The Green Room

The Wisconsin Union Theater team is honored to welcome audience members to its upcoming event featuring Best New Artist winner Samara Joy in Shannon Hall for and at a livestream of the performance on May 4. While in-person tickets are sold out, the chance to purchase tickets to experience Joy’s artistry through a livestream continues.

Joy has been heralded as one of the greatest jazz musicians of her generation. She takes inspiration from jazz icons, such as Sarah Vaughan and Billie Holiday, who also exercised effortless control over their rich, smooth voices. The well-deserved acclaim surrounding this singer serves as an indicator of jazz music’s accessible tradition and wide reach.

Joy has revitalized jazz for younger generations while paying homage to the legends and conventions of the genre. You may be surprised to learn that she only started singing jazz five years ago, at the age of 18. However, you may not be as surprised to learn that music was a foundational part of her childhood. Her grandparents performed with a gospel choir in Philadelphia, and her father is a singer, songwriter and producer, so the passion for music is in her blood. 

In winning the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition in 2019, Joy established herself as a rising figure in the jazz world. She amassed a large social media following well before her GRAMMY wins, platforms where she imbues traditional jazz standards with her own contemporary spin. Joy’s moniker is fitting, too, as she radiates positivity throughout every recording and performance. 

You can purchase tickets to attend Samara Joy’s performance virtually here. 

Joy was previously scheduled to perform in Shannon Hall on Feb. 16. If you purchased a ticket for her February performance, your ticket is automatically valid for the May 4 performance.