Art of Jazz

The Art of Jazz returns in 2026 and promises to be an inspiring and electrifying season. Producer and curator Walter Kemp 3 has assembled a collection of performances that capture the pulse of contemporary jazz today.

The series includes a duo, trio, quartet, and quintet, and commences with Blue Note rising star trumpeter Brandon Woody, who brings his longtime band UPENDO. With a passion for percussion, vibraphonist Chien Chien Lu, alongside bassist Richie Goods, brings their innovative quintet, Connected. The incomparable vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant joins creative forces with pianist Sullivan Fortner to deliver an intimate feast for our ears, and award-winning drummer Dave King (The Bad Plus) brings his impressive trio to the AKG stage. Featuring Linda Appleby as Master of Ceremonies, this season will satisfy any jazz aficionado. 

Tickets

Season subscription: $160
AKG member season subscription: $140
General admission (single concert): $45
AKG member general admission (single concert): $40 

Art of Jazz 2026

Cécile McLorin Salvant performs on April 26, 2014. Photo: Tom Loonan

Past Series

Art of Jazz 2025
Art of Jazz 2023–2024 
Art of Jazz—Fall 2019
Art of Jazz 2018–2019
Art of Jazz 2017–2018
Art of Jazz 2016–2017
Art of Jazz 2015–2016

Previous seasons featured performances by Ambrose Akinmusire, Toshiko Akiyoshi, The Bad Plus, Charles Lloyd New Quartet, Dave Douglas Quintet, David Sanford’s Pittsburgh Collective, Dr. Lonnie Smith Trio, Fred Hersch Trio, Mostly Other People Do the Killing, Paul Shapiro's Midnight Minyan, Gregory Porter, Robert Glasper Trio, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Slavic Soul Party, Steve Turre, James “Blood” Ulmer, the Yosvany Terry Quintet, and many more.

Sponsors

The Art of Jazz series is presented by HUNT Real Estate. Additional support is provided by the Buffalo Center for Health Equity.

HUNT Real Estate