Downtown Jamaica Riddim and Jazz Festival 2026: Day 1

The Downtown Jamaica Riddim & Jazz Festival returns with a fresh sound and a deep groove, drawing from the heart of JCAL’s music programming—Riddim Section and Thursday Night Jazz.

Day 1 of the festival is headlined by the iconic musicians, Dennis Collins and Steven Kroon on July 24, 7 pm at Jamaica Performing Arts Center.

About Dennis Collins: It has been said that the smooth, soulful voice of singer Dennis Collins, goes straight to the heart of all who hear him. A truly gifted artist, he is a member of a rare breed of singers, with the ability to interpret many different musical styles. Dennis has recorded and performed with artists such as James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, Roberta Flack, Smokey Robinson, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Diana Ross, David Bowie, Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, Jon Batiste, and many others.

About Steven Kroon: Steven Kroon has worked with such notables as Luther Vandross, Ron Carter , Aretha Franklin, Lady Gaga and much more. He's played on an array of television shows from the Tonight Show to David Letterman, Jay Leno, as well as the Grammy’s. His band is a high-energy electrifying Latin Jazz Sextet. Their musicality consists of Jazz with the blend of Afro Cuban and Brazilian music.

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Host or Publisher Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning (JCAL)