Jazz Artist in Residence

Christian McBride, bass
October 6–12, 2014
Bassist, composer, arranger, educator, curator, and administrator Christian McBride has significantly impacted the jazz world over the past two decades. Born in Philadelphia, McBride moved to New York City in 1989 to study at the Juilliard School, but his career quickly took off when he joined alto saxophonist Bobby Watson. Since then, McBride’s achievements have been impressive, with numerous recordings, including his latest trio album, Out Here. He has collaborated with an array of jazz legends such as Milt Jackson, Roy Haynes, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, and Pat Metheny, as well as with prominent figures in the R&B and pop genres, including Isaac Hayes, Chaka Khan, Lalah Hathaway, Sting, and James Brown. McBride’s versatility and talent have established him as a leading figure in contemporary music.

Rufus Reid, bass
December 5–11, 2016
Rufus Reid, one of today’s premier bassists on the international jazz scene, has a multifaceted career that spans performance, education, and composition. With a solid reputation as an educator, he co-created the Jazz Studies & Performance Program at William Paterson University with Dr. Martin Krivin. Reid has participated in the BMI Jazz Composer’s Workshop for five years, composing works for string orchestra, jazz ensembles, concert band, double bass ensemble, and solo bass. He continues to teach globally through master classes, workshops, and residencies. His book, The Evolving Bassist, published since 1974, remains the definitive method for bassists and a standard in the industry.

Mimi Jones, bass
February 4–10, 2019
Mimi Jones, a multifaceted artist with over two decades on the jazz scene, is celebrated for her talents as a bassist, vocalist, producer, and filmmaker. She has produced three acclaimed CDs under her own label, showcasing her innovative approach to jazz. As a Jazz Ambassador, Jones has toured globally for the U.S. State Department, sharing her music and cultural insights with diverse audiences worldwide. Her dynamic career also includes collaborations with prominent jazz musicians, contributing to her reputation as a versatile and influential figure in jazz. Beyond performance, Jones is dedicated to mentoring young musicians and advocating for greater representation of women in jazz, further solidifying her impact on the genre.

Marion Hayden, bass
November 4–6, 2020
Hailing from the Detroit legacy of bassists, Hayden displays openness and mobility through her playing, tempered by an unwavering sense of time and a lyrical solo style. A co-founder of the jazz quintet Straight Ahead, a five-woman ensemble, she has recorded with Atlantic Jazz and performed with the likes of Lionel Hampton, Ellis Marsalis, Kirk Lightsey, Martha Reeves, and many other prominent jazz musicians. Hayden has received rave reviews from publications ranging from the Detroit Free Press to the Boston Globe to the New York Times. Hayden studied as a master’s student in MSU’s Jazz Studies program.

Tim Froncek, drums
February 16–20, 2015
Tim Froncek, a distinguished musical director and drummer, has made a significant impact as a performer, teacher, and lecturer. Honored as the 2004 “Jazz Musician of the Year” by the West Michigan Jazz Society, Froncek has played with jazz legends such as Woody Herman and the Thundering Herd, Bobby Shew, Bill Watrous, Randy Brecker, Phil Woods, Rufus Reid, and Jon Faddis. His passion for jazz, sparked by its beat and groove, naturally led him to the drums. As an educator, Froncek directs the jazz program at the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp and serves as an affiliate professor at Grand Valley State University. Additionally, he is the musical director for both the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra and Muskegon’s Truth in Jazz Orchestra, cementing his role as a pivotal figure in the jazz community.

Jimmy Cobb, drums
November 30–December 6, 2015
Legendary jazz drummer Jimmy Cobb, the elder statesman of all the Miles Davis bands, is celebrated for his inspirational work with Davis, John Coltrane, and Cannonball Adderley from 1957 to 1963. This period included the creation of the masterpiece Kind of Blue, as well as other iconic albums such as Sketches of Spain, Someday My Prince Will Come, Live at Carnegie Hall, and Porgy and Bess. Beyond his tenure with Davis, Cobb’s extensive career saw him collaborate with a plethora of jazz legends, including Dinah Washington, Pearl Bailey, Dizzy Gillespie, Billie Holiday, and more. In recognition of his profound impact on jazz, Cobb received the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters award in 2009.

