Jun 3, 2025 11:25 AM
In Memoriam: Al Foster, 1943–2025
Al Foster, a drummer regarded for his fluency across the bebop, post-bop and funk/fusion lineages of jazz, died May 28…
Bay Area nonprofit SFJAZZ announces a new CEO is set to begin June 15.
(Photo: Henrik Kam)SFJAZZ announced Thursday that Greg Stern would become CEO of the Bay Area nonprofit. His tenure is set to begin June 15 as he succeeds Don Derheim, who was in the role for six years.
“I’m delighted that SFJAZZ has found someone of Greg’s enormous breadth of skills and experience,” said Randall Kline, executive artistic director and founder of SFJAZZ, in a press release. “His expertise in leading one of the country’s most innovative and successful advertising agencies, combined with his love of jazz and his previous service as an SFJAZZ Trustee, is exactly what is needed to ensure that SFJAZZ will continue to grow and prosper.”
SFJAZZ has since 1983 presented concerts and spearheaded education efforts in the Bay, while its namesake collective has included players ranging from saxophonists Joshua Redman and Miguel Zenón to in-demand bassist Matt Brewer.
The SFJAZZ Collective was set to celebrate Miles Davis’ In A Silent Way and Sly & The Family Stone’s Stand! when the coronavirus pandemic interrupted its national tour. DB
Foster was truly a drummer to the stars, including Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins and Joe Henderson.
Jun 3, 2025 11:25 AM
Al Foster, a drummer regarded for his fluency across the bebop, post-bop and funk/fusion lineages of jazz, died May 28…
“Branford’s playing has steadily improved,” says younger brother Wynton Marsalis. “He’s just gotten more and more serious.”
May 20, 2025 11:58 AM
Branford Marsalis was on the road again. Coffee cup in hand, the saxophonist — sporting a gray hoodie and a look of…
“What did I want more of when I was this age?” Sasha Berliner asks when she’s in her teaching mode.
May 13, 2025 12:39 PM
Part of the jazz vibraphone conversation since her late teens, Sasha Berliner has long come across as a fully formed…
Roscoe Mitchell will receive a Lifetime Achievement award at this year’s Vision Festival.
May 27, 2025 6:21 PM
Arts for Art has announced the full lineup for the 2025 Vision Festival, which will run June 2–7 at Roulette…
Benny Benack III and his quartet took the Midwest Jazz Collective’s route for a test run this spring.
Jun 3, 2025 10:31 AM
The time and labor required to tour is, for many musicians, daunting at best and prohibitive at worst. It’s hardly…
