Harlem Renaissance Then. Now. Forever: Harlem Jazz & Swing Night with Langston Hughes II and Band

Celebrate a summer night in Harlem with rising saxophonist and bandleader Langston Hughes II for an outdoor concert and swing dance under the stars. Blending classic jazz traditions with fresh contemporary energy, Langston Hughes II and his ensemble will bring the spirit of Harlem’s legendary dance halls to life with an evening of live music, dancing, and community celebration. Bring your friends, your dancing shoes, and enjoy a joyful night of rhythm and Harlem culture in the open air.

Free and open to the public. Like diehard Jazzmobilers, bring your folding chair!

About Langston Hughes II:

Langston Hughes II is a saxophonist, woodwind doubler, composer, and educator whose warm, expressive sound and lyrical improvisational voice have earned him recognition as one of the emerging talents of his generation. Based in New York City, he has performed with leading artists across the jazz world and appeared on stages throughout the United States and beyond. 

Hughes has shared the stage with renowned musicians including Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Cyrus Chestnut, and Ulysses Owens Jr., among others. His performances have taken him to prestigious venues and festivals such as the Kennedy Center, Blues Alley, Keystone Korner, the DC Jazz Festival, and leading clubs and concert halls across the country. 

As a bandleader, Hughes presents original music and creative interpretations of the jazz tradition, drawing from the lineage of great saxophonists while cultivating a personal, modern voice. His playing is marked by a rich, centered tone, rhythmic clarity, and a deep commitment to melodic storytelling. 

Originally from Prince George’s County, Maryland, Hughes began his formal jazz studies at Howard University, where he studied under acclaimed saxophonist and educator Charlie Young III. Under Young’s mentorship, he developed the discipline, self-diagnostic skills, and musical foundation that continue to shape his artistic path. He later moved to New York City to pursue a master’s degree in Jazz Studies at The Juilliard School. 

Beyond the bandstand, Hughes is an active and passionate educator. He maintains a private teaching studio and works with young musicians through school programs, workshops, and nonprofit organizations. His teaching centers on sound development, musical expression, and the cultivation of discipline, confidence, and artistic identity. 

Through his work as a performer, composer, and mentor, Langston Hughes II continues to build a career rooted in musical excellence, community, and the enduring spirit of the jazz tradition.

Free and open to the public.