Harvey Mason, drums
December 4–10, 2017
Harvey Mason has enjoyed a prolific career as a studio musician, jazz drummer, record producer, and a founding member of the contemporary jazz supergroup Fourplay. Renowned for his versatile drumming style, Mason has seamlessly navigated various genres, contributing to countless recordings and performances across the music industry. His expertise and adaptability have made him a sought-after musician in jazz, pop, R&B, and beyond. Mason will be visiting, teaching, and performing with the MSU Jazz Orchestra I at several Michigan schools, colleges, and art academies in Kalamazoo, Ann Arbor, Traverse City, and Detroit, where he will share his extensive knowledge and passion for music with students and audiences.

Kenny Washington, drums
Dec. 2–8, 2019
The Brooklyn-born Kenny Washington appeared on the scene as a young, hard-bop revivalist in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s and became an in-demand performer with some of the biggest names in jazz. A prolific freelancer and session musician, Washington originally studied with Dizzy Gillespie drummer Rudy Collins and attended New York’s LaGuardia High School for Music and Art. Washington compiled an enormous discography performing with prominent, legendary jazz musicians including Ronnie Matthews, Lee Konitz, Betty Carter, Johnny Griffin, Dizzy Gillespie, Clark Terry, George Cables, Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton, Sonny Stitt, James Spaulding, Phil Woods, Bill Charlap, Bobby Watson, Curtis Lundy and Tommy Flanagan. He currently plays with Ahmad Jamal.

Lewis Nash, drums
November 29–December 3, 2021
Drummer Lewis Nash boasts one of the longest discographies in jazz with more than 400 records, earning him the title of Jazz’s Most Valuable Player by Modern Drummer Magazine. Noted for his adaptability to an array of genres, Nash has recorded as a bandleader and has performed with a wide variety of musicians from Tommy Flanagan to Don Pullen. In 2012, The Nash Jazz Club opened in Phoenix, AZ. Named after Nash by Jazz in AZ, The Nash Jazz Club is dedicated to performances and educational programs that promote jazz education.

Stefon Harris, vibraphone
February 21–27, 2022
While immensely talented as a musician and composer, vibraphonist Stefon Harris also excels as an educator, developer and thought leader. Harris is the associate dean and director of jazz arts at the Manhattan School of Music, co-developer of a revolutionary ear training software, and sought-after presenter on corporate leadership using jazz as a metaphor. His recent album Sonic Creed has been named album of the year by WBGO, the world’s leading jazz radio station.

Sylvia Cuenca, drums
December 4–10, 2023
An active drummer on the New York jazz scene, Sylvia Cuenca has delivered outstanding jazz performances across the globe. A dynamic and versatile musician, Cuenca has been mentored by and performed alongside some of the biggest names in jazz. She has played with esteemed trios such as those of Joe Henderson, Charlie Haden, and George Mraz, and has toured extensively with the Clark Terry Quintet and Big Band. Her impressive career has seen her grace iconic venues like the Village Vanguard, Birdland, and Blue Note, as well as notable festivals throughout the U.S., Europe, the Caribbean, and South America. Cuenca’s contributions to jazz continue to resonate, highlighting her as a vital presence in the jazz world.

Peter Bernstein, guitar
March 2–8, 2015
Jazz guitarist Peter Bernstein has significantly impacted the jazz scene, contributing to over 80 recordings and performing with musicians from various generations. As a leader, he has released nine albums and a DVD. While attending the New School, he met legendary guitarist Jim Hall, who praised him as “the most impressive guitarist I’ve heard.” In the 1990s, Bernstein was a regular member of Lou Donaldson’s group, with Donaldson noting, “Some people just have it… but Peter knows it all.” Bernstein’s latest release, Solo Guitar – Live at Smalls, offers an intimate live performance at New York City’s Smalls jazz club, showcasing his exceptional artistry.

