May 26, 2026 11:08 AM
Sonny Rollins Passes Away at 95
Sonny Rollins, the iconic saxophonist, composer and improviser whose career stretched from the origins of bebop to 21st…
Nonprofit SFJAZZ is adding four Wayne Shorter tribute concerts to its Fridays at Five streaming series.
(Photo: Robert Ascroft)The Bay Area nonprofit organization SFJAZZ is aiming to lend assistance to Wayne Shorter with a series of livestreaming events.
Offering viewers four Shorter tribute concerts recorded last year at the SFJAZZ Center, the nonprofit aims to raise money to fund the saxophonist’s “ongoing medical needs.” The recordings come as part of the group’s Fridays at Five series, as SFJAZZ has worked to provide music to homebound audiences while the coronavirus pandemic limits possibilities for live performances. It also has created a new revenue stream for the organization.
The first installment of the Wayne Shorter Celebration is set for 5 p.m. PST May 19, and will feature performances by Kamasi Washington, Danilo Pérez, John Patitucci and Brian Blade. A second stream, slated for June 26, is set to include Herbie Hancock, Terence Blanchard and others. Subsequent events are planned for July 31 and Aug. 28 with performances by Branford Marsalis, Joshua Redman and others.
Access to the videos requires a $5 digital membership. And for the Shorter series, a digital tip jar has been set up to generate funds that will go directly toward paying the saxophonist’s medical expenses.
Additional information about the series can be found here. DB
Updated June 25
Onstage, Rollins would move about restlessly, thrusting his tenor sax in the air as he blew.
May 26, 2026 11:08 AM
Sonny Rollins, the iconic saxophonist, composer and improviser whose career stretched from the origins of bebop to 21st…
“We thought it’s important that Ronin has a new statement,” said Nik Bärtsch of his band’s latest album, Spin. “The sound is differently produced, so it reflects more of who we are.”
Apr 21, 2026 10:00 AM
Nik Bärtsch cuts an imposing figure on stage. He’s unmistakable with his soul patch, shaven head and black attire.…
Dave King (left) and Reid Anderson offer insights into why The Bad Plus’ chemistry was cool, the accomplishments many and its longevity so fruitful.
May 12, 2026 11:42 AM
The scene still sticks with me. I had heard the oddball name of this new group being dropped around town, and…
How best to mark Miles Davis’ centennial? By allowing the stories to flow, and cross-discussions to happen.
May 26, 2026 10:40 AM
Editor’s Note: The iconic trumpeter, composer and bandleader Miles Davis would have turned 100 today (May 26, 2026).…
Ava Preston, a 12-time DownBeat Student Music Award winner, is currently pursuing her master’s degree in jazz voice at Juilliard.
May 12, 2026 10:00 AM
Ava Preston, from Cleveland, Ohio, was named the winner of the ninth annual Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition on…
