THE BUMP | February 16–22, 2026
The Weekly SFJAZZ Frequency
🎺 THE RECAP: Soul, Strings, and Supergroups
The past week at the SFJAZZ Center was a masterclass in vocal power and technical precision. In Miner Auditorium, the modern jazz supergroup Trio Grande—featuring Gilad Hekselman, Will Vinson, and Nate Wood—delivered a set of razor-sharp interplay drawn from their latest release, Urban Myth. This was followed by the highly anticipated SFJAZZ debut of English soul star Joss Stone, whose four-night run brought a contemporary R&B flair to the main stage. Meanwhile, the Joe Henderson Lab hosted the future of vocal jazz with Tyreek McDole, winner of the 2023 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, and the multilingual storytelling of Halie Loren, who performed material from her new album, Dreams Lost and Found.
🏛️ THE SPOTLIGHT: Diva Power and Mardi Gras Spirit
This week, the "frequency" shifts toward celebratory big bands, viral innovators, and the incomparable power of the jazz vocal.
Delfeayo Marsalis & The Uptown Jazz Orchestra
When: Thursday, February 19, 7:30 PM.
Where: Miner Auditorium.
The Vibe: New Orleans Authenticity. A 2011 NEA Jazz Master, trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis brings the "Keepin' It Real" spirit of the Crescent City to the main stage for a high-octane Mardi Gras celebration.
New Jazz Underground
When: Thursday, Feb 19 – Friday, Feb 20, 7:00 PM & 8:30 PM.
Where: Joe Henderson Lab.
The Vibe: The Sonic Future. This Juilliard-trained trio took the internet by storm with their viral YouTube performances. Blending post-bop virtuosity with the rhythms of hip-hop and Afrobeat, they represent the cutting edge of the new Brooklyn sound.
Dianne Reeves
When: Friday, Feb 20 – Sunday, Feb 22, 7:30 PM (Fri/Sat) & 7:00 PM (Sun).
Where: Miner Auditorium.
The Vibe: Vocal Royalty. Five-time GRAMMY winner and NEA Jazz Master Dianne Reeves returns to the room where she once served as Resident Artistic Director. Regarded as jazz's greatest living vocalist, her sets are masterclasses in storytelling and improvisational grace.
Oscar Peñas Quartet
When: Saturday, February 21, 7:00 PM & 8:30 PM.
Where: Joe Henderson Lab.
The Vibe: Global Fusion. Catalan guitarist Oscar Peñas bridges the worlds of folk, jazz, and classical music. His quartet delivers an evocative, cinematic soundscape reflecting his Mediterranean roots and New York evolution.
Gregory Porter
When: Sunday, February 22, 8:00 PM.
Where: Davies Symphony Hall.
The Vibe: Soulful Grandeur. Two-time GRAMMY winner Gregory Porter brings his earthy, baritone refinement to the Davies stage for a night of jazz, soul, and gospel.
Lisa Mezzacappa Five(ish)
When: Sunday, February 22, 6:00 PM & 7:30 PM.
Where: Joe Henderson Lab.
The Vibe: Best of the Bay. Bassist and composer Lisa Mezzacappa is a pillar of the local creative music scene. Her "Five(ish)" ensemble offers a playful and rhythmically driving exploration of modern improvised music.
🎙️ THE PIPELINE: Podcast Update
See the full show details and ticket information at the end of this feature. Listen to our latest conversations with Omar Sosa and Oscar Peñas below as they discuss their creative processes and their upcoming performances.
Coming Soon: We have exclusive interviews with Bay Area bassist Lisa Mezzacappa and jazz vocalist/pianist Sarah McKenzie on the horizon as they prepare for their upcoming residencies.
🗓️ ON THE HORIZON
Clear your schedule for the arrival of the Chucho Valdés Royal Quartet. The most influential figure in modern Afro-Cuban jazz celebrates 60 years of musical alchemy with a residency at Miner Auditorium starting February 26.
Keeping Jazz Alive in the 415
