Evening Jazz: Jon Wirtz visits with Paul Donovan

After years of performing as both a sideman and band leader, Colorado pianist Jon Wirtz’s graceful transition into a solo artist has been illuminated by his work with Grammy-winning producers Malcolm Burn, Steve Berlin, John Macy, and musical mentor Art Lande. Wirtz's musical journey has seen him grace stages and share billing with an eclectic roster of artists including Justin Timberlake, Gregory Alan Isakov, Victor Wooten (Bela Fleck), Buddy Guy, and George Porter Jr. (The Meters), among many others. In 2024 he was recognized as a Most Distinguished Musician at the Second Prize level in the IBLA Grand Prize International Music Competition for the title track to his album Beautiful Illusion. Notably, Wirtz’s career has been punctuated by memorable appearances on shows including The Late Show with David Letterman, CBS Early Morning Show, Ellen, and Lopez Tonight (George Lopez). Each performance is a testament to his versatility across a wide spectrum of musical genres.

Jon will be performing a set entitled “Perspectives”, rearranging some original compositions, and doing a lot of improvisation.

Joining Jon will be Shane Endsley of Kneebody on trumpet, and Charles Parker Mertens of Rapidgrass on bass, on Sunday, March 2 at Muse Performance Space in Lafayette.

Jon joins Paul Donovan on Monday, February 24 at 4 p.m. on Evening Jazz.