As part of its Spring 2026 Programming, the Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning (JCAL) – Queens’ premier hub for the visual and performing arts – presents the return of Riddim Section 2026, its annual, vibrant concert series rooted in the Diaspora. Beginning at the end of February and running through June, the monthly showcase will feature a curated lineup of world-class artists celebrating musical traditions drawn from across Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, and the Americas.

The 2026 season will open with renowned Latin jazz harpist Edmar Castañeda whose singular artistry has redefined the role of the harp in contemporary music. A prolific artist who seamlessly bridges folk and jazz traditions, Castañeda was born in Bogotá and raised within the rich soundscape of traditional Colombian music. His unparalleled mastery of the harp captivates audiences worldwide; his distinctive technique – playing bass lines with his left hand while harmonizing melodies and chords with his right – creates the illusion of multiple instruments performing in unison, transforming each concert into a deeply immersive and emotional experience.

The Riddim Section 2026 season will feature a diverse lineup of world-class artists to also include Aziza Miller, Chembo Corniel and Andre White.