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Making the scene since 2006!
The Jazz Foundation of America will present its annual “A Great Night” Gala on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City. The evening raises awareness and financial support for the organization’s work assisting musicians and their families during times of hardship and crisis.
The Jazz Foundation of America provides assistance including housing support, disaster relief, medical care, employment opportunities, emergency financial assistance, and community music programs for musicians in need.
The 2026 Dr. Billy Taylor Humanitarian Award will be presented to 10-time Grammy Award winner Norah Jones.
Featured performances scheduled for the evening include a centennial tribute to Miles Davis featuring Gary Bartz and Patrice Rushen; Buster Williams’ Something More with Lenny White; a tribute to legendary Jamaican guitarist Ernest Ranglin featuring 17-year-old guitarist Marel Hidalgo; and a Verve Records 70th anniversary tribute celebrating the music of Cal Tjader and Willie Bobo featuring Juan Diego Villalobos and Florida-connected percussionist Sammy Figueroa.
Additional performers scheduled to appear include Clifton Anderson, Mike Camacho, George Colligan, Monte Croft, James Genus, Mike Griot, Winard Harper, Stefon Harris, Jimmy Owens, Ana Petrova, Antoine Roney, Pablito Rosario, Leonieke Scheuble, Marcos Torres, and Steve Wilson.
The evening will be hosted by Mark Ruffin with special guest Ann Curry. Musical direction will be provided by Steve Jordan.
Concert-only tickets ($100-$250) are available online through the Jazz at Lincoln Center box office or directly through the Jazz at Lincoln Center box office located at Broadway and 60th Street in New York City.
Those unable to attend the gala but wishing to support the Jazz Foundation of America’s programs may make a contribution to assist the organization’s ongoing efforts supporting musicians and their families.
Experience the piano genius who helped redefine Afro-Cuban jazz.
“El maestro Chucho ValdΓ©s is one of the great treasures of the music world.” — DownBeat
Drawing from influences that range from his legendary father Bebo ValdΓ©s to his groundbreaking work with the influential Cuban ensemble Irakere, Chucho ValdΓ©s continues to blend Afro-Cuban traditions with jazz, classical, and folk influences through dynamic and deeply rhythmic performances.
Over a career spanning more than six decades, the Cuban pianist, composer, and arranger has remained one of the defining figures in Afro-Cuban jazz. As founder of Irakere, ValdΓ©s helped reshape modern Latin jazz while introducing generations of listeners to an expansive fusion of Cuban rhythms, jazz improvisation, and classical technique.
A multi-Grammy® winning artist, ValdΓ©s continues to perform internationally while championing the music and cultural traditions of Cuba through both innovative compositions and live performance.
The Chucho ValdΓ©s Royal Quartet features pianist Chucho ValdΓ©s, bassist JosΓ© Armando Gola, drummer Horacio “El Negro” HernΓ‘ndez, and percussionist Roberto Jr. VizcaΓno Torre.
Sheba the Mississippi Queen is a commanding blues vocalist known for her strong stage presence and deep connection to traditional Southern blues. Her performances reflect the influence of classic blues women while maintaining a contemporary edge that engages today’s audiences. Drawing from gospel roots and blues tradition, her delivery is centered on expressive vocals, audience interaction, and a steady, groove-driven feel that works well in both festival and community concert settings. Her appearances often feature collaborations with regional bands, adding a local dimension to each performance while keeping the focus on authentic blues presentation.
Keith Caton and the Bluesmen
The Keith Caton and the Bluesmen is a North Central Florida-based blues group led by guitarist and vocalist Keith Caton. The band is known for its straightforward, traditional blues approach, built around solid guitar work, tight rhythm, and a consistent focus on live performance dynamics. Caton brings notable experience to the stage, including time performing as a guitarist with Bo Diddley, adding depth and historical connection to the band’s sound.
For the Levitt AMP Alachua program, the Keith Caton Blues Band opens the evening with its own set, then returns as the backing band for Sheba the Mississippi Queen, supporting her performance with a cohesive, stage-ready blues ensemble.
The Levitt AMP Alachua Music Series continues its mission of bringing FREE live music to the community through a diverse and carefully curated lineup of professional artists. As part of the national Levitt AMP program, the series is designed to activate public spaces, encourage community gathering, and provide broad access to high-quality live music without financial barriers.
The 2026 season features a spring and fall schedule, offering a wide range of musical styles that reflect both regional and touring talent. Audiences can experience everything from R&B soul and bluegrass to rock, country, reggae, funk, Latin, and a cappella performances—all presented in a relaxed, outdoor setting at Skinner Field.
The upcoming May 8, 2026 concert spotlights Sheba the Mississippi Queen, delivering a blues-driven performance that aligns naturally with the series’ commitment to genre diversity and audience engagement.
PAST:
April 3 – Solomon Jaye (R&B Soul)
April 10 – The Flattlanders (Bluegrass)
April 17 – The Foxies (Rock)
April 24 – Cliff Dorsey (Country)
UPCOMING:
May 1 – Clovers Revenge (Irish)
May 8 – Sheba the Mississippi Queen w/ the Keith Caton Blues Band (Blues)
FALL SERIES:
September 4 – Propaganjah (Reggae)
September 11 – The Headtones (Funk)
September 18 – Orchestra Fuego (Latin)
September 25 – The Edge Effect (A Cappella)
Organized by local community partners, the Levitt AMP Alachua Music Series is part of a multi-year national initiative supported by the Levitt Foundation, with Alachua selected for continued program funding through the 2026–2028 cycle. The series reflects a collaborative effort to strengthen community identity, support local economic activity, and create consistent opportunities for residents and visitors to gather through shared cultural experiences.
Community support remains an important part of sustaining the series. Stage sponsorship opportunities are currently being sought to help ensure the continuation and growth of this free public program. Email info@levittampalachua.com for more information.