The SJZ New Works Fest premieres works by some of the Bay Area’s best musicians commissioned by 2022 Jazz Aid Fund grants program.
The Jazz Aid Fund was conceived the SJZ’s Board of Directors in direct response to the coronavirus pandemic, which devastated the livelihoods of local artists. Of the 27 artists selected for commissions this year, we chose nine that represent the diversity, creativity and skill of Bay Area musicians to perform in-person sets at the intimate SJZ Break Room. Each show will be live streamed free, and we’ll close out the Fest with three streams of performance highlights.
New Works Fest 2022
Brian Sheu and Huney Knuckles
Thu, Apr 21
8pm Pacific / SJZ Break Room
Brian is a sought-after guitarist known for combining soulful blues and rock with the pyrotechnic language of bebop. He's been active on the Bay Area scene as a founding member of both Super Soul Bros and The iLLiance.
ASTU
Fri, Apr 22
For New Works Fest 2022, Oakland vocalist ASTU performs her Jazz Aid Fund-commissioned work and other material with her band.
Michael "Tiny" Lindsey
Sat, Apr 23
For New Works Fest 2022, Richmond bassist Michael "Tiny" Lindsey performs his Jazz Aid Fund-commissioned work "Her Eyes, My Heart" and other material with his band.
Mike Blankenship with Spooky Fox, Sy Smith, BLACKLONDON & Dame Drummer
Thu, Apr 28
For New Works Fest 2022, San Jose pianist Mike Blankenship performs his Jazz Aid Fund-commissioned work "Horizon" and other material with Spooky Fox, Sy Smith, BLACKLONDON & Dame Drummer.
Postponed: Kim Nalley with Tammy Hall
Fri, Apr 29
Due to unforeseen circumstances we are forced to cancel this performance. We will work to reschedule the show and let you know when we have a new date.
Sylvia Cuenca Group Opened by San Jose Jazz High School All Stars
Sat, Apr 30
For New Works Fest 2022, San Jose drummer Sylvia Cuenca performs her Jazz Aid Fund-commissioned work "Resiliencia" and other material with great group of Bay Area musicians including fellow 2022 Jazz Aid Fund grantee Patrick Wolff and special guest percussionist Will Martins.
Kristen Strom Quartet
Fri, May 6
For New Works Fest 2022, San Jose saxophonist Kristen Strom performs her Jazz Aid Fund-commissioned work "No School" and other material with her quartet of Bay Area heavyweights.
Cava Menzies
Sat, May 7
For New Works Fest 2022, Oakland vocalist and educator Cava Menzies performs her Jazz Aid Fund-commissioned work "The Feeling Tone" and other material with bandmates, to be announced.
David Lechuga
Sun, May 8
For New Works Fest 2022, San Jose guitarist David Lechuga performs his Jazz Aid Fund-commissioned work "Ruinas De Hialeah" and other material with bandmates from a recent Cuban festival appearance.
New Works Fest 2022: Week 1 Highlights (New Date)
Fri, May 27
7pm Pacific / Online
Our live streamed two-hour review of New Works Fest 2022's first week includes 20-minute excerpts of performances by Brian Sheu and Huney Knuckles, ASTU and Michael "Tiny" Lindsey.
New Works Fest 2022: Week 2 Highlights (New Date)
Sat, May 28
Our live streamed two-hour review of New Works Fest 2022's second week includes 20-minute excerpts of performances by Mike Blankenship with Spooky Fox, Sy Smith, BLACKLONDON and Dame Drummer; Kim Nalley with Tammy Hall; and Sylvia Cuenca Group.
New Works Fest 2022: Week 3 Highlights (New Date)
Sun, May 29
4pm Pacific / Online
Our live streamed two-hour review of New Works Fest 2022's final week includes 20-minute excerpts of performances by Kristen Strom Quartet, Cava Menzies and David Lechuga.
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