JazzFest 2026 Program

TRI-C

JazzFest 47th Annual

FEEL THE RHYTHM. JOIN THE CELEBRATION.

JUNE 25 – 27 PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

INDOOR CONCERTS Chris Dave and The Drumhedz ft. Stokley

MonoNeon

Dominick Farinacci and Jon Thomas

Ron Carter’s Foursight Quartet

Durand Bernarr Hubb’s Groove presents: Long Live Levert Laurin Talese

Ohio Players Sheila E. Spyro Gyra Wildflowers: Kurt Elling and Fred Hersch

OUTDOOR CONCERTS Aaron Smith and RDAA

Kenesha Terrell

AJ Tyus

LoConti

Alvin Frazier

Savion Glover and PROjECt.9.

Anyah Nancy

The Mars Express

Cameron Burton and After Service

Tito Puente Jr. and Néstor Torres

Charles Haynes and The Tabernacle ft. Marquis Hill

Tommy Lehman

Dan Bruce

Weedie Braimah and Hands of Time ft. Mumu Fresh and Nathan-Paul Davis

Dre Walton

Tri-C JazzFest Academy

Gabe Jones and Fresh Fruit

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celebrating culture, community, and all that jazz.

For 47 years, Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland presented by KeyBank has brought together legendary performers, rising stars, and passionate fans from across our communities.

We are proud to support this tradition and the unifying power of music.

Official Bank of Playhouse Square.

©2026 KeyCorp®. All rights reserved. KeyBank Member FDIC 260504-4420228

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A Message from Eric M. Fiala

On behalf of KeyBank, the presenting sponsor of the 2026 Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland, I am pleased to welcome you to this exciting community celebration.

For 47 years, JazzFest has brought together legendary performers, rising stars, and passionate fans from across our communities. It’s more than a music festival, it’s a celebration of culture, creativity and connection where education, tradition and communities flourish.

At KeyBank, supporting arts and culture is central to how we help our communities thrive. Our long-standing partnership with Tri-C JazzFest reflects our commitment to expanding access to world-class cultural experiences while creating educational opportunities for students across Northeast Ohio.

As we celebrate this year’s festival, we are also excited to welcome Orlando Watson as the new director of Tri-C JazzFest. We look forward to his leadership as he guides this beloved Cleveland tradition into its next chapter, building on its strong legacy while expanding its impact across our community.

We are proud to be part of this inspiring tradition, where the unifying power of music brings us together in celebration and shared experience.

I hope to see you at Tri-C JazzFest this weekend.

Warm regards, Eric M. Fiala Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer, KeyBank CEO, KeyBank Foundation

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Letters of Welcome................................................................ 3 Message From the Director.................................................... 7 Jazz Legends Awards........................................................... 10 Festival Lineup.................................................................... 14 Festival Schedule and Attractions......................................... 25 Tri-C Jazz Studies Fellowship................................................ 30 Listening Lounge.................................................................. 32 Student Art Show................................................................. 33 Jazz Education..................................................................... 34 Tri-C JazzFest Staff.............................................................. 37 Festival Production Staff...................................................... 39 Passholders........................................................................ 41 We encourage you to interact and share your experiences with us using #TriCJazzFest.

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Facebook: /TriCJazzFest

X (Twitter): @TriCJazzFest

Instagram: @tricjazzfest

YouTube: /TriCJazzFestCleveland

A Message from Mayor Justin M. Bibb On behalf of the City of Cleveland, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 47th Annual Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland, presented by KeyBank. This beloved tradition continues to enrich our cultural landscape, drawing world-class artists and enthusiastic audiences to the heart of our city.

Over more than four decades, Tri-C JazzFest has become one of Northeast Ohio’s signature traditions — drawing visitors from across the region not only to hear the music but also to experience Cleveland itself. They fill our neighborhoods, our restaurants and our venues and give us the chance to show off this city. The festival is an important driver of our local economy and a point of pride for every Clevelander.

This year’s festival is an Ohio Homecoming — a celebration of the emerging stars, local legends and returning icons whose artistry was shaped by this state and continues to shape the genre. From the legendary Ohio Players to Dominick Farinacci and Jon Thomas, Laurin Talese, Robert Hubbard and Grammy Award–winning Durand Bernarr, this year’s lineup honors where jazz has been and signals where it’s going.

I am especially proud that this is the first year that national acts will take the free outdoor stage on the plaza, making this homecoming accessible to every Clevelander. With outdoor activations cultivated by the Let’s Make Plans Experience Firm and the Tri-C JazzFest Academy students on the Next Gen Stage under Dominick Farinacci, the festival affirms what this city believes in: that world-class culture and community access belong in the same sentence.

I commend Orlando Watson, who steps into this festival as its new executive director — the youngest and first African American to hold the role — along with the organizers, artists, educators and partners whose vision makes Tri-C JazzFest a source of inspiration for our city.

Thank you for joining us. Enjoy the music, the fellowship and all that Cleveland has to offer this weekend.

With gratitude, Mayor Justin M. Bibb, City of Cleveland

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Welcome from the President Michael A. Baston

On behalf of everyone at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®), I proudly welcome you to Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland, presented by KeyBank — one of Northeast Ohio’s longstanding summer traditions!

For 47 years, Tri-C JazzFest has filled our city with extraordinary music, creative energy and a powerful sense of togetherness. What began as a celebration of an iconic American art form has grown into a signature event for our city and region, bringing legendary performers, rising stars, students and audiences together to celebrate culture, creativity and community.

At Tri-C, we believe learning happens everywhere inspiration lives, and Tri-C JazzFest is a shining example of that belief in action. The festival connects education and artistry, honors jazz’s rich legacy and boldly champions its future. It spotlights local talent, sparks curiosity across generations and proudly showcases Cleveland as a vibrant cultural capital.

Tri-C JazzFest reflects who we are as a college and as a region: creative, welcoming, curious and deeply connected.

Thank you for being part of this extraordinary three-day experience.

I hope the music moves you, the energy lifts you and the spirit of JazzFest stays with you long after the final note.

With gratitude and respect, Michael A. Baston, J.D., Ed.D. President, Cuyahoga Community College

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Welcome from Executive Director Orlando Watson

Welcome to the 47th Annual Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland, presented by KeyBank.

Each year, this festival gives us an opportunity to gather in celebration of a uniquely powerful art form — one rooted in tradition yet constantly evolving.

We enter our 47th year with a renewed sense of energy and vision. This year’s festival reflects our commitment to reaching new heights while honoring the rich legacy that brought us here.

Jazz has always been about connection across cultures, generations and communities. In that spirit, we continuously reimagine what this festival can be. By embracing jazz-adjacent programming to include soul, R&B, hip-hop and beyond, we are opening our doors wider than ever to welcome new audiences while staying grounded in the essence of the music we love.

We are especially proud to spotlight the extraordinary talent that calls Ohio home. From emerging artists to established voices, these artists represent the depth and diversity of our region’s creative community. Their contributions are not only shaping the future of jazz but also strengthening the cultural fabric of our city and beyond.

As we break down barriers and reimagine what a jazz festival can be, our belief in the power of live music to unite and transform remains. Whether you are a longtime supporter or joining us for the first time, we are honored to share this experience with you.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

Enjoy the music, moments and magic of the Tri-C JazzFest.

