Melissa Aldana is a saxophonist and composer recognized for her rich sound, nuanced phrasing, and imaginative approach to improvisation. Born in Santiago into a musical family, she began playing saxophone under the guidance of her father, a professional musician. Aldana attended the Berklee College of Music and later settled in New York City, collaborating with prominent artists and earning attention for her compelling performances. She gained international recognition after winning the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition, making history as the first female instrumentalist and first South American recipient of the award. Her debut album as a leader, Free Fall, marked her arrival as a distinctive voice in jazz, and she has since released several highly regarded recordings, including her latest, Filin, which features her exploration of ballads. Aldana remains a prominent figure in contemporary jazz, performing worldwide and creating music that thoughtfully connects tradition with innovation.

John Beasley is a versatile pianist, composer, and music director with an extraordinary career spanning jazz, film, and television. He has performed and recorded with a wide range of legendary artists including Miles Davis, Freddie Hubbard, Dianne Reeves, Steely Dan, Queen Latifah, and Chaka Khan. Beasley has released 20 albums, garnering two GRAMMY Awards and 14 nominations. As a first-call session musician and composer, Beasley can be heard in films and TV shows including Skyfall, Spectre, Finding Nemo, Finding Dory, and Star Trek: The Next Generation. Since 2013, Beasley has served as music director for the global gala concerts in cities around the world and at the White House concert hosted by President Obama, which earned him an Emmy nomination for Best Musical Direction for “Jazz at the White House.” His latest release, Returning to Forever, reimagines Chick Corea’s music with the Frankfurt Radio Big Band.

Terence Blanchard is a multi-GRAMMY Award-winning trumpeter, composer, and bandleader whose expansive vision has made him one of the most influential voices in contemporary jazz. Known for his dazzling improvisations and cinematic approach to composition, Blanchard exists in a unique space in the worlds of jazz, opera and film music, creating work that is both emotionally powerful and socially resonant. Born in New Orleans, Blanchard first gained prominence as a member of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, where he served as music director and the group’s primary composer. He later established a distinguished solo career, releasing numerous acclaimed albums and becoming a prolific film composer best known for his longstanding collaboration with Spike Lee. His scores for films like Malcolm X and BlacKkKlansman have earned widespread recognition for their originality. Blanchard made history in opera with works such as Fire Shut Up in My Bones, which premiered at the Metropolitan Opera.

Kris Bowers is an Oscar-winning composer and pianist whose work spans jazz, film, and television, with a particular impact in contemporary screen scoring. Born in Los Angeles, Bowers began studying piano at age nine and attended the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts before earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from The Juilliard School. He first gained wide recognition after winning the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition, launching a career that bridges performance and composition at the highest level. Bowers has performed and recorded with Aretha Franklin, Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Ambrose Akinmusire and created acclaimed scores for Green Book, King Richard, Respect, Bridgerton, and When They See Us, earning widespread recognition for his ability to blend orchestral writing with jazz and contemporary influences to enhance narrative storytelling. Bowers maintains an active career as a recording artist and performer at major venues and festivals worldwide.

Dee Dee Bridgewater’s exuberance, creativity, undeniable confidence and joyous spirit have earned her a place as one of the world’s premier jazz vocalists. Her extraordinary career encompasses more than two dozen albums, three GRAMMY Awards, and a Tony Award for her performance in the Broadway production of The Wiz. She has received recognition as an NEA Jazz master, Doris Duke Artist, and Commander in France’s prestigious Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. Her portrayal of Billie Holiday in Lady Day won her a Laurence Olivier Award nomination for Best Actress. Dedicated to using her talents for the world’s most vulnerable, Bridgewater has served as an Ambassador for the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and her humanitarian work earned her the ASCAP Foundation Champion Award. Her newest release, Elemental, is a collaborative album with Bill Charlap that documents their critically acclaimed, sold-out live concerts.

Till Brönner is a world-renowned trumpeter, composer, and producer whose smooth tone, lyrical phrasing, and crossover appeal have made him one of the most successful European jazz artists of his generation. Born in Viersen, Germany, Brönner was introduced to music by his father, a classical musician, and went on to study at the Cologne University of Music, where he developed a style that blends jazz with pop, soul, and contemporary influences. He has collaborated with a wide range of artists including Ray Brown, Kurt Elling, Sergio Mendes, and Milton Nascimiento, while releasing numerous chart-topping albums bringing jazz to a broader audience. In addition to performing, Brönner is an accomplished producer and photographer. With a distinguished international career and a signature sound that bridges genres, he continues to captivate audiences worldwide, solidifying his reputation as one of the most accomplished and influential trumpeters in modern jazz.

