News

The Jazz Cruise departs from Fort Lauderdale on January 27 and brings together an all-star lineup of today’s leading jazz artists for an immersive experience unlike any other. We’re thrilled to share that Vail Jazz alumni Benny Benack (trumpet 2008), Philip Norris (bass 2016), and Sullivan Fortner (piano 2002) will be performing throughout the voyage. Joining them are a few of our beloved Vail Jazz Workshop instructors, John Clayton, Terell Stafford, Wycliffe Gordon, and Lewis Nash, making this cruise a true celebration of the Vail Jazz family. From intimate sets to all-star jams, the Jazz Cruise offers a rare chance to experience these artists up close, onstage, around the ship, and in unforgettable musical moments at sea.

Performances 

Pianist Gerald Clayton (2002) has a residency with Peter Bernstein at the Village Vanguard in NYC with back-to-back performances January 21 through 25. Clayton will perform at Jazz at Naz Festival in the Valley Performing Arts Center in Northridge, CA, on January 31. 

Chief Adjuah (trumpet 2001) is in Los Angeles performing at the Lodge Room Highland Park on January 21.

Trumpeter Benny Benack (2008) will take the stage at The 1905 in Portland, OR, on January 21. On January 22, Benack will be performing his recent album “This is the Life” at The Jazz Station in Eugene, OR. From January 27 through February 3, Benack will be at sea on The Jazz Cruise. 

Keyon Harrold (trumpet 1997) will be in Philadelphia, PA, on January 24 for a show at The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts before heading to Los Angeles for a performance at Blue Note on February 2. 

Pianist Brandon Goldberg (2023) will be performing with his trio at Chris’ Jazz Cafe in Philadelphia, PA, on January 23 and 24.

Corey Fonville (drums 2009) has a busy day on January 24 with a performance at the Reveler and The National in Richmond, VA.

Bassist Max Schwartz (2015) will be performing at the Healing Force of the Universe in Pasadena, CA, on January 25.

Anthony Hervey (trumpet 2014) will be taking the stage with The Future of Jazz Orchestra at Dizzy’s Club in NYC on January 26. On January 30 and 31, Hervey will be at Jazz at Lincoln Center for a Duke Ellington tribute. 

Grace Kelly (saxophone 2008) will be headlining The St. Louis Jazz Festival in The Ferring Bistro from January 28 through February 1. 

Pianist Robert Glasper (1997) will be in Los Angeles for a two-night residency at the Blue Note from January 29 – 30. 

Tia Fuller (saxophone 1996) is performing at the Regattabar in Cambridge, MA, on January 31.

[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!]