Rochester International Jazz Festival 2025 “Fortner’s ability to simultaneously project his own voice and reflect those of others reveals an empathy.” – DownBeat Magazine “His fundamentals as a player could hardly be stronger, and his instincts as a composer and bandleader are almost startlingly mature.” – New York Times Sullivan Fortner, a GRAMMY Award-winning pianist and composer, is celebrated for his dynamic artistry and deep musical curiosity. Rooted in the vibrant traditions of his native New Orleans, Fortner’s improvisational brilliance and compositional insight have made him one of jazz’s most compelling voices. A sought-after collaborator, Fortner has worked with Wynton Marsalis, Paul Simon, Dianne Reeves, John Scofield, Ambrose Akinmusire, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Nicholas Payton, and the late Roy Hargrove, among many others. His partnership with vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant on The Window (Mack Avenue, 2018) earned critical acclaim, while his own albums, Moments Preserved (Decca, 2018) and Aria (Impulse!, 2015), showcase his expansive musical vision. Learn more... Admission: Club Pass or $30/door Rochester International Jazz Festival runs from June 20 - 28, 2025. Check out the full schedule here.