Queens College Kupferberg Center for the Arts has just announced the lineup for its 2025-2026 season, completely stacked with everything from Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famers to dance concerts, Gospel choirs, family shows, and everything in between.
No matter if you’re looking for a performance by an international superstar or a rising artist, a Cuban orchestra or Korean bluegrass fusion, or even a classic jazz ensemble or urban circus, Kupferberg Center for the Arts’ lineup is sure to have something for you.
The season begins on October 3 with a performance by the Buena Vista Orchestra, an iconic orchestra celebrating Cuban music and culture. Just one week later, Country Gongbang will take to the stage, featuring a unique fusion of bluegrass and K-Pop.
In November, KCA will feature vintage New Orleans jazz ensemble Tuba Skinny and Emmy- and Grammy-winning composer and bassist Endea Owens & The Cookout. November’s final performance will be with 360 ALLSTARS, an urban circus with a variety of skills from breakdancing to BMX-biking and acrobatics.
December will feature the Soweto Gospel Choir, as well as a celebration of the holiday season in the form of Keith Michael’s The Nutcracker. The lone performance in January will be an MLK Day celebration with rising jazz singer Tyreek McDole.
“Our 2025–26 season reflects the vibrant diversity and creativity of Queens and the world… From international legends to rising stars, each performance brings a unique story, sound, and experience to our stage. We can’t wait to share it with our community.”
-Jon Yanofsky, Director of Kupferberg Center for the Arts
At the start of February, the Lunar New Year will be celebrated with a dance performance by the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company, and at the start of March, Les Ballets Africains, the national dance company of Guinea, will showcase their talents and heritage to Queens. March’s performances also include Michael Feinstein’s Tribute to Tony Bennett and The Peking Acrobats.
In mid-April, Sō Percussion Unplugged will showcase their innovative styles of percussion, and at the end of the month, musical legend Darlene Love will grace KCA with her angelic vocals and undeniable stage presence.
The season’s final four performances will all take place in May, those being the Louis Armstrong House Orchestra, a world-class Armstrong tribute band, Viva El Cinco de Mayo, an all-ages celebration of Mexican culture and music, Ravi Coltrane, Grammy-nominated saxophonist and grandson of John Coltrane, and Celia Cruz 100: Migguel Anggelo’s ICON, an honorary performance for the Queen of Salsa on her 100th birthday.
As with every season of theirs, the 2025-2026 season at the Kupferberg Center for the Arts aspires to make premium music and culture accessible to the Queens College community and Queens’ 2.4 million residents. As one of the nation’s most ethnically diverse regions, KCA vies to bring Queens’ residents closer to their own heritages while exposing them to even more cultures.
To purchase tickets for any one of the shows listed below, click here.
Season Highlights:
Buena Vista Orchestra – Fri, Oct 3, 8 PM, Colden Auditorium
Experience the rhythm and soul of Cuban music with Jesús “Aguaje” Ramos and legendary members of The Buena Vista Social Club. A rare chance to see the iconic orchestra live on their 2025 global tour. Tickets: $42–$82.
Country Gongbang – Fri, Oct 10, 8 PM, LeFrak Concert Hall
South Korea’s first bluegrass band, and the first Korean group to perform at the Grand Ole Opry, blends K-pop energy with traditional bluegrass for a fresh, bilingual performance. Tickets: $27.
Tuba Skinny – Sat, Nov 8, 8 PM, LeFrak Concert Hall
Known for their vintage New Orleans sound, this ensemble brings jazz, ragtime, and blues to life with infectious energy. Tickets: $32.
Endea Owens & The Cookout – Sat, Nov 15, 8 PM, LeFrak Concert Hall
Emmy and Grammy-winning bassist and composer Endea Owens blends jazz, soul, and global influences for a high-energy, feel-good performance. Tickets: $32.
360 ALLSTARS – Sun, Nov 16, 4 PM, Colden Auditorium
An urban circus celebrating street culture with BMX, breakdancing, basketball, acrobatics, and live music. Tickets: $37.
Soweto Gospel Choir: Peace – Sat, Dec 6, 8 PM, Colden Auditorium
Multi-Grammy and Emmy Award-winning choir performs freedom songs, spirituals, and classics in a powerful celebration of hope and unity. Tickets: $37–$67.
Keith Michael’s The Nutcracker – Sat, Dec 13, 3 PM, Colden Auditorium
New York Theatre Ballet presents a one-hour family-friendly rendition of The Nutcracker, featuring enchanting choreography and Art Nouveau–inspired design. Tickets: $32.
QC MLK Day Celebration: Tyreek McDole – Sun, Jan 18, 3 PM, Goldstein Theatre
Rising jazz vocalist Tyreek McDole blends original songs with freedom songs and spirituals in a concert honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tickets: $29.
Lunar New Year: Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company – Sun, Feb 1, 3 PM, Colden Auditorium
Celebrate the Year of the Horse with family-friendly dance featuring majestic dragons, acrobats, and twirling ribbons. Tickets: $22.
Les Ballets Africains – Sun, Mar 1, 3 PM, Colden Auditorium
The legendary national dance company of Guinea brings Africa’s vibrant heritage to life with drumming, choreography, and stunning costumes. Tickets: $42.
Michael Feinstein’s Tribute to Tony Bennett – Sat, Mar 21, 8 PM, Colden Auditorium
Celebrate the legendary Tony Bennett with a heartfelt symphonic performance by Michael Feinstein and the Carnegie Hall Ensemble. Tickets: $52–$92.
The Peking Acrobats® – Sun, Mar 29, 4 PM, Colden Auditorium
High-flying feats, contortion, and dazzling displays of traditional Chinese acrobatics in a family-friendly spectacle. Tickets: $37.
Sō Percussion Unplugged – Fri, Apr 17, 8 PM, LeFrak Concert Hall
A boundary-pushing percussion experience featuring everyday objects and works by Caroline Shaw, John Cage, and Vijay Iyer. Tickets: $32.
Darlene Love: Love Songs – Sat, Apr 25, 8 PM, Colden Auditorium
The legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Famer returns to KCA for a celebration of her iconic voice and timeless charm. Tickets: $37–$72.
Louis Armstrong House Orchestra – Sat, May 2, 8 PM, Colden Auditorium
Debuting at KCA, this world-class big band performs rare arrangements and new compositions from Armstrong’s storied archives. Tickets: $27.
Viva El Cinco de Mayo – Sun, May 3, 3 PM, Colden Auditorium
A family-friendly celebration of Mexican music, dance, and culture. Tickets: $22.
Ravi Coltrane – Sat, May 9, 8 PM, LeFrak Concert Hall
Grammy-nominated saxophonist and bandleader continues the legacy of his father, John Coltrane, with a masterful, imaginative performance. Tickets: $47.
Celia Cruz 100: Migguel Anggelo’s ICONS – Fri, May 15, 8 PM, Colden Auditorium
Honoring the Queen of Salsa on her 100th birthday with music, dance, and celebration of Latinx culture. Tickets: $30.
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