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Gregory Burrus Productions, Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies, and Mt. Zion AME Church Celebrate Women’s History Month 2026 With a Month‑Long Jazz Showcase Honoring the Power, Legacy, and Brilliance of Women in Music

Newark & Millburn, NJ — March 2026 — Gregory Burrus Productions, in partnership with the Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies (IJS) and Mt. Zion AME Church of Millburn, proudly presents a dynamic, month‑long celebration of Women’s History Month, showcasing the extraordinary impact of women in jazz, culture, and community.

This year’s theme—“Empower Women: Honoring the Impact of Women in Jazz”—brings together legendary trailblazers, rising stars, and the women whose artistry continues to shape the sound and soul of American music.

Across more than two dozen performances, the March 2026 lineup highlights the depth, diversity, and unstoppable creative force of women in jazz.

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A Month Built Around Legacy, Leadership, and Lift‑Every‑Voice Energy

Women’s History Month 2026 is anchored by three pillars:

• Honoring the Legends — including NEA Jazz Masters Dorthaan Kirk and Melba Doretha Liston, whose contributions transformed the landscape of jazz.
• Spotlighting Today’s Innovators — such as Amina Figarova, Yayoi Ikawa, Alexis Morrast, Nikita White, Merik Ara, Celli Pitt, Deborah Smith, and more.
• Celebrating Community — through partnerships with Clements Place Jazz, Rutgers IJS, and Mt. Zion AME Church.

“Our mission is to honor the legacy of jazz by bringing its history, its heroes, and its living innovators directly to the community. Celebrating Women’s History Month with this extraordinary lineup allows us to uplift the women who shaped the music and the women who are shaping its future.”
— Gregory Burrus, Producer & MC

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A Star‑Powered Lineup Spanning the Entire Month

The March calendar features a sweeping range of performances, including:

• 3/2 – Lance Bryant & Shout! Big Band
• 3/4 – Nat Adderley Jr. CD Release Party
• 3/5 – Amina Figarova, Pianist & Composer
• 3/6 – Dave Schumacher & Cubeyé CD Pre‑Release
• 3/8 – Alexis Morrast: Blues & Blessings at Mt. Zion AME
• 3/10 – Sonelius Smith, Adam Kahan & Friends — Hosted by NEA Jazz Master Dorthaan Kirk
• 3/11 – Gil Scott Chapman & Nikita White Project
• 3/13 – Steve Kroon, Percussionist
• 3/15 – MerikaRa: Jesus & Jazz at Mt. Zion AME
• 3/25 – Celli Pitt & the Halsey Dearhearts
• 3/26 – NJPAC Jazz Jam with James Austin Jr.
• 3/27 – Jae Sinnett: Drummer, Composer, Radio Personality
• 3/29 – T.K. Blue Quintet honors NEA Jazz Master trombonist Melba Doretta Liston
• 3/30 – Nathan Eklund & the Jersey City University Jazz Ensemble

Each event contributes to the month’s overarching mission: to honor women’s artistry while celebrating the communities that sustain it.

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The Cultural Centerpiece: TK Blue’s Tribute to Melba Liston (3/28)

The Women’s History Month celebration reaches its peak with a monumental closing event: TK Blue’s Tribute to Melba Doretha Liston—honoring her 💯 Centennial and her historic 2025 induction into the Ertegun Jazz Hall of Fame at Jazz at Lincoln Center. As the longtime musical director for Randy Weston and one of the foremost interpreters of Weston and Liston’s shared legacy, TK Blue brings unparalleled insight into Melba’s genius. This performance celebrates the woman whose orchestrations shaped Weston’s global sound, whose trombone voice broke barriers, and whose pen crafted some of the most important works in modern jazz. Featuring a powerhouse ensemble Kim Clark, Yayoi Ikawa & Deborah Smith. This tribute stands as both a celebration and a reclamation of Melba Liston’s rightful place in jazz history—now enshrined among the greatest to ever shape the music.

This event is positioned as the capstone of the month—an emotional, historical, and cultural summit honoring one of jazz’s greatest women.

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Honoring NEA Jazz Master Dorthaan Kirk

Throughout the month, special recognition is given to Dorthaan Kirk, NEA Jazz Master (2020) and widely known as “Newark’s First Lady of Jazz.” Her decades of work at WBGO, NJPAC, and in the community have shaped Newark’s jazz identity. She hosts the March 10 performance and is honored across the month’s programming.

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About the Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies (IJS)

The Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies, housed at Rutgers University–Newark, is the world’s largest and most comprehensive jazz archive, preserving the history, culture, and creative legacy of America’s original art form. Founded in 1952, IJS safeguards thousands of recordings, manuscripts, photographs, oral histories, and rare artifacts documenting jazz’s evolution. Under Executive Director Wayne Winborne, IJS is committed to preservation, research, performance, and community engagement that brings jazz history to life.

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About Clements Place Jazz

Clements Place Jazz, operated by Rutgers University–Newark and the Institute of Jazz Studies, which is led by Executive Director Wayne Winborne, is one of New Jersey’s premier listening rooms—an intimate, artist‑centered venue dedicated to presenting world‑class jazz in a warm, community‑focused environment. Known for its exceptional acoustics and welcoming atmosphere, Clements Place showcases both legendary artists and rising voices, reflecting Newark’s deep jazz heritage.

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About NJPAC Community Engagement

The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) Community Engagement Department, led by AVP Eyesha Marable, is a national model for arts‑driven community building. Through free programs, workshops, concerts, and partnerships across Newark and New Jersey, NJPAC brings the arts directly to neighborhoods, schools, and cultural institutions. The department produces beloved series such as Jazz Vespers, Books on the Move, Dance Workshops, and Dorthaan’s Place, uplifting community voices and expanding access to the arts.

About Mt. Zion AME Church, Millburn

Mt. Zion AME Church in Millburn is a vibrant, community‑centered congregation known for blending worship, culture, and the arts in powerful ways. Under the leadership of Rev. Eyesha Marable, the church has become a regional hub for sacred‑arts programming, offering monthly series that uplift both spirit and community. These include Jesus & Jazz on 3rd Sundays, Blues & Blessings on 2nd Sundays, and Poetry & Praise, along with a full slate of worship services and outreach ministries. Mt. Zion AME continues to honor its historic mission by creating welcoming spaces where faith, creativity, and community meet.

About Gregory Burrus Productions

Gregory Burrus Productions is a community‑driven arts organization dedicated to presenting, promoting, and preserving live jazz and cultural programming throughout New Jersey and the tri‑state area. Led by producer and host Gregory Burrus, the organization curates concerts, supports emerging and established artists, and amplifies the work of partner institutions including the Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies, Clements Place Jazz, NJPAC Community Engagement, Mt. Zion AME Church and numerous other New Jersey venues and towns.. Through hosting, promotion, and on‑the‑ground community outreach, Gregory Burrus Productions brings world‑class music directly to local audiences—building bridges between artists, venues, and the communities they serve.

Live Stream

Also check out our livestream on the Clement’s Place Jazz and Institute of Jazz Studies Facebook pages and on our YouTube channel –

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf8W7q1qlz0yt5Ebcn4tkSQ

https://www.facebook.com/gregory.burrus

https://www.facebook.com/clementsplacejazz

https://www.facebook.com/InstituteJazzStudies

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Event Information

Full schedule, details and RSVP: gregoryburrusproductions.com,  Facebook: ClementsPlaceJazz,  Mt. Zion AME Church, Millburn — partner venue for Jesus & Jazz series and Eventbrite.