5 Things In The Jazz World This Week

• Jazz legend Sonny Rollins blows out his birthday candles for the 85th time. In his own words: "85 is no jive."
• 28-year-old pianist Jon Batiste gave an epic, star-studded performance of Sly & The Family Stone's classic “Everyday People” for his debut as music director of The Late Show w/ Stephen Colbert.
• The New York Times jazz journalist Nate Chinen gave rave reviews for vocalist Lizz Wright's "new sensual register" on her new album Freedom & Surrender.
• Popular French radio station France Radio broadcasts SFJAZZ's 2015-16 Season Opening Week, featuring Jacky Terrasson, Randall Kline, SFJAZZ Collective & more!
• On her centennial year, Billie Holiday will be the first artist to perform (via hologram!) at the Apollo Theater.

#ThankYouJoni: Lizz Wright

"Joni is very much like one of her paintings..." Vocalist Lizz Wright reflects on Joni Mitchell, who will be honored with the SFJAZZ Lifetime Achievement Award at this year's Gala on May 8th.

We have asked a number of recent SFJAZZ performers what they would like to say to Joni. Each week leading up to the Gala, we'll share new videos at sfjazz.org/thankyoujoni and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with ‪#‎ThankYouJoni‬.

What would you say to Joni?