A Look Back at the Jazz of the 2018 Gilmore Keyboard Festival
April 14, 2021
In honor of National Jazz Appreciation Month, we decided to take a walk down memory lane and reminisce about the inspiring jazz performances we presented at the 2018 Gilmore Keyboard Festival.
Christian Sands Trio
April 26, 2018 at Bell’s Eccentric Café
Christian Sands is an American jazz pianist and composer. Sands takes a fresh look at the entire language of jazz: stride, swing, bebop, progressive, fusion, Brazilian, and Afro-Cuban. He exemplifies the rising musicality and spiritual aspirations of a singularly gifted musical soul.
© Mark Bugnaski Photography
Julien Labrio Trio
April 27, 2018 at Dalton Auditorium
Heralded as “the next accordion star” by Howard Reich of the Chicago Tribune, Julien Labro has established himself as one of the foremost accordion and bandoneón players in both the classical and jazz genres.
© Chris McGuire Photography
Bill Charlap Trio
April 29, 2018 at Williams Theatre
Grammy award winning pianist Bill Charlap has performed with many of the leading artists of our time including Phil Woods, Tony Bennett, Gerry Mulligan, Wynton Marsalis, Freddy Cole and Houston Person.
© Mark Bugnaski Photography
Rufus Ferguson Ensemble
May 2, 2018 at Mt. Zion Lutheran Church
Rufus Ferguson began studying classical piano at the age of five, switching to jazz at age 13. A graduate of Western Michigan University (WMU), he is an experienced performer, arranger, composer, and teacher.
© Mark Bugnaski Photography
Dr. Lonnie Smith
May 6, 2018 at Williams Theatre
Dr. Lonnie Smith is an unparalleled musician, composer, performer, and recording artist. An authentic master and guru of the Hammond B-3 organ for over five decades, he has been featured on 70-plus albums, and has recorded and performed with a virtual “Who’s Who” of the greatest jazz, blues, and R&B giants in the industry.
© Mark Bugnaski Photography
Emmet Cohen Trio
May 7, 2018 at the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre
Leading his trio with a command that belies his relative youth, Emmet Cohen is one of the hottest jazz pianists and composers to come on the scene in the past five years. Listen for traditional jazz sounds with a thoroughly modern flavor.
© Mark Bugnaski Photography
James Francies Trio
May 8, 2018 at the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre
James Francies is the youngest recipient of the American Federation of Musicians President’s Youth Award, and DownBeat magazine has already recognized him twice for Composition and Jazz Arrangement.
© Mark Bugnaski Photography
Snarky Puppy
May 11, 2018 at Kalamazoo State Theatre
Snarky Puppy is a large and lively instrumental band that defies description! Comprised of some of the younger generation’s leading jazz and pop artists, the group seamlessly fuses a deep knowledge and respect for musical tradition with contemporary styles and innovation that has earned them two Grammy Awards.
© Chris McGuire Photography
We are looking forward to more exceptional jazz performances at the next festival in 2022 – we’ll see you there!