2026 Artist Line Up
JOSÉ JAMES
Celebrating 100 years of Coltrane, José James reimagines the genius of jazz’s spiritual father with an electrifying new tribute. Internationally acclaimed jazz singer and producer José James returns with his most ambitious project to date: a soul-stirring homage to the legendary saxophonist John Coltrane.
Thirty years in the making, Facing East had its world premiere in 2013 via a European tour, including performances at Ancienne Belgique, North Sea Jazz, Nice Jazz Festival, and Ronnie Scott’s. Since then, James has released over 10 albums for Blue Note Records and his own Rainbow Blonde Records while presenting transformative tributes to iconic artists such as Billie Holiday, Bill Withers, Erykah Badu, and Marvin Gaye.
With Facing East, James turns his focus to his self-professed “musical father,” John Coltrane, continuing a profound musical exploration of the iconic composer’s work during the centennial year of his birth. Performing a setlist spanning Coltrane’s early days as a bandleader on Atlantic Records to his dynamic later work for Impulse! Records, James honors one of the most brilliant composers, improvisers, and balladeers in the history of jazz.
James, who first exploded onto the international jazz scene in 2008 with his groundbreaking vocalese cover of “Equinox,” is no stranger to the Coltrane oeuvre. In 2011, James was invited to perform as a featured guest on three international tours with McCoy Tyner, becoming the third vocalist in history to perform with the brilliant pianist and cornerstone of Coltrane’s celebrated classic quartet. The project, a musical exploration of the celebrated 1963 John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman album, was met with great acclaim throughout Japan, Taiwan, China, the USA, the United Kingdom, and Europe.
Joined by an ensemble of world-class contemporary jazz musicians, James reimagines Coltrane’s music for a new generation of listeners. Facing East is a bold, heartfelt tribute to the boundless creativity of John Coltrane, a towering figure whose music continues to inspire and transform generations. This project transcends tribute—it’s a spiritual journey that captures the essence of Coltrane’s genius and reimagines it for today.
Featuring:
José James (vocals), Ebban Dorsey (saxophone), Julius Rodriguez (piano), Ben Williams (bass), Jonathan Pinson (drums)
Learn more about José James at https://www.josejamesmusic.com/
Photo by Janette Beckman
BOBBY WEST
Pianist, composer, and cultural steward, Bobby West is a living legend and a central figure in the Los Angeles jazz continuum. West stands as both a master musician and a vital link between generations of the city’s creative community. His artistry is deeply rooted in the legacy of Central Avenue and Leimert Park, where he emerged as part of a lineage shaped by the visionary influence of Horace Tapscott.
Born into a Louisiana family with deep roots in New Orleans, and shaped by ancestral traditions that span the Caribbean and West Africa, West’s musical identity reflects a profound cultural inheritance. By age eight, after relocating to South Central Los Angeles, he was immersed in the city’s rich jazz ecosystem, absorbing the influence of its pianistic giants and its community-driven ethos
West later studied at Grambling State University, while continuing to develop a career that would span decades across the United States, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. His work as a performer and collaborator has placed him alongside an extraordinary range of artists, including Kamasi Washington, Branford Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, Pharoah Sanders, Roy Hargrove, Ray Charles, Gladys Knight, Smokey Robinson, Billy Higgins, Eddie Harris, Horace Tapscott, and many others.
Although widely respected for decades within professional and community circles, West reached broader recorded recognition later in his career, beginning with Leimert Park After Dark (2021), followed by Big Trippin’ (2023), both of which introduced new audiences to his expansive musical vision and earned chart recognition. His earlier recording, Hip Prophecy, was later reissued, and his most recent work, Requiem for Mary Turner, continues to reflect an evolving artistic voice grounded in history, memory, and cultural expression.
West remains a guiding force in Los Angeles jazz, whose artistry, mentorship, and composition reflect the enduring spirit of Leimert Park.
A revered artist, educator, and cultural steward, West has spent decades shaping the sound and spirit of Los Angeles jazz. His artistry reflects the traditions of the Horace Tapscott lineage and the creative energy that has made Leimert Park one of the most important cultural communities in the nation.
Learn more about Bobby West at https://www.bobbywestmusic.com/
Photo by Quency Yen
WEST COAST GET DOWN
Celebrating the Life and Music of Ryan Porter (1979-2026)
West Coast Get Down is the acclaimed groundbreaking Los Angeles collective whose genre-defying blend of jazz, funk, soul, hip-hop, and fusion helped redefine modern jazz for a new generation.
Emerging from the vibrant musical communities of South Los Angeles, Leimert Park, and Watts, this close-knit group of lifelong friends and collaborators — including Kamasi Washington, Miles Mosley, Tony Austin, Ryan Porter, Cameron Graves, Brandon Coleman, and Patrice Quinn — exploded into the mainstream through their contributions to Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly and Kamasi’s The Epic.
This special performance honors the life and legacy of trombonist, composer, and Los Angeles native Ryan Porter (1979–2026). A defining voice of contemporary West Coast jazz, Porter drew deeply from the traditions of funk, soul, blues, and the African diaspora, creating music that was both rooted and forward-looking. Throughout his career, he performed and recorded with an extraordinary range of artists including Snoop Dogg, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Freddie Hubbard, Quincy Jones, Dr Dre, Stevie Wonder, Raphael Saadiq, Rihanna, Gnarls Barkley, Cameo and Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra.
Porter was a founding member and creative force within West Coast Get Down, helping shape the collective’s distinctive sound through years of collaboration, experimentation, and community-building. In tribute to his profound love of music and unwavering spirit, West Coast Get Down will perform selections from Porter’s original compositions and arrangements, celebrating the enduring legacy of an artist whose generosity, creativity, and artistry will inspire generations to come.
Learn more about West Coast Get Down at https://milesmosley.com/west-coast-get-down
Photo by Quency Yen
MELENA
Afro-Cuban percussionist, educator and cultural ambassador, Melena brings the rhythms and traditions of Cuba.
Born in Havana and trained as an ethnomusicologist at UCLA, Melena Francis Valdes has performed with an extraordinary roster of artists including Barry White, Stevie Wonder, Julio Iglesias and Macy Gray among others.
Through her artistry and scholarship, she preserves and celebrates the rich tradition of Afro- Cuban music while bringing its energy to contemporary audiences.
Her electrifying performances are rooted in rhythm, heritage, and the enduring influence of the African diaspora.
Learn more about Melena at https://melena.com/
Photo by Bruce Martin
KENNETH BROWN II
Born in Inglewood and shaped by Los Angeles’ rich musical community, Kenneth has already performed alongside some of today’s most accomplished artists while developing a distinctive voice rooted in jazz tradition and contemporary Black music. A graduate of Morehouse College and UCLA, he is quickly emerging as one of Southern California’s most exciting young artists.
Don’t miss Kenneth Brown II as the Featured Artist in this year’s Emerging Artist Set.
The future of jazz is unfolding right here in our community.
Learn more about Kenneth Brown II at https://www.kennethbrownmusic.com/
PULLUM CENTER YOUTH JAZZ BAND
For decades, Fernando Pullum has mentored and inspired generations of young musicians throughout Los Angeles, helping launch artistic careers while preserving the traditions and values of jazz. This opening performance celebrates the importance of music education, mentorship, and creating pathways for the next generation
Learn more about the Pullum Center at https://www.pullumcenter.org/
Photo by Karim Saafir