Gosling: World’s Greatest Ambassador for Jazz?

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Ryan Gosling (left) gives a lecture on jazz, with help from the SNL band’s musical director, Lenny Pickett.

(Photo: Courtesy NBC)

Actor Ryan Gosling hosted the season opener for Saturday Night Live and began the Sept. 30 broadcast with a lecture on how he saved jazz—before being corrected by some famous friends.

To see the “informative” clip on the history of jazz, click here. DB.



  • Cassandra_Wilson_%40_2026_Mark_Sheldon-2_copy_2.jpg

    Wilson’s ability to connect to audiences helped her to win two Grammy awards and multiple other accolades. She was named an NEA Jazz Master in 2022.

  • Pritesh_Walia_courtesy_Pritesh_Walia.jpg

    “The love from the jazz and music community restored my faith in humanity,” Walia wrote in an online post upon his release from detention at an ICE facility.

  • Poncho.jpeg

    ​Percussionist Poncho Sanchez was among the artists scheduled to perform at the now-canceled inaugural LA Jazz Festival.

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    Bertoncini was a specialist and advocate for the nylon-string acoustic guitar, turning down high-profile opportunities that were unsuited to the sound and techniques that he used with that instrument.

  • DB26_Joshua_Redman_Courtesy_Joshua_Redman.jpg

    A solo concert by saxophonist Joshua Redman will close the first night of the Hyde Park Jazz Festival on Sept. 26.