“Lundy’s innate sense of theatricality illuminating every layer of drama in her story-driven songs.” —Los Angeles Times
The incomparable multi-faceted artist Carmen Lundy, was recently and rightly honored as an NEA Jazz Master. She is a masterful vocalist, a prolific songwriter who has composed over 150 original songs, an arranger, and even an acclaimed visual artist. She doesn’t just sing standards; she creates them. Her performances offer a rare opportunity to hear a clever interpreter convey the raw emotion and sophisticated complexity of her own richly textured compositions.
Lundy’s voice is a powerful instrument — deep, versatile, and capable of both scorching improvisation and tender intimacy. Her music seamlessly bridges straight-ahead swing, contemporary harmony, and R&B grooves, making her appeal truly universal. She embodies the spirit of an artist who constantly pushes jazz forward while honoring its foundation.
This show will be a celebration of American cultural excellence and a powerful demonstration of why Carmen Lundy is considered one of the most vital and influential figures in modern music. Her NEA Jazz Master award for the class of 2026 is the capstone on a five-decade career defined by uncompromising artistry, profound lyrical depth, and dazzling innovation.
This performance is made possible through our association with Visit Denver.
Carmen Lundy
NEA Jazz Master
Fri, April 10
|
7:00 PM
Presented by Denver Jazz Fest
PERSONNEL
Carmen Lundy: vocals
Julius Rodriguez: piano
Kenny Davis: bass
Andrew Renfroe: guitar
Donovan Cheatham: drums
Ticket prices: $35 | $45
PERSONNEL
Carmen Lundy: vocals
Julius Rodriguez: piano
Kenny Davis: bass
Andrew Renfroe: guitar
Donovan Cheatham: drums
Ticket prices: $35 | $45
Gimme 5
Five questions with Carmen Lundy
Don Lucoff: It’s been nearly a decade since you played in Denver, I believe the Mt Vernon Country Club. This time you’ll perform in a brand-new venue at the Cleo Parker Robinson Center for the Healing Arts. Cleo mentioned that you know each other and are going to work on project in 2027?
Carmen Lundy: Yes. I have much love, respect, and admiration for Madame Cleo. My very first time ever in Denver was when we performed Mary Lou Williams’s Mass For Peace, the music of great pianist and composer Mary Lou Williams with her dance company at The Buell Theatre. Her vision and choreography is amazing. Due to its success, we were invited to return for a repeat performance a year or so later at the Buell.
DL: You are in the current class of NEA Jazz Masters. Upon receiving the nation’s highest honor bestowed on a jazz artist, you commented, “My life’s work is a sum of many parts.” Can you expound on that and what is planned for you at the ceremony.? And when and where will that take place?
CL: The National Endowment Of The Arts program will be in Los Angeles on September 19 along with fellow honorees and recipients Patrice Rushen, Airto, and Rhonda Hamilton. Over the span of my career I have penned and recorded over 150 original compositions, as well as having discovered the visual arts by creating and exhibiting paintings and assemblage sculpture, the occasional acting roles, and co-founder along with Elisabeth Oei of record label Afrasia Productions, as well as producing videos and creating an award winning documentary film.
DL: It’s been four years since Fade to Black your 16th album was released. Are you working on a new album? Will we hear more of a career overview during Denver jazz Fest?
CL: Yes. Fade To Black was the second of my Grammy-nominated albums. We plan on releasing my newest album a bit later this year!
DL: You were also recently chosen by the Mellon Foundation as part of the inaugural Jazz Foundation Jazz Legacies fellowship along with a recent celebration at Jazz at Lincoln Center. It’s great that you continue to be recognized at the highest level in our field. Any further thoughts on this initiative?
CL: What an incredible honor and blessing to be among the inaugural Jazz Foundation of America Fellows in association with the Mellon Foundation. To be recognized among 20 Legacy artists in this life-changing way is truly remarkable, and I thank both the JFA and The Mellon Foundation for their groundbreaking initiative.
DL: You are clearly a renaissance woman: a mixed media artist, a painter and documentary filmmaker. We just lost arguably an American icon at 95, Fredrick Wiseman; he passed the same day as Jessie Jackson. Is Wiseman and/or other filmmakers among ones you look to for inspiration? And the Reverend Jackson, he was an inspiration to many, and jazz artists in particular. He did a live introduction on Cannonball Adderley’s Country Preacher concert album just after his founding of Operation Breadbasket.
CL: Check out the song and video “American Rainbow” on YouTube recorded during the pandemic with the support of Terri Lyne Carrington, Ben Williams, Lionel Loueke, and Aaron Parks. It was originally co-written with songwriting partner Rich Meitin for Reverend Jesse Jackson’s 1984 presidential campaign. And my documentary film I mentioned earlier, “Nothing But The Blood” was inspired by so many filmmakers and documentarians.