Born in Chicago, Ackamoor founded The Pyramids in 1970 while studying at Ohio’s Antioch College, a hotbed of progressive thought and radical creativity. Inspired by avant-garde legend Cecil Taylor, who led the college’s Black Music Ensemble, Ackamoor began crafting a sound that defied boundaries....

We bring to you another Jazz Minute. Our 2025–26 Season celebrates many of Cuba’s greatest artists, and to honor this rich cultural legacy, we present a three-part series exploring the history of Cuban jazz. In this first episode, we delve into the early 20th century, when Cuban bands began to in...

In honor of Cal Tjader’s centennial today!

July 2025 marks the centennial of the legendary vibraphonist, multi-percussionist, and composer Cal Tjader. In this Jazz Minute narrated SFJAZZ Collective vibraphonist Warren Wolf, we explore Tjader's lasting impact.

In honor of Andrew Hills's birthday today!

SFJAZZ presents another Jazz Minute – a brief look at important figures, movements, and moments in jazz history and the present day, in both the San Francisco Bay Area and around the world.

In this episode narrated by Terence Blanchard, we celebr...

The story of fashion in jazz is still being written, and the next chapter is happening now. Who do you think embody fashion in jazz today? In this fourth Jazz Minute episode exploring the history of jazz fashion, we look at the innovative musicians who are pushing the jazz tradition forward wh...

Dive into the captivating world of jazz and fashion with the second episode of our four-part Jazz Minute series. For the third Jazz Minute episode focusing on the history of jazz fashion, we look at the impact of Afrocentrism, Afrofuturism, and Eastern Philosophy on jazz’s visual style.

SFJAZZ presents another Jazz Minute – a brief look at important figures, movements, and moments in jazz history and the present day, in both the San Francisco Bay Area and around the world.

For the second Jazz Minute episode focusing on the history of jazz fashion, we discuss the transitional...

SFJAZZ presents another Jazz Minute – a brief look at important figures, movements, and moments in jazz history and the present day, in both the San Francisco Bay Area and around the world.

Dive into the captivating world of jazz and fashion with the first episode of our four-part Jazz Min...

In anticipation of International Jazz Day, which takes place tomorrow, April 30, SFJAZZ presents another episode of Jazz Minute—a brief look at important figures, movements, and moments in jazz history and the present day, both in the San Francisco Bay Area and around the world.

In this episode...

Happy birthday Joe Henderson! In Honor of Joe Henderson’s birthday, April 24, SFJAZZ presents another Jazz Minute – a brief look at important figures, movements, and moments in jazz history and the present day, in both the San Francisco Bay Area and around the world.

In this episode narrat...

In honor of Bobby Hutcherson's birthday today!

SFJAZZ presents another Jazz Minute – a brief look at important figures, movements, and moments in jazz history and the present day, in both the San Francisco Bay Area and aroun...

SFJAZZ presents this Jazz Minute – a brief look at important figures, movements, and moments in jazz history and the present day, in both the San Francisco Bay Area and around the world.

In this episode, we shine a light on a singular, spiritual San Francisco jazz tradition that draws jazz fan...

SFJAZZ presents another Jazz Minute – a brief look at important figures, movements, and moments in jazz history and the present day, in both the San Francisco Bay Area and around the world.

In this episode narrated by Terence Blanchard, we look at Grace Cathedral’s deep history with jazz musi...

SFJAZZ presents another Jazz Minute – a brief look at important figures, movements, and moments in jazz history and the present day, in both the San Francisco Bay Area and around the world.

In this episode narrated by Terence Blanchard, we return for a second look at Grace Cathedral’s deep his...

SFJAZZ presents this Jazz Minute – a brief look at important figures, movements, and moments in jazz history and the present day, in both the San Francisco Bay Area and around the world.

In this episode, we celebrate the legacy of the pioneering pianist, composer, arranger, and bandleader Mary ...

SFJAZZ presents this Jazz Minute – a brief look at important figures, movements, and moments in jazz history and the present day, in both the San Francisco Bay Area and around the world.

In this episode, we look back at the rise of San Francisco’s famous Fillmore District and its importance to ...

SFJAZZ presents this Jazz Minute – a brief look at important figures, movements, and moments in jazz history and the present day, in both the San Francisco Bay Area and around the world.

In this episode, we highlight Bay Area artist Greg ‘Pnut’ Galinsky, who created the SFJAZZ 2024-25 Season Ar...