Russell Malone, guitar
October 10–16, 2016
Guitarist Russell Malone, known for his versatility and soulful style, began his career with jazz organist Jimmy Smith in 1988 and toured with Harry Connick, Jr. from 1990 to 1994. In the late 1990s, he gained international acclaim touring and recording with Diana Krall. Malone’s extensive collaborations include performances with Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson, Bucky Pizzarelli, Jack McDuff, Freddie Cole, Mulgrew Miller, Kenny Barron, Roy Hargrove, and Patti Austin. He also featured in Robert Altman’s 1996 film “Kansas City” and has a rich recording history, making him a highly respected figure in the jazz world.

Mark Whitfield, guitar
December 1–9, 2018
Mark Whitfield, an acclaimed jazz guitarist, has built an illustrious career marked by collaborations with a who’s-who list of jazz legends. Since leaving his roots at Berklee College of Music in the late 1980s, Whitfield quickly rose to prominence, earning the title of “The Best Young Guitarist in the Business” from the New York Times in 1990. His virtuosic playing and innovative style have garnered numerous accolades over the years. Whitfield’s versatility has led to performances and recordings with jazz greats such as Dizzy Gillespie, Art Blakey, Herbie Hancock, and Wynton Marsalis. Beyond performance, Whitfield has released several critically acclaimed albums as a bandleader, showcasing his mastery and contribution to the evolution of jazz guitar. He is also a dedicated educator, sharing his expertise through teaching and mentoring the next generation of jazz musicians.

Bruce Forman, guitar
January 30–February 3, 2023
With his Texas origins, his early career in San Francisco and New York, and his years on the road, Bruce Forman will bring his unique spin on jazz to his residency this year. The guitarist, who always has multiple projects in the works, “can shred bebop at blistering tempos with the best of ‘em,” but his music has also been described as “hobo chic” and “western bebop.” An innovator and an educator, Forman added a new wrinkle to an already diverse history of the MSUFCU Jazz Artist in Residence program.

Kenny Barron, piano
February 8–14, 2016
Honored by The National Endowment for the Arts as a 2010 Jazz Master, Kenny Barron captivates audiences with his elegant playing, sensitive melodies, and infectious rhythms. The Los Angeles Times has named him “one of the top jazz pianists in the world,” while Jazz Weekly hails him as “the most lyrical piano player of our time.” Globally recognized as a master of both performance and composition, Barron consistently tops jazz critics and readers polls. His accolades include induction into the American Jazz Hall of Fame and the 2005 MAC Lifetime Achievement Award. Additionally, Barron is a six-time recipient of the Best Pianist award by the Jazz Journalists Association, cementing his legacy as a jazz luminary.

Helen Sung, piano
February 5–11, 2018
Helen Sung is an acclaimed jazz pianist and composer, and a 2021 Guggenheim Fellow. A native of Houston, Texas, and graduate of its High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA), she eschewed her classical piano upbringing after a jazz epiphany during undergraduate studies at the University of Texas at Austin. Helen went on to become part of the inaugural class of the Thelonious Monk Institute (now the Herbie Hancock Institute) at the New England Conservatory of Music. Her newest album Quartet+ (Sunnyside Records), garnered a 4.5 star DownBeat review and inclusion in its “Best of 2021 Albums” list, and a JazzTimes cover story (January 2022 issue), while previous releases Sung With Words (Stricker Street), a collaborative project with renowned poet Dana Gioia, and Anthem For A New Day (Concord Jazz) topped the jazz charts.

