(The Hollywood Times) 9/5/26 – The Palm Springs Women’s Jazz & Blues Association has filled the desert with music, art and celebration during its 2026 “Blues at the Woodstock” festival, running September 3–6 in Palm Springs under the theme, “Voices That Don’t Ask for Permission!” The festival continues the nonprofit organization’s mission of creating welcoming performance opportunities for female jazz and blues musicians.
The festivities began Thursday, September 3, with the “Before the Eagle Flies” reception at Artier Fine Art Gallery on North Palm Canyon Drive. I was pleased to attend the gathering, which brought together festival artists, supporters and staff in a lively setting celebrating both music and the arts. Artier Fine Art Gallery is also among this year’s festival sponsors.
Thursday evening also offered festivalgoers the opportunity to enjoy Palm Springs VillageFest and the Palm Springs Art Museum’s queer-focused exhibitions, including Lake Verea’s “DarkRooms and Other Games” and “A Queer Arcana: Art, Magic, and Spirit.”
On Friday, September 4, the music moved to Hotel Zoso for “Blues at the Woodstock,” featuring Miriah Avila and Kimberly Nichole, backed by Dr. Gail Jhonson & Blues All-Stars.
Earlier today, September 5, festival artists participated in “Voices That Don’t Ask for Permission,” a Q&A exploring the careers of independent women musicians who are building audiences and maintaining control of their music on their own terms.
Still to Come
Still to ComeTonight, September 5, Martha Redbone and J’Cenae take the stage at Hotel Zoso, joined by Dr. Gail Jhonson & Blues All-Stars. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the concert beginning at 6:30 p.m.
The weekend concludes Sunday, September 6, with Hope Diamond’s “Sunday Kind of Love” from 6–8 p.m. at Lola’s Lounge inside the Thompson Hotel. Admission is free, with reservations suggested.
Led by Executive Producer Lucy DeBardelaben, the Palm Springs Women’s Jazz & Blues Association continues to provide an important platform for women whose voices deserve to be heard, onstage, independently and without asking permission.
For more information, visit the Palm Springs Women’s Jazz Festival website or email info@pswomensjazzfestival.com.
Shots from Artier event:
