Tuesday, April 28 @ 7:00 pm
National Jazz Museum in Harlem
Step into an evening that celebrates the powerful voices shaping the future of Jazz and Blues. The Women of Jazz & Blues shines a spotlight on the artists, leaders and visionaries carrying the torch in 2026—women whose journeys, resilience and artistry continue to redefine the music industry.
Curated and moderated by Solomon Hicks
Part 1: Panel Conversation
An insightful discussion led by Solomon Hicks, featuring voices from across the musical spectrum:
Part 2: Live Performance
A special live performance by **Antoinette Montague: Jazz Woman to the Rescue!
Antoinette Montague
The Queen of Jazz & Blues | Vocalist • Educator • Cultural Ambassador
Antoinette Montague is an internationally celebrated Jazz and Blues vocalist known for her commanding voice, emotional depth, and electrifying stage presence. A proud daughter of Newark, she has captivated audiences around the world with performances that blend tradition, storytelling, and soul.
A recipient of the 2024 Jazz Journalists Association Jazz Hero Award, Montague continues to stand at the forefront of the genre. She is featured on the Grammy-nominated Vox Humana and appeared on the Emmy-nominated television show George to the Rescue (2025).
Her work extends beyond performance—she is a dedicated educator, mentor, and cultural ambassador. Named 2025 Educator of the Year by the Newark School of the Arts, she is passionate about preserving and expanding the reach of Jazz through education and community engagement.
From legendary venues like The Blue Note and Birdland to international stages across Israel, Russia, and South Korea, Montague brings Jazz and Blues to life with elegance, humor, and undeniable swing.
Solomon Hicks (Moderator
A Harlem native, Solomon Hicks is an acclaimed guitarist, vocalist, and composer whose work spans blues, jazz, gospel, and beyond. A former child prodigy who performed at the historic Cotton Club, Hicks has collaborated with icons such as Tony Bennett, Jeff Beck, and Buddy Guy.
His debut album Harlem earned the Blues Music Award for Best Emerging Artist Album, and his career continues to bridge tradition with modern sound. In addition to performing, he is deeply committed to music education and community engagement.
Burgundy Williams
An Atlanta native turned New Yorker, Burgundy Williams is a versatile performer and recording artist whose career spans multiple genres. She rose to prominence after winning the Apollo Theater’s Super Top Dog in 2015 and has since performed on major stages including Radio City Music Hall alongside Hugh Jackman, as well as appearances on The X Factor UK and Don’t Forget the Lyrics.
Robin Bell-Stevens
A leading force behind the scenes in jazz, Robin Bell-Stevens is a distinguished arts administrator, producer, and cultural strategist. As Director and Executive Producer of Jazzmobile, she continues the legacy of one of the nation’s most important jazz institutions. Her career spans roles in marketing, politics, and large-scale cultural production, working alongside legendary artists and shaping major festivals and initiatives both in the U.S. and internationally.
Seydurah Avecmoi
A dynamic and fiery blues vocalist, Seydurah Avecmoi blends jazz, swing, rock, and funk into a powerful and electrifying sound. Born in the South Bronx and raised in Atlanta, she has performed globally, including headlining Australia’s Swing/Blues Dance Festival and appearing at international cultural events such as the United Nations German Consulate gala.
Join us for an unforgettable evening of music, storytelling, and inspiration as we honor the women shaping the present and future of Jazz and Blues.
We are your go-to venue for off-site meetings, receptions, film screenings, workshops, networking events, socials and more. Located in the heart of Central Harlem’s thriving culinary and entertainment district, The National Jazz Museum in Harlem is the perfect place to hold your next gathering.