News

Vail Jazz is proud to spotlight a group of standout alumni as the Sam Keedy Sextet takes the stage at The Five Spot Jazz Club in NYC on April 2.

Led by trombonist Sam Keedy (2017), the ensemble features fellow alumni Chris Ferrari (saxophone 2017) and Anthony Golden (bass 2017), bringing together a powerful mix of artistry, collaboration, and next-generation talent. This is a performance driven by alumni who are making their mark on the scene.

PERFORMANCES

Saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin (1999) will take the stage at the Jazz Valley in Seattle, WA, on April 1.

Gerald Clayton (piano 2002) will perform double features at the Village Vanguard in NYC from April 1 through 5. On April 14, Clayton will take the stage at the Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara, CA, with his trio, which includes fellow alum Joe Sanders (bass 2001). 

Pianist Robert Glasper (1997) performs at Blue Note Los Angeles in Los Angeles from April 1–5. 

Sullivan Fortner (piano 2002) will perform at Comstock Concert Hall in Louisville, KY, on April 1, followed by Salon 58 in NYC, on April 3. From April 7 through 12, Fortner and his Trio will perform at Village Vanguard in NYC. 

Ambrose Akinmusire (trumpet 2000) is set to perform at Hancher Auditorium in Iowa City, IA, on April 3.

Khris Royal (saxophone 2004) will perform at Mahogany Jazz Hall on April 3, followed by a late set that same evening at the Foundation Room in New Orleans, LA. 

Benny Benack (trumpet 2008) is starting this period out with a short break from his nationwide tour. Benack and his Quarter will take the stage at Barrettoon on April 3, Birds on April 4, and Five Spot Jazz on April 5, all in NYC. Benack continues with performances at Poe Mill Music in Greenville, SC, on April 6 and the Mungo Student Center in Spartanburg, SC, on April 7. On April 9, the Crooners will perform at Catamount Arts in Saint Johnsbury, VT, and on April 10 at the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport, MA. The group will perform at the  McLean Community Center in McLean, VA, on April 12, and Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts in Annapolis, MD, on April 13.

Katie Thiroux (bass 2005) will take the stage at Ivan’z House Live in Laguna Beach, CA, on April 8.

Trumpeter Keyon Harrold (1997) will be taking the stage alongside the Miles Electric Band at Jazz St. Louis in St. Louis, MO, from April 8 through 12.

Bryan Carter (drums 2007) will be performing at Birdland in NYC on April 12.

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!]