Miguel Zenón on presenting at the SFJAZZ Center

Saxophonist Miguel Zenón reflects on all the music he's presented at the SFJAZZ Center as a 2013-14 Resident Artistic Director (RAD): from large ensemble, multimedia projects, to intimate duo performances, to representing different Latin American voices alongside his working Quartet.

Miguel Zenón & Danilo Peréz duo

Zenón kicked off his final week as a RAD last night, performing with mentor Danilo Peréz. His Residency continues tonight with Esta Plena, featuring Héctor “Tito” Matos’ Viento De Agua Ensemble. On Saturday, Brazilian vocalist Luciana Souza joins Zenón's Quartet, and on Sunday, Cuban percussionist Pedrito Martinez guests.

PHOTO: Herbie Hancock at SFJAZZ Center

Herbie Hancock: "Rockit" on keytar ©Rick Swig

A big thanks to pianist Herbie Hancock for a whirlwind of a weekend... from rocking it at the 2014 SFJAZZ Gala to 3 unforgettable performances with bassist Marcus Miller, drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, guitarist Lionel Loueke and tabla maestro Zakir Hussain! From the start, this superband clearly came to play. Colaiuta's slamming groove introducing "Actual Proof" from Herbie's 1974 funk masterpiece Thrust kicked off the show and set the tone for each performance, which covered many of Herbie's best-known tunes including "Chameleon," "Cantaloupe Island" and a unique take on "Watermelon Man" that incorporated part of Lionel Loueke's odd-time composition "Seventeen." A highlight of each show was a duet between Loueke and Hussain, which seamlessly integrated African and Indian musical traditions, and the band ended the set with a supercharged performance of Herbie's smash 1983 electro-funk anthem "Rockit." Photos below:

Herbie Hancock, Lionel Loueke, Vinnie Colaiuta, Marcus Miller & Zakir Hussain ©Grason Littles

Marcus Miller ©Grason Littles

Zakir Hussain ©Grason Littles

Lionel Loueke ©Rick Swig

Vinnie Colaiuta ©Rick Swig

For more photos, go to SFJAZZ Flickr. Also, check out a recap on the 2014 SFJAZZ Gala!

WATCH: At The Center ~ Regina Carter on jazz education

Violinist Regina Carter reflects on her work with Bay Area public school students and the SFJAZZ High School All-Stars while being a 2013-14 SFJAZZ Resident Artistic Director.

Song credit:

"Miner's Child"
Regina Carter
'Southern Comfort' (Sony Masterworks)

Check out Regina's Southern Comfort project. Watch more videos of artists who create at the SFJAZZ Center.

WATCH: At The Center ~ Violinist Regina Carter reflects

Violinist Regina Carter reflects on her time as 2013-14 Resident Artistic Director (RAD) at the SFJAZZ Center, from Grand Opening collaborations with fellow RADs Jason Moran and Bill Frisell, to bringing her mentors John Blake and Kenny Barron to the Center, to working with her childhood friend, vocalist Carla Cook, and the SFJAZZ High School All-Stars! 

Song credit:

"See See Rider"

Regina Carter

Southern Comfort (2014)

Sony Masterworks

Check out Regina's Southern Comfort project. Watch more videos of artists who create at the SFJAZZ Center.

WATCH: SFJAZZ Monday Night Band - Spring Trailer

Don't miss the SFJAZZ Monday Night Band FREE Showcase in Miner Auditorium on May 12th! Directed by Jazz Mafia's Adam Theis, SFJAZZ's hip community band gives local musicians (high school hot shots to retired pros, and everyone in between) a place to let loose and play a diverse big band repertoire!

More info at sfjazz.org. See more videos on the SFJAZZ YouTube Channel!