The evening kicks off with an unforgettable performance by aja monet, the Grammy-nominated Surrealist Blues poet whose artistry has been called “spellbinding” and “revolutionary.” Known for her groundbreaking album, “when the poems do what they do,” aja blends poetry and music in a way that transcends traditional boundaries, weaving together raw emotion, history, and social consciousness. NPR calls her work “a blend of blues and resistance,” uniting themes of love, liberation, and the relentless pursuit of joy in the face of adversity.  Beyond the album, aja’s live performances that truly leave an indelible mark. Her shows are immersive, communal experiences where every poem is a call to belonging, solidarity, and transformation. Audiences have been deeply moved by her ability to create an inclusive, intimate space; as one attendee noted, “you belong here too.”  Joined by Logan Richardson on alto sax, Javier Santiago on piano, Ben Williams on bass, and Justin Brown on drums, aja invites her audience to “lean in” and feel the power of art to ignite the spirit.

Sophye Soliveau is a French singer, harpist, and choir conductor with a deep-rooted passion for African-American music, spanning R&B, soul, and gospel. Her classical training shapes a unique sound where creative improvisation meets a pursuit of healing and freedom.

Singer-soundartist-lyricist-bandleader Fay Victor’s Herbie Nichols SUNG is a loving celebration of jazz composer Herbie Nichols’ rich legacy & powerful work. Victor’s innovative arrangements are brought to vibrant life by a gifted quintet of veteran jazz artists Michaël Attias on saxophone, Anthony Coleman on piano, Ratzo Harris on bass, and Tom Rainey on drums.

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Celebrating 21 years, NYC Winter Jazzfest is proud to continue highlighting artists deserving greater attention while nurturing an audience for Black American Music and amplifying artists’ messages of justice, wellness and progressive change on and off the stage. Artist-in-Residence Makaya McCraven will perform four different sets. Festival highlights include an opening night concert with Aja Monet; the signature two-day marathon in each Manhattan and Brooklyn; a concert of jazz legends at The Town Hall celebrating the re-launch of Strata-East Records; the 60th year anniversary of John Coltrane’s seminal Impulse Records album ‘A Love Supreme’ featuring Ravi Coltrane; legacy groups performing the music of Roy Hargrove and Henry Threadgill.  For the complete lineup visit winterjazzfest.com