Dubbed by DownBeat magazine as “All Killer, No Filler,” Sonoma County’s premier summer music event, Healdsburg Jazz Festival (HJF), returns to the heart of Northern California’s internationally renowned wine country for its 28th annual festival from June 12-21, 2026, featuring many of today’s most celebrated jazz master’s alongside a new generation of artists shaping the future of the music.
Held across Healdsburg’s most picturesque venues — from historic theaters and intimate jazz clubs to celebrated Sonoma wineries, Michelin-starred restaurants and vibrant public plazas – the festival continues its tradition as one of the most beloved destination jazz events in the country. Over ten days, GRAMMY Award-winning artists, NEA Jazz Masters, veteran improvisers, and rising stars perform amid the rolling hills of Sonoma County while audiences enjoy world-class music with the region’s legendary food, wine, and hospitality. For the first time, Healdsburg Jazz will host a special benefit dinner for their non-profit at three Michelin starred SingleThread with Broadway vocalist Kurt Elling and Sonoma County patron Donna Kato and Adonna Wines on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. Limited tickets will be announced in April 2026.
The festival unfolds throughout downtown Healdsburg and the surrounding wine country, where music lovers gather in beautifully curated settings that blur the line between concert hall and vineyard. Bacchus Landing, the festival’s signature outdoor venue featuring a curated collection of boutique wineries, once again serves as the epicenter for many of the festival’s largest performances. With theater-style seating, expansive courtyards, and wood-fired pizza served fresh from the Mugnaini oven, Bacchus Landing offers one of the most unique live music settings anywhere in jazz.
This year’s headliners reflect the full spectrum of the jazz tradition including programming that celebrates the centennials of John Coltrane and Miles Davis — from legendary innovators to boundary-pushing modern voices. Highlights include extraordinary performances by two saxophone legends Charles Lloyd, who returns to Healdsburg alongside pianist Gerald Clayton, bassist Larry Grenadier, and drummer Kweku Sumbry — as well as saxophone titan Branford Marsalis, one of the most influential jazz musicians of the last four decades. The lineup also includes three-time GRAMMY-winning vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant, whose genre-defying artistry has made her one of the most compelling voices in modern jazz. Recent 2026 GRAMMY Award-winning piano virtuoso Sullivan Fortner joins Salvant at Healdsburg Jazz Festival.
Opening night sets the tone for the festival’s vibrant musical journey with Grammy-winning vocalist Lisa Fischer, whose voice became known worldwide through collaborations with icons including The Rolling Stones, Luther Vandross, Sting, and Tina Turner. She joins forces with the acclaimed Orrin Evans Trio, setting the stage for a festival that celebrates both the deep roots and limitless future of jazz.
Across the festival’s ten days, audiences will also experience performances by Kurt Elling with the Marcus Shelby Orchestra, Hamilton de Holanda Trio, Etienne Charles & Creole Soul, George Cables, Rufus Reid, Billy Hart, Bobby Watson, Craig Handy, Benny Green, Sullivan Fortner, and many more artists. Tributes to Miles Davis include Marcus Shelby’s “Birth of the Cool” set, the Freedom Jazz Choir directed by Tiffany Austin, and Willie Jones III’s dedicated set to the trumpet great featuring Jeremy Pelt on horn.
The festival’s beloved free Juneteenth Celebration brings a talent-packed triple bill to the Plaza, with Special Tribute to bassist and Healdsburg Jazz favorite Raymond Drummond with Billy Hart, Rufus Reid, Bobby Watson, Craig Handy, and George Cables, plus the Sundra Manning Organ Quartet, Carlitos Medrano & Sabor de mi Cuba, workshops, spoken word, art installations, and cultural programming celebrating African American history and creativity.
