Trinidad and Tobago’s KestheBand is set to make history next year as the headlining act for the third annual Unity Jazz Festival, taking place January 8–9, 2026, at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall in New York City. Known for their electrifying fusion of soca, soul, calypso, and island pop, the group will bring its signature music style to one of the world’s most prestigious jazz stages.
The festival, held inside the renowned “House of Swing,” is a celebration of the musical community. This year’s edition forms part of Jazz at Lincoln Center’s 38th Season theme, Mother Africa, which honors the worldwide influence of African and African-diasporic musical traditions and their enduring role in the evolution of jazz.
Kes’ headlining performance arrives at a pivotal moment in the band’s career: the celebration of their 20th anniversary. In honor of the milestone, KestheBand will present their first-ever stripped-down, intimate concerts—two exclusive sets that feature reimagined arrangements of their biggest songs.
The shows, titled “An Intimate Evening with Kes and Friends,” will also include collaborative moments with acclaimed Trinidadian trumpeter Etienne Charles, known for his Afro-Caribbean musical storytelling and vibrant stage presence. Charles is a featured performer and also lends production support to Kes’s festival appearance, adding texture and depth to the group’s reimagined sound.
The headlining concerts are included for attendees who purchase the festival’s All-Access Pass, which guarantees assigned seating for Kes’ performances. A Nightly Festival Pass is also available for patrons wishing to experience the full festival programming minus the Kes concerts.
Kes’ landmark Unity Jazz Festival appearance comes just ahead of the release of their highly anticipated new single, “Rum And Coca Cola,” along with additional new music slated for early 2026. The festival serves as both a celebration of the band’s past two decades and a launchpad for their next chapter.
Across the two-day festival, nearly every performance space at Lincoln Center will be active, offering audiences a sweeping journey through jazz’s many voices. Alongside Kes’ concerts, festivalgoers can enjoy sets featuring:
- Eddie Palmieri Experience: A Musical Retrospective
- Tomeka Reid Septet: In Tribute to Ellington
- DJ Logic and Friends with Herlin Riley, Luques Curtis & Nicole Glover
- Etienne Charles: Creole Soul
- Solomon Hicks and more
Kes’ appearance is significant by bringing soca, calypso, and island pop into jazz’s most iconic hall. KestheBand continues its legacy of expanding the Caribbean footprint on international stages. With their 20-year anniversary, upcoming releases, and boundary-pushing collaborations, the group is poised to deliver a truly unforgettable experience at the 2026 Unity Jazz Festival.
