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Which 2016 Performers Are You Most Looking Forward To?

Performers in the poll below are listed in order: Saturday Amphitheater, Saturday Gazebo, Sunday Amphitheater, Sunday Gazebo. You can vote for the 4 you are most looking forward to!

Which 2016 Performers Are You Most Looking Forward To? (Vote up to 4.)

  • Smokey Robinson (Sunday Amphitheatre) (15%, 18 Votes)
  • Chick Corea Trilogy (Sunday Amphitheatre) (15%, 18 Votes)
  • Chaka Khan (Saturday Amphitheatre) (13%, 15 Votes)
  • Pieces Of A Dream (Saturday Amphitheatre) (11%, 13 Votes)
  • Steps Ahead Reunion (Saturday Amphitheatre) (7%, 8 Votes)
  • Joey Alexander Trio (Saturday Amphitheatre) (6%, 7 Votes)
  • Lizz Wright (Sunday Amphitheatre) (6%, 7 Votes)
  • Pat Martino (Sunday Amphitheatre) (5%, 6 Votes)
  • Shemekia Copeland (Saturday Amphitheatre) (4%, 5 Votes)
  • Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah (Saturday Amphitheatre) (4%, 5 Votes)
  • Jon Cleary (Sunday Amphitheatre) (4%, 5 Votes)
  • Eric Lindell (Saturday Amphitheatre and Gazebo) (3%, 3 Votes)
  • Aaron Diehl Trio (Sunday Gazebo) (3%, 3 Votes)
  • Vincent Herring & The Kings of Swing (Saturday Gazebo) (2%, 2 Votes)
  • Jarrod Lawson (Sunday Gazebo) (1%, 1 Votes)
  • Alicia Olatuja (Sunday Gazebo) (1%, 1 Votes)
  • Karrin Allyson (Saturday Gazebo) (1%, 1 Votes)
  • Bria Skonberg Quintet (Sunday Amphitheatre and Gazebo) (0%, 0 Votes)
  • Jamison Ross (Saturday Gazebo) (0%, 0 Votes)
  • LaFayette Suite (Sunday Gazebo) (0%, 0 Votes)
  • Elio Villafranca (Saturday Gazebo) (0%, 0 Votes)

Total Voters: 34

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Isley Brothers to Headline 2016 Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival – Sat, June 25

International music icon Chaka Khan will headline the Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival, on Saturday, June 25, 2016 at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC). A ten-time GRAMMY® Award winner, best known for timeless hits “I’m Every Woman” and “Ain’t Nobody,” Khan returns to SPAC for the first time in 20 years.

For over four decades, Khan has inspired multiple generations of artists and audiences alike with a voice that enables her to sing in numerous music genres, including R&B, jazz, pop, rock, gospel, country, classical and dance music. She has released 22 albums and racked up ten #1 Billboard magazine charted songs, eight RIAA certified gold singles and eleven RIAA certified gold and platinum albums. She is the recipient of numerous awards, including a BET Honors award, induction into the Apollo Legends Hall of Fame and the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame, and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. A true renaissance woman, Khan is a singer, songwriter, visual artist, author, actor, philanthropist, activist, and mother.

The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) announced on Wednesday June 15 that the Isley Brothers featuring Ronald and Ernie Isley will replace Chaka Khan as headliners of the 2016 Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival on Saturday, June 25. Chaka Khan has canceled the performance due to a throat infection that requires vocal rest to heal. In conjunction with this announcement Ms. Khan has committed to headline the 2017 40th Anniversary Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival on Saturday, June 24, 2017.

Other Festival highlights include:

Joey Alexander 13th Birthday:

On the day of his Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival debut, Indonesian jazz piano prodigy Joey Alexander will experience another major milestone – he will become a teenager! On June 25, Alexander’s 13th birthday, the Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival will lead thousands of festival attendees in a birthday celebration Alexander will not soon forget! The now 12-year-old pianist will perform selections from his double GRAMMY® nominated debut album, My Favorite Things, and his forthcoming album, both recorded for the Harlem-based label Motema Music. Alexander has recently performed at venerated jazz venues including the Newport Jazz Festival, Jazz at Lincoln Center, a TED conference, on the 58th Annual GRAMMY® Awards telecast, and was recently profiled on 60 Minutes.

