Jazz lovers are in for a treat this summer as the 54th Annual Stanford Jazz Festival returns to the Stanford University campus through July 31, bringing six weeks of acclaimed performers, international artists and genre-defying musical experiences to the Bay Area.
Hosted by Stanford Jazz Workshop, the long-running festival has grown into one of the nation’s premier jazz celebrations since its launch in 1972. This year’s lineup features more than 25 events spanning traditional jazz, Latin jazz, Afro-Cuban music, Brazilian influences, Indian jazz fusion, family-friendly programming and special centennial tributes honoring some of the genre’s most influential figures.
The festival will also commemorate two jazz giants with special centennial celebrations recognizing the legacies of Miles Davis and Jimmy Heath. These performances will feature trumpeter Jeremy Pelt alongside pianist Jeb Patton and bassist David Wong, paying tribute to two musicians whose influence continues to shape modern jazz.
Latin jazz and global music traditions will play a major role throughout the festival. Highlights include Brazilian vocalist Luciana Souza’s New Moon project, featuring guitarist Marcel Camargo and a string quartet, as well as performances by Camila Meza, Yilian Cañizares and Cuban pianist Aldo López-Gavilán. The opening night Indian Jazz Journey, led by saxophonist George Brooks and renowned Indian vocalist Mahesh Kale, will blend two of the world’s richest improvisational traditions.
Vibraphone enthusiasts can look forward to performances from modern masters Stefon Harris and Sasha Berliner, while fan favorites such as Taylor Eigsti, Guitar Night, Ruth Davies’ Blues Night and the Festival’s All-Star Jam Session return to delight audiences.
Beyond the star-studded lineup, the festival continues its educational mission through Stanford Jazz Workshop, which connects aspiring young musicians with many of the artists performing throughout the summer.
“This year’s Festival reflects jazz as a living, global force,” said Executive Director Cory Combs. “Audiences will experience the full heartbeat of this music, reflecting its diversity, dynamism and unifying power.”
With performances spread across Stanford’s picturesque campus, the 2026 Stanford Jazz Festival promises another unforgettable summer celebration of one of America’s greatest art forms.