Jazz News: Vail Jazz 2026; Christian McBride steps down at Newport Jazz Festival; Brandee Younger Kicks Off Denver Jazz Fest
This is Jazz News, a look at what’s news in jazz, music, and the arts.
Vail has always been a jazz hotspot in the Rocky Mountain Range with a commitment to both performance and education. This summer marked the 30th Annual Vail Jazz Workshop. Since its inception, over 300 high school-aged musicians have immersed themselves in the art of improvisation, theory, and performance, while learning invaluable lessons in listening, collaboration, and leadership throughout this 9-day workshop. Students then take on the big stage at the Vail Jazz Festival, which brings world-class jazz performances, unforgettable collaborations, and community celebration to Vail every year. With the conclusion of the 2025 season, the 32nd Annual Vail Jazz Festival planning has already begun. Mark your calendars for this Colorado favorite returning Labor Day Weekend 2026, September 4-6. SOURCE: Vail Jazz
Last Friday, October 3, marked the centennial of George Wein, the founder of the Newport Jazz Festival, which in its over 70 years of existence, has honored the evolution of jazz and uplifted the most forward-thinking musicians of the art form. George Wein served as the festival's artistic director until 2015, when he personally appointed nine-time Grammy-winning bassist, composer, and educator Christian McBride as the festival's next Artistic Director. Since 2017, McBride has worked to preserve the festival's rich history and legacy by curating Iconic artists alongside "jazz adjacent" talent reflecting the current jazz landscape. At the end of September, Christian McBride announced his resignation with the statement: “It has been a tremendous honor to serve as artistic director of the Newport Jazz Festival. When George invited me to take the baton, I did so with deep pride and a sense of duty to continue the extraordinary legacy he built—celebrating jazz’s past, present, and future. As the festival continues to grow and shift, I’ve come to recognize that my vision is best pursued in other ways. I step away with deep gratitude for the experience and pride in what we've built together. Every festival season has been a joy, and I’ll always cherish the moments we created together at Fort Adams. Newport will always be a part of me." In a recent post on the official Newport Jazz Festival Instagram account, they returned the love, stating, "We can’t wait to welcome you back home to the Newport stage, Christian. You are leaving us changed for the better, and we will do our best to carry on your indelible legacy."
McBride will serve as the music director and host one last time at George Wein’s Centennial Celebration at City Winery in New York City on Oct. 7, 2025, before officially stepping down from the role.
SOURCE: WUN/Christian McBride steps down; Instagram/Newport Jazz Festival
Grammy-nominated Harpist Brandee Younger continues the mission of Dorothy Ashby and Alice Coltrane of bringing the harp into mainstream jazz. Younger quite literally bridges past and present with her latest album, "Gadabout Season," which was recorded on the legendary Alice Coltrane’s harp. Now a 2025 Doris Duke Artist Award recipient and fresh off her historic Hollywood Bowl performance with Stevie Wonder, Younger has announced an extensive international tour, with performances at major European festivals and concert halls as well as a robust North American slate through Spring 2026. This includes a stop in Denver at Dazzle on October 28. Younger's performance is the first of 3 pre-fest events officially kicking off the 2nd annual Denver Jazz Fest.
Others include The Colorado Mambo Orchestra on November 13, at The Pearl, and Three Visitor on November 25, at Dazzle.
SOURCE: Brandee Younger; Denver Jazz /tickets
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