Bruce Barth, piano
February 3–9, 2020
Bruce Barth has been sharing his fluent piano style, imaginative arrangements of jazz standards, and original compositions worldwide for more than 25 years. Originally from Pasadena, California, Barth arrived in New York in 1988 and started working with Stanley Turrentine and Terence Blanchard. He recorded his first two CDs as a leader while in Blanchard’s band; both made the New York Times’ top 10 lists. Barth has performed on over 125 recordings and movie soundtracks. His trio has recorded live at the legendary Village Vanguard in New York City, and has appeared at major European festivals, including San Sebastian, La Spezia, and San Javier. His duo recording Home with saxophonist Steve Wilson was chosen by Down Beat magazine as one of the best recordings of 2010. His recent release Sun-day was recorded live in Spain and features tenor saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi.

Renee Rosnes, piano
October 4–8, 2921
Renee Rosnes’ already distinguished career continues to reach new levels marked by new music, exciting collaborations, and ever-evolving musicianship. Upon moving to New York from Vancouver, Canada in 1985, she quickly established a reputation of the highest regard, touring and recording with such masters as Joe Henderson, Wayne Shorter, Bobby Hutcherson, JJ Johnson, Buster Williams and James Moody. She was the pianist for the Carnegie Hall Jazz Orchestra and a founding member of the all-star ensemble, the SFJAZZ Collective, with whom she toured and recorded for six years. In 1990, Renee released her debut album on Blue Note Records and went on to record 10 albums for the legendary company. In 2018, The Montréal Jazz Festival presented Renee with the Oscar Peterson Prize in recognition of her exceptional contributions to jazz. She is also a 14-year member of NEA Jazz Master Ron Carter’s Foursight Quartet.

Geoffrey Keezer, piano
October 16–22, 2023
Grammy-winning pianist, composer, and arranger Geoffrey Keezer has been captivating audiences with his expressive virtuosity since his teenage years performing in clubs. Renowned for his dynamic range and technical prowess, Keezer has toured and recorded with jazz legends such as Ray Brown, Roy Hargrove, Joshua Redman, Diana Krall, Art Farmer, Benny Golson, Christian McBride, and many others. In addition to his extensive performance career, he has produced and arranged three Grammy-nominated recordings with vocalist Denise Donatelli. Keezer’s innovative approach and contributions to jazz have solidified his reputation as a leading figure in contemporary jazz music.

Bobby Floyd, organ
March 18–24, 2024
Bobby Floyd’s passion for playing piano, organ, and keyboards was evident from the age of two, driven by his natural talent, love of music, and years of dedicated practice. Whether performing jazz or gospel, as a soloist, with a trio, or a big band, Floyd’s unique and inspirational style has led to numerous distinguished appearances worldwide. He has performed extensively across the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Japan, gracing major jazz festivals, concert halls, and nightclubs. Floyd’s impressive touring resume includes collaborations with legendary artists such as Ray Charles, Jeff Tyzik, Chris Howes, and Sarah Morrow, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and dynamic musician.

George Benson, saxophone
February 16–20, 2015
George Benson started playing saxophone at the age of eleven, first with a “C” melody saxophone and then with an alto saxophone. He played sax in both the junior and senior high school bands and began his professional career at the age of sixteen, performing with a big band under the supervision of his father, who had to sign for him to join the musicians union. Following his draft into the army, Benson joined the 264th Army Band in Hawaii and played bassoon in the All Service Band. He continued to thrive in his musical career as both a leader and a sought-after sideman, contributing significantly to many Motown recordings in the 1960s, particularly with Marvin Gaye. Known for his educational contributions, Benson authored the book Jazz Etudes Over Classic Jazz Changes. In 1988, he was honored with the National Association of Jazz Educator’s Outstanding Service to Jazz Education award. His release, George Benson Sax Master, showcased his enduring talent and influence in the jazz world. In 1983, he recorded with J. C. Heard on Heard’s first album as leader since 1958, with pianist Claude Black and Canadian bassist Dave Young. Benson co-led an album with Heard in 1988. Mr. Benson passed away on March 9, 2019.

