive benefit performance, support Jazz at Lincoln Center’s mission to entertain, enrich, and expand a global community for jazz through performance, education, and advocacy.

Honoring the defining rhythms of the African diaspora, Rhythms That Move the World will explore distinct grooves showcasing the shared rhythm, expression, and cultural foundations that have shaped the American musical landscape: Afro-Cuban, Bolero, Habanera, New Orleans rhythm, Swing, and more.

The 2026 Gala concert features performances anchored by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis and some of the finest instrumentalists and vocalists of our time including Rubén Blades, Shenel Johns, Aymée Nuviola, Anthony Almonte, Ekep Nkwelle, and more.

The organization presents the Ed Bradley Award for Leadership in Jazz to Kathryn and Ken Chenault. Mr. and Mrs. Chenault exemplify the spirit of leadership and commitment that the Ed Bradley Award for Leadership in Jazz celebrates. Throughout their careers, the Chenaults have exemplified a deep commitment to supporting and sustaining institutions that serve the community. Mrs. Chenault’s lifelong dedication to philanthropy and board leadership across the arts, education, and civic organizations, combined with Mr. Chenault’s distinguished leadership in global financial services, technology, and investment, reflects a shared ethos of responsibility, integrity, and meaningful impact. As longtime supporters of Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Chenaults have played a critical role in ensuring the continued vitality of jazz through ongoing investment in performance, education, and institutional growth. Honoring Mr. and Mrs. Chenault celebrates not only their exceptional leadership but also their enduring partnership with JALC and their unwavering commitment to ensuring jazz thrives for generations to come.

On this special evening, Jazz at Lincoln Center presents the 2026 Award for Artistic Excellence to Weedie Braimah, Ghanaian djembe virtuoso. Weedie Braimah is widely regarded as the premier voice of the djembe. A four-time Grammy Award-nominated master drummer, Braimah was born in Ghana and raised in St. Louis, with deep cultural roots in New Orleans. He was introduced to West African culture and drumming at an early age and began performing by the age of two. Braimah has dedicated his life and career to the study, preservation, and evolution of African folklore and the cultural music of the African diaspora. He was also a featured guest artist on Afro!, Wynton Marsalis’ commissioned work which opened Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Mother Africa season and toured Africa.

Joan Chamorro, Band Director of Sant Andreu Jazz Band of Barcelona, Spain, receives Global Citizen Award. Under his leadership, earned second place in the 30th anniversary of the Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition and Festival, becoming one of the first international finalist ensembles invited to take part in the prestigious event. In addition to his work as an educator, Mr. Chamorro is a multi-instrumentalist who has released more than 100 recordings with jazz ensembles across the country, including more than 50 as a bandleader.

Following the gala concert, the celebration continues with a festive dinner and dancing in Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Ertegun Atrium and sky-lined Appel Room. The evening culminates in an after-party at Dizzy’s Club.

Gala ticket prices begin at $1,750; table prices, $35,000. For tickets, please contact the Jazz at Lincoln Center Events Office at 212.258.9980 or [email protected]. For more information, jazz.org/gala.

A limited number of concert-only tickets at $150 to $750 are available for purchase starting Thursday, February 26 at jazz.org 24 hours a day or by calling Center Charge at 212-721-6500, open daily from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tickets can also be purchased at the Jazz at Lincoln Center Box Office, located on Broadway at 60th Street, Ground Floor. Box office hours are Tuesday-Sunday: 10:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. (or 30 minutes past curtain). On Wednesdays, prior to a Rose Theater concert, the Box Office will open at 10 a.m.

GALA CO-CHAIRS
Jacqueline L. Bradley and Clarence Otis – Carol Sutton Lewis and William M. Lewis, Jr.

 A very special thanks to Jody and John Arnhold for their extraordinary support of Jazz at Lincoln Center and the
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.

We proudly recognize leadership support from Dalio Philanthropies; Howard Gilman Foundation, Inc.; Mellody Hobson and George Lucas; Michele and Mark Mandel; Simon Family Foundation; and the Zou Family Fund.

Major support is provided by the Abrams Foundation; Angela and Robert Kissane; Manitou Fund; the Ambrose Monell Foundation; the Fan Fox and Leslie R. Samuels Foundation; and Seedlings Foundation.

Generous support is provided by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor
and the New York State Legislature.

Jazz at Lincoln Center proudly acknowledges its 2025-26 season partner: Bloomberg Philanthropies, United Airlines, and Hive & Colony

Leadership support for Jazz at Lincoln Center’s concert season is provided by Lynne and Richard Pasculano.