Jul 17, 2025 12:44 PM
DownBeat’s 73rd Annual Critics Poll: One for the Record Books
You see before you what we believe is the largest and most comprehensive Critics Poll in the history of jazz. DownBeat…
The ISJAC Honors Celebration & Fundraiser will feature a headline performance by John Beasley and his MONK’estra.
(Photo: Eric Wolfinger)The International Society of Jazz Arrangers & Composers will hold its first-ever Honors Celebration & Fundraiser on Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. at Dizzy’s Club in New York City, followed by a VIP cocktail afterparty.
The evening will feature a headline performance by ISJAC President John Beasley and his MONK’estra alongside an all-star lineup of internationally renowned jazz artists. The event will celebrate the induction of legendary composers and arrangers into ISJAC’s Hall of Fame: John Coltrane, Antônio Carlos Jobim, Pat Metheny, Oliver Nelson and Maria Schneider.
In addition, the evening will showcase world premieres of newly commissioned works by composers Geoffrey Keezer and Vanessa Perica, recipients of ISJAC’s 2025 Next Decade and Fundamental Freedoms commissions, respectively.
Special guests will be in attendance to perform with the MONK’estra and accept Hall of Fame honors on behalf of the inductees. Featured performers for the evening include artists such as Maucha Adnet, John Patitucci, Rudresh Mahanthappa, Scott Robinson, Gary Smulyan, Conrad Herwig, Jennifer Wharton, Scott Wendholt, Chico Pinheiro and Kendrick Scott, among many others.
To purchase tickets, CLICK HERE.
The next ISJAC Summit is set to take place May 14–16, 2026, at the University of Northern Colorado. DB
James Brandon Lewis earned honors for Artist of the Year and Tenor Saxophonist of the Year. Three of his recordings placed in the Albums of the Year category.
Jul 17, 2025 12:44 PM
You see before you what we believe is the largest and most comprehensive Critics Poll in the history of jazz. DownBeat…
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The DownBeat Critics Poll provides a wonderful snapshot of the jazz scene today, with much to explore and many great…
