This 2025 has been quite a year. Our lives and very existences have been challenged by the government. But as my aunt said, “Life is tough, but we are tougher.” We will dance into 2026 more focused, stronger, ready to strategize and mobilize, and here is a listing of New Year’s Eve jazz happenings to help us celebrate.
Bill’s Place (148 West 133rd Street), the only authentic historical speakeasy in Harlem, will celebrate the new year with the swinging Harlem All-Stars and a surprise vocalist, with party favors and New Years Eve cuisine. The celebration kicks off at 10pm; tickets are $100/person. For reservations call 212-281-0777 or visit billsplaceharlem.com.
Brooklyn’s Emmanuel Baptist Church will present a special early New Year’s Eve performance featuring saxophonist Patience Higgins with vocalist Patsy Grant. The event begins at 5 p.m. and is free to the public. The church is located at 279 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238.
Sistas’ Place (456 Nostrand Avenue in Brooklyn, sistasplace.org), where “Music of the Spirit Lives and Culture is Our Weapon,” will bring in the new year with the hard-hittin’ drummer Winard Harper & Friends at 10:30 pm. A champagne toast and traditional New Years Eve dinner will be served after ball drops, followed by recorded music. Admission is $100 per person. For reservations, call 718-398-1766.
Roar In the new year at BrownstoneJAZZ (107 Macon St., Brooklyn) with a swinging live band TBA, party favors, and a champagne toast. Attire is classy festive — you know how they roll in Brooklyn. For complete details visit ticketweb.com.
The Jazz Forum (1 Dixon Lane, Tarrytown, NY) will celebrate New Year’s Eve with featured internationally acclaimed vocalist Sherma Andrews. First set at 7 p.m-8:15 p.m. ($100 per person) includes party favors and a champagne toast. Late seating at 9:30 p.m., two sets 10 p.m.-11 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.-12:30 p.m. with party favors and a champagne toast. $150 per person plus $20 minimum. For reservations call 914-631-1000 or visit jazzforumarts.org.
Thanks to all of you for taking time to read this weekly column — and even for those who don’t. I am appreciative for your regular support of this publication. All the best in the New Year, stay focused, concerned, consistent, and compassionate. HAPPY 2026!
“Men profess to be lovers of music but for the most part they give no evidence in their opinions and lives that they have heard it. It would not leave them narrow-minded and bigoted.” — Henry David Thoreau