Respectfully, Orlando Watson Executive Director, Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland

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CUYAHOGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE (TRI-C®) Board of Trustees Geralyn M. Presti Chair Phoebe Lee Vice Chair

Kevin Clayton Helen Forbes Fields Ann Frangos The Rev. Cory C. Jenkins

Howard Lewis Alan Rosskamm Victor A. Ruiz

President’s Cabinet Michael A. Baston, J.D., Ed.D. President, Cuyahoga Community College Radiah Blanton, Ed.D. Associate Vice President/Chief of Staff Lindsay English, Ph.D. Executive Vice President, Academic Affairs Colette Jones Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer Todd Kitchen, Ed.D. Eastern Campus President David Kuntz, CPA Executive Vice President/Treasurer, Administration and Finance

Karen Miller, Ph.D. Executive Vice President, Student Experience Megan O’Bryan Vice President, Development President, Cuyahoga Community College Foundation Rebecca Rahschulte, Ph.D. Western Campus President Cameron Redden, Ed.D. Chief Administrative Officer, Brunswick University Center

Scott Latiolais, Ed.D. Westshore Campus President

Renee Tramble Richard, Esq. President and CEO, Corporate College® Senior Advisor and Counsel to the President

India Pierce Lee Executive Vice President, Strategy and Impact

Claire Rosacco Vice President, Government Relations and Community Outreach

Shana Marbury, J.D. Executive Vice President, Workforce Innovation

Gregory Stoup Vice President, Institutional Progress and Effectiveness

Denise McCory, Ed.D. Metropolitan Campus President

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Joe-Joe McManus, Ph.D. Executive Director, Strategic Engagement and Impact

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JAZZ LEGENDS AWARDS Cindy Barber | Jazz Advocate Cindy Barber is executive director of the nonprofit Cleveland Rocks: Past, Present and Future, which she founded in 2012, and co-owner of the legendary Beachland Ballroom and Tavern. She and partner Mark Leddy opened the Beachland in 2000, transforming a former Croatian social hall in Cleveland’s North Collinwood neighborhood into a nationally recognized venue that helped launch the Black Keys and supported artists such as Drive-By Truckers, Trampled by Turtles and Joe Bonamassa. She is currently developing NOMAD (Northeast Ohio Music Arts Development), a music economy incubator adjacent to the Beachland.

Barber began her music-industry career in the early 1970s, working for MCA, WEA and ABC Records before earning degrees in media and communications. She co-founded the Cleveland Express newspaper, managed local bands, and later served as production manager for Northern Ohio Live. She helped launch the Cleveland Free Times in 1992, becoming editor and earning numerous awards for her writing.

A driving force behind North Collinwood’s revitalization, Barber has led community development organizations and served on several civic boards.

Honored with the 2007 Cleveland Arts Prize for Distinguished Service to the Arts, she continues to champion Cleveland’s music heritage and creative future.

Dominick Farinacci | Jazz Artist/Advocate A Cleveland native shaped by the city’s old-school jazz apprenticeship tradition, Dominick Farinacci was only 17 when Wynton Marsalis selected him for a PBS special. He soon joined Juilliard’s inaugural jazz class, launched a prolific international recording career, and later served as a Global Ambassador for Jazz at Lincoln Center in Qatar, where he built vibrant cross-cultural musical exchanges from the ground up.

His artistic path deepened after his mother’s cancer diagnosis, inspiring him to compose “A Prayer for You,” which later became the centerpiece of a TED Talk at the Kennedy Center. That same spirit of empathy led to Modern Warrior LIVE, the groundbreaking production he created with U.S. Army veteran Jaymes Poling. Blending first-person storytelling, live music and film, the work explores the emotional journey of returning veterans and the universal need for mental health support. It has been performed more than 150 times and praised by leaders including General Jim Mattis.

Alongside his creative projects, Farinacci is deeply committed to shaping the future of jazz. As director of the Tri-C JazzFest Academy, he mentors young musicians with the same blend of artistry, discipline and compassion that defines his own career — preparing the next generation to carry the music forward with purpose and individuality.

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Each year, the Tri-C JazzFest Legends Award honors individuals and organizations from Northeast Ohio who have made exceptional contributions to jazz through performance, education, advocacy or philanthropy.

Terri Pontremoli | Arts and Culture Innovator Terri Pontremoli is a violinist and arts leader whose passion for jazz has defined her career. A graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Music, she began as a classical performer and teacher before moving into arts administration, driven by a desire to strengthen jazz’s place in American culture.

At Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland (1991–2004), Pontremoli transformed the festival through innovative marketing, education and fundraising, securing over $6 million in support and elevating its national profile with major grants from the Lila Wallace-Reader’s Digest Fund and the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.

She later led the Cleveland Arts Prize, expanding its reach and audience, and served as executive and artistic director of the Detroit Jazz Festival (2007–2011), where she built partnerships, launched educational initiatives and helped the festival earn top national rankings. Returning to Tri-C JazzFest in 2012, she reimagined it as a summer destination event with year-round programs.

Pontremoli’s honors include the Cleveland Arts Prize Robert P. Bergman Award (2019), the Jazz Journalists Association Jazz Hero Award (2021) and DownBeat’s Lifetime Achievement Award (2024). Now a consultant with SFJAZZ, she continues to champion jazz education and believes deeply in the arts’ power to heal and unite.

Rev. Mark Ribbins| Jazz Advocate Rev. Mark Ribbins has spent more than four decades shaping Cleveland’s musical identity at the crossroads of jazz and gospel. A seasoned broadcaster, programmer and curator, he’s celebrated for his instinctive ability to weave songs into seamless, soulful narratives.

Raised in a family steeped in gospel music, Ribbins discovered jazz by exploring his siblings’ record collections — artists like Jimmy McGriff, Hank Crawford and Jean-Luc Ponty — sparking a lifelong passion for blending sacred and secular sounds.

As a program director and on-air host for the former Cleveland smooth jazz station 107.3 The Wave, he crafted a sound that was both sophisticated and accessible. His interviews with legends such as Stanley Clarke, Larry Coryell and Kenny Garrett reflected his deep respect for the art form and his gift for connecting with its creators.

Widely known as the “Jazzpreacher,” Ribbins bridges his musical and spiritual callings as pastor of Avon Avenue Baptist Church, bringing the same care and rhythm to ministry that he brings to music. His work continues to inspire listeners and congregants alike, uniting faith, artistry and community in a shared groove that defines Cleveland’s cultural heartbeat.

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JAZZ LEGENDS AWARDS James (Jim) Szabo | Jazz Advocate James (Jim) Szabo is an award-winning broadcaster, jazz advocate and cultural organizer whose work has shaped Northeast Ohio’s jazz scene for more than 50 years. Born in Warrensville Heights, Ohio, in 1955, Szabo earned his B.S. in Mathematics from Case Western Reserve University and resides in Beachwood.

A cornerstone of Cleveland radio, Szabo has been on WRUW-FM 91.1 since 1973. His program Down by the Cuyahoga — airing Fridays from 11 p.m.

– 2 a.m. since 1974 — is among the longest-running jazz shows worldwide.

