Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton
50 Cherry Hill Road, Princeton, NJ
Pianist Jacqueline Schwab — heard on Ken Burns’ newest PBS documentary The American Revolution, his Grammy Award-winning The Civil War, and many other acclaimed series — returns to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton with her newest program, Be the Light.
Inspired by poet Amanda Gorman’s words, “There is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it, if only we’re brave enough to be it,” Be the Light is an evening of music rooted in hope, resilience, and transformation. Schwab’s signature style blends traditional Celtic airs and dance tunes, vintage American parlor music, Tin Pan Alley favorites, spirituals, and music from Ukrainian, Cuban, Venezuelan, and Brazilian traditions. The result is an oasis of reflection, peace, and joy — especially meaningful in challenging times.
Throughout the evening, Jacqueline shares the stories behind the music, revealing how historical tunes continue to speak to us today and how music can create a ripple effect of connection and courage. Her playing weaves emotive musical stories from the many strands of the American quilt, always centered in community and shared experience.
Jacqueline’s piano has been featured in more than a dozen Ken Burns documentaries, including The American Revolution, The Civil War, Baseball, and many others, as well as PBS’s The Irish in America — The Long Journey Home. She has performed at the White House for President Clinton, appeared nationally with the American Pops Orchestra, and accompanied Scottish singer Jean Redpath on A Prairie Home Companion and CBS’s Late Show with David Letterman. Long celebrated in the traditional dance world for her work with the ensemble Bare Necessities, she continues to collaborate across genres and disciplines. Her most recent solo album, I Lift My Lamp — Illuminations from Immigrant America, celebrates the musical legacy of American immigrants.
This marks Jacqueline’s second concert at UU Princeton. We invite you to join us for an evening of luminous music, storytelling, and shared inspiration.
Learn more about Jacqueline at: https://www.jacquelineschwab.com