2025 Mainstage Lineup
Thursday, April 24, 2025 | 4:30pm & 7:30pm
Jazz Rising Star Vocalist Ekep Nkwelle
+ Trombonist Wycliffe Gordon
Up and coming vocalist Ekep Nkwelle takes the stage ahead of the inimitable Wycliffe
Gordon and the award-winning Compass Jazz Orchestra. Nkwelle's captivating voice commands
the hall, and with Gordon’s unique vocal style and deep connection to the blues, this
promises to be a soulful musical experience for all.
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Friday, April 25, 2025 | 4:30pm & 7:30pm
Count Basie Orchestra
+ Colombian Percussionist Samuel Torres
Jazz grandeur and excellence are personified as the legendary institution the Count
Basie Orchestra fills the stage with their truly unique and swinging style that has
persisted throughout jazz history. And Latin Grammy Award-winning percussionist and
composer Samuel Torres takes it away with the UNC Compass Jazz Orchestra.
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Saturday, April 26, 2025 | 4:30pm
Sullivan Fortner, Solo Piano
+ the Jazz Festival All-Star Big Band
featuring Saxophonist Sarah Hanahan &
Trumpeter Wayne Bergeron
Grammy Award-winning pianist Sullivan Fortner brings his uncompromising individualism
to the solo piano to open this finale concert. The Jazz Festival All-Star Big Band
sweeps in next joined by Sarah Hanahan, a NYC-based alto saxophonist who was recently
named one of NPR Jazz Night in America’s 30 under 30 Youngbloods, and legendary trumpeter
Wayne Bergeron, “a once in a lifetime lead trumpet player.”
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Learn more about the artists
