The New Brunswick Jazz Project will mark its 16th year of celebrating women musicians this March with a renamed and expanded concert series honoring the late jazz organist Akiko Tsuruga.
Formerly known as the annual March Women in Jazz series, the 2026 lineup is titled “In the Key of Akiko, Celebrating Women in Jazz,” recognizing Tsuruga’s lasting impact on the local and international jazz community. Tsuruga, a frequent performer and supporter of the New Brunswick Jazz Project, died in September 2025.
The monthlong series will feature emerging and established artists through weekly performances and open jam sessions at Tavern on George, 361 George St., New Brunswick.
The series is scheduled to open on Tuesday, March 3, with the Seraphina Taylor Quartet. The quartet is part of the New Brunswick Jazz Project’s Emerging Artists Series. Shows are scheduled for 7 and 8:30 p.m.
Similar Emerging Artists performances are planned to follow on Tuesdays throughout the month, including appearances by the Kristin Field Quartet on March 10, the Violet Mujica Quartet on March 17, the Ariana Sowa-Hartunian Quartet on March 24, and the Ginger Meyer Quartet on March 31.
All Tuesday performances include two sets and an open jam session.
Thursday evening concerts will look to spotlight established ensembles. The Katie Cosco/Laura Dryer Project is scheduled to perform on March 5, followed by the Marianne Solivan Quartet on March 12 and the Kate Curran Quartet on March 19.
The series is set to conclude Thursday, March 26, with the Leonieke Scheuble Organ Quartet, presenting a tribute to Tsuruga.
Thursday performances require reservations, which can be made by emailing info@tavernongeorge.com. Tuesday events are open to the public. Additional information about the series and the New Brunswick Jazz Project is available at nbjp.org.
