TBAAL Riverfront Jazz Festival Dallas Tickets - The Black Academy of Arts and Letters

LineUp

Stanley Clarke

2 concerts

Stanley Clarke, born in Philadelphia, revolutionized jazz bass, co-founding Return to Forever and winning multiple Grammys. His hits include "Sweet Baby," and he collaborated with Chick Corea, George Duke, and Marcus Miller. Clarke's solo and group work spans jazz, funk, and film scores, with albums like School Days and If This Bass Could Only Talk highlighting his innovative style.

Gerald Albright

2 concerts

Born in South Central LA, jazz saxophonist Gerald Albright excels across multiple instruments. He’s known for hits like "Just Between Us" and "24/7" with Norman Brown. Albright’s collaborations include Patrice Rushen, Quincy Jones, and Dave Koz. His albums, such as "Slam Dunk" and "Summer Horns," frequently top jazz charts, and he runs his own label, Bright Music.

Marcus Miller

14 concerts

Born in Brooklyn, Marcus Miller is a renowned bassist known for his funky, contemporary jazz and improvisational skills. He gained fame with Miles Davis, collaborated with icons like Grover Washington Jr. and Bob James, and had hits like "M²," winning a Grammy. His albums, including "Renaissance" and "Afrodeezia," topped jazz charts. Also a film composer, Miller scored movies like "Marshall" and is a UNESCO Artist for Peace.

Najee

6 concerts

Born in Greenwich Village and raised in Queens, Najee is a renowned jazz and R&B saxophonist and flutist. Known for his lyrical style, he achieved fame with albums like "Najee's Theme" and "Tokyo Blue." He has collaborated with icons such as Prince, Chaka Khan, and Stanley Clarke, won two NAACP Awards, and topped jazz charts multiple times, most recently with "Center of the Heart."

Stephanie Mills

10 concerts

Stephanie Mills, born in Brooklyn, is a soulful powerhouse known for “Home” from The Wiz. Her Grammy-winning “Never Knew Love Like This Before” highlights her blend of gospel, soul, and funk. Collaborating with artists like Teddy Pendergrass, she became an R&B icon with dynamic live performances and enduring hits.

Lalah Hathaway

12 concerts

Chicago-born Lalah Hathaway, daughter of Donny Hathaway, is a Grammy-winning artist known for soulful music and collaborations with Beyoncé, Pharrell, and Stevie Wonder.

Musiq Soulchild

3 concerts

Musiq Soulchild, born in Philadelphia, is a key figure in the neo-soul movement, blending influences like Marvin Gaye with hip-hop. With 13 Grammy nominations, he's famed for raw vocals and hits like "Love" and "Buddy." He signed with Def Jam in 2000.

Bob James

3 concerts

Bob James, born in Marshall, Missouri, is a Grammy-winning jazz composer and pianist known for pioneering smooth jazz with hits like "Angela," the theme for Taxi. His style fuses jazz, pop, and classical music. As a member of Fourplay and a collaborator with David Sanborn and Grover Washington, Jr., James has released successful albums and scored films and TV shows. His "Touchdown" album reached platinum status. James' career includes jazz and classical works alongside collaborations with Nathan East, Earl Klugh, and Till Brönner.

Chucho Valdés

6 concerts

Cuban pianist and composer Chucho Valdés, born in Quivicán, is a pivotal figure in Afro-Cuban jazz, blending Afro-Cuban, jazz, and classical styles. He's won seven GRAMMYs, five Latin GRAMMYs, and a Latin Academy Lifetime Achievement Award. His acclaimed album "Jazz Batá 2" earned a Latin GRAMMY and was on Billboard's 50 Best Latin Albums of the Decade. Valdés collaborates with his wife, Lorena Salcedo, to share Latin jazz globally.

Naturally 7

14 concerts

Naturally 7, formed in NYC, blend soul, rap, rock, and folk using only their voices. Praised by Michael Bublé, Coldplay, and Quincy Jones, they excel in "vocal play."

Jeff Lorber

3 concerts

Grammy-winning keyboardist Jeff Lorber, born in Philadelphia, fuses funk, R&B, rock, and electric jazz. Known for hits like "Pacific Coast Highway," he achieved success with the Jeff Lorber Fusion, collaborating with artists including Chick Corea, Mike Stern, and Bob Mintzer. His albums often top jazz charts, with "Prototype" earning a Grammy.

Shemekia Copeland

8 concerts

Born in New York, Shemekia Copeland is a celebrated roots and blues musician known for blending blues, R&B, and Americana. Her album "America’s Child" featured collaborations with John Prine, Mary Gauthier, and Rhiannon Giddens. With 3 Grammy nominations, 12 Blues Music Awards, and 20+ Living Blues Awards, she's a force in contemporary music. Copeland also hosts her own SiriusXM radio show.