Gala with Samara Joy

The Gala with Samara Joy brings six-time Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist Samara Joy together with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Music Director Jonathon Heyward, for a special performance at the Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda, Maryland, on Friday, September 25, 2026. The evening showcases Joy's acclaimed interpretations of timeless jazz standards, accompanied by the rich, symphonic sound of the BSO in an elegant concert celebrating the enduring artistry of classic vocal jazz.

Samara Joy is a Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist whose rich, velvety voice and remarkable interpretive ability have established her as one of the brightest stars in contemporary jazz. Drawing inspiration from legendary singers such as Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, and Betty Carter, Joy brings a fresh perspective to the Great American Songbook while honoring the traditions that shaped the genre. Her acclaimed recordings have earned widespread praise for their elegance, emotional depth, and impeccable phrasing, showcasing a vocal maturity far beyond her years. Onstage, she captivates audiences with effortless improvisation, warm storytelling, and a graceful stage presence that allows every song to unfold with sincerity and sophistication. Through her extraordinary talent and deep respect for jazz history, Samara Joy continues to introduce new generations of listeners to the timeless beauty of classic vocal jazz.