LINES BALLET + esperanza spalding

April 11–19, 2026

LINES Ballet is thrilled to present a landmark world premiere collaboration uniting two global artistic forces: Grammy Award-winning bassist, vocalist, and composer esperanza spalding and contemporary ballet pioneer Alonzo King, April 11–19, 2026 at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts.

spalding’s intricate harmonies and soulful improvisations will come together with King’s celebrated choreographic language, renowned for its sculptural beauty, emotional depth, and expansive sense of space. Together with the sublime dancers of LINES Ballet, they will craft a dynamic dialogue between music and movement that promises to be unlike anything else on stage today. spalding will perform live with LINES Ballet at all performances.

And, back by popular demand, the program will also include LINES Ballet’s critically acclaimed Ode to Alice Coltrane, honoring the groundbreaking composer and musician whose artistic legacy continues to inspire.

Join us as we celebrate two of the musical world’s most celebrated women artists, whose transformative approaches to music have reshaped how we experience jazz and so many other musical art forms.

Banner image: Alonzo King LINES Ballet | Dancer: Adji Cissoko | © RJ Muna
Second image: esperanza spalding | © Holly Andres

Dates | location | cost

Saturday, April 11 | 7:30 PM
Sunday, April 12 | 5 PM 
Thursday, April 16 | 7:30 PM
Friday, April 17 | 7:30 PM*
Saturday, April 18 | 2 PM
Sunday, April 19 | 5 PM

*Includes post-performance Q&A with Alonzo King

Blue Shield of California
Theater at Yerba Buena
Center for the Arts
700 Howard Street
San Francisco, CA 94103

$46–$149