Results for "California"

John Mlynczak: Why Namm Still Matters In 2026

by Lawrence Peryer
January 24, 2026

We're putting The Tonearm's needle on John Mlynczak, President and CEO of the National Association of Music Merchants. NAMM is the trade association for the music, sound, and event industries. Basically, NAMM represents the companies that make the tools your favorite music artists use to create their work. John has spent years ...

Hamilton de Holanda's Choro Revolution

by Steven Roby
January 23, 2026

In this episode, host Steve Roby sits down with Grammy-winning Brazilian mandolin virtuoso Hamilton de Holanda to discuss his innovative approach to the 10- string bandolim, and the deep connections between choro and jazz. The conversation explores two featured tracks from Hamilton's Latin Grammy-winning live album, recorded in New York City. Playlist Hamilton de ...

Braxton Cook's Collaborative Evolution

by Steven Roby
January 20, 2026

Alto saxophonist, vocalist, and composer Braxton Cook joins podcast host Steve Roby for an intimate conversation about his latest album Not Everyone Can Go--a deeply personal record that captures the intersection of touring life, fatherhood, and artistic evolution.Playlist Braxton Cook “My Everything" from Not Everyone Can Go (Nettwerk Music Group) Braxton Cook “Kingdom Come" ...

Chris Botti Week at SFJAZZ

by Ronald Davis
January 13, 2026

Chico Pinheiro and Vinicius Cantuária: Brazilian Guitar Dialogues

by Steven Roby
January 13, 2026

Brazilian guitarist and composer Chico Pinheiro joins Backstage Bay Area to talk about his musical journey, his duo collaboration with Vinicius Cantuaria, and the stories behind his compositions “City of Dreams" and “Estrada Real" ahead of their upcoming West Coast shows.A DownBeat Rising Star guitarist, Pinheiro reflects on his early start as a working ...

Taylor Eigsti Comes Home, Carrying the Fire Forward

by Steven Roby
January 9, 2026

In this episode of Backstage Bay Area, we sit down with two-time Grammy Award-winning pianist and composer Taylor Eigsti. A Menlo Park native who released his debut album at age 14, Eigsti has evolved from a local prodigy into one of the most versatile and celebrated voices in modern jazz. Fresh off his 2025 Grammy win ...

Echoes & Inspirations: Melissa Aldana’s Jazz Journey

by Steven Roby
January 6, 2026

In this episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steve Roby sits down with Grammy-nominated saxophonist and composer Melissa Aldana. As the first female instrumentalist and first South American to win the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition, Melissa shares her remarkable journey from Santiago, Chile, to the global jazz stage.Playlist Melissa Aldana “Unconscious Whispers" ...

Sasha Berliner: A Homecoming That Charts the Future of the Vibraphone

by Steven Roby
December 26, 2025

In this episode, Steve Roby sits down with acclaimed vibraphonist, composer, and producer Sasha Berliner. A San Francisco native, Sasha discusses her genre-defying approach to jazz, her journey from rock drummer to jazz innovator, and the influence of the Bay Area's vibrant music scene on her sound. She shares insights into her latest album, Fantôme, her ...

Holiday Notes Across A Hallway

by Arthur R George
December 23, 2025

A knock on the door of Augie Cannataro's apartment. He peered through the security window to see the single mother from across the hall. They had always nodded politely at each other when passing in the lobby or hallway. He was respectful but didn't want to approach an involvement in whatever her life was with her ...

Arturo Sandoval at Miner Auditorium

by Steven Roby
December 22, 2025

Arturo Sandoval Miner Auditorium San Francisco, CA December 18, 2025  At 76, Arturo Sandoval  still walks onstage with the authority of someone who knows exactly what he offers--and how to deliver it. Thursday night at SFJAZZ's Miner Auditorium, his Swinging Holiday program unfolded as something more enduring than a festive detour. It ...