From first tasting fame as one of the '80's "Young Lions" and co-leader of the acclaimed Harper Brothers Quintet, trumpeter Philip Harper has always kept great company. He apprenticed with organ master Jimmy McGriff, then spent two years with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. Following the Harper Brothers, he played with giants Benny Golson and Cedar […]
Singing and performing as a child with the church choir in his hometown of Warren, Ohio, Sean switched from the drums to the trumpet at the age of 10. Sean is a musical chameleon and is comfortable in any musical setting no matter what the role or the genre. He is equally adept in being […]
Dr. Scott Belck is Professor of Music and Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), where he leads the CCM Jazz Orchestra and teaches jazz trumpet. A versatile performer, he’s played lead trumpet with the Cincinnati Pops, Glenn Miller Orchestra, Bootsy Collins’ Funk Unity Band, and numerous symphonies and […]
San Juan Hill: A New York Story Created by composer and trumpeter Etienne Charles, it is an immersive multimedia creation that celebrates a vital chapter of New York's past. Through music, visuals, and first-person accounts, this powerful work shines a light on the historic communities of the area where Lincoln Center stands today. Blending diverse […]
Born in 1926, trumpeter Miles Davis was among the greatest innovators in jazz. This centennial concert celebrates his unparalleled musical legacy, which includes the albums Sketches of Spain, Tutu, Birth of the Cool and Kind of Blue. Trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire and saxophonist Ravi Coltrane, both Grammy Award nominees, will pay tribute to the magical pairing of Miles Davis and […]
Out of Detroit’s lively jazz scene, comes the ground breaking, Grammy-nominated jazz group Straight Ahead. A group of strong, inventive instrumentalists and vocalists, they have shown themselves to be powerful and imaginative composers and arrangers. Straight Ahead was the first all-woman group signed to Atlantic Jazz. Widely recognized for their eclectic and soulful approach to creating music, Straight […]
Russell Gunn is a titan of contemporary jazz, takes the stage for a two-night run that promises to be the highlight of your holiday. Whether you are looking to impress out-of-town guests with Atlanta’s world-class music scene or simply need a sophisticated escape from the family chaos, this is the place to be. The project’s […]
Experience the magic of the season with Joe Gransden and His Band for the “Home for the Holidays” concert in the stunning Eagle Theatre in downtown Sugar Hill. From swinging takes on your favorite holiday classics to heartwarming moments that will have you singing along, this show is the perfect way to kick off your […]
In the decades since the Either/Orchestra debuted on December 17, 1985 at the Cambridge MA Public Library, the group has made over 1000 performances in 38 of the United States and 12 foreign countries, as well as releasing a dozen albums and being nominated for a Grammy, winning five Boston Music awards and numerous Downbeat Critics Poll […]
Grammy-winning trumpeter Chris Botti has been one of the most popular instrumentalists in the world for nearly three decades; he’s collaborated with some of the biggest superstars on the planet, including Sting, Paul Simon, Barbra Streisand, Lady Gaga, Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, Bette Midler, Joni Mitchell, Steven Tyler, Andrea Bocelli, Herbie Hancock, Yo-Yo […]
Daniel was captivated by music, first playing the piano then picking up the trumpet when he attended Creative Arts High school under the tutelage of Jamal Dickerson. Daniel graduated with highest honors from the Oberlin College and Conservatory of music with degrees in Africana Studies and Jazz Piano. He has studied under Dan Wall, Sean […]
Trumpeter, composer and bandleader Mario Abney’s musical career began at age 7 when he was introduced to the piano by his uncle Arthur. Influenced by both his uncle’s playing and the musical background of his church, Abney developed a love and fascination for music that grew throughout his years in high school. It was during […]
