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.

Fri, 6/27/2025 @ 7:30 PM

Fred Hersch Trio

PIANO TRIO MASTERY

A towering figure in jazz piano, Fred Hersch has spent over three decades redefining the art form as an improviser, composer, educator, bandleader, and recording artist. Vanity Fair hails him as “the most arrestingly innovative pianist in jazz over the last decade,” while The New Yorker simply calls him “a living legend.” A 17-time Grammy nominee, Hersch has received some of jazz’s highest honors, including the Doris Duke Artist Award, multiple Jazz Pianist of the Year titles from the Jazz Journalists Association, and Jazz Magazine (France) International Artist of the Year. His trio was also named #1 Jazz Group in the 2019 DownBeat Critics Poll.

Through more than twelve albums, the Fred Hersch Trio has remained at the pinnacle of modern jazz, venerated as the epitome of thrilling interplay and dynamic spontaneity. The Wall Street Journal calls the trio “one of the major ensembles of our time,” while The New Yorker has applauded it for playing with “high lyricism and high danger.” They were named the #1 Jazz Group of the Year by DownBeat magazine. and appeared at major jazz festivals throughout Europe and the US and have regularly headlined at the legendary Village Vanguard since 1997.

For his long-awaited return to the Stanford Jazz Workshop, Hersch will be joined by bassist Drew Gress and drummer Joe Dyson for an evening of unparalleled musical mastery.

Made possible by George & Luisa Miller and Family

Personnel:

Fred Hersch, Piano

Drew Gress, Bass

Joe Dyson, Drums

Cost: $20.00 - $62.00

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