Walk of Fame Star Dedication to Chick Corea:

On Sunday, June 26, SPAC will present keyboard virtuoso Chick Corea with a Walk of Fame Star in honor of his contributions to jazz music and to SPAC throughout his career. Corea performed at the inaugural 1978 Saratoga Jazz Festival, founded by jazz impresario George Wein. Currently celebrating his 75th birthday year (June 12), Corea returns to SPAC for his 9th jazz festival appearance, in a trio format featuring Christian McBride on bass and Brian Blade on drums. Corea has received 22 GRAMMY® Awards, including a 2015 Award for Trilogy, and 63 GRAMMY® Award nominations—making him the 4th most nominated artist in GRAMMY® history. A DownBeat Hall of Famer and NEA Jazz Master, Chick Corea has attained living legend status after five decades of unparalleled creativity and staggering artistic output.

Jarrod Lawson, Rising-Star of Soul:

Rising-star of soul Jarrod Lawson will make his Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival debut on Sunday, June 26 at the Gazebo Stage. The Portland, Oregon singer will perform original songs from his 2014 album, Jarrod Lawson, which catapulted him into the national spotlight last year. Lawson’s mastery of the jazz keyboard, sweet falsetto vocals, and popular appeal has rendered him Jazz FM’s 2015 Soul Artist of the Year. Whether he sings and plays funk, folk, R&B, rock or jazz—everything Lawson touches turns to soul.

You can visit our 2016 Lineup page for the latest lineup information.

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2016 Ticket Info

Online ticket sales will begin Tuesday January 19th 2016 10:00 AM EST! Tickets can be purchased at spac.org/tickets.

Children under 12 are free on the lawn!

Single-day tickets for adults range from $65 on the lawn to $105 in the orchestra pit. Two-day passes are available until June 1st at a $20 discount.

Single Day 2-Day Pass †
Adult Child * Adult Child *
Orchestra Pit $105 $90 $190 $160
Sections 1-7; Boxes $95 $80 $170 $140
Sections 8-12; 15
Front 16-17
$85 $70 $150 $120
Sections 13-14
Rear 16-17; 18-30
$75 $60 $130 $100
Lawn (General Admission) $65 FREE $110 FREE

* Children under age 12 are free on the lawn.

† 2-day pass discounts expire June 1, 2016.

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Getting Ready For 2016

We have the first 2016 Lineup announcement!

Karrin Allyson has announced on her webpage that she will be performing Saturday on the Gazebo stage.

Expect more artists to be announced in the coming months. You can visit our 2016 Lineup page for the latest information.

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Who Were Your Favorites in 2015?

The weather was not ideal, nevertheless the music was great this past weekend! Below you can vote for your 4 favorite performers.

Who Was Your Favorite 2015 Performer? (Vote up to 4.)

  • Maze, featuring Frankie Beverly (Saturday Amphitheatre) (14%, 38 Votes)
  • Snarky Puppy (Sunday Amphitheatre) (12%, 33 Votes)
  • Cassandra Wilson (Saturday Amphitheatre) (9%, 25 Votes)
  • Erykah Badu (Sunday Amphitheatre) (9%, 25 Votes)
  • The Pedrito Martinez Group (Saturday Amphitheatre) (8%, 21 Votes)
  • Shiela E (Sunday Amphitheatre) (6%, 16 Votes)
  • Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters (Sunday Amphitheatre) (5%, 15 Votes)
  • Monty Alexander’s Harlem-Kingston Express (Saturday Amphitheatre) (5%, 14 Votes)
  • Al DiMeola Electric Band (Saturday Amphitheatre) (5%, 13 Votes)
  • Theo Croker (Saturday Amphitheatre and Gazebo) (4%, 12 Votes)
  • Django Festival All-Stars (Sunday Amphitheatre) (4%, 11 Votes)
  • Head of State (Sunday Amphitheatre) (4%, 10 Votes)
  • Mike LeDonne Groover Quartet (Saturday Gazebo) (3%, 8 Votes)
  • Omer Avital Quartet (Saturday Gazebo) (3%, 7 Votes)
  • Etienne Charles (Sunday Amphitheatre and Gazebo) (3%, 7 Votes)
  • Al DiMeola Electric Band (Saturday Amphitheatre) (2%, 5 Votes)
  • Steve Wilson and Wilsonian’s Grain (Saturday Gazebo) (1%, 4 Votes)
  • Sonny Knight & The Lakers (Sunday Gazebo) (1%, 4 Votes)
  • Duchess (Saturday Gazebo) (1%, 3 Votes)
  • Benny Green Trio (Sunday Gazebo) (1%, 3 Votes)
  • KellyLee Evans (Sunday Gazebo) (1%, 2 Votes)
  • Yosvany Terry Quartet (Sunday Gazebo) (0%, 0 Votes)