Trinidad born Etienne Charles is a performer, composer and storyteller, who is constantly searching for untold tales and sounds with which to tell them. His lush trumpet sound, varied compositional textures and pulsating percussive grooves enable him to invoke trance, soothing and exciting listeners while referencing touchy and sometimes controversial subjects in his music. Highlighting […]
The 10-time Grammy Award winner and Emmy Award recipient, Arturo Sandoval is also a 6-time Billboard Award winner and the recipient of the 2013 Presidential Medal of Freedom. protégé of the legendary jazz master Dizzy Gillespie, he was born in Artemisa, a small town in the outskirts of Havana, Cuba, on November 6, 1949, just two years […]
Atlanta-based jazz vocalist Karla Harris and celebrated big band leader Joe Gransden return with their beloved Valentine’s Day show—a swinging, soulful celebration for couples, families, and music lovers alike. From romantic standards to heartwarming ballads, this performance is packed with charm, laughter, and unforgettable music. Karla captivates with vocals that can move seamlessly from tender to powerful, while […]
Brandon Woody is a Baltimore-born, Bach-endorsed trumpeter, composer, and bandleader whose music flows from the rich lineage of Black music, including jazz, gospel, improvisation, and beyond, to explore themes of love, resilience, and community. Hailed by The New York Times and Los Angeles Times as a rising force in contemporary jazz, Woody signed with the legendary Blue Note Records in […]
Jeremy Pelt, celebrated for his virtuosic trumpet playing and collaborations with legends like Roy Hargrove and Cassandra Wilson, draws on his extensive experience as a bandleader and composer to create music that is both thoughtful and bold. This richly textural, Afro-futuristic work is centered on the stories and mysticism of masks, examining the folklore surrounding […]
The Count Basie Orchestra, a living testament to the enduring influence of legendary pianist and bandleader William James “Count” Basie, thrives under the direction of Scotty Barnhart. Its members continue to uphold the orchestra’s unparalleled reputation. The ensemble has garnered acclaim from every corner of the globe, conquering esteemed jazz polls and amassing an impressive […]
Malcolm X Jazz Suite Featuring Terence Blanchard, The E-Collective and Turtle Island Quartet In celebration of the centennial of human rights and civil rights icon Malcolm X, NEA Jazz Master Terence Blanchard will perform his iconic Malcolm X Jazz Suite with his band, The E-Collective, and Grammy-winning Turtle Island Quartet. Blanchard created the project following the release […]
The 29th Annual Melton Mustafa Jazz Festival Weekend returns to Florida Memorial University for an unforgettable music alumni homecoming honoring Dr. Dawn Batson. Artists: Jesse Jones Jr. ~ Saxophone Mark Strowbridge ~ Guitar James Cotman ~ Drums Leon "Foster" Thomas ~ Steel Pan Doug Carter ~ Piano Nicole Yarling ~ Violin, Vocal The FMU Funk […]
Trumpeter Joe Gransden brings warmth, virtuosity, and joyful swing to his celebration of the music of Chuck Mangione, honoring one of jazz’s most beloved melodic voices. Known for his rich tone, effortless lyricism, and deep respect for the tradition, Gransden captures the soaring optimism and emotional clarity that made Mangione’s compositions timeless—while infusing them with his own dynamic […]
Curtis Taylor is a dynamic jazz trumpeter, composer, and educator whose artistry bridges technical mastery and soulful expression. Raised in Bedford, Ohio he began playing trumpet at an early age and committed to a life in jazz after formative concert experiences in his youth. He honed his craft under the mentorship of leading artists while […]
ARTEMIS is a powerful ensemble of modern jazz masters, founded in 2017 by pianist and musical director Renee Rosnes. Each musician is a bandleader and composer and every performance encompasses inspired arrangements of classics and originals. Performances across North America and Europe at major venues and festivals have garnered high praise from audiences and critics alike. It […]
Etienne Charles is a performer, composer and storyteller, who is constantly searching for untold tales and sounds with which to tell them. His lush trumpet sound, varied compositional textures and pulsating percussive grooves enable him to invoke trance, soothing and exciting listeners. His concerts engage, enlighten, educate and enrich audiences with energized multidisciplinary performance utilizing […]