Tim Warfield, Jr., saxophone
February 29–March 6, 2016
Tim Warfield, Jr. began studying the saxophone at age nine and gained early recognition by placing third at the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition in 1991. He has appeared on television programs such as the Today Show and Ted Turner’s Trumpet Awards and has performed with notable artists including Donald Byrd, Michelle Rosewoman, Marcus Miller, Christian McBride, Winard Harper, Dizzy Gillespie, Johnny Coles, Shirley Scott, and Kenny Barron. Warfield has contributed to several Grammy©-nominated recordings, highlighting his significant impact on the jazz genre. His latest release, Spherical: Dedicated to Thelonious Sphere Monk, was issued in March 2015 on the Criss Cross label. Additionally, Warfield joined the Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia under the direction of Terell Stafford, further cementing his status as a prominent figure in contemporary jazz.

Anat Cohen, clarinet and saxophone
February 6–12, 2017
Clarinetist-saxophonist Anat Cohen has captivated audiences globally with her expressive virtuosity and engaging stage presence. She has headlined prestigious festivals such as Newport, Umbria, SF Jazz, and North Sea Jazz. In March 2015, Anzic Records released Luminosa, her seventh album as a bandleader, further showcasing her talent and innovation. Born in Tel Aviv, Israel, Cohen grew up in a musical family and honed her skills at the Tel Aviv School for the Arts, “Thelma Yellin” High School for the Arts, and the Jaffa Music Conservatory. Following her education, she served from 1993 to 1995 in the Israeli Air Force Band, playing tenor saxophone. Cohen’s rich cultural background and rigorous training have made her a prominent figure in the contemporary jazz scene.

Steve Wilson, saxophone
March 19–25, 2018
Known for his distinctive sound, Steve Wilson has contributed to over 150 recordings with celebrated artists, garnering critical acclaim for his versatility and technical prowess. His impact on the jazz world is profound, both as a performer and as an educator. Wilson has attained ubiquitous status in the studio and on the stage with the greatest names in jazz. A bandleader in his own right, Jazz Times called him “the consummate saxophonist-composer and “one of the finest alto and soprano saxophonists of our time.” His distinctive sound can be heard on recordings by Chick Corea, George Duke, Michael Brecker, Dave Holland, Dianne Reeves, Bill Bruford, Joe Henderson, Charlie Byrd, Billy Childs, Mulgrew Miller, and many others. Wilson has several recordings under his own name, leading and collaborating with such stellar musicians as Lewis Nash, Carl Allen, Cyrus Chestnut, Greg Hutchinson, Dennis Irwin, James Genus, Larry Grenadier, Ray Drummond, Ben Riley, Nicholas Payton, Orrin Evans, Ugonna Okegwo and Bill Stewart.

Melissa Aldana, saxophone
September 30–October 6, 2018
Melissa Aldana, a groundbreaking South American musician, has made a significant impact since her teenage debut at the Panama Jazz Festival, Blue Note Jazz Club, and Monterey Jazz Festival. A native of Santiago, Chile, Aldana was the first female musician, the first South American person, and the youngest person at age 24 to win the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition Her unique sound and artistic flair have been showcased in popular recordings since 2010, earning her critical acclaim and a dedicated following. Aldana’s innovative approach to jazz blends traditional and contemporary elements, making her a prominent figure in the global jazz scene. In addition to her performance career, she is an influential educator, inspiring the next generation of musicians through workshops and masterclasses worldwide.

Charles McPherson, saxophone
March 17–19, 2021
More in Joplin, Missouri in 1939 and raised in Detroit from the age of nine, Charles McPherson amassed a stellar career which began in the 1960s and remains notable throughout today’s jazz scene. As a saxophonist, arranger and composer, he stays true to his Be-Bop origins while continuing to expand upon his musical influences from his work with Charles Mingus and Wynton Marsalis, among others. An energetic and wise teacher, McPherson is a respected and in demand educator with activities including guest coaching at Juilliard and working as a clinician at numerous other high schools, colleges, and universities in the United States and throughout the world.