Bobby Broom is a masterful jazz guitarist, composer, and bandleader whose warm tone, sophisticated phrasing, and deep sense of swing have established him as a prominent voice in the jazz world. Born in Chicago, he began playing guitar at an early age, developing a style that seamlessly blends bebop, blues, soul, and R&B influences. Broom has performed and recorded with jazz luminaries including Art Blakey, Freddie Hubbard, Ron Carter, and McCoy Tyner, earning recognition for his tasteful improvisation and compositional skill. He has led several acclaimed ensembles, including the Bobby Broom Trio, Bobby Broom Organi-Sation, and Bobby Broom 4, showcasing his ability to blend tradition with modern innovation. Broom is also a dedicated educator, mentoring young musicians through masterclasses and teaching at the Hartt School of Music, DePaul University, and the American Conservatory of Music. He continues to tour internationally, record, and inspire audiences around the world.

Terri Lyne Carrington is a four-time GRAMMY Award-winning drummer, producer, recording artist, educator and activist who is a leader in creative music and a voice for justice in the music world. Born in Medford, Massachusetts, she had her first major performance at 10 years old with trumpet legend Clark Terry. Carrington went on to perform and record with Kenny Barron, Buster Williams, Stan Getz, James Moody, Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock, playing with Joni Mitchell and Stevie Wonder on Hancock’s GRAMMY Award-winning Gershwin’s World. She made history with this album when she became the first woman to win a GRAMMY Award for Best Jazz Instrumental Album. Carrington is a professor at the Berklee College of Music, where she founded and directs the Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice. An NEA Jazz Master, she has been featured on more than 70 albums, including 14 of her own.

James Carter is a virtuosic saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist whose astonishing technique, boundless creativity, and commanding stage presence have established him as one of the most electrifying figures in jazz. Born in Detroit, Carter displayed prodigious talent from a young age, mastering multiple reed instruments and developing a style that draws from the full history of jazz, from swing and bebop to avant-garde and beyond. He has performed and recorded with a wide array of artists, including Wynton Marsalis, Lester Bowie, Julius Hemphill, and Kathleen Battle, earning acclaim for his fearless improvisation and stylistic range. As a bandleader, he has released numerous celebrated recordings that highlight his ability to reimagine jazz traditions while pushing the music in bold new directions. In addition to his work on stage and in the studio, Carter remains a dynamic performer known for captivating audiences around the world with his energy and musical depth.

Mino Cinélu is a masterful percussionist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist whose extraordinary versatility, rhythmic sophistication, and global perspective have made him one of the most highly sought-after musicians in modern music. Born in Saint-Cloud, France, Cinélu developed a richly diverse musical voice shaped by jazz, African, Caribbean, and European traditions, leading to a career that spans genres and continents. He has collaborated with an exceptional range of artists including Miles Davis, Weather Report, Herbie Hancock, Sting, and Pat Metheny, contributing his distinctive sound to recordings and performances worldwide. In addition to his work as a sideman, Cinélu has released several albums as a leader, showcasing his unique ability to blend rhythm, melody, and texture into deeply expressive music. With a career defined by innovation, collaboration, and artistic excellence, he continues to inspire audiences around the globe, solidifying his legacy as one of the most accomplished and influential percussionists in the world.

Jazz pianist and composer Emmet Cohen is known for his virtuosic technique, deep sense of swing, and reverence for the jazz tradition. As leader of the Emmet Cohen Trio and creator of the Masters Legacy Series, he has built a reputation as a dynamic performer and passionate curator of jazz history. A graduate of the University of Miami Frost School of Music and the Manhattan School of Music, Cohen won the American Pianists Awards and was a Thelonious Monk International Piano Competition winner. He frequently headlines the world’s premiere venues and festivals. Cohen created the celebrated livestream series Live From Emmet’s Place, a modern take on the Harlem rent party that featured today’s top jazz artists and has reached millions of viewers worldwide. With more than 10 albums as a leader, he continues to expand his discography while collaborating with jazz legends like Ron Carter, George Coleman, Christian McBride, and Kurt Elling.

Songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Jacob Collier blends his remarkable vocal ability with an expansive skill set to craft a musical style that continues to inspire audiences worldwide. Collier first developed his unmistakable artistic approach in a small home studio in North London, where his imaginative, multi-tracked YouTube videos – featuring elaborate solo arrangements of well-known songs – rapidly attracted global attention. His work soon caught the ear of legendary producer Quincy Jones, who became an early champion and mentor. Collier signed with Decca Records and in 2016 released his debut album In My Room, a project recorded almost entirely in his bedroom. The album received widespread acclaim and earned two GRAMMY Awards. Now a seven-time GRAMMY winner, Collier is celebrated for his adventurous harmony, genre-blending collaborations, and interactive live performances. His latest release is Djesse Vol. 4, the fourth and final album in his acclaimed series uniting artists from many genres and musical traditions.

Ernest Dawkins is a renowned saxophonist, composer, and bandleader known for blending elements of bebop, free jazz, gospel, and blues into a sound that is both spiritually grounded and forward-looking. Born in Chicago, he was immersed in music from an early age and became closely connected to the city’s rich musical heritage. As key member of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians – an influential collective dedicated to original music and artistic innovation – Dawkins further developed his compositional voice and collaborative approach. Through his work with New Horizons Ensemble and Ethnic Heritage Ensemble, he gained recognition for his ability to fuse tradition with experimentation while maintaining a strong sense of community and history. Dawkins has released numerous acclaimed recordings as a leader and collaborator, and has received numerous accolades including being named Chicagoan of the Year twice by the Chicago Tribune and receiving the State of Illinois Governor’s Fellowship award.

Mandisi Dyantyis is a versatile composer, arranger and producer who brings together the jazz idiom with Western classical and African indigenous music. Born and raised in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, Dyantyis grew up singing in church and began playing the trumpet at age eight. He attended the University of Cape Town, where he joined the school’s big band. Dyantyis has gone on to perform with some of South Africa’s top musicians including Jimmy Dludlu, the Abdullah Ibrahim Big Band, Robbie Jansen, Max Vidima, and Moreira Chonguiça. He has also produced, co-written, and performed on Nomfundo Xaluva’s multi-award winning albums KUSILE and From.Now.On. Dyantyis serves as the Musical Director for theatre company Isango Ensemble. He recently collaborated with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra for “Symphonic Celebration,” which featured exciting orchestral reworkings of his compositions.

Two-time GRAMMY Award winner Kurt Elling combines his extraordinary vocal talents with his bandleading, composing and arranging to produce a sound that has been thrilling audiences for more than 25 years. Elling developed his idiosyncratic scat style in the clubs of Chicago, sharing the stage with the renowned Von Freeman and Ed Peterson. He signed with Blue Note in 1995 and went on to release six Blue Note albums, all of which have been GRAMMY nominated and critically acclaimed. Elling has spent two decades leading the DownBeat Critics and Readers polls for best male vocalist and has won 15 Jazz Journalists Association awards for male vocalist of the year. He recently made his Broadway debut at Hermes in Hadestown and enjoyed a world-premiere at Jazz at Lincoln Center of The Big Blind, a jazz musical he co-wrote with Phil Galdston. Elling’s latest release is Wildflower Vol. 3, a duet album featuring Christian Sands.

Bia Ferreira channels her talents as a composer, multi-instrumentalist, and activist to create music inspiring listeners around the world. Born in Carangola, Brazil, Ferreira developed her distinctive artistic voice performing with guitar and voice across the country while still a teenager. Her music draws from soul, R&B, reggae, hip-hop, and Brazilian traditions, forming the foundation of what she calls MMP: Música de Mulher Preta (Black Woman Music). Ferreira gained international attention in 2017 with the viral song Cota Não É Esmola, a powerful critique of racial inequality in Brazil’s education system that quickly spread online and became a cultural touchstone. Known for combining compelling melodies with socially conscious lyrics addressing racism, feminism, LGBTQ+ rights, and love, she has become one of Brazil’s most compelling contemporary voices. Celebrated for her passionate performances and fearless storytelling, in recent years Ferreira has brought her dynamic live performances to stages across the Americas and Europe.

