A Soulful Thank You: 2026 Blues At The Woodstock

What an unforgettable celebration of power, passion, and pure talent!

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us September 3–5 at the Zoso Hotel in Palm Springs, California, for the 2026 Palm Springs Women’s Jazz Festival’s "Blues At The Woodstock."

Opening the night, "old school" songstress Mariah Avila immediately brought the audience to their feet with electrifying renditions of "You Never Loved Me At All," and "Sabor A Mi," and "Hypnotized." Kimberly Nicole closed Friday night by delivering a fiery tribute to Big Mama Thornton that had the blues icon rocking in heaven; bringing the house down with "Hound Dog," and "Ball and Chain," and "Rock Me Baby."

The energy stayed electric as J'CeNae stepped on the stage Saturday night to perform "Clean Up Woman," and "Soul Snatcher," driving the standing room only crowd wild as she wove through the room singing "I Ain't No Sidepiece." Returning artist Martha Redbone also on Saturday night moved the audience close to tears with a soulful tribute to Indigenous women; blessing the Palm Springs land before opening with "I Heard It Through the Grapevine," Etta James," and "I'd Rather Go Blind," and closing with a triumphant "Respect Yourself."
 

Dr. Gail Jhonson and The Blues All-Stars; an all-women powerhouse band; kicked off their Friday and Saturday sets with "The Chicken," with Dr. Gail handling her B-3 Hammond Organ like hot potatoes and got the room standing for "Uptown Groove," and “Little by Little.” The show ended with the crowd roaring for more as these incredible ladies joined together for a show-stopping performance of "Wang Dang Doodle."

Thank you Thank You! Thank You! to our phenomenal artists, sponsors; and passionate audience for an extraordinary weekend!