Camille Thurman, saxophone
February 27–March 3, 2023
Camille Thurman is a composer, multi-instrumentalist, and vocalist, and she is making her own dynamic contribution to the legacy of jazz while also paying tribute to its heroes. Described as “fluid and powerful on the tenor saxophone and highly inventive as a vocalist,” she also plays bass clarinet, flute, and piccolo. A New York City native, Thurman is a two-time winner of the ASCAP Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composers Award and a winner of the Fulbright Scholars Cultural Ambassador Grant, among other honors.

Robin Eubanks, trombone
December 1–7, 2014
As a renowned jazz trombonist, Robin Eubanks has made significant contributions to the genre through his performances with his groups, EB3 and Mental Images, and as a key member of the critically acclaimed Dave Holland Quintet and Big Band. He has released seven albums as a leader, showcasing his original compositions. Eubanks hails from a distinguished musical family: his mother is a veteran music educator, his brother Kevin Eubanks served as the music director for The Tonight Show, his brother Duane plays trumpet in New York, and their uncle Ray Bryant is a noted jazz pianist. Eubanks is also a tenured Professor of Jazz Trombone at The Oberlin College Conservatory and has received several compositional grants. His release, Klassik Rock Volume 1, further established him as a progressive force in the music world.

Conrad Herwig, trombone
March 20–26, 2017
New York-based jazz trombonist Conrad Herwig has made a significant mark on the jazz world, releasing 20 recordings as a leader and contributing to nearly 200 other sessions with icons like Miles Davis, Joe Henderson, Eddie Palmieri, Tito Puente, Frank Sinatra, Joe Lovano, and Tom Harrell. Herwig’s career began with big band performances alongside legends such as Clark Terry, Cab Calloway, Buddy Rich, Toshiko Akiyoshi, and Mel Lewis. He notably spent several years performing with the Frank Sinatra Orchestra. In recognition of his contributions to jazz, Herwig received the Paul Acket Award (formerly the “Bird Award”) in 2006, highlighting his talent and broadening his audience.

Steve Davis, trombone
March 25–31, 2019
Steve Davis, a leading improviser on the trombone, has been celebrated for his lyrical, hard-swinging style since the 1990s. His masterful technique and expressive playing have earned him critical acclaim and a distinguished place in the jazz world. Davis is an artful collaborator, having worked with an array of jazz greats, including Art Blakey, Jackie McLean, Chick Corea, and Freddie Hubbard. As a bandleader, he has led his own groups on stage and in the recording studio, producing a rich discography that highlights his versatility and creativity. Davis is also a dedicated educator, sharing his expertise with students at institutions such as the Hartt School’s Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz and through numerous workshops and clinics. His contributions to jazz continue to inspire and influence both peers and emerging musicians.

Wycliffe Gordon, trombone
February 3–4, 2021
Wycliffe Gordon, an acclaimed jazz trombonist, composer, and educator, is celebrated for his mastery of the instrument and contributions to jazz. Born on May 29, 1967, in Waynesboro, Georgia, Gordon has performed with top ensembles, including the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, under the direction of Wynton Marsalis. Known for his signature sound and impressive technique, he has released numerous albums as a leader and received multiple awards, including the Jazz Journalists Association’s “Trombonist of the Year.” Beyond performing, Gordon is a dedicated educator, conducting workshops and masterclasses worldwide, and serving as a faculty member at prestigious institutions, including Michigan State University, preceding DownBeat Magazine’s Critic Choice as Tombonist of the Year Michael Dease.

Adrian Mears, trombone
December 5–9, 2022
One of the strongest voices on trombone in the European jazz scene, Adrian Mears has nurtured a distinguished career with numerous collaborations and accomplishments. In addition to a long list of recording credits, Mears was a member of the international sextet Ugetsu which recorded four albums that included many of his compositions and performed at 200 concerts and festivals throughout Europe, China, and Australia. Originally from Australia, he is a dedicated educator at conservatories in Germany and Switzerland.

