Samara Joy beings 'A Joyful Holiday' to UB Center for the Arts on Dec. 17

University at Buffalo Press Release

The University at Buffalo Center for the Arts (UBCFA) will present jazz vocalist sensation Samara Joy, in a concert celebrating the season, WITH “A Joyful Holiday” featuring Samara and the McLendon Family on Dec. 17 (7:30 p.m.).

Tickets are going quickly for this concert and are available online at ubcfa.org, Ticketmaster or in person at the UBCFA ticket office. The three-time Grammy winner will perform with a group including Shedrick Mitchell on piano, Eric Wheeler on bass, and Charles Haynes on drums, as well as members of her musical McLendon family, including her father, Antonio.

Joy has been performing to sold-out audiences ever since making her self-titled recording debut in 2021 at age 22. With Grammys in 2023 for Best New Artist and Best Jazz Vocal Album, followed by Best Jazz Performance this year, her latest studio album, “Linger Awhile,” reached No. 1 on Amazon Best Sellers, Billboard Jazz, Pandora Trendsetters, and iTunes. The UBCFA concert will include selections from her well-received EP, “A Joyful Holiday,” as well as Gospel-flavored holiday favorites.

The nearly sold-out December 2023 edition of this show was a sensation.

Born and raised in the Bronx, Joy hails from a musical family. Her paternal grandparents, Elder Goldwire and Ruth McLendon, were founders of the Philadelphia gospel group, The Savettes. Her father, a vocalist and bass player, has toured with gospel musician Andrae Couch.

According to Joy, “Singing alongside my family has always been a special time kept between us, but this December I’m excited to share that special feeling with you all! This holiday season, it brings me great joy to present my first role models, the McLendon Family, on a month-long tour throughout the U.S.”

“The Center for the Arts is one of a handful of venues to present this very special evening of music,” said Jamie Enser, UBCFA executive director. “Samara Joy has been called the first Gen Z jazz singing star, and we could not be more pleased to have her perform this family-friendly evening to celebrate the holidays.”

For more ticket information, call 716-645-2787 or email [email protected]. The UBCFA ticket office is open from noon-6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.

2024 marks the 30th anniversary season for the UBCFA. For three decades, the UBCFA has been home to memorable experiences, hosting notable music, theater and comedy performances. Legendary speakers and performers Maya Angelou, Ray Charles, Billy Joel, Tom Jones, Liza Minnelli, Toni Morrison and Willie Nelson, as well as comedy legends Carol Burnett, Dave Chapelle, Margaret Cho, Penn and Teller and Amy Schumer, have appeared at the UBCFA.

This concert is made possible in part through a gift from The Bernice Poss Memorial Fund. Poss had a 23-year career at UB. After her tragic death in 1988, the fund was established to honor her many contributions to the community. Poss’ children have chosen to honor her memory by funding an annual concert.

For additional information on upcoming shows, to buy tickets, or view the full schedule of programs and activities in the UBCFA, visit the events and exhibitions web page.

Connect with Samara Joy: website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok

Connect with the UB Center for the Arts: 103 Center for the Arts |716-645-6259 | ubcfa.org