The Monterey Jazz Festival returns with sold-out live performances Sept. 24-26 at the Monterey County Fairgrounds. Here’s a look at some of the A-List musicians who are performing. And here’s an interview with Sept. 26 headliner Ledisi.
Friday, Sept. 24
Pat Metheny: The iconic jazz guitarist’s immense talent and versatility is reflected in the fact that he is the only musician of any genre to win 20 Grammy Awards in at least 10 different categories. On the jazz festival’s opening night, he’ll perform with the latest installment of his Side-Eye project, which has featured a revolving cast of up-and-coming New York City musicians. At Monterey, he’ll be backed by keyboardist James Francies and drummer Joe Dyson. Side-Eye dropped a new album Sept. 10. Details: 7 p.m.; Jimmy Lyons Stage.
Herbie Hancock: The 81-year-old jazz legend has left an imprint on nearly every jazz movement and sub-genre in the past 50-plus years, from fusion to funk to electronic and more — and heads or is part of so many institutes and music associations he’s like his own State Department. He’s at work on a new album. Reports on his recent show in his hometown of Chicago say he touched on nearly all stages of his career. Details: 8:45 p.m.; Jimmy Lyons Stage.
Mimi Fox: The Bay Area guitarist’s creative, nimble licks are a nice match for the B3 organ, so catching her Organ Trio would be a nice investment of your time. Details: 5, 6:15 and 8:15 p.m.; Yamaha Courtyard Stage.
Saturday, Sept. 25
Las Cafeteras: This talented group emerged from L.A.’s Eastside Café, a collective and cultural center formed by indigenous artists and activists from Chiapas, Mexico. Their high-spirited and deftly delivered blend of Afro-Mexican, son, rock, hip-hop and other sounds has had artists ranging from Lila Downs, Ozomatli and Juanes lining up to play with them. Details: 2:30 p.m.; Jilly Lyons Stage.
Terri Lyne Carrington and Social Science: When she was 7, she inherited a drum kit from her grandfather, who had played with Fats Waller and other greats. By the time she was 11, she’d been accepted in the Berklee School of Music. Such is the one-in-a-generation talent of this drummer, composer, bandleader and producer. She’s collaborated with artists ranging from Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock to singer Cassandra Wilson and guitar great Carlos Santana. Her band Social Science, a collaboration with pianist Aaron Parks and guitarist Matthew Stevens, released the acclaimed album “Waiting Game” in 2019. Details: 4 p.m.; Jimmy Lyons Stage.
Giveton Gelin Quartet: Nassau, Bahamas, native Giveton Gelin, a self-taught trumpeter, is a rising star in the jazz world and was recently crowned co-champ at the DCJazzPrixe competition, which recognizes young talent. He is due to graduate from the Juilliard School this year. Details: 11:30 a.m., and 2, 3:30 and 5 p.m.; Yamaha Courtyard Stage.
Sunday, Sept. 26
Kandace Springs: If you want a taste of who has influenced this young heralded, oh-so-expressive jazz/R&B singer and pianist, listen to her 2020 album, “The Women Who Raised Me,” which includes covers of tunes affiliated with Roberta Flack, Lauryn Hill, Nina Simone and Bonnie Raitt, among others. She has attributed her wide-ranging musical passions to her father, Nashville session singer/musician Scat Springs, whom she says surrounded her with a steady diet of classic recordings during her childhood. Details: 4 p.m.; Jimmy Lyons Stage.
George Benson: His staggering talents as a guitarist and singer has allowed Benson to score hits in myriad genres — smooth jazz, pop, commercial R&B — without anyone even suggesting he was selling out or wasting his skills. As a result, Benson has recorded an amazing number of hit singles, vastly expanding his fan base and introducing new kinds of music fans to jazz. His hits include “The Masquerade,” “Give Me the Night,” “Turn Your Love Around,” “Lady Love Me,” and the thrilling live recording of “On Broadway.” Blessed with a versatile, soulful singing voice, Benson has a massive catalogue to work with. Some of his more recent projects have included “A Tribute to Nat King Cole” (2013) and “Walking to New Orleans: Remembering Chuck Berry and Fats Domino (2019).” Details: 5:30 p.m.; Jimmy Lyons Stage.
Immanuel Wilkins Quartet: The saxophonist and composer out of Philadelphia first gained attention in the music biz as an in-demand session and touring musician with acts ranging from Bob Dylan to Jason Moran to Solange Knowles. Now he’s a star in his own right, with his 2020 release “Omega” winding up on a number of best-of lists. Details: 12:30, 2, 3:30, 5 p.m.; Yamaha Courtyard Stage.