Samara Joy on Dec 8, 2023 | UCSB Arts & Lectures

Featuring The McLendon Family

“The close precision and frothy power of her voice stand out immediately… so does the depth of her comfort within the jazz tradition.” The New York Times

“A classic jazz singer from a new generation.” NPR

The first jazz performer since Esperanza Spalding to win the prestigious Best New Artist category at the Grammys, Samara Joy embraces the great tradition of such singers as Sarah Vaughan, Dinah Washington and Ella Fitzgerald. Her 2022 recording Linger Awhile, filled with gloriously reimagined versions of American songbook standards, won the Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Album. Don’t miss this Santa Barbara debut, a holiday-themed concert featuring three generations of her family.

The fun starts early! Arrive at 7 PM for a pre-show holiday sing-in on the SBMA steps or enjoy jazzed-up seasonal cocktails (coconut eggnog and more) at The Good Lion.