Sullivan Fortner with Cécile McLorin Salvant and Ambrose Akinmusire

Born in France, Cécile McLorin Salvant is a Grammy-winning jazz singer/composer known for blending jazz, blues, and folk with theatrical flair and historic depth.

New Orleans-born pianist Sullivan Fortner, based in NYC, is renowned for sophisticated post-bop jazz. He won the Cole Porter Fellowship and released acclaimed works like "Aria" and "Moments Preserved." Fortner collaborated with artists such as Cécile McLorin Salvant, Paul Simon, and Kurt Elling, and is celebrated for his lyrical piano style and work with jazz icons like Roy Hargrove.

Born in Oakland, California, Ambrose Akinmusire is a jazz trumpeter known for his bold approach, blending post-bop, funk, and free jazz. He gained attention with 2008's Prelude to Cora and his acclaimed 2011 Blue Note debut, When the Heart Emerges Glistening. Collaborating with artists like Kendrick Lamar and Becca Stevens, Akinmusire won major competitions and worked with legends like Steve Coleman. His work includes Origami Harvest with Mivos Quartet and recent collaborations with guitarist Bill Frisell. Notable for exploring the Black experience in jazz, he has a master's from USC.