Singer

Samara Joy, featuring the Pasquale Grasso Trio, Recorded July 25, 2021

Still in her early 20s, Samara Joy is already setting the music world ablaze. Her 2022 Verve Records debut Linger Awhile earned her two well-deserved GRAMMY wins, for Best Jazz Vocal Album and Best New Artist — the first time a jazz musician has won the prestigious newcomer’s award since Esperanza Spalding over a decade ago.

Hailing from a family of musicians in the Bronx with roots in gospel, Joy began her journey with jazz at age 17, winning Best Vocalist honors at Lincoln Center’s “Essentially Ellington” competition. Within two years she was a star student of piano legend Barry Harris and bowled over a panel including Christian McBride, Jane Monheit, and Dee Dee Bridgewater to win the 2021 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition.

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Samara Joy

SFJAZZ Center

Born and raised in the Bronx, rising star Samara Joy’s velvety, smooth voice puts her own enchanting interpretation of jazz standards from the Great American Songbook. After winning the 2019 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition at the age of 19, she released her debut album Samara Joy. As one of America’s most promising young vocalists, she has already performed in many of the great jazz venues in New York, including Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, The Blue Note, and the Apollo. On her Grammy award-winning album, Linger Awhile, 23-year-old Samara Joy makes her case to join the likes of Sarah, Ella, and Billie as the next jazz singing sensation recorded by the venerable Verve Records.

Stanford University

With her Grammy Award-Winning Verve Records debut, Linger Awhile, 23-year-old Bronx native Samara Joy makes her case to join the likes of Sarah, Ella, and Billie as the next mononymous jazz singing sensation recorded by the venerable label. Her voice, rich and velvety yet precociously refined, has already earned her fans like Anita Baker and Regina King, many, many talk show appearances, in addition to millions of likes on TikTok — cementing her status as perhaps the first Gen Z jazz singing star. The New York Times praised the “silky-voiced rising star” for “helping jazz take a youthful turn,” while NPR's All Things Considered named her a “classic jazz singer from a new generation.” In February 2023, she took home two Grammy awards—Best Jazz Vocal Album and Best New Artist.

Gallo Center for the Arts

The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center is thrilled to announce its 2024 Gala, set to take place on Thursday, August 1. This prestigious event will commence with a pre-show reception and dinner, followed by an 8pm performance featuring the talented Samara Joy. The Gala promises an evening of exquisite entertainment and fine dining, making it a highlight of the cultural calendar.

For those interested in attending, Gala packages are available for purchase. For more details on these packages, potential attendees are encouraged to contact Diane Wortis at dianemahaiwe.org or call 413-644-9040 x123. Additionally, options to purchase Gala tickets or a Gala table for 8 are provided through specific links, where purchasers can select Gala as their gift purpose and specify the level and quantity of their Gala ticket or table purchase.

For individuals looking to enjoy the performance aspect of the evening, show-only tickets are priced between $75 to $150 and will be available for sale starting in May.

The Mahaiwe Gala is not just an event; it's a celebration of arts, culture, and community, offering a unique opportunity to support the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center while enjoying an unforgettable evening.

Samara Joy

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Events

16 - 19 May, 2024

Samara Joy · San Francisco Jazz

May 22, 2024

Samara Joy · Stanford Live

May 23, 2024

Samara Joy · Gallo Center for the Arts

Aug 1, 2024

Mahaiwe Gala · Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center

About

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