Happy City News — There is no better place to celebrate jazz in October than Jazz at Lincoln Center, and this month the celebration is bigger than ever. The organization continues its 2026–27 season, Come Home, a tribute to the music and artists that have shaped its legacy under Wynton Marsalis, who closes his chapter as Artistic Director this season after nearly four decades.
The highlight of the month arrives this weekend: a joyful celebration of Cuban jazz legend Chucho Valdés on his 85th birthday (October 16–17). The Cuban pianist, founder of the iconic group Irakere, will be joined on stage by special guests Joe Lovano and Terence Blanchard for two nights that promise pure magic. It is a well-deserved tribute to one of the greatest living masters of Latin jazz.
And the music doesn’t stop there. The month also brings Rock & Roll Hall of Fame legend Steve Miller (October 9–10), trombonist Wycliffe Gordon with Welcome to Georgia Town (October 9–10), and a grand finale, From Cuba to the Crescent City (October 23–24), featuring the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis alongside Weedie Braimah, Shenel Johns, and Pedrito Martínez. Meanwhile, Dizzy’s Club keeps the intimacy alive with nightly performances honoring jazz traditions and the voices shaping its future.
All concerts take place in Rose Theater, the Appel Room, and Dizzy’s Club, at Frederick P. Rose Hall on Broadway at 60th Street. For tickets and the full schedule, visit jazz.org. Happy birthday, Chucho!
Photo: Carlos Delgado / Wikimedia Commons
