The 2026 Princeton Dance Festival features new and repertory works by nationally and internationally recognized choreographers, performed by more than 60 Princeton students in an energetic program of dances from a surprising range of dance forms. The Festival program includes:
The 2026 Princeton Dance Festival features new and repertory works by nationally and internationally recognized choreographers, performed by more than 60 Princeton students in an energetic program of dances from a surprising range of dance forms. The Festival program includes:
At 88, NEA Jazz Master Charles Lloyd has a lifetime of achievements to look back on — but looking back isn’t his style. He’s forever moving forward, earning his crown again and again as “one of America’s most influential, experimental and spiritual musicians” (Memphis Music Hall of Fame). Over his career, the sax/flute artist has played everything (free jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, world music, psychedelia) with everyone (B.B. King, Cannonball Adderley, Jimi Hendrix and Brian Wilson, just to name a few). Among his many accolades, he won DownBeat’s 2024 quadruple crown: Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Tenor Saxophonist of the Year and Hall of Fame. He’s joined by his quartet: Bill Frisell (guitar), Larry Grenadier (bass) and Kweku Sumbry (drums).
It’s a birthday bash for the Broadway icon! The illustrious Ben Vereen has appeared in some of the most groundbreaking works in musical theater and film. He originated Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar, won a Tony for Pippin and dazzled in everything from Hair to Fosse to Wicked. In addition, there have been his unforgettable roles in the Bob Fosse film All That Jazz, the landmark TV series Roots and the 2026 hit series The Gray House. On stage or screen, Ben Vereen has been at the center of American cultural history. He’ll be joined by an all-star lineup of special guests and the Andy Farber Orchestra, performing songs from Vereen’s career on Broadway, film and TV.
From Lebanon to NYC, comedian Nataly Aukar “takes audiences by surprise.” Her stand-up is “compelling,” “sardonic,” “deadpan,” “deft” and “relatable,” according to Vulture’s 2025 ranking of hot new comics to watch. Aukar riffs about her family, her fears and her flaws on stages around the world, including the Netflix Is a Joke Festival and Don’t Tell Comedy. She’s opened for Nimesh Patel, Ramy Youssef, Hasan Minhaj, Gad El Maleh and Mo Amer. She co-hosts the podcast Please Continue with Monica Hanna.
Celebrate the holidays with the electrifying sounds of Elvis Presley, starring Travis LeDoyt - widely regarded as the "world's best young Elvis." Backed by a live band, this festive concert features Elvis's most beloved Christmas classics alongside his greatest hits, delivered with the authentic voice, look, and charisma of the King's early rock 'n' roll era.
Opening Act: Oakland Rain
“A JOYOUS CHRISTMAS MIRACLE!” –Associated Press
Eric Jacobsen conductor
Christian McBride double bass
Chris Komer horn
New Jersey Symphony
At the intersection of Jazz and Jamaican music in the 50s and 60s stood two luminary figures… guitarist Ernest Ranglin and pianist Monty Alexander. Their historic recordings over many decades literally introduced the world to what we now know as the Jamaican Ska movement… which traveled throughout the Caribbean and the rest of the world. The ingenious interweaving of jazz’s complexities with the ancestral music of the Caribbean immediately influenced legends such as Bob Marley, Toots & the Maytals, and many other artists of the time.