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. 

About the Artist: We are thrilled to present Chris Corsano and Tim Daisy, two of the leading lights in improvised music, in a joint concert with Outside the Spotlight. Collectively, they have collaborated, toured, and recorded with a vast and varied list of artists and ensembles, including Thurston Moore, Ken Vandermark, Sylvie Courvoisier, Ikue Mori, Dave Rempis, Jim O'Rourke and countless others. In February 2025, the duo released "Natural Clatter" on Daisy's Relay recordings imprint, showcasing their shared telepathy and wide-ranging vocabulary working in the not-so-common two-drummer context.

Who will be into this?
Longtime OTS attendees will be familiar with the acumen of these artists and anyone intrigued by improvised music will be right at home.

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!

Jazz is the continuum that unites the Spiritual, Gospel, the Blues, and classical music. The Kentucky State Generations Ensemble blends sounds of the past, present, and future creating an intergenerational jazz journey through the HBCU Experience.  Alto Saxophonist and KYSU Director of Bands, Dr. Rodney Chism, joins jazz pianist and program coordinator, Dr./ Keith McCutchen, in co-directing this ensemble of students, alumni, and faculty. 

Who will be into this? 
Lovers of the choral traditions of the Spiritual, to those who love Memphis Blues, to those who need the pulse of the Post-Bop tradition or Hip Hop, will enjoy this intergenerational musical journey. 

According to the Washington Post, “Kandace Springs’s voice is undeniable. It’s one of those generational voices; from the first note, you know it’s special.” In 2023, Kandace Springs presented a brilliant performance for an April OJS concert. In the years since, our admiration has only grown, especially following her recent Billie Holiday tribute album. Origins is excited to again partner with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UK to host an amazing vocalist, pianist, and keyboardist with her powerful trio. 

Who will be into this?
Connoisseurs of classic jazz vocalists like Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Nina Simone, and Diana Krall will be thrilled by this performance. Springs’ diverse skillset means R&B, Soul, and even Smooth Jazz fans will be equally at home at this concert.