#United States #Los Angeles #Tribute Concert #National Endowment for the Arts #Jazz Masters

National Endowment for the Arts to Celebrate 2026 Jazz Masters

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is set to hold a free tribute concert to celebrate the 2026 Jazz Masters on September 15, 2026, at 8:00 PM PT at The Music Center's iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, California. Jazz enthusiasts and newcomers alike will have the opportunity to witness an unforgettable evening dedicated to some of the biggest names in jazz history.

This concert will not only showcase the talents of the honored artists but will also be streamed live online, making it accessible to jazz fans across the nation. The 2026 Jazz Masters include notable figures such as Carmen Lundy, Airto Moreira, Patrice Rushen, and jazz advocate Rhonda Hamilton, who will receive the NEA Jazz Masters Award for Jazz Advocacy.

Hosted by Mary Anne Carter, the chair of the NEA, the concert aims to honor the legacy and contribution of these incredible artists to the American jazz scene. Carter expressed her excitement, stating, “We are proud to bring this celebration to Los Angeles, a city that holds deep connections to jazz history and our celebrated honorees.”

The event will feature special live performances, making it a perfect opportunity for both aficionados and casual listeners to connect with the rich cultural heritage of jazz. Attendees can expect short video segments showcasing the lives and careers of the honorees, in addition to the various performances that will honor the 2026 Jazz Masters. While Carmen Lundy and Rhonda Hamilton will perform live at the event, Airto Moreira and Patrice Rushen will be celebrated with special tributes due to their absence.

A Line-Up to Remember

The concert promises a dynamic lineup featuring not just the 2026 Jazz Masters but also notable past honorees. Performers will include:

• - Carmen Lundy (2026 Jazz Master)
• - Terri Lyne Carrington (2021 Jazz Master)
• - Justo Almario
• - Krishna Booker
• - Lila Booker
• - Grecco Buratto
• - Michael Carvin
• - Leonardo Costa
• - Andre de Santana
• - Gibi Dos Santos
• - Other talented musicians will also join, with more artists to be announced later.

Ticket Information and Accessibility

For those looking to attend, tickets are available for free, with a limit of two per person. They must be reserved via Eventbrite and collected at the venue before 7:45 PM PT on the night of the concert. Any unclaimed tickets will be made available through a giveaway line to patrons who arrive at the venue early. Those needing accessible seating can indicate their requirements when reserving tickets.

Watch and Listen from Anywhere

For fans who cannot attend in person, the concert will be live webcast at arts.gov, and an archive will be available afterward. The concert will also be streamed through various platforms including the American Jazz Museum, Jazz Journalists Association, and NPR Music. Radio broadcasts will also be available on platforms like SiriusXM's Real Jazz channel and other local stations.

About the National Endowment for the Arts

The NEA has been honoring exceptional jazz musicians since 1982, awarding fellowships to 181 individuals who have made significant contributions to the genre. With each fellowship amounting to $25,000, it recognizes living jazz icons based on public nominations. The NEA supports a variety of initiatives, including preservation programs like the Smithsonian Jazz Oral History Program, which documents the stories of nearly 100 Jazz Masters.

As a vital federal agency, the NEA continues to advocate for the arts and engage communities nationwide through various artistic initiatives. To learn more about the Jazz Masters program, follow the NEA and witness the celebration of jazz's profound impact on our cultural landscape.