Throughout the week, audiences can also enjoy intimate club performances at Elephant in the Room, educational artist talks at St. Paul’s Church, wine country concerts at Overshine Winery and Auteur Wine, and late-night jam sessions at Hotel Healdsburg’s Spirit Bar. With performances ranging from matinee concerts to late-night sets, the festival transforms the entire town into a vibrant musical playground.
The festival is under the artistic direction of acclaimed composer and bassist Marcus Shelby, who says, “The 28th annual Healdsburg Jazz Festival continues our mission of celebrating the rich history and vibrant future of jazz. This year’s program reflects the incredible diversity of the art form – from legendary masters like Charles Lloyd and Branford Marsalis to rising artists pushing the music forward. We are especially proud to continue our Juneteenth celebration and bring together our community in beautiful venues across Healdsburg. There is truly nothing like experiencing this music surrounded by the wines, food, and culture of Sonoma County.”
World-Class Headliners at Bacchus Landing
The epicenter of the festival unfolds at Bacchus Landing, the stunning courtyard destination featuring the festival’s most spectacular outdoor concert setting.
Among the must-see performances this year:
Charles Lloyd Quartet featuring Gerald Clayton, Larry Grenadier, and Kweku Sumbry (June 14)
Kurt Elling with the Marcus Shelby Orchestra (June 18)
An Evening with Branford Marsalis (June 19)
Hamilton de Holanda Trio, Etienne Charles & Creole Soul (June 20)
Cécile McLorin Salvant closing the festival on Father’s Day (June 21)
Festival Highlights Throughout the Week
The 2026 festival includes a vibrant mix of concerts, educational programs, community events, and late-night performances across Healdsburg’s most beloved venues.
Freedom Jazz Choir, directed by Tiffany Austin, and the Healdsburg Jazz Collective perform at the new Foley Family Community Pavilion.
Erik Jekabson Stringtet featuring Jackie Ryan performing the music of Duke Ellington.
A special Charles Brown Project featuring Nicolas Bearde concert at Overshine Wine.
An artist talk by Rising Star “Artist in Residence” Michela Marino Lerman exploring the deep connection between tap dance and jazz.
A free outdoor plaza performance by Lavay Smith and her Red Hot Skillet Lickers.
Jazz Mafia: Prince Reimagined, a high-energy cocktail concert at Spoonbar.
Late Nights at Elephant In The Room
Keep the party going late night at Elephant in the Room with special sets by an incredible lineup of performers. All shows start at 9:30pm.
Adam Shulman Sextet (June 12)
Howard Wiley Quartet (June 13)
Michela Marino Lerman Quartet & Giant Steps: Tapping into Coltrane (June 18)
Howard Alden Quartet (June 19)
PLUS: Late Concert and Jam with the Sylvia Cuenca Trio | Hotel Healdsburg’s Spirit Bar | 9:30 pm | FREE — No Cover
Highlights of Headlining Artists @ 28th Anniversary of Healdsburg Jazz Festival 2026
Charles Lloyd Quartet
Few artists in jazz have traveled as far and as fearlessly as Charles Lloyd. The legendary tenor saxophonist and flutist has remained at the forefront of the music for more than six decades, continually reinventing his sound while inspiring generations of musicians along the way. Lloyd first rose to international fame in the 1960s with his groundbreaking quartet and the million-selling album Forest Flower, and he has since built one of the most revered discographies in jazz history.
Lloyd returns to Healdsburg with a powerhouse quartet featuring Gerald Clayton, Larry Grenadier, and Kweku Sumbry, continuing his lifelong musical journey of exploration, improvisation, and spiritual expression.
Lisa Fischer & Orrin Evans Trio
Lisa Fischer‘s voice is nothing short of elemental – capable of shifting from a whisper to a soaring emotional crescendo within a single phrase. After winning a Grammy Award for her debut album So Intense, Fischer spent two decades performing alongside global icons including The Rolling Stones, Luther Vandross, Sting, and Tina Turner, before stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist.
