Jazz Festival Artists
Jazz Festival 2026
Live music is performed on the festival lawn 5:30pm to 9:00pm*.
*with intermissions
Live music is performed on the festival lawn 5:30pm to 9:00pm*.
*with intermissions
WILL BRAHM

Evoking the captivating melodic sense of guitarists like Jeff Beck, paired with the lush sonic landscape of bands like Pat Metheny Group, Will Brahm creates a musical experience all his own. Hailing from Portland Oregon, he received a guitar in 8th grade and immediately bonded with it. After high school he moved to Southern California and earned a Bachelors degree in Jazz Guitar performance from Cal State Long Beach, studying with jazz guitar extraordinaire Ron Eschete. In 2015 he began touring with The New West Guitar Group, skyrocketing his musical technique to new heights. In 2019 he joined world renowned Jazz Trumpet legend Arturo Sandoval, touring domestically and abroad. Soon after he competed as a semifinalist in the 2019 Herbie Hancock International Jazz Guitar Competition. His recent albums “Venture Atlas” and “Distance to Empty” reflect his world musical world building capabilities. Will composes daily and tours often.
mina choi ORCHESTRA

Saxaphone: Steven Ragsdale, Dan Kaneyuki, Nathan King, Jeff Ellwood, Glen Turner
Trumpet: Ryan DeWeese, Kristofer Bergh, James Ford, Kye Palmer
Trombone: Francisco Torres, Ryan Dragon, Ivan Malespin, Cody Kleinhans
Rhythm: Bill Cunliffe & Mina Choi (Piano), Rodolfo Zuniga (Drums), Sezin Ahmet (Bass), Zack Caplinger (Guitar), Kaity B (Voice)
Mina Choi is a Korean-born, Los Angeles-based jazz pianist, composer, and conductor whose music uniquely blends jazz, classical, and the rich traditions of her Korean heritage. With years of experience as both a performer and educator in California, Mina’s work reflects her personal journey, characterized by beautiful melodies, intricate rhythms, and colorful harmonies. Each composition tells a story, inviting listeners to experience a deep emotional connection to her music.
The Mina Choi Orchestra recently released a studio big band album, Stories, which reflects her journey as an immigrant—capturing themes of struggle, longing, and self-discovery. The album features jazz greats George Cables, Alex Acuña, and Bill Cunliffe.
MIMA JAzz troupe

Please join us for an unforgettable afternoon featuring the captivating sounds of a distinguished jazz troupe: Mina Choi on piano, Ivan Malespin on trombone, Mark Ferber on drums, Sezin Ahmet on bass, and Ana Carvalho on voice.
JACOB WENDT




