Mar 23: 2026 Women's Jazz Festival: Kandace Springs
- Upstairs NYC
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
"A voice that could melt snow." Experience the undeniable talent of Kandace Springs as she honors the legacy of Black women in jazz during the Schomburg Center’s centennial year.
Practical Info
Monday, March 23, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM (End times are approximate)
Location: Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture 515 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY 10037 (map)
Overview:
As part of the Schomburg Center’s landmark 100th-anniversary celebration, the annual Women's Jazz Festival (WJF) returns for its 34th year. Founded in 1992, this festival is a cornerstone of Harlem’s cultural fabric, dedicated to the extraordinary contributions of Black women in jazz. On the second night of the 2026 series, soulful virtuoso Kandace Springs takes the stage. Backed by her all-female rhythm section, the Nashville native—and protégé of the late Prince—brings her generational voice to the Schomburg, fresh off her ambitious tribute to Billie Holiday and the release of her 2026 Spring album.
Key Takeaways:
A Centennial Celebration: Part of the "Schomburg 100" milestone, honoring the legacy of Arturo Schomburg.
Generational Talent: Kandace Springs combines the spirit of Ella Fitzgerald and Nina Simone with a modern soul-jazz sensibility.
Historical Context: Experience the festival in the very heart of Harlem, where it has flourished as a tribute to Black female excellence since its founding by Melba Joyce.
An Insider’s Tip:
Tickets are $35 for general admission, but Schomburg Society Members can access them for $25. If you are a member, remember to enter your promotional code to reveal the discounted rate. This is the second night of a three-part series; consider checking out the full festival lineup featuring Ms. Lisa Fischer (March 16) and Dee Dee Bridgewater (March 30).
A Note for Our Inner Circle:
The Schomburg Center is celebrating its 100th anniversary all year long. To mark the occasion, the NYPL has released a Special-Edition Library Card. If you’re a local resident, visiting the center for the festival is the perfect time to pick up this limited-edition collector’s item and explore the centennial exhibitions on-site.
Who You May Spot:
Jazz aficionados, Harlem cultural leaders, dedicated members of the Schomburg Society, and fans of the legendary Wooten Brothers, with whom Springs began her musical education.