Total Voters: 96

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Detailed Sunday 2015 Lineup with Artist Biographies

You can vote for the artists you are most looking forward to!

Help support this site, and get ready for the festival by shopping for Jazz CDs on Amazon.com.

Sunday Lineup – June 28th

Amphitheater

  • Shiela E (8:55 – 10:10)
    • This world-class drummer and percussionist’s credits read like chapters in a music history book: Ringo Starr, Marvin Gaye, Prince, Beyoncé, Herbie Hancock, Diana Ross, Lionel Richie, Gloria Estefan and George Duke. Sheila E. is the GRAMMY Award-nominated singer/songwriter behind the seminal hits The Glamorous Life and A Love Bizarre. She was the first female music director for a late night talk show, “The Magic Hour” with Magic Johnson, and received an Emmy nomination as music director for “Fiesta Latina – A Performance at The White House.” Sheila E. was recently among the roster of stars chosen to perform at the 2013 Kennedy Center Honors whose honorees included artists Herbie Hancock, Billy Joel and Carlos Santana. Making her SPAC debut, Sheila E. will play favorites from her 2014 autobiographical album, Icon, as well as her previous collaborations with some of the world’s most beloved musicians.
    • listen to Rdio stream
  • Erykah Badu (7:10 – 8:25)
    • Erykah Badu’s lengthy career has included pioneering work in establishing neo-soul in the modern age, drawing comparisons to Billie Holiday for her smooth, passionate vocals. Winner of four GRAMMY Awards and nominated for 15 others, Ms. Badu’s work includes five widely-praised studio albums and a live recording. Her acting career includes a role in the critically-acclaimed film The Cider House Rules, for which she garnered a Screen Actors Guild nomination and a 2000 Black Reel Award. As a member of neo-soul and hip-hop collective Soulquarians she worked with artists including Questlove, Common, and Mos Def; other collaborations to which she has lent her voice include projects with Macy Gray, Sérgio Mendes and will.i.am, The Roots, Jill Scott, Wu-Tang Clan, Rick Ross, and Tyler the Creator. In her SPAC debut, Erykah Badu will show off her impressive vocal abilities on hits from throughout her nearly two-decade career.
    • listen to Rdio stream
  • Snarky Puppy (5:30 – 6:40)
    • The 2014 GRAMMY Award winners have gone from a best-kept secret to the standard-bearers for a new movement in jazz. The band has earned high praise from critical stalwarts like the BBC, Village Voice, Guardian, and Boston Herald, and has performed at some of the best venues and festivals in Asia, Europe, Australia, and North America. Their 2014 album, We Like It Here debuted at number one on the iTunes Jazz charts across the world and won the “Best New Artist” and “Best Electric/Jazz-Rock/Contemporary Group/Artist” categories in JazzTimes Magazine’s annual readers’ poll. At their SPAC debut, Snarky Puppy will play selections from their award winning catalog, as well as material from the second volume of their GRAMMY award winning Family Dinner series.
    • listen to Rdio stream
  • Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters (4:00 – 5:00)
    • Appearing at the festival in 2014 for the first time since 1997, guitarist Ronnie Earl & The Broadcasters will return to SPAC in 2015 due to massive audience feedback from the group’s appearance last year. Earl is considered a New England blues guitar legend—a staple on the local blues circuit for years, having received praise from blues masters such as B.B. King and Muddy Waters.
    • listen to Rdio stream
  • Head of State (2:40 – 3:40)
    • featuring Gary Bartz, Larry Willis, Buster Williams, and Al Foster
    • The Saratoga Jazz Festival welcomes Gary Bartz, Larry Willis, Buster Williams, and Al Foster—four of the greatest jazz musicians working today. Together, they are an unforgettable, cooperative quartet currently preparing for their first recording as a group for Smoke Sessions Records. Jazziz has called Gary Bartz a “remarkable saxophonist who can easily recall the more lyrical moments of John Coltrane or the R&B stylings of players like Hank Crawford”; Larry Willis is “the greatest pianist you’ve never heard of” according to TimeOut NY; The New Yorker names Buster Williams “a paragon of post-bop bass playing”; and TimeOut NY also states that Al Foster’s “brilliant timekeeping encompasses the best of the old and new school.”
    • listen to Rdio stream
  • Django Festival All-Stars (1:20 – 2:20)
    • including Samsom Schmitt, Pierre Blanchard, and Ludovic Beier
    • Making their SPAC debut, this “hot-swing” quintet will bring the legacy of the brilliant gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt to Saratoga. Their performance will celebrate the fifteenth anniversary of the Django Reinhardt NY Festival at famed New York City jazz club Birdland. The All-Stars include internationally celebrated French jazz musicians Samsom Schmitt, Pierre Blanchard and Ludovic Beier. The Wall Street Journal praises the All-Stars as “The Best Jazz Show In Town… Imagine a stage filled with contemporary Django Reinhardt descendants and you’ll get a sense that the collective talent pool on the bandstand is larger than the Arc de Triomphe!”
  • Etienne Charles (noon – 1:00)
    • Making his festival debut, Charles is a band leader, recording artist, composer, arranger, and Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies at Michigan State University. Still only in his 20s, he has recorded three impressive and well-received albums that showcase his own Caribbean-roots informed jazz style. His most recent album, Creole Soul, is a captivating journey of new jazz expression. The New York Times calls Charles “one of [jazz’s] more ambitious soloists and composers,” JazzTimes applauds him as a “daring improviser” and DownBeat Magazine celebrates his tone as “melodically captivating” and “rhythmically agile” making his music “immediately pleasing.”
    • Also appearing on the Gazebo Stage
    • listen to Rdio stream

