News
Workshop Alumni Happenings December 17, 2025 – January 6, 2026
By Vail Jazz
Vail Jazz Workshop alumnus Isaiah J. Thompson (piano 2014) returns to the Vail Valley with his quartet for Isaiah J. Thompson Quartet: “A Guaraldi Holiday,” a festive reimagining of Vince Guaraldi’s timeless music.
Vail Jazz is presenting this performance in partnership with the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek, CO, on Monday, December 22, at 8:30 PM, and it is perfect for jazz lovers, families, and anyone looking to start their holidays on a high note. Tickets are still available here!
Performances
Pianist Gerald Clayton (2002) will be performing back-to-back double performances at The Jazz Gallery in NYC from December 17- 20.
Robert Glasper (1998) is performing back-to-back performances at the Blue Note, Los Angeles, CA, from December 17-21. On January 5-6, you will find Glasper at the Cirt Winery Chicago, in Chicago, IL.
Trumpeter Benny Benack (2008) will be at Smalls Jazz Club in NYC on December 18 before he heads to Philadelphia, PA, to perform at Chris’ Jazz Cafe on December 19 and Con Alma Downtown on December 21. Benack will head to Tucson, AZ, for a short residency at The Century Room from December 26-29. To ring in the New Year, Benack will be taking the stage at Black Cat in San Francisco, CA.
Keyon Harrold (Trumpet 1998) is taking the stage at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami, FL, on December 19. On December 26 and 30, Harrold will be at Blue Note, Los Angeles, CA.
Saxophonist Hailey Niswanger (2007) is performing at Mississippi Studios in Portland, OR, on December 21.
Bryan Carter (drums 2007) will be Swinging in The Holidays at Red Bank, NJ, on December 20.
AWARDS & OTHER ACCOLADES
The 2026 YoungArts Awards have been announced at Vail Jazz Workshop Alumni are being celebrated for their talents.
Congratulations to:
Breck Cherry (trumpet 2025)
Cole Rosenberg (drums 2025)
Sam Konin (bass 2025)
Sofi Longa (bass 2024)
Saoirse Sipes (drums 2025)
Mimi Terry (piano 2025)
ALBUMS
Longtime Vail Jazz Workshop Instructor Wycliffe Gordon (trombone) released an album right in time for the holidays. To learn more and listen to Gordon’s album, Holiday Fun, click here.
[If you’re a Vail Jazz Workshop alum, do you know about the communication channel we created exclusively for alumni? It’s free on Slack and is a great way to keep in touch with your alumni colleagues and stay current on what’s happening with them. To join, contact Alan Tanenbaum at info@vailjazz.org and he’ll send you the link!]