Weedie Braimah exemplifies tradition, evolution and soul as he brings his vision of building a reverence for folkloric West African music to life by anchoring the concert with percussion as the driver.

One of this generation’s emerging voices on the alto saxophone Braxton is also a talented vocalist and songwriter whose sounds blends Soul, R&B, and Jazz.

Over the years Elio Villafranca has recorded and performed nationally and internationally as a leader, featuring jazz master artists such as Pat Martino, Terell Stafford, Wynton Marsalis, Billy Hart, Paquito D’Rivera, Billy Harper, Eric Alexander, and Lewis Nash, Chick Corea, and Jon Faddis, Johnny Pacheco among others.

A DJ dance party elevating the sacred space of the dance floor kicks off the holiday season in the groove. Harlem’s own Sundae Sermon, Mobile Mondays and Ian Friday will wrap you in a sonic groove liberating your soul to fly free. Live drumming by King Salim Ajanku and a special tribute to the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin. Together we will Get Up, Get Down, Get Funky and Get free! 

This evening is dedicated to reflecting on the visionary artists and works presented at Harlem Stage through our signature commissioning program, WaterWorks.

Manhattan School of Music’s Jazz Orchestra, led by guest conductor and arranger John Beasley, performs a tribute to musical powerhouse Quincy Jones.

Join us for a concert celebrating #BlackGirlMagic and the alchemical power of music to move, affirm, liberate and uplift. Three women known for moving the crowd bring their artistry together for an evening of music, movement and visuals.

Fresh off of her recent concert on NPR’s Tiny Desk and breakout performance with August Green earlier this year, Maimouna aka MuMu Fresh performs with her band from her rich body of work and latest album ‘Vintage Babies.’

Back by popular demand we launch our fall season welcoming YOU, our community, to a party to kick off the season.

Our annual Spring Gala is a celebration of the #DISTRUPTERS: Artists as Activists, Creators, and Catalysts that you won’t want to miss. The evening will include amazing performances lead by Musical Director, Terri Lynn Carrington. We will celebrate our honorees and our continued mission to provide opportunity, to commission and to support the works of the visionary artists of color who grace our stage each year.

NEA Jazz Master Dr. Lonnie Smith is an unparalleled musician, composer, performer and recording artist. With a career spanning over five decades, Smith stands as the preeminent Hammond B-3 organist in jazz today. He has been featured on over seventy albums, and has recorded and performed with a virtual “Who’s Who” of the greatest jazz, blues and R&B giants in the industry.

Celebrate National Chamber Music Month with this free event, featuring two highly acclaimed and distinctive ensembles: the “independent-minded” PUBLIQuartet (The Washington Post), recipient of a 2015 CMA/ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming, and Zaccai Curtis & The Curtis Brothers, recipients of a 2017 Chamber Music America New Jazz Works grant, performing “Algorithm,” a new work inspired by jazz icons and ancient mathematicians. 

In tribute to Harlem’s own Frankie Manning, Norma Miller and Lana Turner, join us for a swinging party to live music + DJ and dance class lead by Traci Bartlow and Samuel Coleman.

4 Contemporary African choreographers have been commissioned to create, or re-imagine, new work across the spectrum of contemporary idioms. The emergence of artists from the continent of Africa who are first or second generation American or transnational is expanding the field of modern dance. E-Moves 19 presents innovative artists that will create culturally referential work which is contemporary, arresting and fresh.

4 Contemporary African choreographers have been commissioned to create, or re-imagine, new work across the spectrum of contemporary idioms. The emergence of artists from the continent of Africa who are first or second generation American or transnational is expanding the field of modern dance. E-Moves 19 presents innovative artists that will create culturally referential work which is contemporary, arresting and fresh.

4 Contemporary African choreographers have been commissioned to create, or re-imagine, new work across the spectrum of contemporary idioms. The emergence of artists from the continent of Africa who are first or second generation American or transnational is expanding the field of modern dance. E-Moves 19 presents innovative artists that will create culturally referential work which is contemporary, arresting and fresh.

