Master musician and multi-talented blues performer, Vanessa Collier, was recently nominated for a 2017 Blues Music Award (BMA). The Philadelphia based vocalist/saxophonist/songwriter is currently on an 11 country European tour with Ruf’s Blues Caravan, alternating between tour legs in Europe and touring back in the U.S. with a talented 5-piece band, throughout 2017. With searing saxophone solos, soulful vocals, and witty lyrics, Vanessa’s songwriting takes you through an engaging blend of blues, funk, rock, and soul in an exceptionally entertaining,…

Pre-concert Conversation, 2 pm: Three for the Road Series producer Bruce Eaton highlights some of the unique trios in jazz history.  Grammy Award–winning saxophonist Joe Lovano needs no introduction: he is “the tenor titan for our times” (Allmusic), “a full-fledged jazz giant” (Bruce Lundvall, Blue Note Records). Beginning with his work with native Buffalonian Mel Lewis, Lovano’s ever-escalating career led to touring and recording with the major jazz musicians of the late twentieth century, including Herbie Hancock, Mulgrew Miller, Ed…

Laura Dubin is a virtuoso pianist extensively trained in both the Western Classical and Classic Jazz traditions, and well-versed in Latin and film music.  Laura melds all of her musical loves into a seamless web of breathtaking creativity and adventurous exploration throughout the live album, providing a vivid example of her in-person performance concept.

Since its beginnings in the late 1990s, the Hot Club of Cowtown’s star has continued to rise as its reputation for jaw-dropping virtuosity and unforgettable live shows has become the band’s global brand. Lauded for its “down-home melodies and exuberant improvisation” (The Times, London), the Hot Club has always woven a combination of seemingly disparate styles together to its own magical effect, setting up camp “at that crossroads where country meets jazz and chases the blues away” (The Independent), remaining “conscious always…

Frank Vignola’s Hot Jazz Guitar Trio featuring Vinny Raniolo and Gary Mazzaroppi are some of the most extraordinary guitarists performing before the public today. Hear a wide repertoire of unique fresh arrangements as this astounding trio covers works from Beethoven, Bach to Paul Simon and Frank Zappa as only they can! Frank Vignola’s stunning virtuosity has made him the guitarist of choice for many of the world’s top musicians, including Ringo Starr, Madonna, Donald Fagen, Wynton Marsalis, Tommy Emmanuel, the Boston…

Already Ready Already Tour w/ High and Mighty Brass Band It’s been more than 20 years since Ben Ellman, Robert Mercurio, Stanton Moore, Jeff Raines and Rich Vogel began exploring the seemingly limitless musical possibilities born out of their work together as Galactic. Since then, the seminal New Orleans band has consistently pushed artistic boundaries on the road and in the studio, approaching their music with open ears and drawing inspiration as much from the sounds bubbling up from their…

Renowned for his combination of robust swing and poetic insight, Grammy winner Kurt Elling has secured his place among the world's foremost jazz vocalists with hits such as Where the Streets Have No Name, You Send Me, Moonlight Serenade and Norwegian Wood.