2023 Lineup / PG&E Hammer Theatre Stage

Isaiah Collier’s sound is a dynamic flurry of metaphors– he calls his influences a “sonic time machine,” and The New York Times describes him as an “heir apparent to […] the post-Coltrane sax tradition.”

Yvonne Flores is a San Francisco-born jazz vocalist and composer inspired by musical legends Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Frank Sinatra and Joni Mitchell, and others. Her eclectic live show performance will showcase songs from her debut album Sheer Bliss highlighting her unique stylings in jazz, contemporary pop as well as a sprinkle of Latin and Brazilian rhythms.

Emmy Award nominated Benny Benack III is not only a fiery trumpet player with a stirring command of the post-bop trumpet vernacular, but also a singer with a sly, mature, naturally expressive delivery. The 2022 DownBeat Critics Poll recently featured him as both a Rising Star Male Vocalist and Rising Star Trumpeter.

Soul Message Band is founded on the 25-year partnership of the celebrated Hammond B3 organist Chris Foreman and drummer Greg Rockingham, aka “The Rock.” The pair have an unmistakable chemistry that has taken them to venues around the world as both headliners and as an opening group for Steely Dan, now with veteran guitarist Lee Rothenberg.

Journey Through Multicultural Jazz & Dance is a thrilling showcase of global traditions that are practiced in Silicon Valley today, with groups presenting music and movement styles rooted in the traditions of Georgia, India, Mexico, and the Silk Road. The performance was commissioned by Mosaic America, a nonprofit organization that fosters belonging by connecting multicultural people to place and history.

Hailed by Variety Magazine as “one of contemporary jazz’s most talented and inventive musicians” and DownBeat Magazine as “The Jazz Warrior-Goddess,” Steinway artist and pianist Connie Han performs with a fiery contemporary style, “combining the precision of her training as a classical pianist with the improvisation, and irrepressible emotion, of her heroes Freddie Hubbard and Kenny Kirkland.” (Variety)

Together, Kenny Washington, Nicolas Bearde and Jamie Davis are the Vocal Gents of Jazz. Having given memorable performances at Summer Fest in years past, they are teaming up for the very first time, offering individual and ensemble interpretations of the music of Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Joe Williams.

Orquesta La Moderna Tradición plays traditional and modern Cuban music, wowing dancers and music aficionados alike with their original take on the sweet but driving grooves of charanga. For this special set, they’re joined by dancers Roberto Borrell and Grace Torres.