He has produced other programs and concerts, created the Northeast Ohio jazz calendar, and currently serves as liaison to WRUW alumni.

A co-founder of the Northeast Ohio Jazz Society, Szabo served on its board of trustees (1977–1989) and helped launch Tri-C JazzFest with Dr. Thomas Horning. He continues to advise the festival and consults for regional jazz organizations.

An educator and historian, Szabo taught jazz appreciation, lectured widely and contributed to numerous publications. He helped present Miles Davis at Cleveland’s State Theatre in 1987 and has served on funding panels for the National Endowment for the Arts and the Ohio Arts Council.

A committed philanthropist, he supports jazz locally and nationally.

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Congratulations

JazzFest on 47 amazing years of honoring the legacy of jazz and promoting its future.

Debbie and Jim Strassman

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SHEILA E. Thursday, June 25 8 p.m. | KeyBank State Theatre Sheila E.’s performance is sponsored by Char and Chuck Fowler.

Sheila E., widely known as the “Queen of Percussion,” has built a trailblazing career on one simple principle: follow the beat. Music and rhythm were constants from an early age.

She grew up surrounded by musical legends, and Bay Area sounds shaped her distinctive approach to percussion, rhythm and performance.

By the late 1970s, Sheila E. had begun amassing an impressive body of work, performing with music heavyweights. Her solo career launched in 1984 after joining Prince during the Purple Rain era. Her debut album, The Glamorous Life, spun off Grammy-nominated hits, followed by albums Romance 1600 — which featured the iconic “A Love Bizarre” — and the self-titled Sheila E. Sheila E.’s virtuosity extends beyond the stage as a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, producer, actress, mentor and philanthropist.

She received Emmy nominations in 2010 and 2020 for Outstanding Music Direction, and her autobiography, The Beat of My Own Drum, chronicles both her artistic journey and personal resilience.

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Her work with the E-Train, founded in the early 1990s, showcases the jazz-infused side of her artistry, while her new album, Hella Fonk E, continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

Sheila E. performs solo and with ensembles, blending jazz, R&B, pop and Latin influences with her signature rhythmic precision. She has also paid forward her influence through mentorship, speaking at schools, colleges, shelters and clinics to share music’s transformative power.

Philanthropy and activism have long been central to Sheila E.’s life. She founded Elevate Hope and staged the first Elevate Oakland benefit concert in 2014 to support student achievement through music and arts programming.

Today, Sheila E. continues to record, perform and innovate. With decades of experience, she has mastered the balance of honoring her roots, expanding her artistry and giving back to the community that shaped her. Her drive remains the same: music from the heart, performed for the world.

DOMINICK FARINACCI AND JON THOMAS Friday, June 26 6 p.m. | Hanna Theatre Dominick Farinacci is one of the most acclaimed trumpeters of his generation. Born in Cleveland, he was just 17 when Wynton Marsalis invited him to perform, launching a career that soon took him from Juilliard to international stages. He recorded eight albums in Japan before expanding globally, and from 2012–2016, he directed Jazz at Lincoln Center’s program in Doha, Qatar. His 2016 album Short Stories, produced by Tommy LiPuma, showcased his lyrical sound, and in 2022 he received the Cleveland Arts Prize.

Farinacci’s work is deeply personal. After his mother’s cancer diagnosis, he composed “A Prayer for You,” which inspired his 2014 TED Talk and a 2024 TRIAD recording. He is also co-creator of Modern Warrior, a multidisciplinary project with veteran Jaymes Poling, exploring service, trauma and resilience; its flagship production has toured nationally with more than 150 performances.

Deemed “stunningly good” by The New York Times, pianist Jon Thomas has emerged as one of the most ardent and gifted rising voices in jazz. A graduate of The Juilliard School’s jazz program (Master of Music, 2019), led by Wynton Marsalis, he has performed with Jason Marsalis, Samara Joy, Curtis Lundy, Marquis Hill, Melanie Charles, Dominick Farinacci, Benny Benack III, Walter Blanding, Jazzmeia Horn and Robin McKelle, among other leading artists.

Thomas appears regularly at top New York jazz venues, including the Blue Note, Dizzy’s Club, Smalls Jazz Club and Minton’s Playhouse, and he is also a frequent presence at international jazz festivals. He studied with renowned pianists Benny Green, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra’s Dan Nimmer, Aaron Parks and Taylor Eigsti.

Thomas is also a graduate of The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music (Bachelor of Fine Arts, 2017) and is based in New York City.

Alongside his artistry, Farinacci is a deeply committed educator. As director of the Tri-C JazzFest Academy, he mentors emerging musicians with the same mix of artistry, discipline and compassion that defines his own career — preparing the next generation to carry the music forward.

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SPYRO GYRA Friday, June 26 7:15 p.m. | Mimi Ohio Theatre Spyro Gyra’s performance is sponsored by the Roy Minoff Family Fund.

Margot Copeland Smooth Jazz Night Spyro Gyra is one of contemporary jazz’s most enduring ensembles, celebrated for nearly five decades of nonstop touring, infectious energy and exceptional musicianship. Formed in Buffalo in 1974, the band has performed more than 10,000 shows across six continents and released 35 albums, earning multiple gold and platinum records.

Saxophonist Jay Beckenstein founded the group with keyboardist Jeremy Wall, later joined

by Tom Schuman, whose nearly 50-year tenure helped define their sound. Influenced early on by Weather Report and Return to Forever, the band evolved from studio-driven projects to albums that captured their onstage chemistry.

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The core lineup solidified with guitarist Julio Fernandez, bassist Scott Ambush and drummer Lionel Cordew, with Chris Fischer joining on keyboards in 2023. Their catalog — from their 1977 debut to Morning Dance, The Rhinebeck Sessions and Vinyl Tap — reflects both commercial success and constant reinvention.

For Beckenstein and the band, the mission is connection. Spyro Gyra remains a model of joy, collaboration and exploration.

DURAND BERNARR WITH SPECIAL GUEST HUBB’S GROOVE Friday, June 26 8 p.m. | KeyBank State Theatre

Known for his genre-bending brilliance and theatrical command, Durand Bernarr blends classic soul tradition with forward-looking artistry, drawing comparisons to Luther Vandross, Little Richard and Rahsaan Patterson. His rise has earned national attention, including recognition from Rolling Stone as an “Artist You Need to Know.”

Bernarr is a Grammy Award–winning singer, songwriter and creative visionary. His album Bloom earned his first Grammy and three additional nominations, with the New York Times calling his win “one of the most joyous moments of the Grammy pre-show.” The project surged across streaming platforms, and Billboard praised it as “a towering achievement” that expands his already wide-ranging sound.

A GLAAD Media Award winner and 2026 nominee for Outstanding Music Artist, Bernarr also earned acclaim for his Grammy-nominated visual EP En Route. His dynamic live presence, showcased on the Tamron Hall Show, COLORSxSTUDIOS and a viral NPR Tiny Desk Concert, fuels his global You Gon’ Grow, Too! Tour.

Robert Hubbard, the driving force behind Hubb’s Groove, is a dynamic drummer known for blending soul, jazz, R&B and gospel into a sound that’s both smooth and electrifying. For Hubbard, music played from the heart is music that reaches the heart — a philosophy that has shaped the band since its beginnings in 1996.

