Manhattan’s Jazz House KiDS’ 9th Annual Ralph Pucci Jazz Set Benefit to Feature Angélique Kidjo

New York City’s Jazz House KiDS has announced singer-songwriter and five-time GRAMMY winner Angélique Kidjo as the special guest for the 9th annual Ralph Pucci Jazz Set Benefit.

The event is set to be hosted by nine-time GRAMMY winning bassist and composer Christian McBride on Thursday, March 6, at Ralph Pucci International in New York City. 

Angélique Kidjo and Christian McBride. Photo courtesy of JAZZ HOUSE KiDS

Kidjo’s incorporation of West African traditions, inspired by her home country of Benin, along with American genres like R&B and funk, has coined her as one of the greatest artists in international music. Her illustrious career includes performances with acclaimed artists, such as Dave Matthews, Sting, Tina Turner and John Legend. In the past few months, Kidjo performed at the reopening of the cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris and received a GRAMMY nomination for the Best Global Music Performance category for her single, “Sunlight To My Soul.” 

McBride’s contributions as the Artistic Director of many notable events and landmarks, such as Jazz House KiDS, Newport Jazz Festival and the National Jazz Museum in Harlem, marks him as a key aid in maintaining the longevity of music. In the digital world, McBride is the host for NPR’s “Jazz Night in America” and “The Lowdown: Conversations With Christian” on SiriusXM. McBride’s contributions to music and music education marks this event as the “event of the season.”  

In a statement, McBride shared, “I am thrilled that my good friend Angélique Kidjo will join us for this year’s fundraiser for Jazz House. Angélique is not only an important voice musically, but a global ambassador uniting the world through song and carrying the royal lineage of Mariam Makeba from the Motherland.” 

Students of JAZZ HOUSE KiDS. Photo courtesy of JAZZ HOUSE KiDS
Students of JAZZ HOUSE KiDS. Photo courtesy of JAZZ HOUSE KiDS

Led by Melissa Walker and into its third decade, Jazz House KiDS creates music education opportunities for young musicians through career development opportunities, community building and support. Throughout the years, Jazz House KiDS have received over 170 awards in jazz and jazz education. Divided within its two locations in Lower Manhattan and Montclair, New Jersey, the life-changing music program helps young musicians thrive in their communities. 

For more information on the Ralph Pucci 9th Annual Jazz Set Benefit, visit here. To learn more about Jazz House KiDS, visit jazzhousekids.org.

Comments are closed.