A Vibrant, Creative And Cohesive Force in the Community
Among our hundreds of performances and events, we are known for our commitment to jazz: Our investments lean into the jazz community's identification of 601 Lexington Avenue as an artistic home while bringing world-class jazz performances to all for free regardless of religious affiliation.
Jazz on the Plaza
Each week over the course of the summer months, the Conservancy hosts a series of jazz concerts for the Midtown community. This historic program is made possible in partnership with BXP, Grand Central Partnership, and Saint Peter’s Church.
Held in the public outdoor plaza at 601 Lexington Avenue, these midday concerts are free of charge and open to the general public. Many people bring a lunch or purchase it from one of the several area vendors. While every effort is made to host Jazz on the Plaza outdoors, in the event of inclement weather the concert may be moved indoors to the Sanctuary of Saint Peter’s Church, where guests are asked not to bring food or opened beverages.
Concerts begin at 12:30 P.M. and run for a little over an hour. During the month of September jazz groups from area colleges and performing arts high schools, are featured as, a way to support the ongoing development of young jazz musicians. In July and August audiences enjoy a variety of well-regarded artists. Care is made to present a diversity of ensembles and styles ranging from small trios to large big bands.
2026 Season of Jazz on the Plaza - Details coming soon!
Jazz Memorials
Celebrating The Lives Of Jazz Greats
The loss of a loved one, whether unexpected or anticipated, is a time of deep and varied emotion. Within the jazz community, the death of a musician is felt by family, friends, colleagues and lovers of jazz alike.
Saint Peter's Church in Midtown Manhattan has been the site of many memorials and celebrations-of-life for jazz musicians throughout the decades. The Conservancy collaborates with Saint Peter’s Church and partners like the Jazz Foundation of America to offer these public memorials with performances and tributes by a variety of artists and others of the jazz world.