Originally performing as Moments Notice, the group became Hubb’s Groove in 2006 and has since shared stages with major artists, earning a reputation as one of the region’s most versatile and sought-after ensembles.

Hubb’s Groove has earned numerous honors, including the Cleveland Best Band Award (2019) and three consecutive Cleveland Music Awards for Best Jazz Band (2022–2024). Hubbard himself was named a 2024 JazzFest Legend, recognizing his impact on the local and national music scene.

With a powerhouse lineup of musicians and vocalists, Hubb’s Groove continues to captivate audiences, raising the bar for live performance with heart, precision and joy.

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WILDFLOWERS: KURT ELLING AND FRED HERSCH Friday, June 26 9 p.m. | Hanna Theatre

Kurt Elling, a two-time Grammy Award winner, is celebrated for his rich sound, inventive vocalese and boundary-expanding approach to vocal jazz.

The New York Times has called him “the standout male jazz vocalist of our time,” while The Guardian hailed him as “a kind of Sinatra with superpowers.” Over more than 30 years of touring and recording, Elling has earned global acclaim, including three Prix du Jazz Vocal, two German Echo Awards and two Dutch Edison Awards. He has been nominated for 17 Grammy Awards, topped the DownBeat Critics and Readers polls for 14 years and won 12 Jazz Journalists Association awards for Male Vocalist of the Year.

Elling recently made his Broadway debut as Hermes in the Tony Award–winning musical Hadestown. His collaborations span leading jazz figures such as Branford Marsalis, Danilo Pérez, Fred Hersch, Charlie Hunter and Stefon Harris, and he has performed with major orchestras including the New York Philharmonic, the BBC Concert Symphony and the Count Basie Orchestra.

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Fred Hersch, widely regarded as a member of jazz’s piano pantheon, has shaped the art form as an improviser, composer, educator and bandleader. Vanity Fair called him “the most arrestingly innovative pianist in jazz over the last decade,” and The New Yorker has described him as “a living legend.” A 17-time Grammy nominee, Hersch has earned many of jazz’s highest honors, including a Doris Duke Artist Award and multiple Jazz Journalists Association awards for Pianist of the Year.

An acclaimed solo artist, he has released 12 solo recordings, most recently Silent, Listening (2024) for ECM Records, with The New York Times praising him as “a master who plays it his way.”

Through more than a dozen albums, the Fred Hersch Trio has remained at the forefront of modern jazz, celebrated for its interplay and spontaneity. Voted the No. 1 Jazz Group in the 2019 DownBeat Critics Poll, the trio continues to earn international acclaim, with its latest album The Surrounding Green released in 2025.

RON CARTER’S FOURSIGHT QUARTET Saturday, June 27 4 p.m. | Hanna Theatre

One of the most original and influential bassists in jazz, Ron Carter holds a Guinness World Record for the most recording credits by a jazz bassist, appearing on more than 2,200 sessions.

From 1963 to 1968, he played on landmark albums including Speak No Evil, Maiden Voyage, Speak Like a Child and Red Clay. A key member of the Miles Davis Quintet, he has also recorded with Roberta Flack, Aretha Franklin, Gil Scott Heron, A Tribe Called Quest, Billy Joel, Bette Midler and Paul Simon. His work spans string quartets, Bach arrangements and numerous touring ensembles.

Carter’s autobiography Finding the Right Notes and his transcription system Chartography reflect his commitment to documenting musical interaction. A dedicated educator, he has led programs at the Thelonious Monk Institute, taught for 18 years at The City College of New York and served on the faculties of Juilliard and the Manhattan School of Music.

His honors include three Grammy Awards, Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun and France’s Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters.

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CHRIS DAVE AND THE DRUMHEDZ FT. STOKLEY Saturday, June 27 5 p.m. | Mimi Ohio Theatre

Chris Dave and the Drumhedz fuse funk, soul, gospel, hip-hop and jazz into a seamless, shape -shifting groove. Dave’s precise, syncopated drumming anchors a rotating collective that has included Pino Palladino, Isaiah Sharkey, Cleo “Pookie” Sample, Sir Darryl Farris and Keyon Harrold, along with collaborators such as James Poyser, Anderson .Paak, Bilal, DJ Jazzy Jeff and Phonte.

Dave’s musical journey began at age 3, later expanding through church percussion, Houston choir gigs and studies at the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. Exposure to global rhythms and a scholarship to Howard University broadened his palate, though he left to tour with Mint Condition — launching a career that soon included work with Lionel Richie, Maxwell and many others.

From 2009 to 2012, Dave contributed to multiple Grammy-winning projects, laying the groundwork for the Drumhedz. After early performances as Chris Dave and Friends, the group released the Drumhedz Mixtape (2013) and their 2018 debut LP, creating a world where boundary-pushing musicianship meets raw human emotion.

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Stokley is a Grammy Award-nominated vocalist, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist, widely respected as one of music’s best-kept secrets. He has collaborated with icons like Prince, Whitney Houston and Janet Jackson.

Best known as the lead singer and drummer of the legendary R&B group Mint Condition, Stokley launched his solo career in 2017 with Introducing Stokley, producing two No. 1 hits, “Organic” and “Levels.” He continues that journey through a partnership with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis’ Perspective Records, with new music including his latest single, “She.”

LAURIN TALESE Saturday, June 27 7 p.m. | Hanna Theatre

CLEVELAND’S OWN Laurin Talese is one of the most compelling voices in contemporary jazz. A winner of the 2018 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, she has performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra and on major stages worldwide. Critics, including the Chicago Tribune, praise her “luxuriant, sumptuously phrased” vocals.

Talese’s artistry centers on storytelling, lineage and the complexity of lived experience. Her three-movement work Museum of Living Stories explores narratives that are told, witnessed or inherited, expanding the emotional space jazz can hold.

As a U.S. State Department Arts Envoy, Talese fosters global cultural exchange. She also serves as vice chair of Jazz Philadelphia and previously as vice president of the Recording Academy’s Philadelphia Chapter.

With a repertoire spanning original works, standards and multilingual traditions, Talese balances deep respect for jazz history with fearless innovation. Her performances reflect technical mastery, emotional intelligence and a commitment to exploring the stories jazz can tell.

Her debut album Gorgeous Chaos (2016) was named a Top 10 Jazz Album by the Chicago Tribune and charted on Billboard, and she earned acclaim for portraying Billie Holiday in Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill.

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MONONEON Saturday, June 27 8:15 p.m. | Mimi Ohio Theatre

MonoNeon is a Grammy Award–winning bassist and boundary-pushing experimental musician from Memphis, Tennessee. Celebrated for fearless creativity and an unmistakable sound, he blends avant-garde sensibilities with funk, soul and groove-driven improvisation, building a devoted following both online and on stage where his inventive playing and vibrant personality shine.

He is notably one of the last musicians to collaborate with Prince, a testament to his artistry and originality. He also earned a Grammy for his contribution to Nas’ acclaimed album King’s Disease, further cementing his place among today’s most influential musicians.

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A dynamic live performer, MonoNeon has appeared at major festivals worldwide and collaborated with an eclectic range of artists across genres. With a style that defies convention and a sound that bridges musical worlds, he continues to redefine what modern bass playing can be.