Béla Fleck is a 17-time GRAMMY Award-winning banjo virtuoso, composer, and bandleader whose adventurous artistry has redefined the possibilities of his instrument across multiple genres. Known for his technical brilliance, melodic inventiveness, and genre-defying approach, Fleck effortlessly bridges bluegrass, jazz, classical, and world music, creating work that is both innovative and deeply expressive. Born in New York City, he was drawn to the banjo at a young age and quickly developed a reputation as a prodigious talent. Fleck first gained recognition in the bluegrass scene before expanding his musical vision with projects like Béla Fleck and the Flecktones, blending jazz, funk, and world rhythms in groundbreaking ways. He has collaborated with artists including Chick Corea, Tony Trischka, Wynton Marsalis, and Sting, showcasing the banjo’s versatility in unexpected contexts. In addition to performing and recording, Fleck has composed for orchestras, chamber ensembles, and film, continually expanding the reach of his instrument.

Renée Fleming is a celebrated soprano whose artistry bridges the worlds of opera, classical song, and contemporary music. Known for her luminous voice and expressive musicianship, Fleming has collaborated with leading orchestras, composers and conductors to bring operatic repertoire to audiences around the globe. Fleming attended the Eastman School of Music and later studied at the Juilliard School, where she refined her technique and developed the rich lyric soprano sound that would become her signature. She has earned critical acclaim for her performances of leading roles at the world’s most renowned opera houses, including The Metropolitan Opera. In addition to her operatic achievements, Fleming has built an expansive recording career, receiving 18 GRAMMY Awards and a National Medal of Arts. Fleming continues to explore new artistic collaborations across genres and frequently appears in concert, recital, and special projects that highlight the expressive possibilities of the human voice.

James Genus is one of the top bass players on the jazz scene and one of the rare few who can apply his masterful artistry to both the upright and the electric bass. Born in Hampton, Virginia, Genus began playing guitar at age six and switched to bass at age 13. After graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he studied with Ellis Marsalis, he had his first professional experience with the Blue Note band, Out of the Blue. Genus has performed and recorded with major artists including Anita Baker, Chick Corea, Horace Silver, Branford Marsalis, Greg Osby, Vanessa Williams, the Brecker Brothers, Steps Ahead, and Elysian Fields. He has been a member of Herbie Hancock’s band for the past two decades. Genus presents bass clinics around the world and is a member of the Saturday Night Live Band. He can be heard on the GRAMMY Award-winning Daft Punk album Random Access Memories.

Robert Glasper is a pianist, composer, and producer whose innovative approach has reshaped the sound of contemporary jazz. Known for seamlessly blending jazz with hip-hop, R&B, and soul, Glasper’s genre-defying style bridges tradition and modern culture. Born in Houston, he was deeply influenced by gospel music through his mother, a church pianist, before studying at The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music. Glasper gained recognition with his acoustic trio before expanding his sound with the Robert Glasper Experiment, earning acclaim for albums like Black Radio, which brought jazz into dialogue with contemporary Black music and won a GRAMMY Award. In addition to his collaborations with artists including Herbie Hancock, Kendrick Lamar, Erykah Badu, and Common, Glasper is an influential producer and curator, contributing to film, television, and cross-genre projects that highlight the evolving landscape of jazz. With a continually expanding body of work, he remains a leading voice in modern music.

Legendary blues guitarist and singer Buddy Guy is widely regarded as one of the greatest blues guitarists of all time. His electrifying playing and soulful voice have influenced countless musicians while bringing the Chicago blues tradition to audiences worldwide. Raised in rural Louisiana, Guy built his first guitar from wires and a piece of wood. He relocated to Chicago and quickly became part of the city’s vibrant blues scene. Performing alongside influential artists like Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf, Guy developed a bold and innovative guitar style that blended traditional blues with a powerful, modern edge. He recorded for the legendary Chess Records and later achieved broad recognition through a prolific solo career and collaborations with artists across genres. Guy has received multiple GRAMMY Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He continues to tour and record, keeping the spirit of the blues alive for new generations of listeners.

