Brandon Meeks has developed one of the most unique skillsets in Jazz blending his acumen as a topflight bassist and an in-demand Hip Hop producer. His quintet is a soulful and eclectic blend of his influences. The band features the same instrumentation as Christian McBride’s famed band Inside Straight, but sonically draws from innovators like Robert Glasper and Thundercat. Their music features interlaced musical layers and fearless improvisations that create a cinematic aesthetic worthy of being a Spike Lee soundtrack. Meeks is joined by Kendall Carter (keyboards), Josh Strange (vibraphone), Brandon Douthitt (sax), and Richard “Sleepy” Floyd (drums). 

Who will be into this? 
Lovers of Hip Hop and Neo Soul infused Jazz and high energy improvisation. Think Robert Glasper, Roy Hargrove, Brandee Younger, and Kamasi Washington.

Rose Colella is the type of vocalist that gets referred to in Jazz as a songstress. This term is used to honor vocalists who bring life to the lyrics of a song and elevate works from the American Songbook. Scott Yanow, one of the most published jazz critics in the world, describes Rose Colella’s work by stating “delivers a sincere and very musical message, paying tribute to the lyrics and the melody while putting a bit of her confident calmness into the music”. Colella’s voice is classic, inviting, and transports you to a smoky jazz club in your favorite big city.  

Colella will be joined by the Osland-Dailey Jazztet, one of Lexington’s longest running and historic jazz groups. The quintet is the result of years of collaboration at the University of Kentucky between Miles Osland (sax) and Raleigh Dailey (piano). The band has produced two incredibles albums of original music, primarily from the pen of Dailey, on the Mark Records label. The band is rounded out by Danny Cecil (bass), Paul Deatherage (drums), and Brad Kerns (trombone), as well as special guest Stephen Lynerd on vibraphone. 

Who will be into this?
Colella’s storytelling song delivery will remind Lexingtonians of the great Gail Wynters. The Osland-Dailey Jazztet delivers a heady, groove-oriented performance every time.

Wynton Marsalis describes Camille Thurman simply as a “force of nature” comparing her rare ability on tenor sax and voice to the great Louis Armstrong. Downbeat magazine might have been even more effusive in their praise, “imagine if Sarah Vaughan played saxophone like Dexter Gordon”. Suffice to say the Thurman is a star in two mediums of Jazz. 

The OJS All Stars formed in 2019 for a special performance of the Duke Ellington Nutcracker. Since 2023 the band has continued the tradition each December and crafted a cohesive big band sound. The group is comprised of past Origins Jazz Series bandleaders and supporting artists and draws from the immense jazz talent in our region. 

About the Repertoire: 
One of the most fascinating historical aspects of Lexington’s jazz history is the Narcotic Farm, America’s first drug rehabilitation prison facility. Jazz musicians from around the country found themselves at the “Farm” and the facility’s residential big band has been referred to as the best band you never heard. This concert will draw from repertoire associated with the great that spent time at the Farm including Chet Baker, Sonny Rollins, Tadd Dameron, and Elvin Jones. 

Who will be into this?
It’s no surprise that Big Band Jazz aficionados won’t want to miss this one. Additionally, lovers of jazz history will be inspired by the story of the Narcotic farm and the repertoire drawn from all-time jazz greats. 

Rhythmic architecture from two percussion innovators — in partnership with Outside the Spotlight Jazz Series

When two masters of improvised percussion meet, the result transcends traditional notions of what drums can do. Tim Daisy and Chris Corsano represent the cutting edge of contemporary rhythm-making—artists who view their instruments not just as timekeepers, but as vehicles for pure sonic exploration.

Chicago-based Tim Daisy, a veteran of the legendary Vandermark 5 and collaborator with avant-garde luminaries from Dave Rempis to Jaimie Branch, brings what one critic calls "turbulent weather system" energy to his performances. His playing shifts from gusty vectors to stormy sound-bursts, creating motion and shape without ever weighing down the music.

Chris Corsano, hailed by The Guardian as "one of the world's great drummers," has carved out a unique space where free jazz meets experimental noise. His collaborations span from Björk's world tours to intimate duos with saxophonist Paul Flaherty, always maintaining what Wire Magazine calls "riotously energetic and creative" approach to percussion.

Together, they create what their recent release aptly calls "Natural Clatter"—focused yet wide-ranging drumset explorations that reveal rhythm as both primal force and sophisticated architecture.

Kenny Garrett is one of the most important jazz musicians of the last 30 years and possesses an unmistakable sound on saxophone. He has earned the highest honors in Jazz including NEA Jazz Master, Grammys, and numerous awards from Downbeat magazine. He began his career with the likes of Miles Davis, Freddie Hubbard, and Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers before crafting his unique voice the combines Jazz and strong influences from 70s R&B. The result is a career defined by a joyful melodicism and infectious rhythm. 

Sounds from the Ancestors pays homage to all of the musical styles that feed into jazz including the music of West Africa, Blues, R&B, and Funk through the lens of Jazz. 

Who will be into this?
Lovers of Hard Bop from the ‘50s and ‘60s like Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, Wayne Shorter, and Sonny Rollins will find themselves right at home. Likewise, lovers of the Bop Revival of the 90s and 2000s featuring Wynton and Branford Marsalis, Christian McBride, and Joshua Redman will dig this!

Nate Smith is the rare drummer that is so exceptional that the become a star all by themselves. He has produced brilliant records spanning from a solo drum set albums to his Kinfolk series that brings together his close collaborators. His latest output, Live-Action, is a full-on kaleidoscope featuring a different line-up of master musicians, including Charlie Hunter, Lalah Hathaway, and Micheal League of Snarky Puppy, on every track. In his headlining performance of the Equinox Jazz Festival, he’ll be joined by James Francies on piano and keyboards (Pat Metheny, Chris Potter, the Roots), Josh Johnson (Jeff Parker, Makaya McCraven, SML) on sax, and Anna Butterss (SML, Phoebe Bridgers, Andrew Bird) on bass. 

Who will be into this?
If you’ve been to Big Ears, this is for you. If you love Khruangbin, Vulfpeck, or Snarky Puppy, this is for you. If you play drums, this is for you. If you love Jazz, this is for you!

A voice that bridges yesterday's soul with tomorrow's promise

Prince once said that Kandace Springs "has a voice that could melt snow." That observation, coming from one of music's most discerning artists, captures something essential about the Nashville-born pianist and vocalist: her rare ability to sound like an old soul while remaining utterly contemporary.

Springs' journey from hotel lounge performer to international jazz sensation reads like a modern fairy tale, but her artistry runs much deeper than Cinderella stories suggest. Her musical foundation draws from the well of American song—Nina Simone's fearless emotion, Norah Jones' intimate elegance, Billie Holiday's vulnerable power—while her compositional voice speaks directly to contemporary experience.

Her recent album "Run Your Race," a deeply personal tribute to her late father, showcases Springs at her most heartfelt and sophisticated. Here is an artist who understands that the most profound music emerges from the most honest places, whether she's interpreting classic standards or crafting original songs that feel destined to become standards themselves.

Springs performs with the assurance of a seasoned artist and the curiosity of an eternal student. Her upcoming tribute to Billie Holiday's "Lady in Satin," recorded with a 60-piece Portuguese orchestra, demonstrates her commitment to honoring the tradition while making it completely her own.

This is jazz singing as it was meant to be: technically accomplished, emotionally honest, and spiritually transformative.