LATVIAN RADIO BIG BAND TO PERFORM WITH OUTSTANDING VOCALISTS IN THE 2026 AUTUMN AND WINTER SEASON
Latvian Radio Big Band will perform together with Michael Mayo (USA) – versatile vocalist with a unique sound at the crossroads of jazz and soul music; China Moses (USA/France) – jazz diva with a vibrant personality; Georgia Cécile (Scotland) – one of the brightest new-generation British jazz talents; and Latvia’s own energetic and charismatic vocalist Ralfs Eilands.
In its concert program American Jazz Night at the Spīķeri Concert Hall, the Latvian Radio Big Band will honor one of the great figures of jazz history – pianist Oscar Peterson. This concert series invites listeners to delve into big band traditions, revealing both their rich heritage and contemporary interpretations.
September 25 – SWH Jazz Club at Spīķeri Concert Hall
September 26 – Rīga Circus
Guest: China Moses!
“China is a storyteller of jazz – she loves to captivate her audience. Her concerts are more like stage performances, as she paints unforgettable images for every song – whether it’s the heartache of Billie Holiday or the passion of Nina Simone,” says Māris Briežkalns, head and founder of the long-running Rīgas Ritmi jazz festival.
The UK Times has written about her: “Dazzling chic – she completely owns the stage the moment she steps on it!”
China Moses is an American singer and the daughter of legendary jazz musician Dee Dee Bridgewater. She began her musical career at an early age and has released five solo albums, in addition to contributing to over 20 recordings by other artists. Her music embraces the essence of jazz, blues, and soul, inspired by the greats such as Dinah Washington, Helen Humes, Nina Simone, and Janis Joplin – as well as the legacy of soul and R&B divas.
China Moses - I can be happy (I can be blue)
China currently lives in Paris, where she also works as a television and radio host, and takes part in various film and theater projects. She describes herself as a “singer on the road.” China has previously performed with the Latvian Radio Big Band, including at the ensemble’s 50th anniversary concert. Her newest album It’s complicated… will be released in October this year.
October 22 – SWH Jazz Club at Spīķeri Concert Hall
October 23 – Rīga Circus
Guest: Michael Mayo!
Michael Mayo (born 1992) is an American composer and singer – one of the most sought-after young artists in the global jazz, soul, R&B, and a cappella scenes. He has performed with world-renowned musicians such as Kneebody, Jacob Collier, Christian Sands, Josh Groban, Nate Smith, and toured with none other than legendary pianist Herbie Hancock.
He has released two albums so far – Bones (2021) and Fly (2024) – and cites jazz and a cappella vocalist Bobby McFerrin as his greatest inspiration.
December 27 – Rīga Circus
Guest: Georgia Cécile!
Georgia Cécile is the winner of the UK Jazz Act of the Year and Jazz FM 2022 Vocalist of the Year awards. According to Jazz FM, “She stands at the forefront of the new wave of British crossover artists. Her unique tone and emotional depth have a rare power to move audiences wherever she performs.”
Her debut album Only the Lover Sings (2021) topped the UK jazz and blues charts and earned the Jazz Awards 2021 Best Album title. BBC Radio praised it as “timeless in value, inspired by the great songwriters of the 20th century such as Duke Ellington and Stevie Wonder.”
Georgia has performed at the Royal Albert Hall, the SXSW Festival in Austin, major UK jazz festivals, and appeared on television concerts with the BBC Concert Orchestra. She previously shared the stage with the Latvian Radio Big Band in 2024, and this time will be joined by opera singer Edgars Ošleja.
November 6 – American Jazz Night concert series
The Latvian Radio Big Band will celebrate the life and legacy of outstanding jazz pianist Oscar Peterson. The concert is organized in collaboration with the Canadian Embassy in Latvia and the special guest will be Canadian double-bass player Andrew Downing.
December 18 – SWH Jazz Club
The year’s final concert will feature Latvia’s expressive vocalist Ralfs Eilands.
This year, the Latvian Radio Big Band will also tour regional concert halls across Latvia with a variety of programs – including Remix group’s concert In the City, the birthday concert of conductor Jēkabs Ozoliņš at Liepāja’s Great AmberConcert Hall, Tribute to Duke Ellington with the Latvian Radio Choir Ensemble at the Cēsis Concert Hall, and performances of Zigmars Liepiņš’s music with special guest Ieva Kerēvica at GORS Concert Hall in Rēzekne and Aizkraukle.
Tickets are available at Biļešu paradīze box offices and online.