Duke Ellington’s Black, Brown and Beige weaves the sounds of blues, spirituals and work songs into a suite for jazz orchestra. Ellington, troubled by clichéd representations of Black culture, felt it was ‘time a big piece was written from the inside’. His ambitious suite gives a powerful account of Black life in America, from slavery, through emancipation, segregation and military service, to a new era of prosperity and cultural assertiveness.

JLCO plays Duke Ellington

Usher Hall

Vocalist Ekep Nkwelle is a force in today’s jazz scene, charting a remarkable journey from the vibrant culture of Washington, DC to the iconic stages of New York and beyond. Quickly attracting the admiration of today’s jazz legends for her exceptional artistry, she was recently singled out by Wynton Marsalis to perform at the Jazz at Lincoln Center gala and has appeared alongside Dianne Reeves in concert. Ekep Nkwelle is poised to become one of the defining artists of her generation.

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Ekep Nkwelle

Wortham Theater Center

“After Cécile McLorin Salvant, Jazzmeia Horn, and Samara Joy, who debuted at Umbria Jazz, Ekep Nkwelle will join this list.” Here’s how Artistic Director Carlo Pagnotta presents this 25-year-old Cameroonian-American singer, the new revelation among the female jazz vocalists. No wonder she was honored with the prestigious Juilliard Career Advancement Grant.

From the vibrant streets of Washington, DC, to the heart of New York City’s jazz scene, Ekep’s artistic path through the esteemed Duke Ellington School of the Arts, Howard University, and The Juilliard School has been quick and without uncertainty. She has quickly won the esteem of Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Russell Malone, Cyrus Chestnut, Peter Washington, and Emmet Cohen. She performed in renowned venues such as the Radio City Music Hall, where she shared the stage with pianist Lang Lang, the Library of Congress, Marian’s Jazzroom, the Kennedy Center, and the Lincoln Center. She also performed at the Newport Jazz Festival. She collaborated with Dee Dee Bridgewater during the fourth year of her exclusive, all-women artistic residency, The Woodshed Network.

Teatro Mancinelli

“After Cécile McLorin Salvant, Jazzmeia Horn, and Samara Joy, who debuted at Umbria Jazz, Ekep Nkwelle will join this list.” Here’s how Artistic Director Carlo Pagnotta presents this 25-year-old Cameroonian-American singer, the new revelation among the female jazz vocalists. No wonder she was honored with the prestigious Juilliard Career Advancement Grant.

Palazzo del Popolo

Teatro Mancinelli Orvieto

The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra spreads holiday cheer on its annual Big Band Holidays tour. Jazz at Lincoln Center rising star vocalists Ekep Nkwelle and Robbie Lee join the JLCO to bring yuletide greetings to dozens of cities across the country. Under the music direction of JLCO trombonist, Chris Crenshaw, the evening will feature soulful renditions of holiday classics, playful improvisation, and entertaining storytelling.  Enjoyed by audiences of all ages, these uplifting performances create lasting memories that will keep you returning to Big Band Holidays for years to come.

Big Band Holidays Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra

Irvine Barclay Theatre

Get ready for a holiday performance that’s sure to please. Under the music direction of JLCO trombonist, Chris Crenshaw, the evening will feature soulful renditions of holiday classics, playful improvisation, and entertaining storytelling. Enjoyed by audiences of all ages, it’s a show that will make the music of Big Band Holidays a tradition for years to come.

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra Big Band Holidays

Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts

Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of jazz at the Jazz Festival at Caramoor, a day-long celebration of jazz music set against the picturesque backdrop of Caramoor's lush gardens and distinctive venues. Scheduled for July 27, 2024, in Katonah, NY, this festival promises an unforgettable experience for jazz enthusiasts and families alike.

The festival kicks off at 12:30 pm, with the grounds opening at 12:00 pm, offering a lineup of daytime performances that showcase the diverse facets of jazz. From the energetic Friends Field to the serene Sunken Garden, attendees are encouraged to bring their own seating to enjoy the music in these general admission areas. For those seeking comfort, seating is provided in the Spanish Courtyard and Venetian Theater, where the evening's headlining performance will take place.

This year's festival is thrilled to present piano sensation Matthew Whitaker as the evening headliner. Known for his prodigious talent and joyous performances, Whitaker is a rising star in the jazz world, captivating audiences with his award-winning compositions and bandleader prowess. The evening performance, starting at 7:30 pm in the Venetian Theater, features reserved seating, ensuring an intimate experience with this remarkable artist.

The festival also boasts a lineup of talented daytime artists, including Julius Rodriguez, Charles Overton, Francesca Tandoi, Ekep Nkwelle, Bruce Harris & Pretty for the People, and more to be announced. Whether you opt for the Daytime & Evening Headliner Ticket or the Daytime Only Ticket, you're in for a day filled with exceptional jazz performances.

Beyond the music, the festival offers a chance to explore the Rosen House, learn more about the artists, and enjoy the convenience of a free shuttle service from Metro North’s Katonah train station. Rain or shine, the Jazz Festival at Caramoor is set to deliver a memorable experience for all who attend.

Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate the spirit of jazz at one of the summer's most anticipated events. Buy your tickets now and prepare to be swept away by the magic of the Jazz Festival at Caramoor.

Jazz Festival

Venetian Theater at Caramoor

A rising-star vocalist on the New York City jazz scene, Ekep Nkwelle has already worked with artists ranging from veterans like Russell Malone, Cyrus Chestnut, and Kenny Washington to a new generation of first-call musicians such as Emmet Cohen and Endea Owens. She’s been featured at the Newport and DC Jazz Festivals (among others), performed at such nationally prestigious venues as The Library of Congress and The Kennedy Center, and now—courtesy of Carnegie Hall Citywide—she leads a free performance in Madison Square Park. Hear one of the future voices of jazz today.

Carnegie Hall Citywide: Ekep Nkwelle

Madison Square Park

Get ready for a riveting evening of musical brilliance with the multifaceted American jazz pianist and composer, Emmet Cohen, who has been described by All About Jazz as: “Thirty years old and one of the finest piano players to emerge in decades …” With his nimble touch on the keys, and his incredibly talented trio alongside him, Cohen effortlessly weaves together intricate melodies and harmonies, taking you on a journey through the rich tapestry of jazz. Live From Emmet’s Place, a weekly livestream that he created during the pandemic, has received millions of views worldwide.

Emmet Cohen Trio

The Rosen House at Caramoor

Ekep Nkwelle is a force in today’s jazz scene, charting a remarkable journey from the vibrant culture of Washington, DC to the iconic stages of New York City and beyond. A vocalist of remarkable versatility and artistry, she brings together a deep connection to jazz tradition with her own distinctive voice and perspective.

Ekep Nkwelle

Events

Upcoming events

Nov 15, 2026

Ekep Nkwelle · Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club

Past events

Aug 11, 2026

JLCO plays Duke Ellington · Usher Hall

Aug 11, 2026

JLCO plays Duke Ellington · Edinburgh International Festival

Future and recently performed repertoire

Vocals in Black, Brown and Beige by Ellington

Edinburgh International Festival

About

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