Sasha Berliner / Michael Mayo

ABOUT THIS CONCERT
Terence Blanchard’s UpSwing focuses on a double bill featuring a pair of young California-born artists, each with preternatural gifts for soulful expression and boundless abilities.

ABOUT SASHA BERLINER
A gifted and award-winning vibraphonist, composer, and producer, San Francisco native Sasha Berliner brings music from her newest album Fantôme to this homecoming performance.  

Beginning on drums at eight and attending the Oakland School for the Arts before becoming a two-year member of the SFJAZZ High School All-Stars Orchestra.  

Now based in New York, Berliner is an active bandleader and composer, heading a series of superlative ensembles. The youngest artist and first woman to win the DownBeat Critics’ Poll for Rising Star Vibraphonist, she has collaborated with Beck, Vijay Iyer, Terri Lyne Carrington, Ravi Coltrane, Nicholas Payton, Christian McBride, Tyshawn Sorey, and Cécile McLorin Salvant. 

ABOUT MICHAEL MAYO
Few singers in recent memory have earned the well-deserved buzz for being “the next big thing” as Michael Mayo. He performs alonside pianist Andrew Freedman, bassist Kyle Miles, and drummer Robin Baytas.

The son of singer Valerie Pinkston (Beyoncé, Diana Ross) and saxophonist Scott Mayo (Earth, Wind & Fire), Mayo’s ascendance was seemingly preordained.  

After studies at New England Conservatory and the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, the vocalist and composer released his acclaimed 2021 debut, Bones, and gained worldwide exposure through his tours with Herbie Hancock.  

Now based back in his hometown of L.A., Mayo has released his GRAMMY nominated sophomore album FLY, highlighting his effortless and evocative tenor on an ever-changing blend of jazz, neo-soul, and R&B.