Jazz Power Initiative Hosts Syncopated Celebration 2026 Fundraiser with Christian McBride

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Lakecia Benjamin and Antoinette Montague joined the youth ensemble ZAH! at the star-studded benefit, hosted by 11-time Grammy Winner Christian McBride.

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Jazz Power Initiative recently held its Syncopated Celebration 2026 fundraiser, hosted by 11-time Grammy Award winner Christian McBride. The event brought together artists, educators, supporters, and community leaders for an evening of performances and award presentations celebrating jazz education and community engagement. Check out photos from the celebration below.

The organization's youth ensemble, Zah!, performed during the evening under the direction of vocal coach Antoinette Montague. The group opened the awards program with Don Pullen's Listen to the People and later returned to the stage alongside McBride, saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin, drummer Alvester C. Garnett, and Jazz Power Initiative co-founder and Managing and Artistic Director Dr. Eli Yamin.

Among the honorees recognized during the fundraiser were Council Member Carmen De La Rosa, who received the Miranda Family Champion of Arts and Culture Award, WBGO President and CEO Steve A. Williams, who received the Rothman Family Syncopated Partnership Award, and saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin, who received the JPI Changemaker Award. During the event, Dr. Eli Yamin was also presented with the Jazz Journalists Association 2026 Manhattan Jazz Hero Award by journalist Ron Scott.

The evening concluded with a jam session led by McBride, Benjamin, Garnett, and Yamin, featuring selections including Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Lady and Charles Mingus' Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting .

Photo Credit: Tanya Kulesh

JPI Syncopated Celebration 2026 cocktail reception

Christian McBride , Ron Scott .

Wendy Rothman with guests.

Curtis Archer, Christian McBride , Tracy Hyter-Suffern and Rev. Kirk Lyons

Dena Englehardt, Board Treasurer, with guest.

Ms. Prego, Luis Miranda , Jr. Annette A. Aguilar, and Evelin Collado.

Antoinette Montague.

Tanya LeMelle

Christian McBride , Tanya LeMelle.

Carmen De La Rosa, Luis Miranda , Jr. and Tanya LeMelle.

Dr. Eli Yamin, Steve Williams , Dorthaan Kirk and Wendy Rothman.

Lakecia Benjamin, Bob Stewart

Dr. Eli Yamin, Ron Scott .

JPI's young ensemble Zah!

Christian McBride , Dr. E., Alvester C. Garnett, and Lakecia Benjamin

JPI Syncopated Celebration 2026

Buena Vista Social Club

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_Originally reported by [BroadwayWorld](https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Photos-Jazz-Power-Initiative-SYNCOPATED-CELEBRATION-2026-Fundraiser-20260601)._