If the first SFJAZZ season at its swanky new Hayes Valley digs has been about star power, the recently announced sophmore season shows what you can do if you don't have to fill a couple thousand rented seats every night.
The summer event has several big names -- pianist Ahmad Jamal, easy-jazz ace David Sanborn, Brazilian legend Milton Nascimento -- but the meat of the series consists of lesser-known but high-level artists, genres and forms getting a welcome moment in the spotlight. Consider:
- A celebration of jazz harmonica with European maestros Frederic Yonnet and Geregoire Maret.
- Rising-star French singer Cecile McLorin Salvant painting a bright new future for the art of jazz vocalizing.
- Hotshot Cuban pianist Harold Lopez-Nussa and Hammond B3 organ monster Wil Blade hosting mini-residencies in the SFJAZZ Center's intimate lab/club space.
- An eclectic group of super-eclectic artists, including didgeridoo ace Stephen Kent and reeds iconclast Ralph Carney, exploring the acoustics of the Church of the Advent.
Shows run June 12-23, and tickets go on sale April 10 for SFJAZZ members. See the full schedule here.
Send tips, comments and good vibes to the author.
Comments