Brian Lynch, trumpet
October 5–11, 2015
Grammy Award-winning trumpeter Brian Lynch is a legendary figure in jazz, known for his work with Afro-Caribbean pioneer Eddie Palmieri and bebop maestro Phil Woods. An alumnus of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers and the Horace Silver Quintet, Lynch has also collaborated with Latin icons Hector LaVoe and Lila Downs, and pop star Prince. He has released 19 critically acclaimed CDs, earned multiple Grammy nominations, and received grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, Chamber Music America, and Meet the Composer, cementing his influential status in the jazz world.

Michael Philip Mossman, trumpet
October 9–15, 2017
Michael Philip Mossman has been a dynamic figure in the jazz and Latin jazz scenes since he was 17, collaborating with industry legends such as Dizzy Gillespie, Art Blakey, and Tito Puente. A versatile and sought-after trumpeter, band leader, composer, and educator, Mossman has made significant contributions both as a performer and teacher. His early career included a tour of Europe with Anthony Braxton in 1978 and tours with Roscoe Mitchell in the early 1980s. He also did session work in the 1980s, for Styx among others. Mossman is Director of Jazz Studies at the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College/CUNY and is also on the faculty of the Juilliard School.

Tanya Darby, trumpet
October 7–13, 2019
In demand trumpeter Tanya Darby is a veteran member of renowned groups, large ensembles, jazz orchestras and big bands including the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Roy Hargrove Big Band, DIVA Jazz Orchestra, Michel Camilo Big Band, Rufus Reid Large Ensemble and Manhattan Jazz Orchestra. Her high-energy style keeps her in demand as a performer, master clinician and educator, and as an adjudicator at numerous festivals. She is chair of the brass area at the Berklee College of Music.

Terell Stafford, trumpet
October 5–9, 2020
Jazz trumpeter Terell Stafford is a renowned, versatile musician and esteemed jazz educator. He is the director of Jazz Studies and chair of Instrumental Studies at Temple University, founder of the Terell Stafford Quintet, and managing director of the Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia. Stafford began playing trumpet at 13, studied at Rutgers University, and has performed with legends like Benny Golson, McCoy Tyner, and the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Alumni Band. He has also appeared on shows like The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and NPR’s Billy Taylor’s Jazz at the Kennedy Center.

Vanessa Rubin, voice
March 15–19, 2022
Jazz vocalist Vanessa Rubin is celebrated for her “crystalline clarity, hearth-like warmth, and playful lioness sass,” bringing a rich tapestry of influences to her vocal performances. Known for her ability to tell captivating musical stories, Rubin’s talent shines through her albums and numerous guest appearances. She is a favorite at jazz clubs and festivals both in the U.S. and internationally, captivating audiences with her dynamic presence and expressive voice. In addition to her performing career, Rubin is an accomplished producer and a dedicated educator and clinician, working with youth in communities and educational institutions around the world to foster the next generation of musicians.

Carmen Bradford, voice
October 3–7, 2022
As the third generation of a family of incredible musicians, vocalist Carmen Bradford has carved out her own place in jazz music history. Discovered by Count Basie at the age of 22, she was the featured vocalist in his band for nine years. Since then, she has proven herself to be jazz royalty through performances with everyone from Wynton Marsalis to Lena Horne, from Tony Bennett to James Brown, and from Frank Sinatra to Willie Nelson. She brings passion to the lyrics, and her work reflects a depth of musical experience and technical brilliance. Bradford joined the faculty of the MSU Jazz Studies program in 2024.

Jazzmeia Horn, voice
February 5–11, 2024
Jazz vocalist Jazzmeia Horn has earned top honors at two of the most prestigious jazz competitions, the Thelonious Monk Institute International Jazz Competition and the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition. However, it is her big-band debut album, Dear Love, that has the jazz world buzzing about her as the next breakout star of the genre. This critically acclaimed release features performances with the Noble Force ensemble, showcasing the talents of pianist Keith Brown, bassist Eric Wheeler, drummer Anwar Marshall, and saxophonist Bruce Williams. Known for her rich, expressive voice and dynamic stage presence, Horn has quickly established herself as a leading light in contemporary jazz, captivating audiences worldwide with her innovative approach and deep connection to the jazz tradition.