2026 PALM SPRINGS
WOMEN'S JAZZ FESTIVAL
Presents
2026 BLUES AT THE WOODSTOCK
"LISTEN TO VOICES THAT DON’T ASK FOR PERMISSION!"
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
TICKET PRICES: $99 - $125
ABOUT THE ARTISTS...
MIRIAH AVILA
FRIDAY, SEPT. 4, 2026
Miriah Avila has a gift for turning raw emotion into unforgettable melodies. Her electric performances leave a lasting impression. She keeps the music of soul/R&B legend Barbara Mason alive; a legendary songstress who wasn't afraid to address infidelity and sexuality. Miriah will “take you back” to the days when true legends “sang”, not sing but “sang.”
Listen to Miriah Avila sing "The Gem-30 Secs"
KIMBERLY NICHOLE
FRIDAY, SEPT. 4, 2026
Kimberly Nichole delivers an extraordinary tribute to the masterful blues icon Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton; a trailblazer who challenged gender norms and broke barriers for women. A multidisciplinary artist, Kimberly has commanded stages worldwide for over a decade, defined by her fierce style and captivating voice. In every performance, she channels the spirit of the women who refused to stay quiet.
Listen to Kimberly Nichole sing "House of the Rising Sun"- The Voice 2015
J’CENAE
SATURDAY, SEPT. 5, 2026
J’Cenae is an award-winning powerhouse, a true force of nature in the realm of raw, unfiltered soul. With a voice that echoes the depth of the greats and a stage presence that demands attention, she doesn’t just sing a song; she inhabits it. J’Cenae has mastered the art of "gut-level" storytelling, bringing a modern edge to a classic, soulful sound.
Listen to J’Cenae sing “Soul Snatcher”
MARTHA REDBONE
SATURDAY, SEPT. 5, 2026
Martha Redbone is a masterful, world-renowned artist whose music is a breathtaking tapestry of soul, jazz, and her deep indigenous roots. She possesses the rare ability to transition from the raw, haunting ache of the blues to the sky-reaching power of gospel. Whether she is performing her award-winning work from For Colored Girls or her own soulful compositions, Martha Redbone brings down the house…every single time.
Listen to Martha Redbone perform “40 Wheels”
Dr. GAIL JHONSON – MUSIC DIRECTOR
& THE BLUES ALL-STARS
SEPT. 4 - 5, 2026 (Performing both days)
Dr. Gail Jhonson is the electrifying Music Director and Grammy-nominated composer, keyboardist, and producer. “Dr. Gail” as she’s affectionally called; leads the charge with the Blues All-Stars, an all-women powerhouse band celebrated for their fiery, soulful sound. As seasoned festival veterans, they don't just play music; they orchestrate an experience. Expect a high-octane performance as Dr. Gail and the Blues All-Stars; who are “masters of their craft” set the stage for an unforgettable celebration of the blues.
THE BLUES ALL-STARS
SEPT. 4 - 5, 2026 (Performing both days)
Performers:
Kimberly Allison
Dee Simone
Blended by God
Kya Karine
Ruri Matthews
Shauney Recke
Teri Miller
Dedicated to preserving the music of traditional/classic women blues artists
Only the Palm Springs Women's Jazz Festival brings such high-quality programming to audiences who rarely experience these one-of-a-kind cultural events. Join us for an authentically engaging weekend featuring the best music, films, and artists interactions, power workshops, and discounted hotel rates.
We are just thrilled to bring to the Desert independent women artists who are blowing up social media with their powerful and unique voices! These women are doing it on their own terms----maintaining the power and control over their music and careers without the big music agencies.
“Big Mama” Thornton
FRIDAY, SEPT. 4, 2026
Kimberly Nichole delivers an extraordinary tribute to the masterful blues icon Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton; a trailblazer who challenged gender norms and broke barriers for women.
Thornton’s original 1953 recording of “Hound Dog” laid the groundwork for rock & roll. Her powerful renderings of pain and resilience inspired future icons like Tina Turner, Janis Joplin and countless others.
Listen to Thornton’s singing:
I’m Feeling Alright This Morning