Rochester International Jazz Festival 2025 Terell Stafford, an acclaimed New York-based trumpet player, has been praised by piano legend McCoy Tyner as “one of the great players of our time.” A remarkably gifted and versatile musician, Stafford combines a deep love of melody with a spirited and adventurous lyricism. His expressive and well-defined musical voice allows him to honor the rich trumpet tradition of his predecessors while forging his own unique path. Stafford first picked up the trumpet at the age of thirteen, beginning his musical journey with classical training. While earning a degree in music education at the University of Maryland, he played in the school’s jazz band, which sparked his passion for the genre. In 1988, he had a pivotal meeting with Wynton Marsalis, who encouraged him to study under Dr. William Fielder at Rutgers University. Under Fielder’s guidance, Stafford refined his trumpet fundamentals and broadened his musical horizons, immersing himself in jazz and drawing deep inspiration from Clifford Brown’s rendition of Cherokee. Marsalis later provided Stafford with performance opportunities with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and teaching roles at Jazz at Lincoln Center and Juilliard. Learn more... Admission: Club Pass or $35/door Rochester International Jazz Festival runs from June 20 - 28, 2025. Check out the full schedule here. 3D Tour of Kilbourn Hall