Samara Joy to Headline Jazz House Kids’ Benefit

October 26, 2025November 2, 2025 The Positive Community

Five-time Grammy Award winner Samara Joy will be the special guest at “Ralph Pucci Jazz Set Turns 10,” the milestone fundraiser for Jazz House Kids, on February 25, 2026.

Hosted by nine-time Grammy-winning bassist, composer and Jazz House artistic director Christian McBride, the evening will celebrate 10 years of generosity and electrifying performances at the annual Ralph Pucci Jazz Set.

Samara Joy

Joy is one of the brightest young stars in jazz today, bridging timeless tradition with a breathtaking modern soul. McBride and Joy recently collaborated on their rendition of the jazz standard “Old Folks,” featured on McBride’s new Big Band album “Without Further Ado, Vol. 1.” In January, she’ll also join McBride’s “World at Sea” cruise, performing alongside his acclaimed ensembles and an all-star lineup of special guests.

“Samara Joy is that once-in-a-generation kind of artist who reminds you why you fell in love with jazz in the first place,” said McBride. “Her voice carries the wisdom and raw emotion of some of the most iconic jazz voices in history, while unmistakably fresh with effortless swing. She’s not just special—she’s part of the lineage.”

Joy’s roots with Jazz House Kids run deep. In 2018, she worked as a teaching assistant at the Jazz House Summer Workshop, mentoring young vocalists. She returned last summer as a special guest for a CHiCA Power session and performed alongside McBride and NEA Jazz Master Billy Hart at the student symposium.

A Night of Music that Makes a Difference

The annual event benefits the nationally acclaimed nonprofit. Jazz House provides access to world-class arts education and live performances, regardless of financial circumstances. Funds raised help students and schools afford lessons, instruments and enrichment opportunities. Jazz House’s programs have launched student ensembles across New Jersey and New York. It has also employed hundreds of teaching artists and supported the next generation of jazz musicians as they take their first professional steps.

Over the years, the Ralph Pucci Jazz Set has welcomed some of the most revered figures in music, including Sting, Angélique Kidjo, Norah Jones, Wynton Marsalis, Diana Krall, Esperanza Spalding, Laurie Anderson, Gregory Porter, and John Pizzarelli—all united by their support of Jazz House’s mission to transform lives through music.

The intimate performance will take place at the ultra-modern Ralph Pucci International gallery in New York City. The 30,000-square-foot design destination blends furniture, lighting, and fine art from renowned creators. It’s a fitting stage for a night celebrating world-class artistry.

For Ralph Pucci, the partnership represents a shared commitment to honoring legends while nurturing the next generation of talent.