Gazebo

  • Sonny Knight & The Lakers (5:40 – 6:50)
    • Just returned from their 2014 World Tour, Sonny Knight and the Lakers will delight SPAC audiences with repertoire from their 2014 debut album, I’m Still Here, covering a wide range of tempos and soul forms. Knight’s exuberant, energetic vocals and cheerful charisma defy his 65 years of age and decade long absence from the music industry. NPR praises the band, newly formed after Knight’s career detour serving in the military and working as a truck driver, stating, “….the Secret Stash label got Sonny & The Lakers together. As you’ll hear, that was a wise decision.”
    • listen to Rdio stream
  • Etienne Charles (4:15 – 5:15)
  • Benny Green Trio (2:55 – 3:55)
    • with David Wong and Rodney Green
    • The Los Angeles Times wrote of Green, “When you say he’s got it all, you’ve said it all—That is the most concise summation of the genius of pianist Benny Green.” Pianist and composer Green’s rich, tasteful swinging; ambidextrous musicality driven with a powerful left hand; and uniquely creative improvisations make him one of jazz’s most celebrated pianists. Once a student of Art Blakey, Green has cultivated 20 years of experience as a leader and performer alongside some of jazz’s best known names—Betty Carter, Art Blakey, Freddie Hubbard, and Ray Brown.
    • listen to Rdio stream
  • KellyLee Evans (1:35 – 2:35)
    • JazzTimes described this Canadian sensation as “a master of fresh interpretation.” Evans made her debut onto the American music scene with her album, I Remember When, released in July 2014 on the Montéma Music label. Evans was the second place winner of the 2004 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Vocals Competition, which she credits for launching her career from singing in the shower to singing at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. At her Saratoga Jazz Fest debut, Evans may perform her fresh, personalized adaptations of hip-hop songs along with classic jazz and soul.
    • listen to Rdio stream
  • Yosvany Terry Quartet (12:15 – 1:15)
    • featuring Osmany Paredes, Yunior Terry, and Obed Calvaire
    • DownBeat Magazine describes the quartet as “lyrical, complex and caffeinated, it combines the instrumentation and rules of classic hard-bop with the rhythmic savvy of Afro-Cuban music.” Terry’s music, although formally complex and technically intricate, continually maintains a smooth, organic sense of groove that keeps audiences swaying. The New York Times distinguished Terry as “among the bandleaders stretching the definitions of Afro-Cuban jazz.” His latest recording, New Throned King, earned a GRAMMY nomination for “Best Latin Jazz Album,” and this will be his Saratoga Jazz Festival debut as a leader.
    • listen to Rdio stream

