Gulf Coast Summer Fest with Mindi Abair, Spyro Gyra, and more

Saxophonist Mindi Abair, known for her powerful jazz and blues style, collaborated with stars like Gregg Allman and Joe Perry. She earned 2 GRAMMY nominations, appeared on American Idol, and toured with Duran Duran and Aerosmith, and launched wineandjazz.com.

Formed in Buffalo, NY, Spyro Gyra is a pop-jazz fusion band known for hits like "Morning Dance." They blend R&B, pop, and Caribbean music, earning multiple Grammy nominations.

South African-born Jonathan Butler is renowned for blending R&B, pop, jazz fusion, and gospel. Known for hits like "Lies," his album sales and Grammy nods highlight his acclaim. Raised under apartheid, his music often subtly reflects his experiences. His collaborations include Ruby Turner and Stevie Wonder. His albums frequently top jazz charts, with notable works like Grace and Mercy. Living globally, Butler's music celebrates both spiritual and cultural roots.

Born in Greenwich Village and raised in Queens, Najee is a renowned jazz and R&B saxophonist and flutist. Known for his lyrical style, he achieved fame with albums like "Najee's Theme" and "Tokyo Blue." He has collaborated with icons such as Prince, Chaka Khan, and Stanley Clarke, won two NAACP Awards, and topped jazz charts multiple times, most recently with "Center of the Heart."

Memphis-bred saxophonist Kirk Whalum blends gospel, R&B, blues, and jazz. Known for topping charts with "For You" in 1998 and winning a Grammy for "It's What I Do," he's collaborated with Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross, and Al Green. He recorded on The Bodyguard soundtrack, was part of BWB, and released notable albums like The Gospel According to Jazz series and Humanité. Whalum also toured extensively, contributing to soundtracks and covering artists like Stevie Wonder and Babyface.