Sullivan Fortner Trio

SOULFUL AND INVENTIVE PIANO PRODIGY

2002 Vail Jazz Workshop piano alumnus Sullivan Fortner returns to Vail this summer as a headliner under the Jazz Tent. For the past decade, Fortner has been stretching deep-rooted talents as a pianist, composer, band leader and uncompromising individualist. The Grammy Award-winning artist out of New Orleans has earned recognition in multiple DownBeat Critics Poll categories, winning first place in Rising Star Piano and Rising Star Jazz Artist, has released two albums, collaborated with countless jazz giants, and is one of the most sought-after festival musicians in the nation. 

Pulling distinct elements from different eras, Fortner’s artistry preserves the tradition and evolves the sound. He seeks connections among different musical styles that are at once deeply soulful and wildly inventive.

Presenting Underwriters: Debbie and Pete Brill

Supporting Partners: Chaîne des Rôtisseurs

Presenting Sponsors: Discover Vail, Alpine Bank, Epic Promise Foundation, The Jazz Cruise

Local Business Underwriter: Ruggs Benedict

Wine Sponsor: Grappa

Floral Sponsor: A Secret Garden

This program is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts via the Western Jazz Presenters Network.