The Django congratulates Samara Joy, Geoffrey Keezer, and Steven Feifke on their tremendous wins last night at the 2023 Grammy Awards. On a night that saw Beyonce break the record for the most Grammy wins (33) and Kim Petras become the first trans woman to win the Grammy for best pop duo/group performance with Sam Smith, our attention was focused on the best new artist category. Samara Joy walked off with the prestigious new artist award after already winning for best jazz vocal album earlier in the evening.

 

Bronx-born singer Samara Joy wasn’t the only Django alumni to win big at the 2023 Grammy Awards. The award for best instrumental composition went to pianist Geoffrey Keezer for the opening track off of his latest album, Playdate. And finally, Steven Feifke took home the trophy for large jazz ensemble album with his co-creator Bijon Watson for their recording of Generation Gap Jazz Orchestra.

 

The Django prides itself on providing opportunities for the rising stars of jazz and we will continue to champion new creators, new voices, and new sounds. Get to know the next Samara Joy, Geoffrey Keezer or Steven Feifke at downtown’s den for libations, dinner and live jazz!