About the Event
In celebration of April’s Jazz Appreciation Month, Metro Art, LACMA and KJazz 88.1 FM come together for the return of KJazz Tracks at Union Station. Hosted by KJazz DJ José Rizo, the free, open-to-all concert will take place Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM inside Union Station’s iconic Ticket Concourse. The evening will feature a dynamic lineup of live jazz performances led by New Orleans legend Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen, with supporting sets from music artists Emi Secrest and Merges.
This event is free for all ages and open to the public. RSVP to learn more. Tickets are not required and 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 a free Metro Art giveaway!
Go Metro and see art along the way! Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles Union Station. Plan your trip using the Transit app, the trip planner at metro.net or by calling 323.GO.METRO.
Park at Union Station East or West garages, starting at $8.
For additional information, please visit here.
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
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. Learn more at https://www.kkjz.org/.