BALTIMORE, MD — Grammy-nominated Smooth Soul/Jazz powerhouse Maysa will commemorate a remarkable year of milestones with the inaugural Maysa’s Blue Velvet Soul & Jazz Weekender, taking place August 14–16, 2026. The celebration honors her 60th birthday, 35 years in music, the release of her highly anticipated new album Milestones, and the 10th anniversary of her beloved online community, Maysa’s Kitchen Karaoke Sundays (#MKKS). The three-day experience will culminate with “The Big Show: Maysa & Friends” at Baltimore’s iconic Pier Six Pavilion, bringing together fans, friends, and fellow artists for a weekend honoring one of contemporary soul and jazz music’s most beloved voices.
The event also arrives alongside the release of Maysa’s highly anticipated new album, Milestones, a fitting title for an artist whose remarkable career has become woven into the fabric of contemporary soul and jazz. Special guests scheduled to join the celebration include Chris “Big Dog” Davis, Loni Love, Mike Phillips, Avery*Sunshine, Byron Miller, and additional surprise performers and friends from throughout Maysa’s illustrious career.
“This isn’t just a birthday celebration; it’s a celebration of purpose, perseverance, and the power of music to bring people together,” said Maysa. “Thirty-five years ago, I could never have imagined the journey that was ahead of me. To still be creating, performing, and connecting with audiences around the world at 60 is a gift I don’t take for granted. Baltimore raised me, soul music shaped me, and my fans have sustained
me. I’m excited to celebrate this milestone with the people who have made it all possible and to share what’s next through my new album, Milestones.”
The inaugural Maysa’s Blue Velvet Soul & Jazz Weekender will offer attendees an unforgettable three- day experience celebrating music, culture, friendship, and the city that helped shape Maysa’s extraordinary journey:
Known for her signature honey-toned mezzo-soprano and captivating stage presence, Maysa has spent more than three decades building a legacy rooted in authenticity, artistry, and excellence. Her distinguished career includes collaborations with music legends including Stevie Wonder, Angela Bofill, Will Downing, Jonathan Butler, and a remarkable 35-year association with the acclaimed British jazz- funk collective Incognito, helping define the sound of contemporary soul and jazz for generations of listeners worldwide.
Over the course of her career, Maysa has earned a Grammy Award nomination, seven SoulTracks Female Vocalist of the Year honors, and Soul Train’s inaugural Centric Award, among numerous other accolades. Yet beyond the awards and chart success, she has remained deeply connected to her audience through her warmth, transparency, and unwavering commitment to the music.
“Maysa’s Blue Velvet Soul & Jazz Weekender represents more than a celebration of longevity,” said Troy Burton, Maysa’s manager. “It honors an artist whose influence extends far beyond the stage. Maysa has consistently evolved while remaining true to her roots, creating music that inspires, heals, and connects people across generations.”
In recent years, Maysa has expanded her impact beyond music through her independent imprint, Blue Velvet Soul Records, and her immensely popular Facebook Live series, Maysa’s Kitchen Karaoke Sundays (#MKKS). Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the weekly gathering has cultivated a devoted global community, offering fans an intimate space where music, conversation, and connection flourish.
A proud Baltimore native, Maysa’s upcoming Weekender serves as both a homecoming and a celebration of a career defined by resilience, reinvention, and artistic excellence. From international stages and award-winning recordings to entrepreneurial ventures and digital community-building, she continues to redefine what longevity looks like in today’s music industry.
More than a concert announcement, Maysa’s Blue Velvet Soul & Jazz Weekender is a celebration of legacy, innovation, hometown pride, and an artist who has spent decades elevating soul and jazz music on a global stage while continuing to find new ways to connect authentically with audiences.
