On 15 July, the festival evening will be filled with powerful jazz and soul music as Gregory Porter and his band take over the Midsummer Vilnius stage. Having formed a close bond with Lithuanian audiences, one of the world’s leading vocalists returns with a concert shaped by a groove that invites each soul to move to the rhythm of freedom. Porter’s rich, resonant voice meets the band’s distinctive pulse — a combination that gives his music depth, physicality, and a sense of liberation on stage.

Porter’s life story, shaped under the Californian sun, has unfolded with the twists of a film script. He first set out as a football player, but after serious injuries, he was led to Brooklyn. While working as a chef, he earned extra income by singing in New York’s bars and clubs. In 2010, his debut album opened the door to the international stages, and within a few years, he received his first Grammy nomination. Since then, his songs such as “L-O-V-E”, “Hey Laura”, “Christmas Wish”, “Everything’s Not Lost”, “Smile”, “Somebody”, and “Holding On” have become an inseparable part of the experiences of his listeners.A few years ago, Porter’s joint performance with the Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra became one of the most memorable artistic moments of the Midsummer Vilnius festival. Reflecting on it, maestro Modestas Pitrėnas said that hearing Porter’s name alone inspires “a feeling of genuine respect and admiration”, and performing with him was a true privilege. Gregory Porter’s return in 2026 is a sign of a creative friendship that has grown exquisitely over time.