In Healdsburg, Fischer joins forces with the acclaimed Orrin Evans Trio, whose pianist-leader has become one of the most inventive and emotionally resonant voices in jazz piano. Together they explore a wide-ranging repertoire that blends soul, jazz improvisation, and spontaneous musical conversation.
Branford Marsalis
A towering presence in modern jazz, Branford Marsalis has spent decades redefining the possibilities of the saxophone. From his celebrated quartet recordings to collaborations with artists ranging from Sting to the New York Philharmonic, Marsalis has consistently pushed the music forward with a fearless commitment to creativity and improvisation.
Cécile McLorin Salvant
With her daring repertoire choices, theatrical storytelling, and stunning vocal range, Cécile McLorin Salvant has become one of the most celebrated jazz vocalists of her generation. The multiple GRAMMY winner seamlessly moves between early jazz, blues, cabaret, and modern compositions, crafting performances that feel both timeless and completely contemporary.
Sullivan Fortner
One of the most brilliant pianists of his generation, Sullivan Fortner has emerged as a defining voice in modern jazz. The GRAMMY Award-winning pianist blends dazzling technique, deep swing, and boundless imagination with roots in the rich musical traditions of his hometown of New Orleans. Fortner first gained international attention as a member of trumpeter Roy Hargrove’s band before launching a celebrated solo career. A frequent collaborator with vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant, Fortner is known for performances that combine virtuosic brilliance with remarkable emotional depth, reaffirming the piano’s enduring central role in jazz.
Kurt Elling & The Marcus Shelby Orchestra
There is no male vocalist in jazz today with the creative range and improvisational daring of Kurt Elling. Possessing a rich baritone voice and fearless musical curiosity, Elling has spent decades pushing the boundaries of what jazz singing can be. Whether interpreting American Songbook standards, collaborating with symphony orchestras, or reimagining rock and pop songs through the lens of jazz improvisation, Elling approaches every performance with theatrical intelligence and emotional depth.
At Healdsburg Jazz, Elling joins forces with the Marcus Shelby Orchestra, led by the festival’s artistic director and one of the Bay Area’s most respected composers and bandleaders. Shelby’s orchestra has become a powerful force in modern jazz, known for its sweeping arrangements that draw from Ellington, Monk, gospel traditions, and the deep cultural roots of American music. Together, Elling and Shelby promise an evening that bridges classic big-band elegance with modern improvisational fire.
Hamilton de Holanda Trio & Etienne Charles — Creole Soul
Brazilian mandolin virtuoso Hamilton de Holanda has transformed his instrument into one of the most exciting voices in contemporary jazz. Widely considered one of the greatest mandolin players in the world, de Holanda blends Brazilian choro traditions with jazz improvisation, classical precision, and fearless experimentation. His lightning-fast technique and emotional expressiveness have earned him international acclaim and collaborations with some of the most innovative musicians on the global stage.
Sharing the evening is Etienne Charles, the Trinidad-born trumpeter and composer whose project Creole Soul celebrates the rich musical heritage of the Caribbean and the African diaspora. Charles’ music draws on calypso, jazz, and traditional Caribbean rhythms, weaving them into a vibrant tapestry that reflects the deep cultural connections between New Orleans, the Caribbean, and the broader jazz tradition.
Together, these performances create a musical journey that stretches from Brazil to Trinidad to New Orleans — a fitting reflection of jazz’s global reach.
Benny Green
One of the most soulful pianists of his generation, Benny Green carries forward the rich lineage of jazz piano that stretches from Art Tatum and Bud Powell to Oscar Peterson and Cedar Walton. A former member of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers and bassist Ray Brown’s celebrated trio, Green has spent decades refining a style that blends dazzling technique with deep blues feeling and irresistible swing.
His performances at the keyboard combine elegance, virtuosity, and an unmistakable sense of joy – reminding audiences why the piano remains one of the central voices of jazz.
