Newman Center Unveils Lineup for 2026-27 Season

When Rhiannon Giddens plays the banjo, it’s more than music—it’s history. The Grammy-and Pulitzer Prize-winning singer, multi-instrumentalist, and composer puts extensive research into the folk songs and instruments she plays, with a mission of lifting up voices in America’s musical history that have been overlooked or erased. 

More than two decades into her career, Giddens has taken her brand of bluegrass around the world and into just about every musical genre imaginable, from opera to pop music. On Jan. 30, 2027, she’ll bring it to Denver as one of 15 artists performing in next season’s Newman Center Presents series. 

“Rhiannon Giddens is a big deal for me. I love her playing,” says Aisha Ahmad-Post, executive director of the Newman Center. 

When building the lineup for this season, Ahmad-Post says she leaned into genres that audiences are particularly responding to—which, this year, means a little more bluegrass and family programming. In addition to Giddens, bluegrass star Lindsey Lou will perform at the Newman Center on Nov. 19, and families can enjoy a series of performances that includes the Grammy-winning duo 123 Andrés and “America’s Got Talent” finalists Lightwire Theater.

Ahmad-Post says there’s plenty in the lineup for lovers of jazz, Broadway, and contemporary dance. As always, the Newman Center will be welcoming world-class artists across genres. 

“These are the same headliners that would be at Carnegie Hall or the Barbican in London—and they’re coming here,” says Ahmad-Post. “Even if you haven’t heard of somebody, take a chance on them, because you might see something really special.”

Keep reading for preview of some of the season’s biggest events. You can purchase tickets and season passes for the entire 2026-2027 season here. 

Ravi Coltrane Quartet: Centennial Celebration

Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.

Ravi Coltrane, son of jazz legends John and Alice Coltrane, has established himself as jazz royalty in his own right. For more than 30 years, the Grammy-nominated saxophonist, bandleader, and composer has toured the world and played with some of the biggest names in jazz today. He is also dedicated to preserving his parents’ history, presiding over reissues of some of their recordings and leading a project to restore their family home in Dix Hills, New York. His performance at the Newman Center this fall is part of a “centennial celebration” marking the 100th birthday of his father. 

“Even to this day, when saxophonists are like, ‘I'm going to go play “Giant Steps” by John Coltrane, which is one of his famous tunes, it's like, ‘Oh, OK, so you think you're good?’ Let’s see it,” Ahmad-Post laughs. “And Ravi is holding the Coltrane legacy.”  

Compagnie Hervé Koubi: Sol Invictus

Saturday, Feb. 27, 2027, at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 28, 2027, at 2 p.m.

The international dance company under choreographer Hervé Koubi is back with a new piece called “Sol Invictus.” Named after the official sun god of the Roman Empire, Koubi describes the production as a call for unity where “sun and dance will emerge victorious.” Koubi’s choreography is known for combining contemporary dance, hip-hop, and martial arts, including the rhythmic, Afro-Brazilian art of capoeira. The dancers, many of whom are from northern Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East, often appear to fly through the air with flips and other tricks bordering on acrobatics. 

“They’re just unbelievably athletic and virtuosic with what they can do,” says Ahmad-Post. “It’s really beautiful.” 

Compagnie Hervé Koubi last performed at the Newman Center in 2024 with an all-male cast in “What the Day Owes to the Night.” 

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra With Wynton Marsalis

Friday, March 5, 2027, at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 6, 2027, at 7:30 p.m.

After nearly 40 years managing and shaping the orchestra he founded in 1987, Wynton Marsalis is preparing for his last season at the helm. The trumpeter announced his decision to step down as artistic director earlier this year to “identify the next generation of leadership.” 

“Wynton Marsalis has, in many ways, been the spokesperson for jazz in this country. So, his retirement is a really big deal,” says Ahmad-Post. She adds it’s been a few years since Marsalis and his crew played the Newman Center. “We’re excited to bring [the orchestra] back and celebrate.”

Marsalis plans to step down in July 2027. The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra originally started as a summer concert series but eventually established its own all-jazz theater at the Frederick P. Rose Hall in New York City. Under Marsalis, the orchestra has organized numerous academic programs and played a vast repertoire of commissioned works and classic compositions by Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, and more.  

An Evening With Kelli O’Hara

Friday, April 30, 2027, at 7:30 p.m.

Award-winning Broadway singer Kelli O’Hara has tackled everything from TV to opera. In 2015, O’Hara won a Tony Award for her performance as Anna Leonowens in “The King and I.” She also made history for being the first Broadway singer to perform in the Metropolitan Opera. On screen, you can currently watch her as the wealthy New York City socialite Aurora Fane in HBO’s “The Gilded Age,” or as the sharp-tongued Miranda Fraley in the new CBS series “Sheriff Country.” 

At the Newman Center, O’Hara will sing a combination of American Songbook classics and Broadway favorites. Ahmad-Post sees “An Evening With Kelli O’Hara” as an exciting follow-up to last season’s performance by fellow Broadway legend Mandy Patinkin. 

“We’re really trying to build an opportunity for Denverites to see the best and brightest of Broadway cabaret,” says Ahmad-Post.

Gravity & Other Myths: Ten Thousand Hours

Sunday, May 9, 2027, at 2 p.m.

In “Gravity & Other Myths,” eight world-class acrobats depict how they mastered their craft and the amazing things the human body can accomplish with practice. Ahmad-Post says she first saw the Australian circus troupe at a festival in Scotland and immediately wanted to bring the family-friendly show to Denver. 

“They play with the idea of failure and getting to 10,000 hours [of practice] to become an expert in something—which is really compelling to watch in the context of cirque, where the margin for error is so small,” she explains. “It’s a wild show.”