When DownBeat Magazine names you the “top heroine” of the Monterey Jazz Festival, it’s more than a compliment—it’s a call to presenters everywhere: this is an artist you need on your stage.

In a glowing review of the 68th Monterey Jazz Festival, DownBeat’s Scott Yanow singled out Nnenna Freelon as the standout among 68 acts across five stages. He called her performance “a master class in how to sing and present jazz,” praising her vocal brilliance, theatrical finesse, and emotional depth.

Backed by pianist Alan Pasqua and guitarist Keith Ganz, Freelon delivered a set that was both technically dazzling and deeply human. She opened with the uplifting “Changed,” swung through “Dark And Lovely,” and reimagined “Lover Man” as a soulful jazz waltz—followed by her witty original “What’s Your Hurry,” a playful anthem of self-empowerment. From the haunting “Black Iris” to the modal irony of “I Feel Pretty,” every song was a reinvention.

One of the most talked-about moments? Her rendition of “Oh Susannah,” transformed from a familiar folk tune into a heartbreaking ballad that left the audience breathless.

This is the kind of performance that lingers. That sparks conversation. That elevates a season.

If you’re curating a series that demands artistry, elegance, and emotional connection, Nnenna Freelon is your answer. Presenters looking to offer audiences a truly unforgettable experience should take note.