Claudia Acuna "Queen of Chilean Jazz"- Chilean Jazz Series
Claudia Acuña, hailed as the "Queen of Chilean Jazz," brings her expressive and richly textured voice to Blues Alley for a single-night performance on Friday, September 18, 2026. Part of the Chilean Jazz Series and co-presented with the Embassy of Chile, this concert showcases a vocalist who has been a vital force in jazz since arriving in New York City in 1995. Acuña, born in Santiago and raised in Concepción, quickly became a leading voice in the Latin‑jazz scene, collaborating with luminaries such as Jason Lindner, Arturo O'Farrill, Guillermo Klein, and bassist Avishai Cohen, who co‑produced her acclaimed 2000 debut *Wind From the South* on Verve. Over five albums as a leader—including *Rhythm of Life*, *Luna*, *In These Shoes*, and *En Este Momento*—she has blended jazz standards, Latin American ballads, and Afro‑Caribbean material with emotional depth and a burnished bronze tone. After focusing on raising her son for much of the past decade, Acuña has returned with *Turning Pages*, an album produced by Colombian guitarist Juancho Herrera that marks a major creative leap. This performance offers a chance to hear her far‑reaching artistry live.
When: Friday, September 18, 2026 (single night only).
Showtimes: One show at 7:00 PM. Doors open at 6:00 PM (standard Monday–Saturday door times; Sunday doors open at 4:30 PM, but this is a Friday date).
Tickets: $45 per person, plus $7 in fees (total $52). Tickets are available via InstantSeats; final sale — no refunds and not transferable. A $15 food and beverage minimum per person is required and is not included in the ticket price.
Lineup: Claudia Acuña, vocals; special guests may include collaborators mentioned in the artist’s biography (no specific band members are listed for this date, but the album *Turning Pages* features Colombian guitarist Juancho Herrera as producer and primary arranger).
Venue: Blues Alley, 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20007. Seating is first come, first served at the door.
Note: Co‑presented with the Embassy of Chile. No photography or recording of any kind is permitted during the performance. Patrons are asked to keep conversation to a minimum while the music is playing.