Each season, Lincoln Center honors one extraordinary artist whose impact, vision, and values embody the transformative power of the arts across the many disciplines represented on campus. In the 2026-2027 season, we celebrate Wynton Marsalis, groundbreaking trumpeter, composer, educator, and visionary founder of Jazz at Lincoln Center (JALC). Marsalis is one of the most internationally acclaimed and consequential figures in American music and culture, and has shaped Lincoln Center in innumerable ways during his nearly 40 year tenure at JALC. Renowned for his encyclopedic knowledge of the form and his tremendous fluency as a music maker, trumpeter, and educator, Marsalis is a nine-time GRAMMY Award winner, an NEA Jazz Master, and the first jazz composer to win a Pulitzer Prize. As his tenure leading Jazz at Lincoln Center comes to a close, Lincoln Center presents a plethora of programming honoring his storied musical journey and long-lasting legacy to the institution and to the next generation of jazz artists, including live performances, panels, films, and more presented by Jazz at Lincoln Center, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, The Juilliard School, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Film at Lincoln Center, Lincoln Center Theater, and The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. Join us for this once-in-a-lifetime celebration of Wynton Marsalis and his voluminous legacy.
Upcoming Events
Summer for the City
Lincoln Center Visionary Artist: Wynton Marsalis
Buhaina's Hot Seat: The Art Blakey Jazz Messengers
Trumpet Tradition Feat. Bruce Harris
Lincoln Center Presents
In collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center
June 14 at 6:00 pm
David Rubenstein Atrium
Buhaina’s Hot Seat traces how the Jazz Messengers’ trumpet tradition shaped hard bop and influences today’s jazz landscape.
Summer for the City
Lincoln Center Visionary Artist: Wynton Marsalis
Call & Response: Blues, Spirituals & Folk Songs
Sean Mason Trio
Lincoln Center Presents
In collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center
June 21 at 6:00 pm
David Rubenstein Atrium
Enjoy a tribute to Wynton Marsalis through blues, spirituals, and folk songs that trace the deep roots of American music.
Summer for the City
Lincoln Center Visionary Artist: Wynton Marsalis
Jason Marsalis
Presents The Modern New Orleans Music
Lincoln Center Presents
In collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center
June 28 at 6:00 pm
David Rubenstein Atrium
The youngest son of piano and jazz luminary Ellis Marsalis, Jr. celebrates his father's music and the rich lineage of New Orleans composers.
Summer for the City
Lincoln Center Visionary Artist: Wynton Marsalis
Louis Armstrong at 125, America at 250
A Birthday Celebration for Pops
Lincoln Center Presents
In collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center
July 05 at 6:00 pm
David Rubenstein Atrium
Led by trombonist Sam Chess, this evening celebrates the life and work of the iconic Louis Armstrong.
Summer for the City
Lincoln Center Visionary Artist: Wynton Marsalis
From Black Codes to The Magic Hour
Lincoln Center Presents
In collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center
July 12 at 6:00 pm
David Rubenstein Atrium
An ensemble of powerhouse improvisers explores some of the most influential music in modern jazz.
Summer for the City
Lincoln Center Visionary Artist: Wynton Marsalis
The American Quartet
Lincoln Center Presents
July 16 at 7:30 pm
David Rubenstein Atrium
A string quartet of musicians from the Festival Orchestra of Lincoln Center performs works by Antonín Dvořák and Wynton Marsalis.
Lincoln Center Visionary Artist: Wynton Marsalis
Summer Evenings VI
Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
July 25 at 5:00 pm
Alice Tully Hall
The Calidore String Quartet takes the stage in the final Summer Evenings concert of the year, featuring Wynton Marsalis’s Selections from At the Octoroon Balls.
Lincoln Center Visionary Artist: Wynton Marsalis
Marsalis and the Masters
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Jazz at Lincoln Center
September 17 at 7:30 pm
Rose Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center
Wynton Marsalis reimagines Monk, Armstrong, Coltrane, Corea, and more with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra in bold, thoughtful big band arrangements.
