NORTH CAROLINA MUSEUM OF ART: JAZZ AT NCMA: Samara Joy and SuperBlue: Kurt Elling & Charlie Hunter

With her Verve Records debut, Linger Awhile, Samara Joy makes her case to join the likes of Sarah, Ella, and Billie as the next mononymous jazz singing sensation recorded by the venerable label. Her voice has already earned her fans like Anita Baker and Regina King, appearances on the Today Show, and millions of likes on TikTok—cementing her status as perhaps the first Gen Z jazz singing star.

Grammy Award–winner Kurt Elling is without question today’s preeminent male jazz vocalist, renowned worldwide for his unparalleled virtuosity and flair for trailblazing artistic exploration. From his stunning reinvention of timeless standards to his own captivating original songcraft, the Chicago-based musician has fused his dazzling talents across a panoply of musical approaches.