Celebrating Women's History Month in Lincoln Square

March is more than just a change in seasons; it's a celebration of strength, resilience, and the spirit of women. As we embark on Women's History Month, join us in honoring the trailblazers, visionaries, and everyday heroes who have left an indelible mark on the world. In Lincoln Square, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the remarkable women who have made “herstory” and those who continue to shape it every day.

Start this celebration of women by attending an array of events hosted by the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center (111 Amsterdam Ave between W 64th and W 65th). On Thursday, March 7, at 6:00pm, witness the Ivalas Quartet, the graduate resident string quartet at the Juilliard School, as they bring to life rarely heard music by women composers like Helen Crane, Mary Howe, Marion Bauer, Madeleine Dedieu-Peters, and Mabel Wood-Hill. A few days later, on Saturday, March 9, at 2:30pm, watch silent film The Duchess of Buffalo (1926), a deftly-played farce complemented by live piano accompaniment and a Q&A, to see one of the most popular comediennes of the early 1900s. For a more contemporary touch, on Monday, March 11, at 6:00pm, award-winning composer and lyricist Zoe Sarnak will preview her upcoming works and discuss the creative journey from the page to the stage. Then, on Thursday, March 21, at 6:00pm, playwright and actor Kirya Traber will join the Orchestra of St. Luke’s for Valerie Coleman’s Portraits of Josephine, a musical memoir honoring iconic French dancer and singer Josephine Baker, with Traber weaving her original narrative into the performance.

The New York Public Library is also sponsoring Women’s History Month events throughout the City. At the virtual Teen Comics Chat on Thursday, March 21, at 4:00pm, three librarians will explore and discuss comics in honor of Women's History Month. Teens who attend and visit the library afterward will receive a free comic book.

From March 7 through March 9, the New York Philharmonic at the Wu Tsai Theater in David Geffen Hall (10 Lincoln Center Plaza) will perform Scheherazade. The program includes two NY Phil debuts (both are women!): conductor Elim Chan and cellist Sol Gabetta. Gabetta will enchant the audience with Martinů’s lively First Cello Concerto. Chan will lead the orchestra in Rimsky-Korsakov’s dazzling interpretation of stories from One Thousand and One Nights, alongside Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate’s homage to Hopi and Pueblo Indian music.

Engage in a thought-provoking discussion on March 12 at 12:00pm at Lunch with the League: The Evolving Role of Women in Politics. Hosted by the League of Women Voters NYC at the New York Society for Ethical Culture (2 West 64th Street at Central Park West), the event features a conversation about the shifting dynamics in the political landscape concerning women's roles with Council Member Gale Brewer and former Council Member and politician Ruth Messinger. Tickets are available for $20 in advance and $25 at the door. To secure your spot, visit Eventbrite.

You can also celebrate innovative women in jazz this month with captivating concerts presented by Jazz at Lincoln Center (Broadway at 60th Street). From the mesmerizing talent of Sanah Kadoura (March 7), drawing inspiration from her Lebanese Canadian roots, to the slick and stylish interpretations of the American Songbook by pianist Ann Hampton Callaway (March 8 - 10), these performances promise thrilling and spontaneous music. Hear vocalist Sheila Jordan (March 20) and the multigenerational energy of the DIVA Jazz Orchestra (March 21 - 24). On March 25, vocalist Ekep Nkwelle showcases her lyrical presence, while later in the month, acclaimed vocalist Catherine Russell (March 29 - 30) transports you to the golden era of jazz with a celebration of Hot Club jazz. 

Don’t think Jazz at Lincoln Center forgot about the kids! On March 16 at 3:00pm, a special Family Concert will explore the life and art of Mahalia Jackson, the Queen of Gospel, featuring the JLCO and powerhouse vocalist Tammy McCann. To close out the month, the WeBop Family Jazz Party (March 30 at 11:30am and 1:30pm) will celebrate iconic women in jazz, featuring pioneers like Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, and Ella Fitzgerald. Interested in even more ways to celebrate Women’s History Month at Jazz at Lincoln Center? Check out Late Night Sessions at Dizzy’s Club and Swing U Courses on The Music of Mary Lou Williams and The Music of Cesaria Evora, or click here for more events!

Lincoln Center Presents is also hosting free and choose-what-you-pay events that highlight female artists at the David Rubenstein Atrium (61 W 62nd Street between Amsterdam Ave and Broadway). As part of the Women and Nonbinary Artists in Tech series, you can experience the innovative work of Kate NV on Thursday, March 14, at 7:30pm. The Moscow-based artist will improvise live with bells and water glasses amidst compact synthesizers and cables. As part of the Beats, Rhymes & Sights series, a screening of the movie NEGRITA on Thursday, March 21 at 7:30pm will delve into the cultural prejudices faced by Afro Latina women. The next night, AFROPUNK and Lincoln Center pay tribute to Phillis Wheatley Peters, the first African-American to publish poetry, exploring her impact through songs, recitations, and an artist talkback at 8:30pm. 

You can also uncover women’s history this month outdoors. Embark on the Larger Than Life: Women of Central Park Tour as it follows in the footsteps of trailblazing women who have left their marks on Central Park and New York City. This mobility-friendly tour, covering 1.1 miles, commences at the West 59th Street Kiosk on Friday, March 8, and Sunday, March 10, at 11:00am, and Saturday, March 23, at 2:00pm (tickets cost $35; 20% off for Central Park Conservancy Members). You can also celebrate the long role of women in NYC Parks through Urban Park Ranger-led tours, gallery exhibitions, concerts, and art programs in parks throughout the City. Learn more here. 

Lincoln Square is the perfect place to honor the “she”roes of the past and present, and nurture the ones of the future.

Photo: Catherine Russell, Courtesy of Jazz at Lincoln Center