2025-26 Resident Artistic Directors
Every two years, SFJAZZ selects a new group of forward-thinking musicians to participate in the program where they are invited to present new and unique works at SFJAZZ.
Notable world premieres have included pianist Moran's pairing of jazz and live skateboarding, guitarist Bill Frisell's adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson's The Kentucky Derby is Decadent and Depraved featuring actor Tim Robbins, drummer Harland's Voyager band paired with live video gamers, and an extensively revised presentation of trumpeter Terence Blanchard's fully-staged opera Champion: An Opera in Jazz.
“This is truly not a stage, it’s a playground. We have so much fun up here.”
—Dianne Reeves (former Resident Artistic Director)
Past SFJAZZ Resident Artistic Directors include Bill Frisell, Jason Moran, Miguel Zenón, Regina Carter, John Santos, Esperanza Spalding, Zakir Hussain, Christian McBride, Vijay Iyer, Chucho Valdés, Terence Blanchard, Rosanne Cash and more.
MICHAEL LEAGUE | JAN 29-FEB 1
Easily one of the most visible, prolific, and versatile bandleaders and collaborators in modern music, the 5-time GRAMMY-winning Snarky Puppy mastermind and GroundUP Records founder Michael League showcases his varied musical endeavors.
OMAR SOSA | MAR 5-8
Cuban piano giant Omar Sosa’s week as Resident Artistic Director touches on four distinct projects in settings ranging from big band to trio, with global collaborators representing an inclusive, wide-ranging set of musical disciplines.
IMMANUEL WILKINS | MAR 26-28
The alto saxophonist, bandleader, and composer Immanuel Wilkins possesses a “lyrical extremity that goes back to Charlie Parker and forward to Ornette Coleman and beyond” (JazzTimes). He brings his latest projects to this week.
MESHELL NDEGEOCELLO | APR 30-MAY 2
A three-time GRAMMY winner, Meshell Ndegeocello is an uncompromising artist whose deliriously funky and soulful work is a powerful commentary on race, gender issues, and LGBTQ+ rights. Her week as Resident Artistic Director will be a Season highlight.
