The Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning's Thursday Night Jazz is back for the season, and the next concert is Thursday, November 12, when Idris Frederick plays the Jamaica Performing Arts Center. The series runs on the second Thursday of every month from October through May, at 8 p.m., and a ticket costs $10. For seniors and for students who live or work in a 114 ZIP code, blocks of seats at every show are free.

The season

The series is curated by Rio Sakairi of The Jazz Gallery, and the lineup pairs established names with emerging artists. This season's dates:

  • October 8: Roy Hargrove Big Band
  • November 12: Idris Frederick
  • December 10: Tyreek McDole
  • January 14: Julieta Eugenio
  • February 11: Vanisha Gould
  • March 11: Alana Amore Colvin
  • April 8: Gina Benalcazar Lopez
  • May 13: Brandee Younger

How the free seats work

JCAL sets aside blocks of free seats at every concert for seniors aged 62 and over and for students who live or work in a ZIP code beginning with 114. To claim one, bring an ID and a piece of mail showing a current address. JCAL members get the full jazz season free, and everyone else pays $10 through the series' Eventbrite page. JCAL's email newsletter gives early notice when reservations open.

Part of a bigger summer

Thursday Night Jazz and its sister series, Riddim Section, build toward the Downtown Jamaica Riddim & Jazz Festival each summer at King Manor Park, a few blocks down Jamaica Avenue.

Getting there

The Jamaica Performing Arts Center is at 153-10 Jamaica Avenue. The E, J and Z trains stop at Jamaica Center-York College, and the Long Island Rail Road stops at Jamaica station. The box office line is (718) 658-7400.

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