World-renowned pianist and composer Herbie Hancock is one of the most innovative and influential musicians of our time. A modern music icon, he has shaped the direction of jazz, fusion, funk and hip-hop for more than six decades. From his recordings with the legendary Miles Davis Quintet to his solo jazz albums and pioneering music incorporating multiple genres, Hancock has always been on the cutting edge. He has earned 14 GRAMMY Awards including Album of the Year for River: The Joni Letters, and an Academy Award for his score for the film Round Midnight. A Kennedy Center honoree, Hancock serves as Creative Chair for Jazz at the Los Angeles Philharmonic and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Intercultural Dialogue. He is the Chairman of the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz and a Distinguished Professor at the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz Performance at UCLA.

Marquis Hill is a captivating trumpeter, composer, and bandleader whose lyrical tone, stylistic versatility, and forward-thinking approach have made him one of the most distinctive voices in modern jazz. Born in Chicago, Hill developed a deep musical foundation rooted in jazz tradition while embracing influences from hip-hop, R&B, and contemporary classical music. After graduating from Northern Illinois University and DePaul University, he gained international recognition as the winner of the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Trumpet Competition, launching a career marked by innovation and artistic exploration. Through his Blacktet collective and a series of acclaimed recordings, Hill has crafted a sound that is both traditionally rooted and also boldly progressive, earning widespread respect as a performer, composer, and collaborator. With a continually evolving body of work and a powerful artistic voice, he stands as one of the most accomplished and influential trumpeters of his generation.

Christian McBride is a GRAMMY Award-winning bassist, composer, and bandleader whose commanding tone, rhythmic drive, and remarkable versatility have made him one of the most in-demand musicians in jazz and beyond. Renowned for his ability to move seamlessly across styles, McBride has built a career defined by both technical brilliance and deep musicality. He began playing bass at age nine, attended Philadelphia’s High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, and went on to study at The Juilliard School. McBride gained recognition performing with artists including Bobby Watson, Freddie Hubbard, Roy Hargrove, and Pat Metheny, and later collaborated with Sting, further expanding his reach beyond traditional jazz circles. McBride leads a wide range of ensembles, including the Christian McBride Band, Inside Straight, and the genre-blending group New Jawn, each highlighting different facets of his artistry. He serves as Artistic Director of Jazz House Kids and hosts The Lowdown: Conversations with Christian on SiriusXM.

Marcus Miller is one of the most influential artists of our time, appearing on more than 500 albums during his decades on the scene as a performer, composer, producer, arranger, and humanitarian. A virtuoso on multiple instruments, Miller is best known for his unmistakable style on the electric bass. He has brought his distinctive sound to collaborations with Herbie Hancock, Elton John, Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, LL Cool J, and Frank Sinatra, among many others. As a member of the Miles Davis group following the jazz legend’s return from retirement, Miller’s contributions as a bassist, composer and producer defined Davis’ style throughout the 1980s. A two-time GRAMMY Award winner, Miller works tirelessly as a UNESCO Artist for Peace to raise awareness of global impacts of the transatlantic slave trade. He is also the host of Miller Time with Marcus Miller, a radio show on SiriusXM.

James Morrison is a virtuoso trumpeter, multi-instrumentalist, and bandleader whose technical brilliance and adventurous spirit have made him one of the most celebrated figures on the international contemporary jazz scene. Born in Melbourne, Australia, Morrison began performing professionally as a teenager and quickly gained recognition for his mastery of the trumpet, as well as his ability to play multiple instruments including trombone, piano, and euphonium. Morrison has collaborated with legendary artists including Dizzy Gillespie, Clark Terry, Wynton Marsalis, and Frank Sinatra. He has also led his own ensembles, showcasing his inventive arrangements and signature blend of jazz, swing, and big-band sensibilities. Morrison is a dedicated educator and advocate for jazz music, founding programs to mentor young musicians and sharing his expertise through masterclasses worldwide. With a career spanning decades and a reputation for both technical mastery and musicality, he continues to thrill audiences and inspire up-and-coming jazz musicians.

