12/09/2025
New York, NY — December 8, 2025 — Jazz at Lincoln Center has named KestheBand featuring Etienne Charles as the 2026 headliner for the third annual Unity Jazz Festival, taking place January 8–9, 2026 at Frederick P. Rose Hall, The House of Swing. The festival supports JALC’s 38th season theme, “Mother Africa,” honoring the global influence of African and Afro-diasporic music on jazz.
KestheBand will celebrate its 20th anniversary with its first-ever stripped-down performances—two intimate sets featuring reimagined arrangements and special collaborations with Etienne Charles.
Their appearance arrives ahead of the band’s upcoming single “Rum and Coca Cola” scheduled for early 2026.
“Caribbean music has always been a voice of resilience and unity, and performing at Jazz at Lincoln Center lets us share that voice with the world,” said Kees Dieffenthaller, lead vocalist of KestheBand. The group also continues its support of Caribbean recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to the region.
“Bringing Creole Soul to the House of Swing and reuniting with my brother Kes is always a joy,” added Etienne Charles.
The Unity Jazz Festival features more than 20 artists across five stages, including tributes to Eddie Palmieri, debut festival sets from DJ Logic, and performances by Tomeka Reid, Veronica Swift, Erena Terakubo, Gabriel Chakarji, Rajna Swaminathan, and others. The festival also launches the inaugural Jazz Legacies Fellowship Honors All-Star Concert, spotlighting more than 17 masters of the music.
