The Blind Boys of Alabama to Headline Jazz Night Out 2026 Celebrating Stevie Wonder’s Iconic Songs in the Key of Life

The Ottawa Jazz Festival announces a soul-stirring evening of music and philanthropy: Jazz Night Out 2026. On April 14, 2026, the legendary, six-time GRAMMY Award-winning Blind Boys of Alabama will take the stage at the Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre for a powerful performance celebrating the 50th anniversary of Stevie Wonder’s iconic album, Songs in the Key of Life.

This annual event serves as a vital fundraiser for the Ottawa Jazz Festival, supporting its year-round commitment to artistic excellence and community programming.

A Night of Legends and Legacy

The Blind Boys of Alabama are more than musicians; they are living legends of gospel and American roots music. With a career spanning over seven decades, the group has transitioned from singing for pocket change in the Jim Crow South to performing for three U.S. Presidents and receiving Lifetime Achievement Awards from both the NEA and the Recording Academy.

Fresh off their 2024 GRAMMY win for Best Roots Gospel Album (Echoes Of The South), the group brings their unmatched vocal harmony to Stevie Wonder’s 1976 classic. The performance promises to be a transformative experience, blending the Blind Boys' gospel grit with the sophisticated soul of Wonder’s most celebrated work.

Event Experience & Ticketing

The evening begins at 6:00 PM with a pre-show fundraising reception featuring an online auction, and a cashless bar.

Guests can choose between two curated experiences:

VIP Experience: Includes access to a private VIP Lounge with complimentary appetizers from award-winning Coconut Lagoon and fresh oysters from Arlo Restaurant. VIPs receive one complimentary beverage, a $25 tax receipt, and reserved seating in the front rows for prime viewing.

General Admission: Includes access to the concert and pre-concert reception in Woodside Hall, featuring a paid bar and on-site fundraising initiatives.

Event Schedule:

6:00 PM: Doors open – fundraising reception & online auction begin

7:30 PM: Doors to The Sanctuary open

8:00 PM: Concert begins – The Blind Boys of Alabama

9:15 PM: Event conclusion

Supporting the Music

"Jazz Night Out 2026 is more than just a concert; it’s an investment in the cultural fabric of our city," says Petr Cancura, Executive & Artistic Director of Ottawa Jazz Festival. All proceeds from the auction and ticket sales directly contribute to the Festival’s mission of bringing world-class live music to the Ottawa community.

Tickets are available now. Join us for an unforgettable night of "songs that touch the heart" and help ensure the future of jazz in Ottawa.