Rdio is an online music service that offers ad-supported free streaming service in 60 countries. They require either a Facebook login, or a Rdio account that you can create with your email address. Thanks much to Harvey Bernard Bloomfield for providing the Rdio streaming links. Neither Harvey nor anyone associated with this site has any ownership interest in Rdio.

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Detailed Saturday 2015 Lineup with Artist Biographies

You can vote for the artists you are most looking forward to!

Help support this site, and get ready for the festival by shopping for Jazz CDs on Amazon.com.

Saturday Lineup – June 27th

Amphitheater

  • Maze, featuring Frankie Beverly (9:20 – close)
    • Venerated for honest, raw soul music, Maze has delighted music lovers world wide for over 40 years. SPAC welcomes the musicians of Maze, whose emotionally vibrant musicality and brilliantly sensitive artistry has allowed them to continue to headline at top concert venues across the globe. There are no gimmicks or stage tricks in their shows, just Beverly with his smooth, soulful vocals supported by the tight Maze band. At Saratoga Jazz Fest, Maze will play from their large catalog of classic hits, including Happy Feelings, Lady of Magic, While I Am Alone, and Workin’ Together.
    • listen to Rdio stream
  • Cassandra Wilson celebrates Billie Holiday (7:20 – 8:35)
    • Cassandra Wilson returns to SPAC for her first appearance in a decade as she celebrates Billie Holiday’s 100th Birthday. Wilson will perform repertoire from her upcoming album to be released on Holiday’s centennial, commemorating Holiday’s prestigious career. Named America’s Best Singer by Time Magazine, she has been described as “Soulful, sensual and lyrical, she’s carrying on the tradition of great jazz vocalists.” A two-time GRAMMY Award winning artist and DownBeat Magazine’s “Jazz Vocalist of the Year” for three consecutive years, Wilson is considered by many to be the most talented jazz singer alive today.
    • listen to Rdio stream
  • Al DiMeola Electric Band (5:40 – 6:55)
    • This virtuoso jazz guitarist makes his Saratoga return with his newly-formed Electric Band, performing music from his landmark albums, Elegant Gypsy, Casino, Electric Rendevous and others for the first time in 35 years. His fascination with complex rhythmic syncopation, combined with provocative lyrical melodies and sophisticated harmony, has made him a leader of jazz fusion since the 1970’s. At SPAC, Di Meola is poised to move audiences with his dizzying speed and passionate playing.
    • listen to Rdio stream
  • Christian McBride Big Band (4:10 – 5:15)
    • A Saratoga favorite, McBride returns for his fifth Jazz Festival appearance and his third as a leader. Bassist extraordinaire, composer, arranger, educator, curator and administrator, McBride has been one of the most important and influential figures in the jazz world for 20 years. The New York Times hailed McBride’s artistry, calling “the deep, dark-maple tone that he elicits from an upright bass… one of jazz’s forthright pleasures.” This performance marks the debut of his heralded Big Band on the SPAC stage.
    • listen to Rdio stream
  • The Pedrito Martinez Group (2:45 – 3:45)
    • 2015 GRAMMY nominee Pedrito Martinez is a Cuban-born vocalist and percussionist, master of Afro-Cuban folkloric music, and the world’s first-call rumbero. His infectious charisma will light up SPAC’s main stage as he wows audiences with his athletic musicality. Martinez is the winner of the Thelonious Monk Award for Afro-Latin Hand Percussion in 2000; the 2014 Sphinx Metal of Excellence; the 2014 Jazz Journalist Association “Percussionist of the Year;” the 2014 Modern Drummer Readers Poll #1 “Percussionist of the Year;” and one of DownBeat Magazine’s “80 Coolest Things in Jazz Today.” This performance will be the Group’s third festival appearance.
    • listen to Rdio stream
  • Monty Alexander’s Harlem-Kingston Express (1:20 – 2:20)
    • In a career spanning five decades, pianist Monty Alexander has built a reputation bridging the worlds of American jazz, popular song, and the music of his native Jamaica. Alexander returns to SPAC for the first time since 1996, this time with his Harlem-Kingston Express band, to perform in support of their most recent album, Harlem-Kingston Express: Live! The album was nominated for a 2012 GRAMMY Award and saw number one ratings on both jazz and world-music charts simultaneously. Alexander also continues his solo career as a pianist. Notably, American singer and icon Tony Bennett personally invited Alexander to record as the featured pianist on his 2008 Christmas album, A Swinging Christmas, with the Count Basie Orchestra. In 2012, Alexander received the Caribbean American Heritage Luminary Award from the Institute of Caribbean Studies in Washington, D.C.
    • listen to Rdio stream
  • Theo Croker (noon – 1:00)
    • Noted trumpet player and bandleader Theo Croker, grandson of jazz legend Doc Cheatham and known by his fans as “the AfroPhysicist,” will bring his internationally celebrated “Miles-ian timbre” (JazzTimes) to his SPAC debut. Croker will play selections from his critically acclaimed 2014 album, The AfroPhysicist. His musical training has taken him from Jacksonville, Florida to Oberlin, Ohio to Shanghai, China to New York City, allowing him to develop his unique style that incorporates elements of salsa, rock, R&B, blues, and hip-hop. Donald Byrd said of Croker, “I would place Theo in a class of musicians who will redirect the flow, change and alter the current of today’s New Jazz.”
    • Also appearing on the Gazebo Stage
    • listen to Rdio stream