Tiger Okoshi is an inventive trumpeter, composer, and bandleader recognized for his high-energy playing and distinctive fusion of jazz with rock and global influences. Born in Ashiya, Japan, he discovered the trumpet early in life and moved to the U.S. to study at the Berklee College of Music, where he developed a bold, expressive style that would define his career. Okoshi has built an international reputation through collaborations with Gary Burton, Stan Getz, Gil Evans, and Michel Petrucciani. Leading his own groups, he has released numerous recordings showcasing his powerful tone, adventurous improvisation, and ability to blend diverse musical traditions. Okoshi has also made a lasting impact as an educator, mentoring young musicians through his longtime teaching role at Berklee College of Music. With decades of experience and a voice that continues to evolve, he remains an influential figure in jazz, engaging audiences worldwide with his creativity and passion.

Gregory Porter is a leading vocalist in contemporary jazz whose warm baritone, heartfelt songwriting and soulful spirit have earned him international acclaim. Known for his deeply expressive delivery and signature stage presence, he blends jazz, gospel, soul, and blues into a sound that resonates with audiences around the world. Porter grew up singing in church under the guidance of his mother, who encouraged his love of music. He attended San Diego State University on a football scholarship before turning his focus fully to music. After moving to New York City, Porter became a fixture in the city’s jazz clubs. His debut album, Water, earned a GRAMMY Award nomination and introduced his distinctive blend of jazz and soul to a wider audience. Since then, Porter has released several acclaimed albums, including Liquid Spirit and Take Me to the Alley, both of which won GRAMMY Awards for Best Jazz Vocal Album.

Five-time GRAMMY Award winner Dianne Reeves is one of the premier vocalists on the worldwide music scene. A native of Denver, she began her career touring with Sergio Mendes and Harry Belafonte, then signed to Blue Note. Her self-titled debut, featuring Herbie Hancock, Freddie Hubbard and Tony Williams, was nominated for a GRAMMY. Featured in George Clooney’s Good Night, and Good Luck, Reeves won the Best Jazz Vocal GRAMMY for the film’s soundtrack. In recent years, she has collaborated with Lizz Wright and Angelique Kidjo for “Sing the Truth,” a musical celebration of Nina Simone. Reeves has performed at the White House on multiple occasions, including President Obama’s State Dinner for the President of China. In 2018, she was named an NEA Jazz Master. Reeves recently recorded an album with Branford Marsalis to celebrate the 100^th anniversary of John Coltrane’s birth. The album will be released this September on Blue Note.

Joel Ross is a vibraphonist, composer, and bandleader whose expressive touch, rhythmic sophistication, and forward-thinking vision have established him as one of the most compelling new artists in jazz. Ross was born and raised in Chicago and immersed himself in music from an early age, beginning on drums before finding his voice on vibraphone and developing a style that blends jazz tradition with gospel, blues, and contemporary influences. A graduate of The New School, he quickly emerged on the New York scene, collaborating with artists such as Makaya McCraven and Wynton Marsalis, while leading his own acclaimed ensemble, Good Vibes. With the release of his latest album, Gospel Music, and performances around the world, Ross continues to expand the possibilities of his instrument, confirming his place as one of the most innovative and influential vibraphonists of his time.

Gonzalo Rubalcaba is a virtuosic pianist, composer, and bandleader whose extraordinary technical mastery, inventive improvisation, and deep musical sensibility have established him as one of the most influential figures in modern jazz. Born into a musical family in Havana, Cuba, Rubalcaba studied classical piano from a young age before immersing himself in jazz, developing a signature style that seamlessly fuses Afro-Cuban rhythms with bebop, modern jazz, and contemporary classical influences. Throughout his career, he has performed and recorded with a wide array of jazz luminaries, including Charlie Haden, Paquito D’Rivera, Wayne Shorter, and Chucho Valdés, while releasing numerous critically acclaimed albums that showcase his virtuosity and creative vision. With three GRAMMY Awards and 12 nominations, Rubalcaba continues to inspire audiences and fellow musicians alike, solidifying his place as one of the preeminent pianists in jazz today.

Antonio Sánchez is a highly creative drummer, composer, and bandleader whose rhythmic mastery and innovative approach have made him a defining voice in contemporary jazz. Born in Mexico, Sánchez has contributed to over 100 recordings and collaborated with jazz icons including Chick Corea, Gary Burton, Joshua Redman, and Christian McBride. For nearly 20 years, he has been the drummer of choice for guitar legend Pat Metheny, contributing to both live performances and nine recordings. Sánchez composed the score for the film Birdman, receiving numerous accolades including the Soundtrack Stars Award for Best Film Score at the 2014 Venice Film Festival. As a bandleader, his work blends jazz with cinematic textures and improvisational freedom, exploring complex rhythms and rich storytelling through music. His most recent album, Lines in the Sand, reflects on the immigrant experience, highlighting his ability to weave social and cultural narratives into his compositions.

