The Third Annual Unity Jazz Festival at Jazz at Lincoln Center launched on January 8–9, 2026, bringing together jazz, world music, and cultural exchange in a vibrant celebration of global sound traditions. Held at Frederick P. Rose Hall in New York, the festival featured a diverse lineup, with Caribbean music taking center stage through the headlining performance by Kes the Band. This dynamic group, known for its fusion of soca, soul, calypso, and island pop, was joined by renowned trumpeter Etienne Charles, whose contribution added a distinctive layer to the evening’s energetic performances.
The festival, which is part of Jazz at Lincoln Center’s 38th season, is themed “Mother Africa,” underscoring the rich influence of African diaspora music on jazz and other global music genres. This theme highlights the deep connection between jazz and African cultural roots, reflecting the music’s ongoing evolution as it absorbs and adapts elements from various traditions. Performances on January 8 included electrifying sets that not only showcased Kes the Band’s signature rhythms but also featured collaborative showcases with other talented improvisers, blending diverse musical styles and creative energy.
The Unity Jazz Festival is a platform for celebrating musical diversity, with an emphasis on unity and cultural exchange. Audiences were treated to a rich tapestry of sounds, highlighting jazz’s role as a forum for dialogue between musical traditions from around the world. The festival’s celebrations underscored the enduring importance of jazz as an art form that transcends borders, cultures, and genres, connecting listeners to a universal language of creativity and shared experience.
Attendees and critics alike praised the event for its celebration of both unity and cultural heritage, marking it as an important fixture in New York’s cultural calendar. Jazz at Lincoln Center continues to serve as a vital space for exploring the intersections of African and global musical traditions, reinforcing the festival’s mission to foster connection, understanding, and artistic collaboration. The event not only brought attention to the influence of African music on jazz but also reaffirmed the genre’s enduring legacy as a platform for innovation and community.
