If you’ve never heard Maysa perform live, you’re in for something truly special—and there has never been a more significant time to witness her artistry. In 2026, the Grammy-nominated soul-jazz powerhouse arrives at Middle C amid her “Milestones” Tour (also celebrated as the 35/60/10 World Tour). This performance is a cornerstone of a global retrospective honoring three incredible landmarks: 35 years in the music industry, her 60th birthday, and a decade of her beloved “Kitchen Karaoke Sundays” livestream.

Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Maysa Leak’s path to our stage reads like a masterclass in dedication. After graduating from Morgan State University with a degree in classical performance, she joined Stevie Wonder’s Wonderlove, where she learned to work alongside artists at the highest level. She later became the legendary lead vocalist for the acclaimed British jazz-funk band Incognito, cementing her place among music’s elite before launching a thriving solo career in 1995.

What makes this year’s performance so poignant is that it serves as a victory lap for her hard-won artistic independence. This tour supports her 15th studio album, Milestones, released on her very own Blue Velvet Soul Records. For Maysa, this era is more than a celebration of longevity; it is a showcase of her evolution from a world-class vocalist to a formidable independent force.

The rich tapestry of her sound is woven into every note she sings. Her early influences came from her mother’s favorite soul records, followed by a pivotal turning point at age 14 when she discovered the jazz brilliance of Al Jarreau. She spent years studying masters from Dianne Reeves and Carmen McRae to John Coltrane, absorbing their DNA into her own voice. The result is an artist who, as NPR put it, nods to the past while creating her own unique, soulful sound.

Maysa’s live shows move freely between musical styles—classics to originals, past to present—and her “honey-toned” mezzo-soprano carries a warmth that has led critics to crown her the undisputed queen of soul, R&B, and acid jazz. Her accolades, including Soul Train’s Centric Award and a Grammy nomination for her rendition of Nancy Wilson’s “Quiet Fire,” back up the hype.

Whether she’s exploring themes of love, resilience, or the human spirit, Maysa brings every song to life with the depth that only comes from a lifetime of craft. This year, as she celebrates her 60th year of life and 35 years of music, you won’t just hear a great singer—you will feel the spirit of an artist who has finally, fully claimed her own legacy.

Join us on Saturday, April 11th to celebrate soul, with Maysa.

Article written by Middle C Jazz Marketing Support, Kaela Mason.