Gazebo

  • Mike LeDonne Groover Quartet (6:00 – 7:05)
    • featuring Eric Alexander, Peter Bernstein, and Joe Farnsworth
    • When Mike LeDonne plays the Hammond B3 organ, the instrument sings with the raw soul of the human voice. LeDonne and his Groover Quartet have been distinguished by The New York Times as a “fixture” of the New York jazz scene. Making their SPAC debut, the Quartet promises to get audiences grooving to the beat as they play jazz, swing, and soul classics from their legendary Tuesday night gig at the famous New York jazz club, Smoke.
    • listen to Rdio Stream
  • Theo Croker (4:40 – 5:40)
  • Duchess (3:10- 4:15)
    • featuring Amy Cervini, Hilary Gardner, and Melissa Stylianou
    • A new vocal trio in the great tradition of the Boswell Sisters, Duchess has grown quickly as one of the up and coming jazz ensembles of the greater New York City region. Showcasing their signature girl-on-girl harmonies, the ladies of Duchess will perform beloved jazz classics from their recently released album Duchess, featuring hits by jazz favorites ranging from Gershwin to Johnny Mercer. The three women each have considerable individual followings: Cervini and Stylianou have both been included in DownBeat Magazine’s Critics’ Poll category “Rising-Star Vocalist,” and Gardner was the female vocalist and Frank Sinatra’s virtual duet partner in Twyla Tharp’s Come Fly Away. As a trio, these female powerhouses and their tight harmonies have taken New York by storm.
  • Steve Wilson and Wilsonian’s Grain (1:40 – 2:45)
    • featuring Orrin Evans, Ugonna Okegwo, and Bill Stewart
    • Steve Wilson leads an exciting collaboration of some of the most highly regarded artists in today’s jazz landscape. His quartet Wilsonian’s Grain, headliners at the prestigious Detroit Jazz Festival in 2011, has been featured on NPR live from the Kennedy Center and the Village Vanguard in New York City. Wilson had been recognized by NPR as “a complete musician, technically and imaginatively… a musician of honesty within the vast field of mainstream post-bop, but never constrained by its parameters.” The quartet will play in support of their upcoming album Steve Wilson & Wilsonian’s Grain Live in New York: The Vanguard Sessions, to be released on March 24, 2015 by Random Act Records.
    • listen to Rdio stream (new release: March 24, 2015)
  • Omer Avital Quartet (12:15 – 1:20)
    • Making his SPAC debut, Omer Avital is a composer, virtuosic bassist, oud player, and leader of the world-music genre. He has been hailed by the LA Times as “a pioneer in combining jazz with myriad world-music elements.” In 2008, Avital was awarded the Prime Minister’s Award, the most prestigious distinction for artists in Israel. His work seeks to create a sound that is highly individual, yet instantly recognizable — the essence of Israel with all its contradictions and beauty. The New York Times has commented, “Mr. Avital and his group are producing some of the most original music being heard in New York.”
    • listen to Rdio stream

