by Jameelah Mullen
January 29, 2026
The top of an period.
Wynton Marsalis, founding father of Jazz at Lincoln Middle, introduced that he’s stepping down as creative director of the group he based practically 40 years in the past.
What began as a summer season live performance collection in 1987 began by then then-26-year-old Marsalis grew right into a full-scale group devoted to performing, educating, and selling jazz music.
“Our purpose was to construct a permanent jazz establishment that might each entertain and educate by exposing multi-generational audiences to an often-overlooked facet of American tradition. I’m happy with the super progress we’ve made,” Marsalis stated in a press release on his web site. “JALC and the Jazz at Lincoln Middle Orchestra have all the time been my important creative precedence as a musician and a citizen. As JALC approaches its fortieth anniversary, there couldn’t be a greater time for this transition.”
To help the transition, JALC’s board of administrators has shaped two committees. The primary will work with Marsalis to establish candidates as a alternative. The second will oversee the seek for JALC’s subsequent government director.
Greg Scholl, who presently holds the place, will step down in June 2026. The group plans to fill these roles by spring 2026.
In a profession spanning practically 5 a long time, Marsalis has recorded over 100 jazz and classical albums. The nine-time Grammy winner has collaborated with jazz legends similar to Sarah Vaughan and Dizzy Gillespie. In 1997, he turned the primary jazz artist to obtain the Pulitzer Prize for music. The musician has additionally acquired the Nationwide Medal of Arts and holds quite a few honorary doctorates.
Positioned in Manhattan’s Higher West Facet, JALC has been a stepping stone within the early careers of many notable jazz greats, together with Jon Batiste, Samara Pleasure, and Roy Hargrove.
Jazz At Lincoln Middle will dedicate its 2026-27 season to celebrating Marsalis’ profession. The group plans to announce the complete season lineup subsequent month.
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