OHIO PLAYERS

Saturday, June 27 9:30 p.m. | KeyBank State Theatre

The Ohio Players stand as pioneers of street funk and underground R&B, releasing more than a dozen albums and earning 14 gold and platinum certifications over their storied career.

Their music has been sampled and reimagined by artists across genres — from Snoop Dogg to Soundgarden and the Red Hot Chili Peppers — underscoring how their grooves helped shape hip-hop, rock and modern R&B.

Their fusion of deep grooves, bold horn lines and raw funk energy propelled them to international stages and cemented their place in music history. Today, the Ohio Players continue to perform with a 10-piece band featuring original members James “Diamond” Williams and Billy Beck, maintaining their commitment to pure musicianship — no computers, no samplers, just precision and soul.

After signing with Mercury Records in 1974, the band entered a remarkable run, releasing three consecutive platinum albums between 1974 and 1977. They scored two No. 1 Billboard Pop hits, “Fire” and “Love Rollercoaster,” along with five No. 1 R&B singles, including “Sweet Sticky Thing,” “Who’d She Coo” and the iconic “Funky Worm.”

Their legacy endures not only through charttopping hits but also through a sound that continues to move generations to their feet.

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FESTIVAL SCHEDULE INDOOR CONCERTS Friday, June 26

Saturday, June 27

6 p.m. | Dominick Farinacci and Jon Thomas Hanna Theatre

4 p.m. | Ron Carter’s Foursight Quartet Hanna Theatre

7:15 p.m. | Spyro Gyra | Mimi Ohio Theatre

5 p.m. | Chris Dave and The Drumhedz ft. Stokley | Mimi Ohio Theatre

8 p.m. | Durand Bernarr with Hubb’s Groove presents: Long Live Levert | KeyBank State Theatre 9 p.m. | Wildflowers: Kurt Elling and Fred Hersch | Hanna Theatre

7 p.m. | Laurin Talese | Hanna Theatre 8:15 p.m. | MonoNeon | Mimi Ohio Theatre 9:30 p.m. | Ohio Players | KeyBank State Theatre

WILLIAM M. WEISS FOUNDATION NEXT GEN STAGE Friday, June 26

Saturday, June 27

Tri-C JazzFest Academy

Tri-C JazzFest Academy

2 – 2:30 p.m.

2 – 2:30 p.m.

3:15 – 3:45 p.m.

3:15 – 3:45 p.m.

4:30 – 5 p.m.

4:30 – 5 p.m.

5:45 – 6:15 p.m.

5:45 – 6:15 p.m.

7 – 7:30 p.m.

7 – 7:30 p.m.

8:15 – 8:45 p.m.

8:15 – 8:45 p.m.

Cameron Burton and After Service

Gabe Jones and Fresh Fruit

9:45 – 10:30 p.m.

9:45 – 10:30 p.m.

SEIBERTKECK INSURANCE STAGE Friday, June 26

Saturday, June 27

2:30 – 3:15 p.m. | Dan Bruce

2:30 – 3:15 p.m. | LoConti

3:45 – 4:30 p.m. | The Mars Express

3:45 – 4:30 p.m. | Alvin Frazier

5 – 5:45 p.m. | Kenesha Terrell

5 – 5:45 p.m. | Tommy Lehman

6:15 – 7 p.m. | Dre Walton

6:15 – 7 p.m. | Anyah Nancy

7:30 – 8:15 p.m. | Aaron Smith and RDAA

7:30 – 8:15 p.m. | AJ Tyus

8:45 – 9:45 p.m. | Savion Glover ft.

PROjECt.9.

8:45 – 9:45 p.m. | Weedie Braimah and Hands of Time ft. Mumu Fresh and Nathan-Paul Davis

10:30 – 11:45 p.m. | Tito Puente Jr. and Néstor Torres

10:30 – 11:45 p.m. | Charles Haynes and The Tabernacle ft. Marquis Hill

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FESTIVAL SCHEDULE FESTIVAL DISTRICTS Friday, June 26

Saturday, June 27

Family District 2 – 5 p.m. | Community Pantry

Family District 2 – 7 p.m. | Kids Corner

2 – 7 p.m. | Kids Corner

3 – 6 p.m. | Tri-C Stomp and Cavaliers mascots

2 – 8 p.m. | Voter Registration 3 – 6 p.m. | Tri-C Stomp and Cavaliers mascots

Refresh District 2 – 10 p.m. | School of Nursing and Health Professions

2 – 10 p.m. | Tri-C Mobile Training Unit mobile classroom demonstration

2 – 10 p.m. | Tri-C Mobile Training Unit mobile classroom demonstration

3 – 10 p.m. | Yo! Crash Mobile Rage Room

3 – 10 p.m. | Yo! Crash Mobile Rage Room

Spotlight District 2 – 9 p.m. | DJ Through the Decades

Spotlight District 2 – 9 p.m. | DJ Through the Decades

2 – 10 p.m. | School of Creative Arts Showcase | Allen Theatre lobby

2 – 10 p.m. | School of Creative Arts Showcase | Allen Theatre lobby

5 – 10 p.m. | Premium Passholder Lounge Kennedy’s Cabaret

5 – 10 p.m. | Premium Passholder Lounge Kennedy’s Cabaret

4:30 – 8:30 p.m. | Da Land Brass Band

10 p.m. – Midnight | After-Hours Jam Sessions at Bin 216 sponsored by AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland Plaza Fun surprises with the Cleveland Cavaliers

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Refresh District 2 – 10 p.m. | School of Nursing and Health Professions

10 p.m. – Midnight | After-Hours Jam Sessions at Bin 216 sponsored by AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland Plaza Fun surprises with the Cleveland Cavaliers

2 – 10 p.m. | School of Liberal Arts and Sciences

2 – 10 p.m. | School of Liberal Arts and Sciences

2 – 10 p.m. | School of Business, Legal Professions and Hospitality

2 – 10 p.m. | School of Business, Legal Professions and Hospitality

9:45 – 10:30 p.m. | Late Night Line Dance Warm Up

9:45 – 10:30 p.m. | Late Night Line Dance Warm Up

JAZZ KITCHEN AND WESTFIELD STUDIO THEATRE The Jazz Kitchen brings flavor and creativity to the stage with live culinary demos featuring chefs and special guests that bring creativity and fun to the table.

Festival‑goers can watch, learn and even sample the delicious dishes served up with a dash of JazzFest energy. It’s where good food meets good vibes.

The JazzNEO Talk Tent brings the stories behind the sound out into the open. Pull up close and catch live interviews with artists who celebrate the history and shape the future of jazz. It’s spontaneous, smart and full of personality — packed with insight, laughter and the rhythm of real conversation.

JAZZ KITCHEN/JAZZNEO TALK TENT Friday, June 26 2 – 2:30 p.m. | Jazz Kitchen: Chef Terry Carr, executive chef at The Centers, prepares Glazed Salmon over Garlic Herb Couscous with Sauteed Rainbow Swiss Chard. Featuring special guest Sarah “Smile” Remington of The Mars Express.

