A Golden-Era Jazz Celebration, Presented by the Artist Series at the Ent Center for the Arts 

Colorado Springs, CO (January 15, 2026) — The Artist Series at the Ent Center for the Arts is proud to present Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents: Great American Crooners on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Shockley-Zalabak Theater. 

A cornerstone of the Ent Center’s 2025–2026 Artist Series, Great American Crooners offers audiences a sophisticated evening steeped in the velvety melodies, smoky rhythms, and timeless romance of the Great American Songbook — performed by some of today’s most compelling jazz vocalists. 

Step into the golden age of jazz as Benny Benack III (DownBeat Magazine’s #1 Rising Star), Robbie Lee, and Shenel Johns bring to life the songs that defined an era. Audiences will hear classics such as “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “Misty,” “I Only Have Eyes for You,” and “Moon River,” delivered with charm, elegance, and deep respect for the original recordings. The trio is joined by a swinging four-piece jazz ensemble, creating an intimate yet electric concert experience. 

“The Artist Series exists to connect our community with extraordinary artists and touring productions that reflect both excellence and joy,” said David Siegel, Executive Director of the Ent Center for the Arts and producer of the Artist Series. “Jazz at Lincoln Center represents the very best of American musical artistry, and Great American Crooners is the kind of program that invites audiences to fall in love with live performance — whether they’re longtime jazz fans or hearing these songs anew.” 

For more than three decades, Jazz at Lincoln Center has been a leading global advocate for jazz, culture, and arts education. Under the artistic direction of nine-time GRAMMY® Award winner Wynton Marsalis, the organization has brought jazz from the heart of New York City to more than 446 cities across 40+ countries, advancing its mission to entertain, enrich, and expand a global community for jazz. 

Presented by the Artist Series, Great American Crooners is both a celebration of iconic voices — from Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett to Bobby Darin — and a vibrant reminder of jazz’s enduring power to connect generations through story, style, and song. 

Event Details: 
Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026 
Time: 7:00 PM Location: Shockley-Zalabak Theater, Ent Center for the Arts, UCCS 
Tickets: entarts.org | 719-255-8181 

Don’t miss this elegant and evocative evening — a standout Artist Series performance that celebrates the timeless allure of jazz and popular song. 

Media Contact: 
Elyce Gronseth Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications 
Ent Center for the Arts at UCCS 
egronset@uccs.edu 
(719) 255-8365 

About Jazz at Lincoln Center 
Jazz at Lincoln Center is a premier jazz institution based in New York City dedicated to preserving, presenting, and promoting jazz through performance, education, and advocacy around the world. 

About The Artist Series 
The Artist Series brings world-renowned performers, innovators, and touring productions to Colorado Springs, offering audiences unforgettable experiences across music, theatre, dance, and more. Curated to showcase the most exciting voices across artistic disciplines, the series reflects the Ent Center’s ongoing commitment to extraordinary artistry and cultural enrichment. 

About the Ent Center for the Arts 
The Ent Center for the Arts at UCCS is a multi-venue arts complex that serves as a cultural hub for Colorado Springs. Home to Theatreworks, the Galleries of Contemporary Art (GOCA), and other artistic programs, the Ent Center fosters creativity and collaboration across disciplines, providing a space for artists and audiences to connect in meaningful ways. 

Visit entarts.org