The Jazz Foundation of America Unveils Artist Lineup for “A Great Night in Harlem” Gala

The Jazz Foundation of America has announced the artist lineup for the 2024 presentation of its annual gala, titled “A Great Night in Harlem.” Set to stage at the historic Apollo Theater on March 28, this year’s event and will explore new musical directions with the inclusion of pathbreaking acts like Bobby Weir, Sun Ra Arkestra, and Steve Jordan.

Jordan–a storied musician and producer known for his work with Chuck Berry, the John Mayer Trio and most recently as the touring drummer for the Rolling Stones–has been cast as the musical director for the 2024 gala, which will honor Richard D. Parsons, the chairman of the Jazz Foundation of America’s board of directors. Bobby Weir has been tapped as the first-billed act for the event, scheduled squarely within Dead & Company’s May 16 – July 13 Sphere residency. The other acts set to perform are the pioneering avant-garde Sun Ra Arkestra, under the direction of bandleader Marshall Allen, and a Max Roach Centennial Tribute. This salute to the late visionary bebop drummer will be loaded with high-profile jazz performers such as Charles Tolliver, Dee Dee Bridgewater and “The Titans of Jazz Drums,” a percussion trio of Al Foster, Billy Hart and Louis Hayes.

Since its 2001 inaugural event, the Jazz Foundation of America Gala has brought living legends and up-and-comers from the worlds of jazz, blues, rock and soul to the Apollo annually, celebrating the neighborhood’s rich musical history with an homage to the iconic 1958 photograph “A Great Day in Harlem.” The artist lineup for the event’s 2023 presentation featured Taj Mahal, Jon Batiste, Bettye LaVette and many more with hosts including Danny Glover Ann Curry and Jeffrey Wright.

Proceeds from the 2024 “A Great Night in Harlem” Gala will go to sustain the Jazz Doundation of America’s programming and charitable endeavors. Tickets to the event are available now at jazzfoundation.org/gala2024.