KJazz Tracks is back at Union Station this Sat. 4/11/26!
“It’s Arts, Culture and Creativity Month! Throughout April, Metro Art will be celebrating all the ways the arts bring vibrancy and inspiration to the Metro transit system.”
You can take public transit to the arts? Well, yes here’s your chance! On Saturday, April 11, 2026, riders can enjoy free jazz performances hosted by Metro Art, LACMA and KJazz 88.1 FM in the stunning historic Ticket Concourse of Union Station, an evening bringing fresh and dynamic sounds that connect Angelenos across music styles.
Hosted by KJazz DJ José Rizo, the open-to-all concert will feature an eclectic lineup led by New Orleans legend Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen, with opening music sets from powerhouse Emi Secrest and mesmerizing Merges.
Schedule
6:35 – 7:10 P.M. | Merges
7:20 – 8:05 P.M. | Emi Secrest
8:15 – 9:30 P.M. | Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen
This event is free for all ages and open to the public. RSVP requested but not required. Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The first 40 visitors to present their TAP cards to the Metro Art info table will receive free Metro Art swag!
Here’s how to get there
Go Metro to the event and discover art along the way! Metro Art transforms everyday transit into a creative experience, featuring one of the largest collections of public art in the nation! Union Station is accessible via Metro Rail, Metro Bus, Metro Bike Share, Metrolink, Amtrak, and several municipal bus lines. Take the Metro A, B, D, or J Line directly to Union Station. Plan your journey using the Transit app, the Moovit app, Google or Apple maps, the trip planner at metro.net, or by calling 323.GO.METRO.
For those driving, limited parking is available at Union Station for $8.
About the Artists
Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen
Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen have spent more than three decades at the forefront of New Orleans’ ever-evolving musical landscape, delivering the grit, funk, and joy that define the city’s sound. A Grammy Award–winning pianist, vocalist, and songwriter, Cleary was born in London and moved to New Orleans before the age of twenty, where he immersed himself in the Crescent City’s musical traditions. Over the years he has performed with legends including Earl King, Johnny Adams, Walter “Wolfman” Washington, Snooks Eaglin, Ernie K-Doe, Jessie Hill, and Dr. John, and later toured extensively with artists such as Bonnie Raitt and Taj Mahal. Backed by his acclaimed band—the Absolute Monster Gentlemen, anchored by longtime collaborators Cornell Williams and A.J. Hall and joined by an all-star lineup of musicians—Cleary delivers a rich, horn-driven sound rooted in the deep traditions of New Orleans funk and R&B, a living musical lineage shaped by generations of players and audiences alike.
Emi Secrest
Emi Secrest is a powerhouse soul singer and songwriter whose Southern roots and modern artistry have led her to stages with Christina Aguilera, John Legend, Macy Gray, and Kanye West. A 66thGrammy nominee alongside Cory Henry for Live at the Piano, Emi’s voice has been featured on national campaigns, major TV shows, and most recently on Juicy J’s Jazz Album with Robert Glasper and Keyon Harrold. In 2025, she delivered a standout performance at the Grand Opening of Blue Note Los Angeles, returned to Blue Note NYC, and continued expanding her national footprint while preparing her anticipated album The Colors of Love. With a sound that blends Tennessee soul, jazz, and modern R&B; Emi Secrest is a rising force redefining contemporary soul music.
Merges
Merges is carving her own distinctive path through the alternative R&B landscape, listed by Pigeons & Planes as one of the “Artists to Watch in 2025.” Drawing from a rich palette of influences, she’s created a sound that defies easy categorization, blending genres with an effortless fluidity. Born and raised in South Dakota, Merges moved to Nashville at 16 before relocating to Los Angeles. She weaves intricate melodies with poetic, honest lyrics over dreamy sonic landscapes. Her breakout track “cool_v2” has amassed over 16 million cumulative streams, while a feature on Joe Kay’s debut solo EP and support from BBC Radio 1Xtra have introduced her distinctive sound to wider audiences. Balancing mainstream appeal with uncompromising artistry, Merges continues to attract both critical praise and a growing audience, a combination that hints at far greater achievements ahead.
About KJazz 88.1 FM
KJazz 88.1 FM is committed to the promotion and preservation of the rich cultural heritages of jazz and blues through engaging, inspiring and informative programming that satisfies the most dedicated jazz and blues aficionados while attracting newcomers of all ages. A service of California State University, Long Beach, KJazz 88.1 FM has been ranked as the nation’s most listened-to jazz radio station. For more information, visit: kkjz.org.
About LACMA
Located on the Pacific Rim, LACMA is the largest art museum in the western United States, with a collection of more than 150,000 objects that illuminate 6,000 years of artistic expression across the globe. Committed to showcasing a multitude of art histories, LACMA exhibits and interprets works of art from new and unexpected points of view that are informed by the region’s rich cultural heritage and diverse population. LACMA’s spirit of experimentation is reflected in its work with artists, technologists, and thought leaders as well as in its regional, national, and global partnerships to share collections and programs, create pioneering initiatives, and engage new audiences.
About Metro Art
Metro Art enhances the customer experience with innovative, award-winning visual and performing arts that encourages ridership and connects people, neighborhoods and destinations throughout L.A. County. A diverse range of site-specific artworks are integrated into the growing Metro system, improving the quality of transit environments, and creating a sense of place. Follow Metro Art on Facebook, Instagram and Threads. Sign up for the Metro Art email list to learn about upcoming art opportunities, events and exhibitions!
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