For over five decades, the Stanford Jazz Festival has been home to iconic performances, from legends like Dizzy Gillespie and Stan Getz to groundbreaking artists like Joshua Redman and Bill Frisell. This year, we’re proud to continue that tradition with 26 extraordinary artists and bands over six weeks of vibrant music and culture.

This summer, we celebrate jazz’s rich roots and its global connections. From the swinging sounds of jazz standards to the rhythms of Brazil and Cuba, our lineup promises a dynamic journey. We’re thrilled to open with Fred Hersch Trio, named Jazz Group of the Year by DownBeat Magazine. Don’t miss the Jeremy Pelt Quintet performing selections from his new album Woven, and be captivated by Ken Peplowski’s interpretation of Charlie Parker’s Unheard Bird. John Pizzarelli celebrates the 40th anniversary of his debut album, while Joel Ross brings vibraphone mastery with his band Good Vibes. Lizz Wright’s soulful vocals and George Cables’ hard bop piano mastery will close out the festival in style.

Each concert is a unique experience, with collaborations and performances you won’t find anywhere else. The Stanford Jazz Festival remains a space where musical boundaries are pushed, and new creative possibilities emerge.

Sat, 7/26/2025 @ 7:30 PM

Lizz Wright

VELVET VOICE, TIMELESS SOUL

Acclaimed vocalist Lizz Wright, celebrated for her “smooth, dark alto” that conjures images of barrel-aged bourbon and butter-soft leather, delivers a transcendent live performance. Her 20-year career unites audiences through a profound display of love and deep humanity in every note she sings.

Renowned for her rich, velvety voice and deeply evocative performances, Lizz Wright makes her highly anticipated Stanford Jazz Festival debut. With a career spanning 20 years, Wright unites audiences through love, humanity, and raw emotion, making every note she sings a profound experience.

Rooted in the call-and-response traditions of her Southern upbringing in Georgia, Wright’s music seamlessly blends jazz, gospel, folk, and soul, creating a sound that is both timeless and deeply personal. In 2022, she launched her own independent label, Blues & Greens Records, and released her studio debut album, Shadow, in April 2024. Featuring collaborations with Angélique Kidjo and Meshell Ndegeocello, Shadow is an intimate exploration of love, loss, community, and healing, wrapped in acoustic guitars, lush string quartets, and gospel harmonies.

Don’t miss this chance to witness one of the most captivating voices of our time, live in concert.

Artist Website

Personnel:

Lizz Wright, Vocals

Alexis Lombre, Keys

Adam Levy, Guitar

Marvin Sewell, Guitar

Ben Zwerin, Bass

Jack DeBoe, Drums

Cost: $20.00 - $62.00

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