Lincoln Center Visionary Artist: Wynton Marsalis
Marsalis and the Masters
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Jazz at Lincoln Center
September 18 at 7:30 pm
Rose Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center
Wynton Marsalis reimagines Monk, Armstrong, Coltrane, Corea, and more with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra in bold, thoughtful big band arrangements.
Lincoln Center Visionary Artist: Wynton Marsalis
Marsalis and the Masters
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Jazz at Lincoln Center
September 19 at 7:30 pm
Rose Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center
Wynton Marsalis reimagines Monk, Armstrong, Coltrane, Corea, and more with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra in bold, thoughtful big band arrangements.
Lincoln Center Visionary Artist: Wynton Marsalis
From Cuba to the Crescent City
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Jazz at Lincoln Center
October 23 at 7:30 pm
Rose Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center
Wynton Marsalis and the JLCO trace jazz’s roots across the African diaspora, joined by Pedrito Martinez, Weedie Braimah, and Shenel Johns.
Lincoln Center Visionary Artist: Wynton Marsalis
From Cuba to the Crescent City
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Jazz at Lincoln Center
October 24 at 7:30 pm
Rose Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center
Wynton Marsalis and the JLCO trace jazz’s roots across the African diaspora, joined by Pedrito Martinez, Weedie Braimah, and Shenel Johns.
Lincoln Center Visionary Artist: Wynton Marsalis
The Universal Language of Jazz
America's Pioneer Artform Across Discipline
Lincoln Center Presents
In collaboration with The Metropolitan Opera and The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts
October 27 at 6:00 pm
The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts
Join us for a conversation with Wynton Marsalis and the Metropolitan Opera General Manager, Peter Gelb.
Lincoln Center Visionary Artist: Wynton Marsalis
Marsalis’ Swinging Cities
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Jazz at Lincoln Center
November 06 at 7:30 pm
Rose Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center
Wynton Marsalis and the JLCO celebrate the global language of jazz, featuring a program of compositions inspired by decades on the road.
Lincoln Center Visionary Artist: Wynton Marsalis
Marsalis’ Swinging Cities
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Jazz at Lincoln Center
November 07 at 7:30 pm
Rose Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center
Wynton Marsalis and the JLCO celebrate the global language of jazz, featuring a program of compositions inspired by decades on the road.
Lincoln Center Visionary Artist: Wynton Marsalis
Juilliard Orchestra and Juilliard Jazz Orchestra
Conducted by David Robertson
The Juilliard School
December 14 at 7:30 pm
Karen and Richard LeFrak Lobby, David Geffen Hall
Conducted by David Robertson, two formidable ensembles join forces for a performance of The Jungle (Symphony No. 4), inspired by New York City.
Lincoln Center Visionary Artist: Wynton Marsalis
Wynton Marsalis Quintet
Jazz at Lincoln Center
January 07 at 7:30 pm
Rose Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center
Wynton Marsalis Quintet, with Marcus Roberts, Reginald Veal, and Jason Marsalis, brings bold improvisation and deep swing from Black Codes to the Integrity Suite.
Lincoln Center Visionary Artist: Wynton Marsalis
Wynton Marsalis Quintet
Jazz at Lincoln Center
January 08 at 7:30 pm
Rose Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center
Wynton Marsalis Quintet, with Marcus Roberts, Reginald Veal, and Jason Marsalis, brings bold improvisation and deep swing from Black Codes to the Integrity Suite.
Lincoln Center Visionary Artist: Wynton Marsalis
Wynton Marsalis Quintet
Jazz at Lincoln Center
January 09 at 7:30 pm
Rose Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center
Wynton Marsalis Quintet, with Marcus Roberts, Reginald Veal, and Jason Marsalis, brings bold improvisation and deep swing from Black Codes to the Integrity Suite.
Lincoln Center Visionary Artist: Wynton Marsalis
Folk, Blues, and Spirituals
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Jazz at Lincoln Center
January 21 at 7:30 pm
Rose Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center
Wynton Marsalis and the JLCO bring blues, folk, and more to life in “Root American Musics,” featuring Big Train, a sweeping suite on America’s rails.