4:30 – 5 p.m. | JazzNEO Talk Tent: Dre Walton Interviewed by Erica Nicole of SoundSuite Cleveland 5:45 – 6:15 p.m. | Jazz Kitchen: Chef Rhonda Stubbs of Flava Catering prepares Red Beans and Rice with special guests Dr. Michael A. Baston, president of Tri-C, and his wife, Dr. Tasha Baston.

8:15 – 8:45 p.m. | JazzNEO Talk Tent: Tito Puente Jr. and Nestor Torres Interviewed by Radio Host and Historian Dr. Jack Marchbanks 9:45 – 10:30 p.m. | Line Dancing

Saturday, June 27 2 – 2:30 p.m. | Jazz Kitchen: Culinary Demonstration with Weedie Braimah 4:30 – 5 p.m. | JazzNEO Talk Tent: MonoNeon interviewed by Erica Nicole of SoundSuite Cleveland 5:45 – 6:15 p.m. | Jazz Kitchen: Chef Peggy Cruz of Cha’Firo Catering & Events prepares Sofrito and Rice with special guests Dr. Michael A. Baston, president of Tri-C, and his wife, Dr. Tasha Baston.

8:15 – 8:45 p.m. | JazzNEO Talk Tent: Anyah Nancy interviewed by radio host and historian Dr. Jack Marchbanks 9:45 – 10:30 p.m. | Line Dancing 11 p.m. – 1 a.m. | The Jamboree After Party | Brel’s, Crowne Plaza Watch for more fun surprises throughout the day with the Cleveland Cavs!

11 p.m. – 1 a.m. | The Jamboree After Party | Brel’s, Crowne Plaza And keep an eye out for fun surprises with the Cleveland Cavs!

WESTFIELD STUDIO THEATRE Friday, June 26

Saturday, June 27

3 – 3:30 p.m. | JazzNEO Artist Talk: Kurt Elling and Fred Hersch

4 – 4:45 p.m. | JazzNEO Artist Talk: Laurin Talese

4:30 – 5:15 p.m. | JazzNEO Artist Talk: Dominick Farinacci

6:30 – 7:30 p.m. | “Drummer’s Dream: Percussionists in Conversation” Drum Panel with Weedie Bramah, Charles Haynes and Chris Dave, moderated by Robert Hubbard of Hubb’s Groove

6 – 7 p.m. | Artist Talk: Savion Glover, Interviewed by Aseelah Shareef, Interim President and CEO of Karamu House.

Featuring a Dance Showcase by Tri-C Dance Academy Advanced Students 8 – 8:45 p.m. | JazzNEO Artist Talk: Ron Carter

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Proud supporter of emerging jazz talent in Northeast Ohio and sponsor of the

William M. Weiss Foundation Next Gen Stage

William M. Weiss Foundation

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TRI-C JAZZ STUDIES FELLOWSHIP Last summer, we were pleased to announce the pilot program for the Tri-C Jazz Studies Fellowship, a new opportunity for Tri-C JazzFest Academy students who demonstrate exceptional talent, dedication, work ethic and potential in jazz music. This summer, the students are halfway through the program and going strong. This two-year program provides full tuition, a stipend and experiential learning opportunities, allowing students to focus on their artistic growth and career development without financial constraints.

This program will become a key entry point for young jazz performers — connecting their high school learning to a college experience. The fellowship also helps prepare them for matriculation into four-year colleges if they choose to further their studies.

Fellowship participants are enrolled as full-time students in the Associate of Arts in Jazz Studies program in the Music department at the Tri-C Metropolitan Campus. They receive ongoing mentorship and real-world experiences that prepare them for careers in performing and teaching.

The following students are alumni of the Tri-C JazzFest Academy and are entering their second year of the first cohort of the fellowship: • Brian Axiotis, trumpet • Gregby Camp, piano • Oscar Lacombe, bass • Liam Melnick, piano The Tri-C Jazz Studies Fellowship is supported in part by a donation from The Gabel Family – Barry, Sam and Anita Gabel. Interested in supporting the Jazz Studies Fellowship with a tax-deductible donation? Contact Karah Vance at karah.vance@tri-c.edu.

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Proud supporter of the

47th annual

Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland

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IMMERSIVE LISTENING LOUNGE Presented by TRI-C’s Recording Arts and Technology Program Friday, June 26 and Saturday, June 27 2 – 11 p.m. | Allen Theatre Lobby In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the births of Miles Davis and John Coltrane, Tri-C JazzFest attendees can experience some of their finest recordings through a unique surround-sound exhibit in the Allen Theatre lobby. The Immersive Listening Lounge is powered by the combined efforts and advanced technology provided by Syndicate of Sounds’ Déjà Vu surround technology and Althar Audio and Cinema Systems’ ULD Beamforming speakers.

Déjà Vu is the brainchild of Clevelander Frank Foti. As a pioneer in broadcast audio processing and engineering for the past 40 years, Foti has won numerous awards, including the prestigious NAB Engineering Achievement Award.

Learn more about Foti and Déjà Vu technology at SyndicateOfSounds.com.

Althar Audio and Cinema Systems is the creation of another Cleveland mastermind, Dennis Althar, whose Uniform Loudness Distribution loudspeakers utilize their FAB Frequency Amplitude Beaming engine. Beamforming supports an ultra-wide dispersion and even sound pressure levels over longer distances.

Learn more about Althar Audio and the ULD Beamforming loudspeaker system at atssounds.com.

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STUDENT ART SHOW Friday, June 26 and Saturday, June 27 | 2 – 11 p.m.

The 2026 Tri-C Student Art Show at JazzFest features works created by students enrolled in the nine Creative Arts disciplines: Art, Dance, Film and Media Arts, Interior Design, Media and Journalism Studies, Music, Recording Arts and Technology, Theatre and Visual Communication and Design.

The School of Creative Arts provides portfolio-building activities that prepare students to transfer to a four-year institution or successfully enter the creative workforce. Through gallery shows, we allow our students to experience firsthand how professional artists present their work to the public. Students develop the creative, curatorial and professional skills needed to build sustainable careers and make meaningful contributions to the arts and cultural landscape.

Students also learn important professional skills and practices, through collaborating and contributing to showcases and events like Tri-C JazzFest, that they can use to succeed in the thriving arts industry in Northeast Ohio.

The Tri-C Student Art Show at JazzFest reflects the School of Creative Arts’ commitment to experiential learning, artistic excellence and student success. Through collaboration with faculty, staff and peers across Tri-C’s four campuses, students gain hands-on experience curating and presenting work in a professional exhibition setting. The showcase celebrates the diverse voices, perspectives and creative vision of Tri-C students while connecting their work with the broader community.

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JAZZ EDUCATION YEAR IN REVIEW Education is central to our mission at Tri-C JazzFest, and we are dedicated to introducing area students to seasoned artists. Our activities bring joy to all segments of the community while nurturing the art form of jazz. In addition to clinics, workshops and master classes with visiting artists throughout the year, Tri-C JazzFest supports the Tri-C JazzFest Academy,

Tri-C JazzFest Summer Camp and DownBeat Education Days. Heartfelt thanks to the Char and Chuck Fowler Family Foundation, the Kulas Foundation, the Fox Foundation, the Ohio Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, Lorna Wisham, Maynard’s House of Swing, Dr. Jerry Sue Thornton, Gill LiPuma and the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation.