Jahari Stampley is a unique pianist, composer, and bandleader whose extraordinary technique, creativity, and musical depth have quickly established him as one of the most exciting rising voices in jazz. Born in Chicago, he began playing piano at a young age and developed a style that blends jazz tradition with gospel, classical, and contemporary influences. A graduate of Michigan State University, Stampley gained international recognition after winning the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz International Piano Competition, where his virtuosity and originality captivated audiences and judges alike. He has since performed with leading artists, appeared at major festivals and venues, and released music that highlights both his technical command and expressive range. With a rapidly growing career and a distinctive artistic voice, Stampley continues to impress audiences worldwide, solidifying his reputation as one of the most gifted and promising pianists of his generation.

Helen Sung is an innovative pianist and composer renowned for her technical brilliance, expressive touch, and adventurous approach to composition. She blends classical training with deep jazz sensibilities to create music that is both sophisticated and emotionally resonant. Sung made history as the first pianist admitted to the Institute’s master’s degree program, an experience that shaped her approach to improvisation and ensemble work. After moving to New York City, she began performing with luminaries including Clark Terry, Slide Hampton, Wayne Shorter, and Benny Golson. Sung won the Mary Lou Williams Jazz Piano Competition at the Kennedy Center, further cementing her reputation as a rising star. She has released nine acclaimed albums as a leader and collaborated with artists including Terri Lyne Carrington, Wynton Marsalis, and the Mingus Big Band. Sung has taught at the Berklee College of Music and The Juilliard School and currently serves as an Associate Professor at Columbia University.

Francisco Torres is a highly accomplished trombonist, composer, and arranger whose powerful sound, stylistic versatility, and dynamic musicianship have made him a standout voice in modern jazz. Born in Hermosillo, Mexico he began his musical journey as a teenager before discovering jazz, an experience that set the course for his career. Torres is a longtime member of Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band and MONK’estra, and has performed and recorded with Arturo Sandoval, Terence Blanchard, Aretha Franklin, and Santana. His expressive playing has made him a sought-after presence in film and television, with credits including Encanto, Coco, and Spider-Man: No Way Home. Torres is also an in-demand composer and arranger, known for his work in Latin jazz and his longstanding role as musical director for Poncho Sanchez. With a career spanning stages, studios, and screens, he continues to solidify his reputation as one of the most versatile and influential trombonists of his generation.

Bobby Watson is a saxophonist, composer, and bandleader whose vibrant tone and soulful phrasing have earned him international acclaim for five decades. Known for his strong grounding in the hard bop tradition, he plays with a commanding sound that is both deeply rooted and contemporary. Born in Kansas City, Watson was immersed in the city’s rich jazz heritage from an early age. He rose to prominence as a member and musical director of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. During that time, he also recorded and performed with George Coleman, Joe Williams, Max Roach, and Betty Carter. Watson later formed his own ensembles, including Horizon, and became recognized for his ability to balance tradition with innovation while maintaining a strong melodic sensibility. He has released numerous acclaimed recordings as a leader and collaborator, showcasing his versatility. Watson was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame and received Howard University’s Benny Golson Jazz Master Award.

Known for her beautiful tone, emotional depth, and thoughtful interpretations, vocalist Lizz Wright blends jazz, gospel, folk, and blues into a sound that resonates with audiences around the world. Born in Hahira, Georgia and raised in a musical family, she grew up singing in church where her father served as a minister. Wright attended Georgia State University and soon began performing professionally, gaining early recognition for her powerful voice. After moving to Atlanta and later New York City, she quickly attracted attention in the jazz world for her moving performances and musical storytelling. Her debut album, Salt, introduced her distinctive blend of jazz, gospel, and soul to a wide audience and established her as an important new voice in contemporary jazz. Since then, Wright has released a series of acclaimed recordings, including Dreaming Wide Awake and Freedom & Surrender, further showcasing her expressive vocal style and genre-crossing approach.