Events

A modern master of the saxophone and clarinet, Ken Peplowski is one of jazz’s most versatile and accomplished musicians, with over 70 albums as a leader and nearly 400 as a sideman. He has performed and recorded with legends ranging from Hank Jones, Benny Goodman, and Peggy Lee to Madonna and Woody Allen, appearing on […]

Drummer, bandleader, and educator Jaz Sawyer pays homage to one of jazz’s most electrifying forces—Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers—in this powerhouse tribute performance. Infusing Blakey’s iconic hard-bop sound with his own dynamic touch, Sawyer channels the spirit of the legendary drummer, whose relentless swing, thunderous polyrhythms, and fiery energy defined generations of jazz. With […]

Get ready to sing, clap, and groove with Dr. Dave Hart and the Zookeepers in this interactive jazz experience designed for kids and families! Through lively performances and hands-on participation, young listeners will explore instruments, discover melodies, and feel the rhythm of jazz in an engaging and energetic setting. A dedicated jazz educator and acclaimed […]

Guitarist, vocalist, and masterful interpreter of the Great American Songbook, John Pizzarelli brings his signature charm and virtuosity to the Stanford Jazz Festival. Praised by the Boston Globe for “reinvigorating the Great American Songbook and re-popularizing jazz.” A Grammy-winning artist and sought-after collaborator, Pizzarelli has shared the stage and studio with jazz legends like Rosemary […]

Pianist and accordionist Sam Reider weaves a vibrant musical tapestry in Spaghetti, where jazz, folk, and contemporary sounds intertwine in playful and unexpected ways. A Latin GRAMMY-nominated innovator, Reider brings a fresh, genre-blurring approach to timeless traditions, reimagining them with boundless creativity and rhythmic ingenuity. Originally trained as a jazz pianist, Reider has built a […]

New York-based pianist, composer, and educator Caili O’Doherty presents Suite for Gearóidín, a deeply personal 13-part suite dedicated to her late mother. Originally composed as a source of comfort and healing during her mother’s long battle with cancer, this poignant work traces a journey through love, loss, resilience, and remembrance. Each movement unfolds as a […]

Experience the boundary-pushing artistry of Luther S. Allison, a Grammy-winning pianist, composer, and bandleader whose dynamic sextet brings high-energy, forward-thinking jazz to the stage. Blending deep jazz foundations with modern originality, Allison’s music is bold, expressive, and electrifying, celebrating both tradition and innovation. His critically acclaimed new release showcases his unique approach—where intricate compositions, inspired […]

Blues guitar virtuoso Chris Cain makes his debut at the beloved Ruth Davies’ Blues Night, bringing his electrifying guitar work and Memphis-style blues to this annual celebration. With a sound reminiscent of B.B. King and Albert King, yet undeniably his own, Cain’s jazz-infused riffs and deep, emotional storytelling have earned him a devoted following worldwide. […]

Join Stanford Jazz Workshop favorite Victor Lin for a mesmerizing evening as he reimagines the iconic music of Studio Ghibli through the lens of jazz piano and violin. If the sight of Totoro instantly brings to mind a Joe Hisaishi melody, you already understand the profound connection between anime and its unforgettable music. Lin and […]

Clarinetist Anat Cohen and 7-string guitarist Marcello Gonçalves team up for a series of breathtaking melodies, Brazilian grooves, and elements of classical music and jazz that showcase their intricate talents. The duo performs music from their Grammy-nominated album, Outra Coisa: The Music of Moacir Santos, as well as selections from their second album, Reconvexo, featuring […]

Experience an evening of extraordinary musical artistry led by the groundbreaking John Santos Sextet. Under the visionary leadership of multi-GRAMMY nominee and USA Fontanals Fellow John Santos, this celebrated ensemble delves deep into the historical and cultural roots of Latin Jazz with masterful precision. Their performance showcases an intricate interplay of rhythm and improvisation through […]

Join us for an unforgettable evening as the SJW Mentor Fellows take the stage, bringing their artistry, creativity, and passion for jazz to the community. This special performance showcases some of the most exciting emerging voices in jazz, each blending tradition with fresh perspectives. The evening will feature original compositions and arrangements from a remarkable […]

Experience bassist and composer Noah Garabedian as he steps into the spotlight for the first time as a lyricist, bringing his own band and compositions to life. Blending heartfelt songwriting with Americana folk influences, Garabedian leads an electrifying ensemble through a dynamic fusion of storytelling and improvisation. Joining Garabedian for this electrifying evening is celebrated […]

Bay Area jazz luminary Tammy L. Hall brings her celebrated sextet to the stage for a compelling performance of standards and original compositions. Renowned for her graceful yet powerful touch, Hall’s playing is a seamless blend of gospel soul, classical precision, and straight-ahead swing. A sought-after collaborator, she has worked with Houston Person, Etta Jones, […]

Experience the electrifying artistry of vibraphonist Joel Ross as he takes the stage with selections from his latest Blue Note Records release, nublues. Blending intricate jazz with soulful grooves and blues-infused melodies, Ross creates a dynamic, immersive musical journey that is both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition. Born in Chicago and based in Brooklyn, […]

Renowned for her rich, velvety voice and deeply evocative performances, Lizz Wright makes her highly anticipated Stanford Jazz Festival debut. With a career spanning 20 years, Wright unites audiences through love, humanity, and raw emotion, making every note she sings a profound experience. Rooted in the call-and-response traditions of her Southern upbringing in Georgia, Wright’s […]

Newly signed to Blue Note Records, Los Angeles-based pianist and composer Paul Cornish is making waves as one of the most innovative new voices in jazz. A Stanford Jazz Workshop alumnus, Cornish blends deep jazz roots with bold, forward-thinking vision, transforming tradition into an electrifying and inspiring musical journey. A standout talent from Houston’s renowned […]

Hailed as “the most creative and compelling singer-pianist since Shirley Horn” (Washington City Paper), Dena DeRose brings her unparalleled artistry to the Stanford Jazz Festival for an intimate evening of swinging, soulful jazz. A masterful pianist and expressive vocalist, DeRose seamlessly blends lyricism, rhythm, and deep musical intuition, enchanting audiences with her effortless storytelling. Known […]

A true giant of jazz piano, George Cables returns to the Stanford Jazz Festival with his stellar group for another unforgettable night. Cables’ signature impeccable touch, deep sense of groove, and limitless creativity have made him one of jazz’s most influential pianists, shaping the hard bop and post-bop landscapes. Having recorded with icons like Sonny […]

A DownBeat Rising Star, saxophonist Dayna Stephens is celebrated for his warm, lyrical tone and innovative approach to harmony and rhythm. Sought after by jazz greats including Eric Harland, Brad Mehldau, Fred Hersch, and Wayne Shorter, Stephens brings his extraordinary quartet to the stage for an intimate evening of compelling original compositions and inspired improvisation. […]

After winning Grammys  in 2022 for Tree Falls and in 2025 for his latest release, Plot Armor, pianist Taylor Eigsti continues to redefine modern jazz with his virtuosity, innovation, and fearless exploration. Known for his dynamic artistry, Eigsti performs with some of the most celebrated musicians in jazz, including Terence Blanchard, Lisa Fischer, Ben Wendel, […]