Noche of Blues, Jazz and Soul Brings US Vocalists and Big Band de Medellín to El Tesoro

US-Colombia cultural exchange takes center stage in Medellín.

The city of Medellín will welcome an evening of blues, jazz and soul on Friday, September 4, as the Centro Colombo Americano Medellín and Teatro El Tesoro present Noche de Blues, Jazz y Soul en El Tesoro. Scheduled for 7:00 p.m., the performance will bring together US vocalists Jillian Harrison-Jones and Sandy Lomax with the Big Band de Medellín for an evening centered on music’s ability to connect people across cultures and generations.

The concert will feature enduring classics including Misty, How High the Moon and Green Dolphin Street, alongside other selections from the blues, jazz and soul repertoire. The organizers describe the evening as a celebration of music’s ability to elevate the human spirit, inspire audiences and create connections across generations.

The principal artist, Jillian Harrison-Jones, is a US vocalist, choir director, educator and cultural ambassador whose career has taken her to audiences across the United States and internationally. Known for her expressive interpretation and ability to connect with audiences, Harrison-Jones combines performance with a broader commitment to music education and cultural exchange.

She will be joined by guest artist Sandy Lomax, an internationally active US jazz vocalist whose career has taken her from clubs and concert halls in Indiana to audiences throughout Europe and the United States. Lomax is recognized for her warm and expressive vocal style and ability to move naturally between jazz, blues and contemporary styles. Her career has also included work as an actress and producer.

The Colombian component of the collaboration comes from the Big Band de Medellín, an ensemble with a history dating back to 1988. Founded by Dr. Ricardo Uribe together with musicians Luis Uribe Espitia, Juancho Vargas and Jaime Uribe, the group has performed at important venues in Medellín, including the Teatro Metropolitano. Its repertoire encompasses classic big-band jazz from the 1940s and 1950s, contemporary arrangements, Latin jazz and Colombian music adapted for the ensemble.

The Centro Colombo Americano Medellín is a binational nonprofit organization dedicated to educational and cultural exchange between Colombia and the United States. Through English-language education, arts programming and cultural initiatives, the organization provides a platform for Colombians and Americans to engage through shared educational and artistic experiences.

The performance will take place at Teatro El Tesoro, located within the El Tesoro complex in Medellín. Ticket prices range from $67,500 COP for upper balcony seating to $108,000 COP for central seating, with side seating priced at $94,500 COP and balcony seating at $81,000 COP.

Members of the Colombo Americano Medellín community can receive a 10% discount on tickets by using the code COLOMBOTESORO at checkout.

The event will take place on Friday, September 4, at 7:00 p.m. at Teatro El Tesoro in Medellín.

Tickets are available through Tuboleta.

Jazz performers Jillian Harrison-Jones and Sandy Lomax

Headline photo: Noches de Blues y Soul poster.