2023-24 SFJAZZ RESIDENT ARTISTIC DIRECTORS

2024-25 SEASON 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)

Season 1–Season 2 (2013-14)
Regina Carter
Bill Frisell
Jason Moran
John Santos
Miguel Zenón

Season 3–Season 4 (2014–16)
Esperanza Spalding
Eric Harland
Terence Blanchard
Zakir Hussain

Season 5–Season 6 (2016-18)
Christian McBride
Mary Stallings
Rosanne Cash
Vijay Iyer

Season 7–Season 8 (2018–19)
Chucho Valdés
Dianne Reeves
Joe Lovano
Laurie Anderson
Marcus Shelby

Season 9-10 (2021-2023)
Ambrose Akinmusire
Terri Lyne Carrington
Anat Cohen
Chris Potter
Soweto Kinch

View All Past SFJAZZ Resident Artistic Directors

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. 

JULIAN LAGE | FEB 20-23

Santa Rosa-born guitarist Julian Lage has emerged as a stunningly accomplished creative force in modern music. He’s recorded 15 albums as a leader and for his inaugural week, performs solo and with a series of scintillating ensembles.

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JULIAN LAGE | FEB 20-23

Santa Rosa-born guitarist Julian Lage has emerged as a stunningly accomplished creative force in modern music. He’s recorded 15 albums as a leader and for his inaugural week, performs solo and with a series of scintillating ensembles.

View Concerts

BRANDEE YOUNGER | MAR 6-9

Carrying on and expandingthe tradition of pioneering jazz harpists Dorothy Ashby and Alice Coltrane, the acclaimed harpist and composer BrandeeYounger presents a four night residency presenting new works with the New Century Chamber Orchestra.

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BRANDEE YOUNGER | MAR 6-9

Carrying on and expandingthe tradition of pioneering jazz harpists Dorothy Ashby and Alice Coltrane, the acclaimed harpist and composer BrandeeYounger presents a four night residency presenting new works with the New Century Chamber Orchestra.

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HOWARD WILEY | MAR 8-9 & MAY 24

Having been mentored by Bay Area great Jules Broussard, Howard Wiley is a Berkeley-born saxophonist and composer, well known as both a bandleader and collaborator. He brings two diverse programs to both the Joe Henderson Lab and the Miner Auditorium.

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HOWARD WILEY | MAR 8-9 & MAY 24

Having been mentored by Bay Area great Jules Broussard, Howard Wiley is a Berkeley-born saxophonist and composer, well known as both a bandleader and collaborator. He brings two diverse programs to both the Joe Henderson Lab and the Miner Auditorium.

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Kenny Barron | APR 10-13

A 2010 NEA Jazz Master and eleven-time GRAMMY nominee, Barron has helped define and extend the jazz piano tradition since the 1960s. He’s brings a wide range of current projects from his all-star quintet, orchestra, a brand new project and more.

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Kenny Barron | APR 10-13

A 2010 NEA Jazz Master and eleven-time GRAMMY nominee, Barron has helped define and extend the jazz piano tradition since the 1960s. He’s brings a wide range of current projects from his all-star quintet, orchestra, a brand new project and more.

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RAVI COLTRANE | JUL 24-27, 2025

An artist occupying a singular niche in modern jazz, Ravi Coltrane has established a sound and concepts that stand undeniably on their own, extending far beyond the shadow of his iconic name. Due to a scheduling conflict, Ravi Coltrane’s residency has been postponed to late July 2025. Check back in early 2025 for concert information.

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RAVI COLTRANE | JUL 24-27, 2025

An artist occupying a singular niche in modern jazz, Ravi Coltrane has established a sound and concepts that stand undeniably on their own, extending far beyond the shadow of his iconic name. Due to a scheduling conflict, Ravi Coltrane’s residency has been postponed to late July 2025. Check back in early 2025 for concert information.

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