STUDENT PERFORMANCES Endea Owens and The Cookout Concert......................................... Nov. 14, 2025 JazzFest Academy Winter Concert.................................................. Dec. 13, 2025 Count Basie Orchestra Concert ..................................................... March 18, 2026 Keyon Harrold Concert................................................................... Feb. 20, 2026 Jose James Presents: Facing East................................................. April 10, 2026 JazzFest Academy Spring Concert.................................................. April 25, 2026 William M. Weiss Foundation Next Gen Stage................................. June 26 – 27, 2026

CLINICS, WORKSHOPS AND MASTER CLASSES Jeff Hamilton Trio Master Class..................................................... Sept. 25, 2025 Braxton Cook Master Class........................................................... Oct. 3, 2025 Wycliffe Gordon Master Class........................................................ Oct. 29, 2025 Endea Owens Master Class........................................................... Nov. 14, 2025 Eric Roberson Master Class........................................................... Jan. 29, 2026 Keyon Harrold Master Class.......................................................... Feb. 20, 2026 DownBeat Education Days............................................................. March 18 – 19, 2026 Jose James Master Class.............................................................. April 10, 2026 Berklee College of Music Visit to Campus...................................... April 10 – 11, 2026 Tri-C JazzFest Academy Summer Camp........................................... June 15 – 27, 2026

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DOWNBEAT EDUCATION DAYS For the third year in a row, Tri-C’s annual DownBeat Jazz Education Days brought nearly 400 middle and high school students from Ohio, Indiana and Pennsylvania together for two full days of learning with the Legendary Count Basie Orchestra. Students moved through a full spectrum of jazz experiences — sectional clinics, improvisation workshops, adjudications and behind-the-scenes tours of Tri-C’s Recording Arts and Music spaces — each offering something they could take home and fold into their own musical growth. Their directors were

learning right alongside them, spending meaningful time with Count Basie Orchestra Director Scotty Barnhart and JazzFest Academy Director Dominick Farinacci to sharpen their teaching tools.

Throughout the event, students jammed with Tri-C Jazz Studies majors and worked closely with JazzFest Academy faculty clinicians: Dominick Farinacci (trumpet), Steve Kortyka, John Karkosiak, NathanPaul Davis and Dave Sterner. Every day ended on a high note with a swinging performance by the Count Basie Orchestra.

Celebrating 47 Years of Jazz Excellence Congratulations to Tri-C on the 47th Annual Tri-C JazzFest— an exceptional musical showcase and a vibrant cultural experience for our community.

We’re proud to support this remarkable tradition.

— Char and Chuck Fowler

TRI-C JAZZFEST STAFF Tri-C JazzFest Planning Staff Gabriel P. Swarts, Ph.D. Dean, School of Creative Arts

Don Safranek Project Coordinator

Orlando Watson Executive Director, Tri-C JazzFest

Megan Sankey Administrative Coordinator

Bill Horschke Director, Technical Production

Sara Wang Tri-C JazzFest Box Office

Karah Vance Director, Performing Arts Education and Student Experience

Kendra Willis Volunteer Coordinator

Sarah Downer Tri-C JazzFest Box Office

Alascia D. Jones Let’s Make Plans Experience Firm

Cliffie Jones Artist Relations and Community Liaison

Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland Advisory Committee Kevin Clayton

Sean Jones

Johnny Parker

Devin Cotten

Alan Kleinstub

Mark Ribbins

Carol A. Cunningham, M.D.

Deidre McPherson

Aseelah Shareef

Jamey Haddad

Joel Negus

Jim Strassman

Tri-C Foundation Megan O’Bryan Vice President, Development, President, Tri-C Foundation Kate McDade Associate Vice President Sharon Coon Executive Director, Development

Becky Krumhansl Director, Donor Management Melanie Majikas Executive Director, Development Services Ryan York Collegewide Director, Development

Yvonne Askew Collegewide Director, Development

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TRI-C JAZZFEST STAFF Tri-C JazzFest Marketing and Communications Colette Jones Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer Lisa Dobransky Sr. Director, Strategic Communications and Content Debbie Benz Director, Creative Services Chris Brogan Director, Marketing Integration Lauren Beck Interactive Design Specialist

Noelle Bye

Christy Endler Manager, Marketing and Communications Dana Leidich Sr. Manager, Marketing and Communications Victoria Monteiro Project Manager, Institutional Advertising Anthony Moujaes Manager, Public Relations Lori Smith Project Manager, Visual Design Specialist Rebecca Temerario Manager, Social Media

SEO Content Specialist

Marketing and Communications Partners Frechic Burton, CoCreative Marketing and Social Media

Lilia Lipps, Lipps Service Social Media

Hallie Fisher, Fahlgren Mortine Senior Vice President, Managing Director

Austin Sims Designer

Angelo LaPerna, Adcom Account Director

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FESTIVAL PRODUCTION STAFF Playhouse Square Staff Penny Zaletel Director of Production, Playhouse Square Jody Dagg Sr. Production Manager, Playhouse Square Heather Cochran Outdoor Production Manager, Playhouse Square Daniel Zilka Outdoor Production Manager, Playhouse Square Tony Hanf Indoor Production Manager, Playhouse Square Liam Roth Indoor Production Manager, Playhouse Square Neil Macke Special Events Director, Playhouse Square Marie Vivolo Hospitality Coordinator, Playhouse Square Paul Braden (Woodsy’s Music) Backline and Audio Provider Tommy Stazzone (Production Assistance) Ohio Theater Backline Provider Dave Brooks (Hughie’s Event Production Services) Set Design Shawna Melnykowski Kids Activities Coordinator

Cory Shy – NPI Audio Visual Solutions Audio-Lighting Coordination Scott Snyder Sr. Production Assistant Katrina Yeigh Set-Up Coordinator Stage Managers Adam Altman – Hanna Theatre Bill Collister – KeyBank State Theatre Sam Day –SeibertKeck Stage Jacob Forgan – Next Gen Stage Tommy Stazzone – Ohio Theatre Tri-C Outdoor Production Managers Marky Ray Aurora Wentz Assistant Production Manager Tommy Viets Tri-C Production Assistants Stephen Phillips Nina DeMari Union Stagehands IATSE Local 27 Teamsters Local 407 Tri-C Student Stagehand Coordinator Kevin Borrowman Tri-C Student Stagehands Dominic Alberto Jake Dufresne Barry Hughes Tommie Johnson Bryce Kapala Nina Lunde Graham Park Stephen Richardson Kevin Timm Leonard Vesely

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FESTIVAL PRODUCTION STAFF Tri-C JazzFest Production Interns Jay Everett Aden Grasso Mayson Poole Bella Rizek Tri-C Television and Video Services Christine Hickey, Executive Director Mike Donato, Director Olivia Villasenor, Project Manager Dan Mayer, Event Tech Audio Technicians Mark Balderelli – Playhouse Square Jim Bethel Mike Carlton Aaron Dallison Gary Heinrich Thomas Jeffries David Kennedy Tim Kennedy Steve Madden Ron Musarra Regis Sedlock Clay Sullivan Erik Walter Allen Listening Lounge Dennis Althar – Althar Audio Speaker Systems Frank Foti – Syndicate of Sounds Immersive Sound Technology Festival Lighting Director Derek Hons – NPI Hanna Theatre Lighting Director Nick Wiggers – NPI Ohio Theatre Lighting Director Neehar Mennon – NPI SeibertKeck Stage Lighting Adam Gibbons – NPI Sam Tomich – NPI

