Jazz at Lincoln Center's 31st Annual Gala is a one-night-only extravaganza titled The Birth of Jazz: From Bolden to Armstrong. Anchored by New York’s House Band—the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis—the show features performances by special guests including Harry Connick, Jr., Jon Batiste, Sullivan Fortner, Vince Giordano, Catherine Russell, Noah Halpern, Anthony Hervey, Summer Camargo Branford Marsalis, Jason Marsalis, Don Vappie, and Reno Wilson.

The unique program tells the tale of Buddy Bolden’s legendary, never-recorded trumpet playing and its impact on the sounds of New Orleans and the birth of jazz. A star-studded lineup will perform timeless songs by early jazz figures including Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Cab Calloway. Audiences will also enjoy an exclusive clip from the upcoming Bolden film, directed by Daniel Pritzker with original music by Wynton Marsalis.

Iconic New Orleanian pianist Ellis Marsalis will receive the 2019 Jazz at Lincoln Center Award for Artistic Excellence, and the 2019 Ed Bradley Award for Leadership in Jazz will be presented to Jazz at Lincoln Center Board Member Art Samberg and his wife, Becky.

Tickets and table packages are also available for the post-concert dinner celebration held in The Appel Room and Ertegun Atrium. For more information, contact Special Events at specialevents@jazz.org.