May Concerts & Public Programs at the Jazzschool

April 23, 2026

May is a celebration of community, creativity, and the remarkable contributions of Asian American artists to the Bay Area jazz scene.

In honor of AAPI Heritage Month, the Jazzschool presents a month of concerts, salons, workshops, and free public programs that highlight the rich musical traditions and contemporary voices shaping jazz today. Curated in collaboration with members of the Bay Area AAPI community, this special programming features performances, conversations, and opportunities to connect through music.

Throughout the month, audiences can also enjoy free Brown Bag Jazz Hangs, The B3 Sessions, Jazz Jam at Jupiter, the season’s final Youth Jazz Jam, and performances by the Electric Squeezebox Orchestra and outstanding Jazzschool students.

Celebrating Asian American Jazz

Programmed by pianist and composer Erika Oba, this four-concert series showcases the extraordinary depth and diversity of Asian American jazz in the Bay Area.

• May 2 — Akira Tana TrioCentric
• May 9 — Ryan Ancheta Quartet + Chris Trinidad’s Chroma Tonic
• May 16 — Roopa in Flux featuring Roopa Mahadevan
• May 23 — WONGWORKS!: Vernaculars Plays the Music of Francis Wong

AAPI Heritage Month Salon Series

Fridays • May 8 & May 22 • 7:00 PM

Presented in collaboration with Asian Improv aRts and Iridium Records, these intimate evening salons combine panel discussions, live music, refreshments, and community conversation.

May 8

Filipinos Sounding Everywhere: Pinoy Creativity and Improvisation

A discussion featuring Conrad Benedicto, Jinji Sayson, Chris Trinidad, and Jimmy Biala exploring Filipino American musical identity and creative practice.

May 22

A Community Affair: Asian American Lineages as Bay Area History

Francis Wong, Jon Jang, Scott Oshiro, and Roopa Mahadevan reflect on the history, influence, and continuing evolution of Asian American jazz in the Bay Area.

Free Programs & Community Events

Brown Bag Jazz Hangs

Wednesdays • 12:30 PM • FREE

Bring your lunch and join us for informal talks and listening sessions with some of the Bay Area’s leading jazz artists.

• May 6 — John Santos on The Profound Well of Cuban Music
• May 13 — Ben Goldberg on Steve Lacy
• May 20 — Jayn Pettingill on Duke Ellington and Radio
• May 27 — Rhonda Sauce on Ella Fitzgerald

The B3 Sessions

Sunday, May 17 • 4:00 PM • FREE

Co-presented with the Jazz Organ Fellowship, this free masterclass series welcomes renowned Hammond B3 organists for demonstrations, discussion, and performance.

Upcoming sessions:

• May 17 — Roger Smith
• June 7 — Sylvester Burks

Jazz Jam at Jupiter

Wednesdays • 7–10 PM • FREE

Bring your instrument and join the Jazzschool community for the weekly jam session hosted by Erik Jekabson and Remee Ashley with a professional house band. All players are welcome.

Youth Jazz Jam

Sunday, May 3 • 4–6 PM • FREE

Young musicians are invited to perform, learn, and connect with fellow players in this free monthly jam session. This is the final Youth Jazz Jam before the series returns in the fall.

Additional May Concerts

Electric Squeezebox Orchestra

Sunday, May 10 • 5:30 PM

The Bay Area’s acclaimed composers’ big band returns under the direction of Erik Jekabson, featuring special guest and resident poet Avotcja.

Student Showcase: Max Roston-Saul Sextet

Saturday, May 23 • 4:00 PM • FREE

Award-winning Jazzschool student pianist and composer Max Roston-Saul leads a stellar sextet of young Bay Area musicians performing original compositions recognized by both DownBeat magazine and the YoungArts Foundation.

About the Jazzschool

Founded in Berkeley in 1997, the Jazzschool is a nonprofit community music school offering year-round classes, ensembles, workshops, and performance opportunities for musicians of all ages and experience levels. Through exceptional faculty, live performances, and inclusive educational programs, the Jazzschool continues to be a vibrant hub for jazz education and community in the Bay Area.

Tickets & Information

Tickets for concerts are available at jazzschool.org and at the door. Advance registration is recommended for free programs.

The Jazzschool is located at 2087 Addison Street in Downtown Berkeley. Street parking and the Center Street Parking Garage are both nearby, and the facility is fully ADA accessible.

For more information, visit jazzschool.org or call (510) 845-5373.