SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — The 49th Annual Saratoga Jazz Festival will take place on June 27 and 28, 2026, at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. This year’s festival promises an exciting lineup featuring renowned artists, including R&B legend Patti LaBelle and the New Orleans rock group The Revivalists. With 22 performances scheduled, 13 of which are festival debuts, attendees can expect a diverse range of musical styles.
Festival Producer Danny Melnick expressed enthusiasm about this year’s lineup, which took longer than usual to finalize. “It’s always a lot of work, but it’s also extremely exciting,” he said. Melnick emphasized the importance of balancing established acts with emerging talent to honor the festival’s rich history while introducing fresh sounds to the audience.
The festival will feature an array of genre-defying artists, such as blues guitarist Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, the Afro-Cuban funk band Cimafunk, and the rhythm and blues group The Dip. Additionally, acclaimed jazz vocalists Dianne Reeves and Cécile McLorin Salvant will grace the stage, alongside contemporary jazz leaders like Terri Lyne Carrington and Lakecia Benjamin.
LaBelle, known as the “Godmother of Soul,” will make her long-anticipated return to the festival, having last headlined in 2009. Her performance will showcase a collection of iconic songs, including “Lady Marmalade” and “On My Own.” Melnick noted her significance as a major headliner, stating, “She’s one of the all-time great living legends of music.”
On Sunday, The Revivalists will close the festival with their infectious energy. The eight-member band, known for their triple-platinum hit “Wish I Knew You,” has gained popularity through sold-out performances and extensive streaming success. Melnick highlighted their potential to attract a new audience, stating, “They’ve never played this market, and they’ve never played the venue either.”
This year’s festival also marks special centennial celebrations, including the Miles Electric Band: Celebrating Miles Davis’s Centennial on the Amphitheater stage. The performance will honor Davis’s impact on music, featuring renowned artists from his ensembles. Additionally, the Skidmore Jazz Institute Faculty All-Stars will pay tribute to saxophonist John Coltrane on the Discovery Stage.
The lineup will also showcase rising stars in the music world, including Tyreek McDole and Sasha Dobson, along with established names like Ana Popovic and Eddie 9V. The festival aims to present a vibrant and wide-ranging program that reflects both the traditions of jazz and the emergence of new voices.
Elizabeth Sobol, Chief Executive Officer of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, emphasized the festival’s commitment to community and collaboration. “The Jazz Festival continues to be a cornerstone of this community,” she stated, highlighting the event’s role in connecting music, art, and culture.
Attendees can also look forward to diverse food offerings, an arts and crafts fair, and opportunities for artist merchandise signings. Guests are encouraged to bring their own food and beverages, along with lawn chairs and blankets for a comfortable festival experience. Parking will be free, and performances will kick off at 11:00 a.m. on June 27 and 11:45 a.m. on June 28.
Tickets will go on sale beginning February 6, 2026, for SPAC members and February 13 for the general public. For further details, visit spac.org.
As Melnick aptly put it, “It’s about being together and enjoying life.” With a lineup that celebrates both legendary artists and fresh talent, the 49th Saratoga Jazz Festival is poised to be a memorable experience for music lovers.
