STACEY KENT
Stacey Kent, the acclaimed jazz vocalist with over two million album sales and 400 million streams on Spotify, returns to the Birchmere with saxophonist/composer/arranger Jim Tomlinson and pianist Art Hirahara to present *Songs From Other Places*. This captivating and eclectic collection of voice and piano duets originated when “I Wish I Could Go Travelling Again,” written for her by Nobel Prize-winning author Kazuo Ishiguro and Jim Tomlinson, became the most requested song during the 2020 lockdown. A remote recording project spawned an album and now a hugely successful worldwide touring project that brings Kent together with her two closest and longest running musical associates. The repertoire explores themes of place, belonging, and the transformative power of travel, including songs by Paul Simon, Jobim, Weil & Gershwin, Lennon & McCartney, Stevie Nicks, plus new Tomlinson & Ishiguro originals, all performed in Kent’s intoxicating style with a fusion of Romance languages. Kent has won numerous awards, including Best Vocal Album for *I Know I Dream* (Sony) at the 2018 Jazz Japan Awards, and recently received a nomination for Best Vocal Performance at the 2022 Jazz Music Awards in Atlanta, Georgia.
When: Friday, June 19, 2026 at 7:30 pm.
Showtimes: The event begins at 7:30 pm; doors typically open earlier—check with the venue.
Tickets: $45.00 general admission; $58.95 through Ticketmaster, $52.00 at the Birchmere Box Office. Tickets also available at the Birchmere Box Office any night they have a show, from 5–9 pm.
Lineup: Stacey Kent (vocals), Jim Tomlinson (saxophone, composer, arranger), Art Hirahara (piano).
Run time: Not specified; typical Birchmere concerts run about two hours including intermission.
Ages: Not specified; the Birchmere is a general-admission music hall and likely all ages unless noted.
Venue: The Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22305. Phone: (703) 549-7500. View venue website for accessibility and parking details.
Note: The event is a presentation of *Songs From Other Places*, a worldwide touring project featuring voice and piano duets with original songs by Ishiguro and Tomlinson alongside classic covers.