Jazz: Vanessa Racci — Comfort & Joy at Palace Theater

Holiday favorites receive a fresh jazz interpretation when vocalist Vanessa Racci brings Comfort & Joy to the Poli Club at Palace Theater on Friday, December 18, 2026, with performances at 7 pm and 9 pm. The program offers a festive selection of beloved holiday classics designed to capture the warmth and spirit of the season.

Racci is a touring jazz vocalist who moves comfortably between straight-ahead jazz and music inspired by her Italian heritage. Raised with her Barese grandfather, who filled the household with jazz and Italian classics, she developed a passion for bringing both traditions together. Her first self-released album, Italiana Fresca, was released in 2017 and produced by David Finck, with arrangements by Yaron Gershovsky of the Manhattan Transfer.

Racci performs at more than 50 venues and festivals across the country each year, with appearances ranging from New York to New Orleans and San Francisco. Her performance credits include ABC7NY, Birdland, Gracie Mansion, The Paramount, the White Plains Jazz Festival and the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center.

When she is not touring, Racci teaches voice at her home studio and at Music in Chappaqua. She studied jazz voice at SUNY Purchase with Alexis Cole and also studied privately with Jackie Presti.

Jazz: Vanessa Racci — Comfort & Joy takes place at the Poli Club at Palace Theater, 100 East Main Street, Waterbury, Connecticut. Additional information and tickets are available at Jazz: Vanessa Racci — Comfort & Joy.