4 Contemporary African choreographers have been commissioned to create, or re-imagine, new work across the spectrum of contemporary idioms. The emergence of artists from the continent of Africa who are first or second generation American or transnational is expanding the field of modern dance. E-Moves 19 presents innovative artists that will create culturally referential work which is contemporary, arresting and fresh.

Danny Simmons debuts his latest volume of poetry and artwork The Return of 2 Dick Willie in a unique evening of music, poetry and visual art.  He is joined by legendary guitarist Vernon Reid and poet Ursula Rucker along with special guest musicians and spoken word artists. Writer and activist Asha Bandele hosts.

A Baptist minister and founder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), King had led the civil rights movement since the mid-1950s, using a combination of impassioned speeches and nonviolent protests to fight segregation and achieve significant civil-rights advances for African Americans inspiring seekers of justice equality across the country and the world. Where are we now? Join us for a musical and movement celebration of a fearless leader.

The second year of the Stretch Music Festival features Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah and his band along with musicians who push the boundaries of form as they reach back into the past creating bridges to right now. Rhythms such as Kassa Soro from the North East Highlands of Guinea, that predate the transatlantic slave trade as well as Salsa, Son and Swing which came after those rhythms, can be heard on Blues, Funk, Trap, Hip Hop and Stretch Music

The second year of the Stretch Music Festival features Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah and his band along with musicians who push the boundaries of form as they reach back into the past creating bridges to right now. Rhythms such as Kassa Soro from the North East Highlands of Guinea, that predate the transatlantic slave trade as well as Salsa, Son and Swing which came after those rhythms, can be heard on Blues, Funk, Trap, Hip Hop and Stretch Music

Jazz Then and Now is a conversation series, presented as part of the Stretch Music Residency that brings together innovative thought leaders in the field in dialogue on the history, the present and the future of jazz. Ethnomusicologist Fredara Hadley PhD. Will moderate what promises to be a rich conversation between Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah and Stefon Harris (Associate Dean and Director of the Manhattan School of Music Jazz Arts Program. The conversation will be preceded by a performance by the Manhattan School of Music Jazz Arts Program.

Join us for a screening of award-winning screenwriter and director Kiel Adrian Scott’s, new short film Samaria. The film explore themes of identity and representation as we examine the intersection of jazz and film. The screening will be followed by a discussion between Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, who composed the music for the film, and his twin brother Kiel Adrian Scott.

Vocalist and composer Imani Uzuri has created a mercurial musical meditation on “liminality” (standing at the threshold) exploring themes of death, rebirth, impermanence and transcendence. This contemporary chamber opera, is inspired by hidden gathering places called “hush arbors” created by enslaved African Americans in wooded areas in the South to secretly worship, commune and strategize rebellion.

Calling all music students, lovers of music and emerging musicians. Join us for a FREE immersive workshop with Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah and his incredible ensemble as part of the Stretch Music Residency with today’s most creative improvisers and learn about the Stretch Music App. Hosted by Manhattan School of Music.

Harlem Stage and the National Black Theatre celebrate the contributions of Black women pioneers from the Civil Rights and Black Arts movements with Mothers of the Movements. At Harlem Stage, longtime Lincoln collaborator Marc Cary re-imagines the seminal Freedom Now Suite album, We Insist!, in a concert that features Terri Lyne Carrington, Reggie Workman, Sameer Gupta, Edmar Colón and special surprise guests.

With her all-star ensemble, Hoyes shares a melodic journey through Horne’s seven decade career, accenting the bravery and vulnerability that make Horne’s legacy utterly modern. Tap Dancer and choreographer Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards, draws from her extensive Broadway and film experience to create a celebration of Horne’s early years as a Cotton Club dancer.

Rhonda Ross and Rodney Kendrick celebrate love in all its dimensions in their first full USA concert together in 15 years! Sharing new music as well as songs from their respective release(s) “In Case You Didn’t Know” and “The Colors of Rhythm”, the Harlem based duo will inspire through music and their obvious passion for their art, community, activism & for each other.