News

Two Vail Jazz Workshop alumni were honored at the 2026 Jazz Journalists Association Awards, one of the jazz world’s most prestigious recognitions for artistic achievement.

Sullivan Fortner (piano 2002) was named Pianist of the Year, further cementing his status as one of the leading voices in jazz today. Ambrose Akinmusire (trumpet 2000) earned the title of Trumpeter of the Year, recognizing his continued innovation and artistry as a performer, composer, and bandleader.

Fortner also received additional recognition as part of the award-winning Duo of the Year, alongside acclaimed vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant. The honors highlight the remarkable impact Vail Jazz Workshop alumni continue to have on the international jazz landscape.

Performances

Terrace Martin (saxophone 1997) will take the stage at Blue Note Los Angeles on June 10.

Benny Benack III (trumpet 2008) performs at Dizzy’s Club in NYC on June 10-11 and June 14. In between, he heads to Blu in Milwaukee, WI, on June 12, followed by Winter’s Jazz Club in Chicago, IL, on June 13. Benack then travels to Pittsburgh, PA, for a performance at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden on June 18, before making two Ohio appearances: June 19 at Caffè Vivace in Cincinnati and June 20 at Ginger Rabbit Jazz Lounge in Columbus.

Bryan Carter (drums 2007) performs double-feature engagements at Dizzy’s Club in NYC on June 10–11 for Jazz @ Pride.

Isaiah J. Thompson (piano 2014) performs at West End Collegiate Church in NYC on June 11, followed by a performance at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts on June 12. He then heads to Keystone Korner Baltimore in Baltimore, MD, for performances on June 13 and 14, before heading to Elmhurst University in Elmhurst, IL, on June 20 and Dakota in Minneapolis, MN, on June 22.

Sullivan Fortner (piano 2002) performs at The Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda, MD, on June 11, followed by performances at The Jazz Gallery in NYC on June 12-13 and Joe’s Pub in NYC on June 17. He then heads to the Twin Cities Jazz Festival in Saint Paul, MN, on June 20, before closing out the run at the Healdsburg Jazz Festival in Healdsburg, CA, on June 21.

Grace Kelly (saxophone 2008) performs at Levitt at the Falls in Sioux Falls, SD, on June 12, followed by the Mixed Roots Jazz Festival in Fairfield, CT, on June 14.

Brandon Goldberg (piano 2023) performs at Birdland in NYC on June 13 and June 20.

Chief Adjuah (trumpet 2001) takes the stage at the Blue Note Jazz Festival in Los Angeles, CA, June 13–14, before heading to Yoshi’s in Oakland, CA, for performances June 18–19.

Keyon Harrold (trumpet 1997) performs at Blue Note Los Angeles on June 13 and June 17, before appearing at Town Hall Seattle in Seattle, WA, on June 18.

Hailey Niswanger (saxophone 2007) takes the stage at Mississippi Studios in Portland, OR, on June 14.

James Francies (piano 2012) performs at Jazz Cultural Theatre in NYC June 19–21.

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!]