A Stellar Lineup Ignited the Stage!
Universal Temple of the Arts promotes the Staten Island JAZZ Festival with images by Romare Bearden, America’s preeminent African American visual artist, signifying the special relationship between Universal Temple of the Arts with iconic cultural creators and innovators since its inception in 1967 as an art, cultural and educational nonprofit organization.
Staten Island JAZZ Festival 37
As promised, Jazz took center stage at the 37th Annual Universal Temple of the Arts (UTA) Staten Island JAZZ Festival on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the historic St. George Theatre. The excitement began way before the audience was welcomed by the Julie Maniscalco Detect, Artistic-Executive Director, Rashida Ladner-Seward; Mistress of Ceremonies, Sheila E. Anderson, On Air Personality, WBGO 88.3 FM, NYC DCLA Commissioner, Laurie Cumbo, and followed by joyous performances curated by Dr. Darrell Smith: Sounds of April & Randall, Dal Segno Trio featuring Wycliffe Gordon, the Brianna Thomas Band and Arturo O’Farrill Latin Jazz Ensemble. Pillars of Jazz and Community, deserving honorees, Antoinette Montague and Amilcar Mtu received the Sajda Musawwir Ladner Jazz Legacy Award; and Edwina F. Martin, Esq. received the Community Leadership Award.
Thank you
UTA's Staten Island JAZZ Festival 37 was supported, in part, with public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. Additional corporate support has been provided by Con Edison. UTA gratefully acknowledges Empire Outlets, WBGO and the Romare Bearden Foundation for their support.
A special thank you to Council Member Kamillah M. Hanks.
FEATURED ON
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SILive.com
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WBGO 88.3 FM
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Around The Island
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Hot House Jazz
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The New York Amsterdam News
• SILive.com • WBGO 88.3 FM • Around The Island • Hot House Jazz • The New York Amsterdam News
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“As we enter our third decade as Staten Island’s oldest continuously run jazz festival, we remain committed to presenting iconic and popular jazz artists as well as showcasing Staten Island performers who stand tall delivering their understanding of this world-wide, cherished music called jazz. Universal Temple of the Arts thinks of JAZZ in all capital letters. We explore every aspect of the art form.”
October 19, 2019: Quote from the late Sajda Musawwir Ladner, who was the Founder of the Staten Island JAZZ Festival and Artistic/Executive Director of Universal Temple of the Arts.
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"The Romare Bearden Foundation shares a part of our mission with Universal Temple of the Arts - the arts education of young people and adults. UTA stays true to the spirit of its founder Sajda Musawwir. The annual jazz festival is also a jewel of the arts in New York City!"
Diedra Harris-Kelley
Co-director, Romare Bearden Foundation