Kes the Band is gearing up for what is expected to be a Summer tour lie no other. The acclaimed Trinidad and Tobago born and bred band, hits the US, UK and Canada beginning in April and according to lead singer, Kees Dieffenthaller, this opportunity is a meaningful one. ““Taking Soca to legendary music cities around the world is deeply meaningful for us. “These are places that have shaped global music history for generations. To bring the sound of Trinidad and Tobago – the spirit of Carnival, the rhythm of our ancestors, the joy of our people – into those spaces is powerful.”

The “Roots, Rock, Soca” Tour, is anticipated to build on the band’s growing international presence and its mission to bring Caribbean music and culture to global audiences. In 2025, Kes The Band delivered sold-out performances at SummerStage at Central Park. In January this year, they headlined the Unity Jazz Festival hosted at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York.

The band is known for blending soca with elements of reggae, pop, and soul. In 2026 however, Kees expressed his deep desire to revisit his Calypso roots, and as such, gave fans a remake of the calypso classic, Rum and Coca Cola. As usual, Kes The Band remained a staple throughout Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival 2026 experience.

The “Roots, Rock, Soca” Tour is presented in partnership with William Morris Endeavor and Live Nation Entertainment. he band will bring that same celebratory spirit to audiences worldwide. The tour’s concept highlights the depth of the group’s musical identity—honouring ancestral roots, embracing creative evolution, and celebrating soca as the heartbeat of Caribbean freedom and joy—while continuing to introduce new listeners across North America and Europe to the vibrant sound of Trinidad and Tobago. “Soca belongs on those stages. It belongs in every conversation about world music. This tour is about continuing the journey with music lovers from all walks of life and planting that cultural flag with pride,” said Dieffentaller.

Internationally acclaimed trumpeter, percussionist, composer, bandleader, recording artist and educator Etienne Charlesis set to embark on an ambitious 20-city world tour across Asia, Africa, Europe, North and South America, marking a series of highly anticipated debut performances in several new territories.

Over the past two decades, Charles has established himself as one of the most innovative voices in contemporary jazz. Since releasing his debut album in 2007, he has produced eleven critically acclaimed recordings and collaborated with legendary artists including Roberta Flack, Marcus Miller, Monty Alexander and Chucho Valdés, while also touring internationally with the SFJAZZ Collective. A proud musical ambassador for Trinidad and Tobago, Charles is known for weaving Caribbean musical traditions, folklore and history into his compositions, creating a sound that bridges cultures and generations.

Fresh off the release of his latest album Gullah Roots and following the success of the chart-topping Creole Orchestra, Charles will bring his distinctive brand of Caribbean-infused jazz to audiences around the globe, introducing several new markets to his genre-blending sound.

Among the highlights of the tour are first-time performances in India, Argentina, Denmark, Colombia, Tunisia and Lake Tahoe, as well as a special appearance in Boone, North Carolina.

India Debut

Charles will make his long-awaited debut in India with performances at Windmills Craftworks in Hyderabad (April 2–3) and Bangalore (April 4–5). Performing with his Creole Soul band, Charles will present a cross-section of music from across his catalogue, blending jazz improvisation with Caribbean rhythms and even offering a special arrangement of a classic Indian song.

“We are delighted to welcome Etienne Charles to India for the first time at Windmills Craftworks, Bangalore and Hyderabad,” said Arhona Chakraborty. “Etienne’s artistry embodies a spirit that bridges cultures, expanding musical dialogue and creating an experience that is both deeply immersive and profoundly moving.”

Colombia Debut

Later in April, Charles will perform in Medellín, Colombia, marking his debut in the country with a performance at El Club de Jazz on April 30 in celebration of International Jazz Day.

“Hosting Etienne Charles in Medellín for International Jazz Day 2026 is a definitive statement for our local scene,” said Christian Salgado of El Club de Jazz. “He represents the pinnacle of contemporary jazz, where technical mastery meets profound musical storytelling.”

Argentina Debut

Charles will also make his debut in Argentina, performing on May 26 at Teatro San Martín in Buenos Aires with a special tribute to jazz legend Miles Davis in celebration of the centennial of his birth. For Charles, Miles has been a musical and style inspiration.

“Etienne Charles is one of my favourite musicians. His musical world is infinitely rich and varied and I couldn’t think of a better artist to celebrate the centennial of our hero Miles Davis and reinterpret his music with an original and exciting voice,” said Eugenio Elias, Artistic Director of DeQuinta Producciones and JALC Global Citizen Jazz Award recipient.

Lake Tahoe Debut

In July, Charles will perform in Lake Tahoe for the first time while also serving as trumpet instructor at the Brubeck Jazz Summit. An avid advocate for music education and youth development, Charles also serves as Artistic Director of the Jazz Aspen Snowmass – Frost School of Music Afro-Caribbean Big Band Sessions, a full-scholarship program training emerging musicians in the rich musical traditions of the Caribbean.

Tunisia Debut

Charles will also make his debut in Tunisia at the Tabarka Jazz Festival, where he will perform with his intimate Creole Quartet, bringing Caribbean musical traditions into conversation with North African audiences.

Denmark Debut

The tour concludes with Charles’ first visit to Denmark, where he will appear as featured soloist, conductor, composer and arranger with the Danish Radio Big Band for a three-concert series titled Caribbean Connection.

Producer Rasmus Holm said Danish audiences are eager to experience Charles’ music. “Étienne brings warmth, depth and an infectious rhythmic energy that truly embodies The Caribbean Connection. We can’t wait to share this powerful meeting between his Caribbean traditions and the sound of Danish Radio Big Band with audiences in Denmark.”

Boone Special Performance

Another key stop on the tour will be a performance at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts in Boone, North Carolina, where Charles will present his multimedia climate change project Earth Tones, combining music, film and storytelling to examine the urgent global conversation around climate change. The performance carries particular resonance for the Boone community, which was severely impacted by flooding during Hurricane Helene.

Return to Lincoln Center

In June, Charles will present Folklore Vol. 2 at the world-renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Appel room, featuring the world premiere of his new suite inspired by Haitian and Mexican folklore as well as new arrangements from his breakthrough 2009 album, as a part of their Mother Africa season.

Tour Dates

2026

March 19 Holland Center, Omaha, NE

March 28 Regattabar, Boston, MA

April 2-3 Windmills Craftworks, Hyderabad, India

April 4-5 Windmills Craftworks, Bangalore, India

April 15 Gusman Concert Hall, Coral Gables, FL

April 24 Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts, Boone, NC

April 30 El Club de Jazz, Medellin, Colombia

May 21 Conjunto Santander, Guadalajara, Mexico

May 23 Teatro Esperanza Iris, Mexico City, Mexico

May 26 Teatro San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina

June 5-6 Appel Room, Jazz at Lincoln Center, New York, NY

June 20 Healdsburg Jazz Festival, Healdsburg, CA

July 16-17 Brubeck Jazz Summitt, Lake Tahoe, NV

August 15 Balistreri Vineyards, Denver, CO

August 29-30 Tabarka Jazz Festival, Tabarka, Tunisia

September 6 DC Jazz Fest, Washington, DC

November 5 Tobaksgaarden, Assens, Denmark

November 6 Koncerthuset, Studio 2, Copenhagen, Denmark

November 7 Holbæk Jazzklub, Elværket, Denmark