Lincoln Center Visionary Artist: Wynton Marsalis
Folk, Blues, and Spirituals
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Jazz at Lincoln Center
January 22 at 7:30 pm
Rose Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center
Wynton Marsalis and the JLCO bring blues, folk, and more to life in “Root American Musics,” featuring Big Train, a sweeping suite on America’s rails.
Lincoln Center Visionary Artist: Wynton Marsalis
Folk, Blues, and Spirituals
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Jazz at Lincoln Center
January 23 at 7:30 pm
Rose Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center
Wynton Marsalis and the JLCO bring blues, folk, and more to life in “Root American Musics,” featuring Big Train, a sweeping suite on America’s rails.
Lincoln Center Visionary Artist: Wynton Marsalis
Portraits of Bards, Titans, and Legends
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Jazz at Lincoln Center
February 05 at 7:30 pm
Rose Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center
Wynton Marsalis and the JLCO honor Buddy Bolden, Art Blakey, and Jack Johnson, with a new work inspired by Benjamin Franklin, Walt Whitman, and Mark Twain.
Lincoln Center Visionary Artist: Wynton Marsalis
Portraits of Bards, Titans, and Legends
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Jazz at Lincoln Center
February 06 at 7:30 pm
Rose Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center
Wynton Marsalis and the JLCO honor Buddy Bolden, Art Blakey, and Jack Johnson, with a new work inspired by Benjamin Franklin, Walt Whitman, and Mark Twain.
Lincoln Center Visionary Artist: Wynton Marsalis
An Evening With Wynton Marsalis
The Future of Jazz and Democracy
Lincoln Center Presents
In collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center
February 10 at 7:30 pm
Alice Tully Hall
Celebrate the legacy of Wynton Marsalis, who gives a keynote address on the intersections of jazz and American democracy, throughout history and beyond.
Lincoln Center Visionary Artist: Wynton Marsalis
Marsalis in Movement
Lincoln Center Presents
March 11 at 8:00 pm
David Rubenstein Atrium
Luther S. Allison leads a bold interdisciplinary tribute to Wynton Marsalis, blending jazz landmarks with contemporary movement.
Lincoln Center Visionary Artist: Wynton Marsalis
Heroines, Desire, and the Pursuit of Happiness
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Jazz at Lincoln Center
March 19 at 7:30 pm
Wynton Marsalis and the JLCO bring his most powerful works to life, from Blood on the Fields to All Rise and Afro!, where love, struggle, and swing take center stage.
Lincoln Center Visionary Artist: Wynton Marsalis
Heroines, Desire, and the Pursuit of Happiness
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Jazz at Lincoln Center
March 20 at 7:30 pm
Wynton Marsalis and the JLCO bring his most powerful works to life, from Blood on the Fields to All Rise and Afro!, where love, struggle, and swing take center stage.
Lincoln Center Visionary Artist: Wynton Marsalis
The Ever Fonky Lowdown
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Jazz at Lincoln Center
April 08 at 7:30 pm
Rose Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center
Wynton Marsalis’ The Ever Fonky Lowdown blends New Orleans funk and sharp satire, featuring vocalists Christie Dashiell, Ashley Pezzotti, and Georgia Heers, and narrator Wendell Pierce.
Lincoln Center Visionary Artist: Wynton Marsalis
The Ever Fonky Lowdown
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Jazz at Lincoln Center
April 09 at 7:30 pm
Rose Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center
Wynton Marsalis’ The Ever Fonky Lowdown blends New Orleans funk and sharp satire, featuring vocalists Christie Dashiell, Ashley Pezzotti, and Georgia Heers, and narrator Wendell Pierce.
Lincoln Center Visionary Artist: Wynton Marsalis
The Ever Fonky Lowdown
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Jazz at Lincoln Center
April 10 at 7:30 pm
Rose Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center
Wynton Marsalis’ The Ever Fonky Lowdown blends New Orleans funk and sharp satire, featuring vocalists Christie Dashiell, Ashley Pezzotti, and Georgia Heers, and narrator Wendell Pierce.