Rdio is an online music service that offers ad-supported free streaming service in 60 countries. They require either a Facebook login, or a Rdio account that you can create with your email address. Thanks much to Harvey Bernard Bloomfield for providing the Rdio streaming links. Neither Harvey nor anyone associated with this site has any ownership interest in Rdio.

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Podcast with Festival Producer Danny Malnick

Festival Producer Danny Malnick appears on the latest episode of the Straight No Chaser podcast. You can listen here and read a description here.

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Which 2015 Performers Are You Most Looking Forward To?

Performers in the poll below are listed in order: Saturday Amphitheater, Saturday Gazebo, Sunday Amphitheater, Sunday Gazebo. You can vote for the 4 you are most looking forward to!

Which 2015 Performers Are You Most Looking Forward To? (Vote up to 4.)

  • Christian McBride Big Band (Saturday Amphitheatre) (12%, 8 Votes)
  • Maze, featuring Frankie Beverly (Saturday Amphitheatre) (12%, 8 Votes)
  • Cassandra Wilson (Saturday Amphitheatre) (10%, 7 Votes)
  • Snarky Puppy (Sunday Amphitheatre) (10%, 7 Votes)
  • Erykah Badu (Sunday Amphitheatre) (10%, 7 Votes)
  • Shiela E (Sunday Amphitheatre) (9%, 6 Votes)
  • Theo Croker (Saturday Amphitheatre and Gazebo) (7%, 5 Votes)
  • Al DiMeola Electric Band (Saturday Amphitheatre) (7%, 5 Votes)
  • The Pedrito Martinez Group (Saturday Amphitheatre) (4%, 3 Votes)
  • Django Festival All-Stars (Sunday Amphitheatre) (4%, 3 Votes)
  • Steve Wilson and Wilsonian’s Grain (Saturday Gazebo) (3%, 2 Votes)
  • Etienne Charles (Sunday Amphitheatre) (3%, 2 Votes)
  • Duchess (Saturday Gazebo) (1%, 1 Votes)
  • Monty Alexander’s Harlem-Kingston Express (Saturday Amphitheatre) (1%, 1 Votes)
  • Sonny Knight & The Lakers (Sunday Gazebo) (1%, 1 Votes)
  • Benny Green Trio (Sunday Gazebo) (1%, 1 Votes)
  • KellyLee Evans (Sunday Gazebo) (1%, 1 Votes)
  • Yosvany Terry Quartet (Sunday Gazebo) (1%, 1 Votes)
  • Mike LeDonne Groover Quartet (Saturday Gazebo) (0%, 0 Votes)
  • Omer Avital Quartet (Saturday Gazebo) (0%, 0 Votes)
  • Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters (Sunday Amphitheatre) (0%, 0 Votes)
  • Head of State (Sunday Amphitheatre) (0%, 0 Votes)

Total Voters: 20

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2015 Set Times Announced

The set times have been announced! Please see our 2015 Lineup Page for the set times and additional details.