Great American Songbook Foundation

2026 Songbook Academy Public Events

Payne & Mencias Palladium // Jul 13 - Jul 18 ET

Event Details

Experience the excitement of Songbook Academy® through three public events at Allied Solutions Center’s world-class Payne & Mencias Palladium from July 13–18. From a behind-the-scenes masterclass to inspiring live performances, audiences can witness the next generation of musical storytellers alongside today’s celebrated artists — both in person and through livestream events available worldwide.

The Songbook Academy® is the flagship educational program of the Great American Songbook Foundation, bringing together talented young vocalists from across the country for a week of mentorship, masterclasses, and performance opportunities designed to strengthen vocal technique, stage presence, and song interpretation, while building friendships and professional connections that last a lifetime.

Join us in Carmel at the Payne & Mencias Palladium or online for captivating performances throughout the week.

Learn More

Event Information
Group Reservations & Accessibility

Songbook Academy Class of 2026

Partners

Event Information

Public ticket sales and livestream registration for these must-see events will begin May 18.

Public Masterclass

Monday, July 13 | 2 p.m. ET | Payne & Mencias Palladium

Great American Songbook Foundation founder and five-time GRAMMY nominee Michael Feinstein and a soon-to-be-announced celebrity guest mentor provide real-time feedback as 10 randomly selected young singers of the Songbook Academy perform on the Payne & Mencias Palladium stage. Attendance is free for community members.

Tickets: Pay-what-you-can (no minimum)

Livestream: Pay-what-you-can (no minimum)

Songbook Showcase
Thursday, July 16 | 7 p.m. ET | Payne & Mencias Palladium

The Songbook Showcase offers all 40 participants of the Songbook Academy the opportunity to perform a solo on stage at the world-class Payne & Mencias Palladium. In addition to these inspiring individual performances, audiences will enjoy special appearances by Michael Feinstein, as well as celebrated Broadway star and guest mentor Mandy Gonzalez.

Tickets: Pay-what-you-can (minimum $5 for in-person attendees)

Livestream: Pay-what-you-can (no minimum)

Songbook Academy in Concert
Saturday, July 18 | 7 p.m. ET | Payne & Mencias Palladium

Hosted by Michael Feinstein, Songbook Academy in Concert is the culminating performance of the program featuring standout solos and vibrant ensemble numbers that celebrate the growth of the students and reflect the breadth, diversity, and timeless appeal of the Great American Songbook.

Tickets: Starting at $25 for in-person attendees.

Livestream: Pay-what-you-can (no minimum)

Group Reservations & Accessibility

Ticket limits vary by event. For groups larger than the posted ticket limit, please email Tickets@TheCenterPresents.org or call (317) 843-3800 to reserve seats together.

Senior living communities, student groups, and organized community groups are warmly welcomed. Bus drop-off accommodations and group assistance can be arranged in advance through the Fifth Third Bank Box Office team.

For additional accessibility accommodations or assistance with group reservations, please call (317) 843-3800.

2026 Songbook Academy Participants

The 2026 Songbook Academy National Screening Panel featured an incredible lineup of Broadway performers, jazz vocalists, music directors and acclaimed educators, including Max Chernin, Jessie Hooker-Bailey, Mary Michael Patterson, Melinda Rodriguez, Cinderella Ksebati, and Kathleen Hacker, who reviewed applications and selected the following 40 performers to attend this year’s program.

Listed alphabetically by last name:

Lucy Chesley, Burbank, California

Jacob Cintron, Westfield, Indiana

Sadie Cohen*, Carmel, Indiana

Finn Davis, Mill Valley, California

Maddie Delbridge*, Pasadena, California

Cecilia Diamond, Agoura Hills, California

Cami Errami, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin

Aarthi Eswaran*, Carmel, Indiana

Charlotte Green, Wheaton, Illinois

Grady Griffin*, Carmel, Indiana

Ella Harris, Lexington, Kentucky

Aubreyana Eileen Hoeppner, Kokomo, Indiana

Madeline Hogan*, Winter Garden, Florida

Ian Jones, Carmel, Indiana

Claire Kashman, Indianapolis, Indiana

Clara Keiper, Zionsville, Indiana

Annabelle Kim, Carmel, Indiana

Julianna Joy Lawson-Schlitz, North Aurora, Illinois

Maya Mariano, Westlake Village, California

Ethan Mathias*, Ada, Michigan

Maggie McBride, Ashburn, Virginia

Soren McLaughlin*, Noblesville, Indiana

Julia Mooney, Holmdel, New Jersey

Krishaa Motycka*, Carmel, Indiana

Adrienne Nicastro*, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania

Sophia O'Toole*, Medfield, Massachusetts

Dilan Patton*, Los Angeles, California

Charlotte Raynor, Doylestown, Pennsylvania

Mia Rettig*, Indianapolis, Indiana

Addison Rogers, Doylestown, Pennsylvania

Connor Ruckman*, Los Angeles, California

Claire Noelle Scrogham, Greenwood, Indiana

Hannah Sevening, Carmel, Indiana

Akshara Shrikant, Boston, Massachusetts

Olivia Steele, Kokomo, Indiana

Lucy Thiel, New Hope, Pennsylvania

Kellyssa Rose Vincent*, West Palm Beach, Florida

Jacob Volker*, Nashville, Tennessee

Caiden Woll, Perkasie, Pennsylvania

Maddox Wood*, Webb City, Missouri

* indicates alumni of the Songbook Academy

Our Partners

We are grateful to the partners whose support makes the Songbook Academy possible. Their investment helps nurture the next generation of musical storytellers and preserve America's timeless musical legacy.