Guest Artists

In Session with the Masters

At SDSU, the jazz classroom extends far beyond campus walls. Through our acclaimed Guest Artist Series, students learn directly from some of the most influential voices in jazz today. Each year, SDSU hosts an impressive roster of internationally recognized performers and educators—artists such as Jerry Bergonzi, Gerald Clayton, Peter Bernstein, Joe Farnsworth, Charles McPherson, Aaron Goldberg, Ignacio Berroa, John Clayton, Cecil Alexander, Chris Potter, and many others. But this isn’t a “watch and listen” experience—it’s fully interactive. Students play side-by-side with these masters in jam sessions, masterclasses, and small-group performances, gaining mentorship and real-world experience that can launch careers. At SDSU, guest artists don’t just visit—they become part of the community, inspiring and shaping the next generation of jazz innovators.

Jazz Jam and Workshop with Renowned Pianist Aaron Goldberg

February 24, 2026

Jazz Jam Session with World Renowned Guitarist Anthony Wilson

World renowned guitarist Anthony Wilson will be performing and leading a jazz jam on February 24th from 7:00pm to 8:30pm at Smith Recital Hall located in the SDSU music building. Anthony will be joined by SDSU musicians to open the jam with a short set. The jam is open to the public and free of charge. All ages and skill levels are welcome to join and participate! Amps/PA/Drums provided.

February 25, 2026

World Renowned Jazz Guitarist Anthony Wilson with SDSU JAZZ

Acclaimed guitarist Anthony Wilson performed at SDSU’s Smith Recital Hall, appearing with SDSU jazz ensembles and a faculty-led band. Drawing on a career that spans collaborations with leading jazz artists as well as major pop musicians, Wilson showcased his versatility and deep roots in the jazz tradition.

February 4/5, 2026

Rick Hollander Jazz Jam Session and Master Class

Drummer Rick Hollander will lead a jazz jam session and master class at SDSU in February 2026. The jam session will take place on February 4 at 7:00pm, followed by a master class on February 5 at 12:00pm, both held at Smith Recital Hall as part of SDSU’s jazz programming.

SDSU Jazz Jam Session with Melissa Morgan

March 24, 2026

Melissa Morgan Jazz Jam Session

Vocalist Melissa Morgan will lead a jazz jam session at SDSU on March 24, 2026, at 7:00pm in Smith Recital Hall. The event will be hosted by SDSU faculty and will be part of the university’s ongoing jazz programming.

April 6/7, 2026

Jerry Bergonzi Concert and Master Class

Renowned saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi will appear with SDSU Jazz for a concert and master class in April 2026. The concert will take place on April 6 at 7:00pm, followed by a master class on April 7 at 12:00pm, both held on the SDSU Main Stage as part of the School of Music and Dance’s Jazz Concert Series.

November 18, 2025

Jazz Jam and Workshop with Renowned Pianist Aaron Goldberg

Renowned pianist Aaron Goldberg performed and led a jazz jam and workshop on November 18th from 6:00–8:00pm at Smith Recital Hall in the SDSU music building. He was joined by SDSU student combos, who performed and received real-time critical feedback. The event was free and open to the public.

November 19, 2025

Renowned Jazz Pianist Aaron Goldberg with SDSU JAZZ

Renowned pianist Aaron Goldberg took the stage at SDSU's Smith Recital Hall for an unforgettable evening of jazz. He performed alongside SDSU's jazz ensembles and a faculty-led band featuring Dr. Brian Levy, Gilbert Castellanos, Luca Alemanno, and Tyler Kruetel.

October 23, 2025

Critically Acclaimed Jazz Vocalist Jane Monheit with SDSU JAZZ

World-renowned vocalist Jane Monheit graced the stage at SDSU’s Smith Recital Hall, performing alongside the university’s Jazz Ensembles and Big Band. Celebrated for her rich interpretations of the Great American Songbook and an illustrious career spanning two decades, Monheit brought her signature artistry and warmth to an unforgettable evening of jazz.

October 22, 2025

Jazz Jam Session with Vocalist Jane Monheit

Internationally acclaimed vocalist Jane Monheit led a dynamic jazz jam session at Smith Recital Hall, joined by Max Haymer, Rick Montalbano, and Reese Willis. Open to the public, the event brought together musicians of all ages for an inspiring night of collaboration and community.

September 17, 2025

Legendary Jazz Drummer Ignacio Berroa with The Gilbert Castellanos New Latin Sextet

Legendary drummer Ignacio Berroa took the stage at SDSU’s Main Stage, performing with the Gilbert Castellanos New Latin Sextet for an unforgettable night of Latin jazz mastery. Hailed by Dizzy Gillespie as “the only Latin drummer who intimately knows both worlds—Afro-Cuban music and jazz,” Berroa’s performance showcased the depth, groove, and brilliance that have made him one of the most respected drummers of our time.

Jazz Jam Session with Drums Ignacio Berroa

Septemher 16, 2025

Jazz Jam Session with Drummer Ignacio Berroa

Legendary drummer Ignacio Berroa led an inspiring jazz jam session at Smith Recital Hall, joined by Tommy Aros, Irving Flores, Julian Esparza, and SDSU’s own Brian Levy. Open to the public and free of charge, the event welcomed musicians of all ages and skill levels for an evening of collaboration, creativity, and world-class rhythm.