Three unforgettable days of world-class jazz is coming to Stony Brook Southampton for the inaugural Jazz Loft @ Southampton Summer Jazz Festival at the Avram Theatre.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Shinnecock Bay, this exciting new festival — from July 23-25 at Stony Brook Southampton — brings together internationally acclaimed artists, rising stars and unique cultural experiences celebrating the rich tradition and vibrant future of jazz.
The festival will feature performances by Grammy-nominated percussionist and bandleader Chembo Corniel; Grammy-nominated pianist, vocalist and host of National Public Radio’s Jazz Inspired, Judy Carmichael; “Bassist of the Year” finalist Mark Wade and his Trio; vocalist Rahsaan Cruse Jr.; saxophonist Dan Block and guitarist Derek Duleba; and the Equity Brass Band, the house band for The Jazz Loft. Selected performances will include classic swing, New Orleans Jazz, Latin Jazz, stride piano and contemporary interpretations of iconic works.
Highlights also include a vintage LP listening session exploring the impact of technology on American popular music, and a special gallery exhibition featuring jazz photography and memorabilia from legendary photographer and album cover designer Burt Goldblatt and renowned bassist-photographer Milt Hinton.
“Southampton has held a place in Jazz since the 1920s when Jazz groups were playing in Herb McCarthy’s main street Southampton speakeasy called the Coalbin,” said Stony Brook University Professor and Endowed Artist in Residence Fellow Tom Manuel, curator of the festival. “In the late 1940s artists like Vincent Quattroche were talking about the invention of Bebop on the radio and the great Jazz happenings at the Whiskey Wind Tavern in Greenport. This festival is a nod to our incredible heritage, but also a look at the future of Jazz on the east end. I am thrilled, inspired, and honored that our inaugural Southampton Jazz Festival can be the catalyst for the arts in Southampton and I’m beyond excited for the stellar lineup that will be performing.”
Festival Schedule
Thursday, July 23 | Pre-concert Listening Lecture | 6 pm
Stony Brook University Professor and Endowed Artist in Residence Fellow Tom Manuel — curator of the festival and the Jazz Loft @ Southampton Concert Series — will be joined by audio expert John Piro in the Avram Gallery for a vintage hi-fi LP listening session. This engaging pre-concert event explores the impact of technology on American popular music through rare and historic master acetate recordings played on a period audio system, allowing audiences to experience the music as it was heard in the 1950s.
Thursday, July 23 | Miles Davis Birth of the Cool Project | 7 pm
Experience one of jazz’s most influential recordings brought to life by a stellar nonet featuring some of New York’s finest jazz musicians. Vocalist Rahsaan Cruse Jr. joins the ensemble to perform rarely heard vocal arrangements from the legendary sessions alongside other timeless classics inspired by the Birth of the Cool era.
Friday, July 24 | Chembo Corniel Latin Jazz Quintet | 7 pm
Grammy-nominated percussionist and bandleader Chembo Corniel brings his electrifying Latin Jazz Quintet to Southampton for an evening of irresistible rhythms and masterful musicianship. Blending Afro-Cuban traditions with contemporary jazz, the group delivers a vibrant and authentic sound that will have audiences moving from the first note to the last.
Saturday, July 25 | Pre-concert pop-up performance | The Equity Brass Band | 2 pm
Led by festival curator and cornetist Tom Manuel, the Equity Brass Band kicks off the festival’s final day with the joyful spirit of New Orleans. Featuring classic jazz, brass band favorites and a festive parade atmosphere, this lively performance invites audiences to celebrate NOLA-style with music, movement and fun.
Saturday, July 25 | Pasquale Grasso Quartet | 4 pm
Acclaimed guitarist Pasquale Grasso is widely regarded as one of the most extraordinary jazz musicians of his generation. Praised for his breathtaking technique, lyrical artistry and deep connection to the jazz tradition, Grasso has earned international recognition for his fresh and sophisticated approach to the guitar. Joined by his outstanding quartet, he brings an evening of masterful improvisation, timeless melodies and exhilarating swing.
Saturday, July 25 | Pre-concert pop-up performance | Mark Wade Trio | 6 pm
Bassist Mark Wade and his Trio present a performance of original compositions by the acclaimed bassist and bandleader as part of his upcoming 2026 release of New Stages on Dot Time Records. A five-time finalist for Bassist of the Year in the DownBeat Magazine Readers’ Poll, Wade has built a reputation as one of modern jazz’s most distinctive and dynamic instrumentalists.
Saturday, July 25 | Judy Carmichael Trio | 7 pm
Grammy-nominated pianist, vocalist and host of NPR’s Jazz Inspired, Judy Carmichael is internationally celebrated for her dazzling stride piano style and engaging stage presence. Joined by acclaimed saxophonist Dan Block and guitarist Derek Duleba, Carmichael closes the festival with an unforgettable evening of virtuosity, wit and swing.
The Jazz Loft @ Southampton Summer Jazz Festival continues the Jazz Loft @ Southampton series celebration of creativity, history and artistry, offering a unique experience that explores various facets of jazz music and its influence on democracy, culture and community.
Join us for this exciting new summer tradition and experience exceptional music, artistry and community at Stony Brook Southampton.
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