Willie Jones III Quintet featuring Jeremy Pelt
Drummer Willie Jones III has long been recognized as one of the most versatile and dynamic rhythm architects in modern jazz. Equally comfortable anchoring small groups or driving big bands, Jones has performed with a who’s-who of jazz legends including Herbie Hancock, Wynton Marsalis, Sonny Rollins, and Roy Hargrove.
At Healdsburg Jazz, Jones leads a special Miles Davis Centennial tribute featuring acclaimed trumpeter Jeremy Pelt, whose fiery tone and lyrical phrasing have made him one of the leading trumpet voices of his generation. Together, the ensemble honors the enduring influence of Miles Davis – an artist whose spirit of innovation continues to shape the sound of jazz today.
Howard Alden Quartet
Master guitarist Howard Alden is revered for his warm tone, harmonic sophistication, and deep knowledge of the jazz guitar tradition. A longtime collaborator with artists ranging from Benny Carter to Wynton Marsalis, Alden’s playing bridges the elegance of classic swing guitar with the exploratory spirit of modern jazz.
Known for his work on the soundtrack to Woody Allen’s Sweet and Lowdown — where he provided the guitar voice for actor Sean Penn’s portrayal of legendary guitarist Django Reinhardt — Alden remains one of the instrument’s most eloquent storytellers.
Lavay Smith and Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers
For more than three decades, Lavay Smith and her Red Hot Skillet Lickers have kept the spirit of classic jazz and blues alive with irresistible style. Smith’s sultry vocals draw inspiration from legendary singers like Dinah Washington, Billie Holiday, and Bessie Smith, while her band delivers swinging arrangements rooted in the sounds of the 1930s, ’40s, and ’50s.
Their performances feel like stepping into a golden era of American music – brimming with swagger, sophistication, and timeless rhythm.
Michela Marino Lerman
Tap dancer, choreographer, and musician Michela Marino Lerman embodies the deep historical connection between jazz and dance. As the festival’s Rising Artist in Residence, Lerman explores tap dance not simply as movement but as an extension of jazz improvisation – a percussive art form where rhythm becomes language.
Her performances and educational talks illuminate the lineage of tap within jazz history while pushing the form toward new creative possibilities.
Jazz Mafia – Prince Reimagined
Led by trombonist and arranger Adam Theis, the Jazz Mafia has become one of the Bay Area’s most electrifying musical collectives. Known for ambitious thematic concerts that reinterpret iconic artists and musical traditions, the ensemble brings fearless creativity and high-energy performance to every stage.
Their Prince Reimagined program channels the legendary artist’s genre-defying fusion of funk, rock, and soul through the improvisational language of jazz – transforming familiar songs into bold new musical adventures.
Charles Brown Project featuring Nicolas Bearde
This special program celebrates the enduring legacy of blues and jazz pianist Charles Brown, whose hits like Driftin’ Blues and Merry Christmas Baby helped shape the sound of rhythm and blues in the mid-20th century. Vocalist Nicolas Bearde, known for his warm baritone and elegant phrasing, leads a stellar band of musicians in honoring Brown’s timeless repertoire.
The performance captures the deep emotional resonance of Brown’s music while reminding audiences how profoundly his work influenced generations of artists across blues, jazz, and soul.
From north of the Golden Gate Bridge all the way to the Oregon border, Healdsburg Jazz Festival is the place to truly experience a boutique jazz festival committed to hosting celebrated artists on venerable stages with the culinary and wine excellence of Sonoma County within arms-reach. Stay tuned to healdsburgjazz.org.
LEAD Festival Sponsor: Overshine Wine
MAJOR Festival Sponsors: Adonna Wines, Bacchus Landing, Foley Family Foundation, Healdsburg Chamber – Stay Healdsburg, Hotel Healdsburg
Healdsburg Jazz Festival 2026
When: June 12 – 21, 2026
Where: Downtown Healdsburg, Calif.
More Info: www.healdsburgjazz.org
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