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State Theatre Lighting Director Andrew Wright -- NPI Next Generation Stage Technician Mason Nozik Outdoor Tents and Operations – Spindrift Management Lauren Barbour Brian Horsburgh Festival Footprint Activation – Let’s Make Plans Experience Firm Alascia D. Jones, Founder Qyra Basit Dominique Carter Pilar Doakes Kori Fields Christine Jolly Adrienne Jones Kennedy Jones Derrick Mathis Lynard McCoy Ste-Aira McCoy Keith Pickett, Jr. Rachel Pickett Chazity Rosser Indoor Artist Catering Dylan Fallon – Ninja Kitchen Tri-C Transportation Coordinators Vivian Garth Tracy Love Tri-C Artist Host Coordinator May Vianna Piano Tuning – Masters Piano Service Mike Masters Hunter Masters

PASSHOLDERS PREMIUM PASSHOLDERS Chandra Arthur Darryl Badley Drs. Michael and Tasha Baston Mr. James R. Benduhn Ben Blalock Charlett Bundy Stephanie Cleveland Ms. Kristi Copez Ms. Leressa Crockett Carol A. Cunningham, M.D. Lavell Dabney Ayonna Donald Marcia Haire-Ellis The Ellison Family Lindsay English Leslie Fortlage Greg Golya

Barbara Holford Monica Jackson Jeremy Johnson Yvonne Johnson Kevin Jones Sharyse N. Jones Sandra Jonessmith Linda Kimmy Jordan Lakin Rebecca Lamb Theresa Lawrence Dr. Frederic J. Levine Gill LiPuma Jack Marchbanks Sherrie Matteson Dr. Denise McCory Daniel McGowan Myranda Nash

Mike Oboczky Sandra Otto Daniel Peck Rashad Reece Debra Sharp Joya Shepard Edwina Simmon Ken Srail Susan Szanyi Deborah Tenenbaum March Walker Aaron Watson Katherine Whitmore Wanda Williams Brandi Wilson Victoria Winbusch Danielle Witherspoon

VALUE PASSHOLDERS Shirley D. Adkins Sage Artemis Ms. Patricia M. Benjamin Christine Barnes Gloria Jeanne McElrath-Bey Samantha Bouvier Mark Bradenburger Mr. Peter Brosse Rana Brown Rachel Bryant Jeannette Chappell Jennifer Corrado Monica Dean Mr. Robert J. Dzurilla David Epstein Maura Evans Kimberley Francis Martin Gawry Kelvin Glover Greg Golya James Greenfield Mr. Clifford L. Gulley Odell Bailey

Tom Barron Kate Harvie Jennifer Hawk Barbara Hoffman Nathaniel James Marjorie Jeanchild Jeremy Johnson Yvonne Johnson Helen Barclay-Jones Mr. Jim Keenan Parris Kenney Al Lloyd Tamiko Lloyd Robert Mancuso Paul McClain Harriet McLeod Robert McNerney JD Mercer Michele Myers Marco Napolitano Stephen C. Osborn McKenzie Pausch Cicely Philpot

Mr. James E. Poole David Price Valerie Raines Stephen Ransom Mr. Andrew D. Rice Steve Robinson Steve Robinson Mr. John Rodriguez Madeline Rosenshein Brian Simmons Coverall Walter Sims Marian Sutton James Szabo Kenneth Simon Cassandra Salahuddin Janet Taylor Abu Toure Nadra Tyus Dane Vannatter Mr. Lawrence Walker William Washington Ross Wason

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INVEST ENGAGE INNOVATE LEAD

Investing state and federal dollars, the Ohio Arts Council funds and supports quality arts experiences for all Ohioans to strengthen communities culturally, educationally, and economically.

Learn more about our grant programs and resources, find your next arts experience, or connect: OAC.OHIO.GOV.

Program Spotlight: POETRY OUT LOUD Ohio Poetry Out Loud State Champion Sarah Seidu of St. Francis DeSales High School (Franklin County) reciting a poem at the 2026 State Finals.

She competed at the National Finals in Washington, D.C. Image credit: Terry Gilliam

SUBSCRIBE NOW!

At Tri-C JazzFest, the music inspires us.

Through the Tri-C JazzFest Academy, that inspiration becomes opportunity. I’m proud to support a program that gives young artists the education, mentorship and confidence to pursue their passion while helping ensure the future of jazz remains bright in Cleveland.

— Lorna Wisham, Tri-C Foundation Director Emeritus

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Thank you

to our generous sponsors, donors and partners!

Sponsor list current as of date of publication

PRESENTING SPONSOR

JAZZ MASTER SPONSORS Fran and Jules Belkin

Char and Chuck Fowler

Insurance

Debbie and Jim Strassman

William M. Weiss Foundation

JAZZ LEGEND SPONSOR

FRONT LINE SPONSOR

SHOUT CHORUS Carol A. Cunningham, M.D.

The Ellison Family United States Artists

RHYTHM SECTION John, Carrie, Emma and Lilla O'Brien Ruvene and David Whitehead

PARTNERS

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JAZZFEST EVENT MAP EUCL ID AVE NUE

IDEA CENTER

ALLEN

Vendor Te nts

BULKLEY BUILDING

NR

OAD

Food Truc ks

U

RO

EUCL ID AVE NUE

H

REET TH ST E. 14

NO COOLERS PERMITTED AT EVENT

HANNA

In case of severe weather live music may move indoors.

FESTIVAL ATTRACTIONS SEIBERTKECK INSURANCE STAGE

JAZZ KITCHEN

WILLIAM M. WEISS FOUNDATION NEXT GEN STAGE

VENDOR TENTS

UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS FIRST AID STUDENT ART SHOW

CLEVELAND WATER BUGGY MAIN MERCHANDISE BOOTH

REFRESH DISTRICT WELLNESS • MOVEMENT • RENEWAL • RELEASE

SPOTLIGHT DISTRICT MUSIC • CREATIVITY • CULTURE • DISCOVERY

IMMERSIVE SURROUND SOUND EXHIBIT

EDUCATIONAL TALKS AT WESTFIELD THEATRE

FOOD TRUCKS

JAMBOREE AFTER PARTY

FA M I LY D I STR I CT

FOOD TENTS

YO! CRASH MOBILE RAGE ROOM

PLAY • LEARNING • SUPPORT • CONNECTION

BEER TENT

DJ THROUGH THE DECADES

INFO BOOTH

PREMIUM PASSHOLDERS LOUNGE AT KENNEDY’S

LATE NIGHT JAM SESSIONS TRI-C ALUMNI TENT KIDS’ CORNER

VIP RESTROOM

Tri-C Academic Schools and Programs Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, and Computer Science Business, Legal Professions and Hospitality Creative Arts Liberal Arts and Sciences Nursing and Health Professions The Center for Entrepreneurs at Corporate College Workforce Innovation Academies

For full performer bios, the most up‑to‑date information and previews of all the fun, scan the QR code or visit tri‑cjazzfest.com.

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