Grammy-winning crooner Samara Joy, whose voice recalls Ella Fitzgerald, has dazzled crowds at jazz clubs, festivals, and cultural institutions across the globe and amassed a massive TikTok following. Her debut Verve Records album Linger Awhile was named one of the Best Jazz Albums of 2022 by The New York Times.
Now the Bronx native’s taking her talents to Queens, where she headlines the Riddim & Jazz Festival from Friday, July 26, through Sunday, July 28.
Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning’s signature event features three days of live music with emerging and established ensembles, including Joy, Roy Hargrove Big Band, and Cocomama.
All the shows are free, but some are scheduled for the Jamaica Performing Arts Center at 153-10 Jamaica Ave., while others will take place at Rufus King Park at 150-29 Jamaica Ave. (It’s basically across the street.) The lineup follows.
Friday, July 26, JPAC (indoors)
Opening reception, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Melissa Almaguer, 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Immanuel Wilkins, 9 pm to 10 pm
Saturday, July 27, Rufus King Park (outdoors)
Edmar Castañeda, 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm
Yuhan Su, 3 pm to 4 pm
Roy Hargrove Big Band, 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm
Samara Joy interview, 5:45 pm to 6 pm
Samara Joy concert, 6 pm to 7 pm
Sunday, July 28, Rufus King Park (outdoors)
Cocomama, 2 pm to 3 pm
Ty Stephens, 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Top image: Samara Joy; bottom image: Roy Hargrove Legacy