2026 Women's Jazz Fest: Kandace Springs

IN PERSON

The Schomburg Center’s centennial celebration continues with its annual Women's Jazz Festival (WJF). The festival was founded in 1992 by then Harlem resident and jazz vocalist, Melba Joyce. For over 30 years, the festival and its curators have brought together vocalists, musicians, dancers, and a melding of musical genres, to deliver an exciting series of concerts honoring the contributions of Black women in jazz. The 2026 festival will be held in person on Mondays, March 16, 23, and 30.

Join us for the second night of the Women's Jazz Festival with Kandace Springs!

KANDACE SPRINGS

“Kandace Springs’s voice is undeniable. It’s one of those generational voices; from the first note, you know it’s special.” – The Washington Post

Since the release of her debut album Soul Eyes in 2016, Kandace Springs has solidified her position as one of the premiere jazz/soul singers of our time. Her musical journey began when her father brought home an old upright piano that a family friend was throwing out; within weeks she had taught herself to play the theme from Soul Train. Suitably impressed, her father arranged for lessons from friend and neighbor Reggie Wooten of the renowned Wooten Brothers.

Described as having “a voice that could melt snow” by her late mentor and collaborator Prince, the Nashville native has racked up an impressive list of accomplishments. Springs has performed at London’s Royal Albert Hall and at legendary jazz festivals including Newport and Monterey.

Springs has also collaborated with greats like Norah Jones, the Wu-Tang Clan’s Ghostface Killah, drummer/producer Karriem Riggins, Roy Hargrove, Christian McBride, and David Sanborn. A special talent, she embodies the same spirit and soul of the great vocalists of the past on whose shoulders she stands, from legendary vocalists Ella Fitzgerald and Carmen McRae to Nina Simone and Roberta Flack.

Springs embarked on her most ambitious tribute yet, with the 2025 album release and accompanying tour of Lady in Satin, her recreation of Billie Holiday’s iconic album. Kandace looks forward to the release of a new album in Spring 2026 and hitting the road backed by her ace all-female rhythm section.

Read more of Spring's bio at kandacesprings.com.

#SchomburgWJF2026 #SchomburgLive

TICKETS

General Admission $35 // Schomburg Society Member* $25 (Plus Eventbrite fees)

*Enter promotional code to reveal membership ticket . For more information, contact the Schomburg Society Office at schomburgsociety@nypl.org or 212.491.2252

2026 Women's Jazz Festival Schedule

March 16: Ms. Lisa Fischer

March 23: Kandace Springs

March 30: Dee Dee Bridgewater

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LEARN MORE

This year, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture continues celebrating the 100th anniversary of its founding! Join us all year long for a wide array of special events, exhibitions, and more as we celebrate this milestone and continue the legacy of Arturo Schomburg.

Schomburg100 | Exhibition | Special-Edition Library Card | Become a Member

#SchomburgLive

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OPEN SEATING Ticketed guests will begin seating 30 minutes before start time.

ACCESSIBLILITY Accessibility requests can be made by e-mail accessibility@nypl.org.

E-TRANSPORTATION NYPL policy prohibits electric transportation devices (e.g., motorbikes, e-bikes, e-scooters, e-skateboards) from being brought into or stored at library sites for any length of time, as this is the best way to keep our spaces & people safe.

AUDIO/VIDEO RECORDING Programs are photographed and recorded by the Schomburg Center. Attending this event indicates your consent to being filmed/photographed and your consent to the use of your recorded image for any all purposes of the New York Public Library.

PRESS Please send all press inquiries (photo, video, interviews, audio-recording, etc) at least 24-hours before the day of the program to Leah Drayton at leahdrayton@nypl.org.

Please note that personal and professional video recordings are prohibited without expressed consent.