Featured Artists

This sax man has been nominated for 9 Grammy awards and has been making hits and wowing crowds for over 4 decades.  His music is smooth, funky, sensual and a delight to the soul.  When he takes the stage, you are sure to be whisked away on an unforgettable musical journey.  Don’t sleep on this one, tickets are sure to sell fast!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQg-5DbjtYc

https://youtu.be/HgYHPHIC5gA?si=WTYGuW4un6auDHx0

They are one of the pioneering acts in contemporary jazz.  Jeff Lorber Fusion has been effortlessly blending rock, funk, and R&B to make their unique sound since the 70’s.  The Grammy award-winning Lorber is widely known as one of the architects of contemporary jazz.  He is also one of the most sampled artists in all hip-hop.  Their popularity clearly spans genres. They are only playing a few US dates in 2025, and we are lucky to have them playing the Fresh Coast Jazz Festival on Friday, August 22, 2025!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-BJTVd2F2Y

https://youtu.be/Nl5Ag1x3KqI?si=tvdcpOWat4f5107i

British-born guitarist Chris Standring is one of the most uniquely fun contemporary jazz artists today. No one plays guitar like Chris. His blending of 1970s musical stylings with jazz, soul, pop, and even hip-hop has made him one of the freshest voices in music.  He rarely comes to the Midwest, so having him at the 2025 Fresh Coast Jazz Festival will be an absolute treat! See Chris at the FCJF on Saturday, August 23, 2025.

https://youtu.be/OMplizlzOJc?si=EEg3BAFc5AevkGAV

https://youtu.be/zd7sGjmeZf0?si=4RtjCrsGuh8C6c1R

She is one of the brightest young stars on the smooth jazz scene.  Pianist Kayla Waters has made hit after hit since she stepped out on her own a few years ago.  She has already topped the charts five times!  She plays the piano with a skill and sensitivity well beyond her years.  We love how her music makes us feel and we are sure you will too!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqHPUY9nNAs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6R4kBdWmyA0&t=321s

These brothers know how to get a party started and that is exactly what they’ll do when they kick-off the 2025 Fresh Coast Jazz Festival on Friday August 22.  They have been mainstays on the smooth jazz charts and their stage show is a high energy masterpiece!  Bring your dancing shoes because these brothers are sure to have you movin’ and shakin’.

https://youtu.be/7qqmJpvrDmM?si=a7VOIdM9TroJok7c

https://youtu.be/6BTlHCUWjlc?si=lFxmdIa1aIxocbpP

They call their music “Groove Jazz for the Masses.”  And groove it does, blending several music styles into a sound that is uniquely theirs and an absolute blast to listen to! Toronto based, Rob Deboer and Tony Grace released their first album in 1997, scoring several Billboard top ten hits, and continue to be a contemporary jazz radio staple.  Seeing them live is a sight to behold – their stage show is a funky, jazzy, groovy party full of good vibes!  We can’t wait to have them at the Fresh Coast!

https://youtu.be/28DZphf2St0?si=HQOvwRg32LOTCucC

https://youtu.be/ZCs1U4HYsKI?si=r4x3tLUjYGeTTdAx

Each year we do a contest to identify the area’s top jazz act and give them a chance to share the Fresh Coast Jazz Festival stage.  Come out and witness this bonus performance for yourself.  You never know, you might be seeing the next big thing in jazz.  The Hometown All-Stars Showcase winner will get things started at The Pabst Theater at 5 pm on Saturda,y August 23, 2025.