Lincoln Center Visionary Artist: Wynton Marsalis
The World in Swing
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Jazz at Lincoln Center
April 30 at 7:30 pm
Rose Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center
Wynton Marsalis and the JLCO unite Naseer Shamma, Hamilton de Holanda, and Chano Domínguez in a bold global exchange across jazz, flamenco, and more.
Lincoln Center Visionary Artist: Wynton Marsalis
The World in Swing
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Jazz at Lincoln Center
May 01 at 7:30 pm
Rose Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center
Wynton Marsalis and the JLCO unite Naseer Shamma, Hamilton de Holanda, and Chano Domínguez in a bold global exchange across jazz, flamenco, and more.
Lincoln Center Visionary Artist: Wynton Marsalis
Marsalis: Jazz Is Dance
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Jazz at Lincoln Center
May 20 at 7:30 pm
Rose Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center
Wynton Marsalis and the JLCO bring his dance collaborations to life, featuring works for NYCB and Alvin Ailey, with Claudia Schreier, Lil Buck, and Jared Grimes.
Lincoln Center Visionary Artist: Wynton Marsalis
Marsalis: Jazz Is Dance
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Jazz at Lincoln Center
May 21 at 7:30 pm
Rose Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center
Wynton Marsalis and the JLCO bring his dance collaborations to life, featuring works for NYCB and Alvin Ailey, with Claudia Schreier, Lil Buck, and Jared Grimes.
Lincoln Center Visionary Artist: Wynton Marsalis
Marsalis: Jazz Is Dance
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Jazz at Lincoln Center
May 22 at 7:30 pm
Rose Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center
Wynton Marsalis and the JLCO bring his dance collaborations to life, featuring works for NYCB and Alvin Ailey, with Claudia Schreier, Lil Buck, and Jared Grimes.
Lincoln Center Visionary Artist: Wynton Marsalis
Call and Response
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Jazz at Lincoln Center
June 10 at 7:30 pm
Rose Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center
The JLCO revisits Wynton Marsalis’ classics with bold, high-energy big band arrangements, led by its master soloists and composers.
Lincoln Center Visionary Artist: Wynton Marsalis
Call and Response
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Jazz at Lincoln Center
June 11 at 7:30 pm
Rose Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center
The JLCO revisits Wynton Marsalis’ classics with bold, high-energy big band arrangements, led by its master soloists and composers.
Lincoln Center Visionary Artist: Wynton Marsalis
Call and Response
The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Jazz at Lincoln Center
June 12 at 7:30 pm
Rose Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center
The JLCO revisits Wynton Marsalis’ classics with bold, high-energy big band arrangements, led by its master soloists and composers.
Lincoln Center Visionary Artist: Wynton Marsalis
Wynton Marsalis Septet
Jazz at Lincoln Center
June 17 at 7:30 pm
Rose Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center
The Wynton Marsalis Septet brings New Orleans spirit to modern jazz with Herlin Riley, Reginald Veal, Wycliffe Gordon, Dan Nimmer, Chris Crenshaw, Alexa Tarantino, Chris Lewis, and Abdias Armenteros.
Lincoln Center Visionary Artist: Wynton Marsalis
Wynton Marsalis Septet
Jazz at Lincoln Center
June 18 at 7:30 pm
Rose Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center
The Wynton Marsalis Septet brings New Orleans spirit to modern jazz with Herlin Riley, Reginald Veal, Wycliffe Gordon, Dan Nimmer, Chris Crenshaw, Alexa Tarantino, Chris Lewis, and Abdias Armenteros.
Lincoln Center Visionary Artist: Wynton Marsalis
Wynton Marsalis Septet
Jazz at Lincoln Center
June 19 at 7:30 pm
Rose Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center
The Wynton Marsalis Septet brings New Orleans spirit to modern jazz with Herlin Riley, Reginald Veal, Wycliffe Gordon, Dan Nimmer, Chris Crenshaw, Alexa Tarantino, Chris Lewis, and Abdias Armenteros.