🎭 NEW! Pennsylvania Theatre Newsletter
Ensemble Arts Philly has announced its 2026-2027 Jazz Series, featuring a lineup of jazz artists, internationally recognized ensembles, and genre-crossing performers across the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and Miller Theater.
🎭 NEW! Pennsylvania Theatre Newsletter
The season opens October 7, 2026, with Jeff Goldblum and The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra and continues through May 2027 with performances by Lakecia Benjamin, The 8-Bit Big Band, Afro-Cuban All Stars, The Bad Plus, Pink Martini, Sullivan Fortner, Gregory Porter, Ambrose Akinmusire, Yasmin Williams, and the Django Festival Allstars.
Ryan Fleur, President and CEO of Ensemble Arts Philly, said in a statement, “Jazz has always been about connection, between artists, audiences, and cultures, and that spirit is central to Ensemble Arts Philly’s work.”
Tickets
2026-2027 Jazz Series packages are on sale now. Audience members can save 10 percent by purchasing a two-show package online, by phone, or in person at the Academy of Music Box Office. Single tickets will go on sale at a later date.
Jeff Goldblum AND THE MILDRED SNITZER ORCHESTRA
Miller Theater
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 | 8:00 p.m.
Recently appearing in WICKED and WICKED: FOR GOOD, Jeff Goldblum’s career spans film, television, and theater. Goldblum formed The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra 30 years ago, and the ensemble has since released four albums through Decca Records. Their most recent album, Still Blooming, debuted at No. 1 on the Official Jazz & Blues Albums Chart in 2025.
LAKECIA BENJAMIN
Perelman Theater inside the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
Thursday, October 22, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.
Six-time Grammy nominee Lakecia Benjamin is known for blending jazz, R&B, and funk influences. Her recent album Phoenix, produced by Terri Lyne Carrington, received three Grammy nominations.
THE 8-BIT BIG BAND
Miller Theater
Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 8:00 p.m.
The Grammy-winning 8-Bit Big Band reimagines music from video games through symphonic jazz arrangements. Led by Charlie Rosen, the ensemble has built a global following through recordings and live performances.
Miller Theater
Friday, October 30, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.
Led by Juan De Marcos González, the Afro-Cuban All Stars are known for combining traditional Cuban music styles with contemporary influences. The ensemble played a major role in the Buena Vista Social Club movement.
THE BAD PLUS FAREWELL TOUR
Perelman Theater inside the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
Saturday, November 14, 2026 | 7:00 p.m.
The Bad Plus returns on its farewell tour with founding members Reid Anderson and Dave King joined by Ben Monder and Chris Speed in the group’s current piano-less configuration.
PINK MARTINI ALL STARS PRESENTS A SEASON OF STARS
Marian Anderson Hall inside the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
Monday, December 14, 2026 | 7:00 p.m.
Pink Martini returns with a holiday-themed program featuring Ari Shapiro, Edna Vazquez, and Jimmie Herrod alongside the ensemble’s signature blend of jazz, orchestral pop, and international music influences.
SULLIVAN FORTNER TRIO
Perelman Theater inside the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
Saturday, February 13, 2027 | 7:30 p.m.
Grammy-winning pianist and composer Sullivan Fortner has received acclaim both as a solo artist and collaborator, including work with Samara Joy and Cécile McLorin Salvant.
Marian Anderson Hall inside the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
Monday, February 15, 2027 | 7:00 p.m.
Two-time Grammy winner Gregory Porter brings his jazz, soul, and gospel-influenced sound to Philadelphia following a career that includes acclaimed albums such as Liquid Spirit and Take Me To The Alley.
AMBROSE AKINMUSIRE
Perelman Theater inside the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
Thursday, February 25, 2027 | 7:30 p.m.
Trumpeter and composer Ambrose Akinmusire has released multiple acclaimed recordings through Blue Note Records and received a Grammy nomination in 2026 for Honey from a Winter Stone.
YASMIN WILLIAMS WITH THE DREAM QUARTET
Perelman Theater inside the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
Saturday, April 3, 2027 | 7:30 p.m.
Guitarist and composer Yasmin Williams will perform with the Dream Quartet. Her latest album, Acadia, explores folk, experimental, and progressive influences while featuring collaborations with several guest artists.
DJANGO FESTIVAL ALLSTARS
Perelman Theater inside the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
Friday, May 14, 2027 | 7:30 p.m.
The Django Festival Allstars close the season with a performance celebrating the music and legacy of jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt through gypsy jazz standards and contemporary interpretations.
2026 Theater Fans’ Choice Awards – Live Stats
Best Choreography – Top 3
1.
Lauren Yalango-Grant, Christopher Cree Grant – The Lost Boys
25.7% of votes
2.
Christopher Gattelli – Schmigadoon!
19.4% of votes
3.
Omari Wiles, Arturo Lyons – CATS: The Jellicle Ball
17.8% of votes
