Samara Joy

Monterey Jazz Festival

### Event Description: Samara Joy at the 65th Annual Monterey Jazz Festival

**Event:** Samara Joy - 65th Annual Monterey Jazz Festival  
**Date:** Friday, September 23  
**Time:** 5:30 pm - 6:20 pm  
**Location:** West End Stage Presented by Castoro Cellars

**About the Artist:**
With a voice as smooth as velvet, Samara Joy’s star continues to rise with each performance. Following her victory at the 2019 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, she has been captivating audiences with her exceptional talent. Samara is currently working on her debut recording, featuring the Pasquale Grasso Trio.

**Background:**
Growing up in New York, Samara was deeply influenced by her musical family. Her paternal grandparents, Elder Goldwire and Ruth McLendon, led the renowned Philadelphia-based gospel group, The Savettes. Her father toured with the famous Gospel artist Andrae Crouch, filling their home with the sounds of Gospel and R&B legends like Stevie Wonder, Lalah Hathaway, and George Duke.

**Musical Journey:**
Although she didn’t grow up singing in church, Samara was surrounded by inspirational music, which instilled in her a deep appreciation for her musical heritage. She explored her vocal range through middle school musicals and later joined her church choir in high school, eventually becoming a worship leader.

Samara’s first exposure to jazz came during her time at Fordham High School for the Arts, where she performed with the jazz band and won Best Vocalist at JALC’s Essentially Ellington competition. Her passion for jazz deepened at SUNY Purchase, where she studied under jazz masters like Pasquale Grasso and Kenny Washington.

**Achievements:**
Samara has performed at prestigious jazz venues in New York City, including Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, the Blue Note, and Mezzrow. She has collaborated with jazz greats such as Christian McBride, Pasquale Grasso, and NEA Jazz Master Dr. Barry Harris. Her self-titled debut album, released on July 9, 2021, has been praised for its highly original arrangements and timeless quality.

**Join Us:**
Experience the enchanting voice of Samara Joy at the 65th Annual Monterey Jazz Festival. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness a young artist destined for greatness.

**Connect with Samara Joy:**
- [Website](#)
- [Facebook](#)
- [Twitter](#)
- [Instagram](#)

Be sure to mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening of jazz with Samara Joy!