New York City, New York Sep 27, 2025 (Issuewire.com) - The N’Kenge Foundation has set the stage for Spotlight Royale, an exclusive album premiere concert bringing together two powerhouse vocalists for one unforgettable evening. Internationally acclaimed singer and Tony, Emmy & Grammy Nominated Performer N’Kenge will debut her highly anticipated jazz album Centerstage: Live from the Ella Fitzgerald Festival, alongside Antonia Bennett, celebrated jazz vocalist and daughter of the legendary Tony Bennett, who unveils her newest project, Expressions. Spotlight Royale will debut on Sunday, September 28, 2025 at the Laurie Beechman Theatre at 7pm. Tickets are $30-$45 and available online at theBeechman.com.
Recorded live at the 27th Annual Ella Fitzgerald Festival at the Ferguson Center for the Arts, N’Kenge’s Centerstage is a vibrant tribute to the First Lady of Song. Blending timeless jazz standards with her signature genre-bending vocal artistry, the album has already garnered critical praise for its emotional storytelling and bold reimaginings. Hailed as a “perfect soundtrack” and praised for its “intense poetry,” Centerstage is also making chart history — currently #23 on the Smooth Jazz Charts and recognized as the #2 most-added album on jazz playlists nationwide.
Spotlight Royale also highlights Antonia Bennett, whose new album Expressions showcases a deeply personal interpretation of the Great American Songbook. Known for her luminous voice — described as both classic and contemporary — Bennett has toured globally with icons such as Willie Nelson, Paul Simon, and her father, Tony Bennett. Expressions cements her as one of today’s leading voices in jazz, offering heartfelt performances that honor tradition while carving out her distinct artistry.
Adding to the excitement are special guest appearances by Billboard charting Jeremy Schonfeld and The MET’s Jahzara Martina, as well as performances from the winners of the national competition Are You the Next Showstopper? — Matteo Russo, Gus Schonfeld, and Mia Soleil Sanchez. These rising stars, who recently won a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Paris, represent the next generation of vocal talent nurtured by programs like the N’Kenge Foundation, which champions youth in the performing arts through scholarships, mentorship, and national competitions.
Prepare to be swept away by an unforgettable evening of dazzling vocals, timeless classics, and show-stopping moments — all in the heart of New York City! The evening will also include a CD signing, a silent auction (https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/nkenge-foundations-online-auction) featuring Roundtrip Airfare & tickets to a show in the West End, Autographed Taylor Swift Display and an autographed WICKED The Movie display and much more! You can place a bid on these items and more at nkengefoundation.org
One stage. Two unforgettable voices. A night you’ll never forget.
For more information or to purchase tickets, click here (https://www.thebeechman.com/events/lbt25-spotlight-royale)
Auction Lots: click auction (https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/nkenge-foundations-online-auction)
About N’Kenge (https://www.nkengemusic.com/fyc)
Lauded as a “polished diamond” by The New York Times, N’Kenge is a versatile vocalist whose career spans opera, Broadway, pop, and jazz. A graduate of The Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music, and the Harlem School of the Arts, she has starred in Broadway productions including Motown: The Musical and Caroline, or Change. With performances at The White House, Carnegie Hall, and international opera houses, N’Kenge continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Her debut jazz album, Centerstage: Live from the Ella Fitzgerald Festival, is a love letter to Ella Fitzgerald and a bold celebration of the enduring magic of live music.
About Antonia Bennett (https://www.antoniabennett.com/)
Antonia Bennett, daughter of legendary jazz icon Tony Bennett, is an acclaimed vocalist with a voice that bridges jazz tradition and contemporary interpretation. Having performed on stages across the globe alongside artists such as Paul Simon, Willie Nelson, and her father, Bennett’s artistry is both timeless and uniquely her own. With Expressions, she offers a deeply personal and intimate collection of classics, establishing herself as a dynamic torchbearer of the American Songbook.
About the N’Kenge Foundation (https://www.nkengefoundation.org/)
The N’Kenge Foundation is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of performing artists by providing scholarships, mentorship, and platforms for emerging talent. Its programs — including the national Are You the Next Showstopper? competition — have supported students who have gone on to receive honors and awards in vocal performance, theater, and music education. By connecting young talent to professional opportunities, the Foundation uplifts voices that might otherwise go unheard and ensures the future of the performing arts remains vibrant and inclusive.
For more info:
NkengeMusic.com
Nkengefoundation.org (http://nkengemusic.com/)
Media Contact
N’Kenge Foundation nkengefoundation@gmail.com 9296735033 http://Nkengefoundation.org
